Congregation Agudath Sholom Shabbat Bulletin

Congregation Agudath Sholom Shabbat Bulletin Tetzaveh Shabbat Zachor February 28, 2026 11 Adar send your submission to bulletin@cas-stamford.org ‌ ‌ Friday Candle Lighting 5:24 PM Mincha 5:29 PM Shabbat Shacharit 7:00/8:00/9:00 AM Latest Shema 8:38 AM Coffee & Commentary 8:45 AM Sephardic Minyan 8:45 AM Melachim Class 9:00 AM Latest Shacharit 9:48 AM Family Minyan 10:00 AM Shiur 10:30 AM Code Of Jewish Law 4:30 PM Mincha 5:20 PM Havdalah 6:26 PM Shabbat Shalom You Are the Menorah: Rekindling Wonder in a World of Routine One of the most striking commands in the book of Exodus is the instruction to light the menorah tamid, continually. The flame in the Tabernacle was not meant to flicker occasionally or burn only at special moments. It was to be tended every day. At first glance, this seems like a technical detail of Temple service. But the Torah rarely records something that is merely technical. The menorah was not only a ritual object. It was a metaphor for the human soul. King Solomon writes, "The soul of a person is the lamp of God." The light of the menorah was meant to remind us of the light within us. Each person carries a spark , a longing for meaning, a conscience, a desire to love and be loved, a drive to contribute something good to the world. That inner awareness is not incidental. It is Divine. The problem is not that we lose that spark. The problem is that we stop tending it. Spiritual life rarely collapses in dramatic fashion. More often it dulls through routine. Days blend together. Blessings become background noise. Gratitude fades into assumption. We wake up, move through our tasks, scroll through our screens, and go to sleep without having truly noticed the miracle of being alive. The Torah's answer is contained in one word: tamid. Continually. Yesterday's inspiration does not guarantee today's vitality. A moment of emotional clarity — after a health scare, a personal success, or a powerful experience — eventually fades. Judaism does not rely on peak moments. It relies on steady rekindling. The menorah teaches that inner light requires maintenance. There is another important dimension here. The flame in the Tabernacle did not light itself. Aaron had to actively ignite it. That detail carries a profound message: we do not wait to feel illuminated before acting. We act in ways that generate illumination. Our actions shape our inner world. When we speak with generosity rather than cynicism, our inner light strengthens. When we practice gratitude, even deliberately at first, gratitude becomes more natural. When we set aside time for Torah study, even briefly, our perspective sharpens. The act itself refines the soul. This is one of the most relevant spiritual insights for 2026. We live in an age of relentless information. News cycles refresh constantly. Notifications interrupt our attention. It is easy to become overstimulated and under-awed. Numbness becomes normal. Rekindling wonder, then, requires intention. Externally, it means slowing down enough to notice. Paying attention to a quiet morning. Recognizing the gift of safety and stability. Observing beauty in small, unremarkable moments. Even reading about turmoil elsewhere in the world can, when approached thoughtfully, renew appreciation for the blessings we often overlook. Internally, it means building small disciplines that sustain awareness. A few minutes of study that recenters the mind. A daily question that invites reflection. A conscious pause before entering one's home, remembering that how we show up will affect the emotional atmosphere inside. The menorah also reminds us that light is not private. Its purpose was to illuminate the sanctuary. In the same way, our inner flame is strengthened when we use it to light others. Encouraging a child, honoring a parent, expressing appreciation to a spouse, or offering dignity to a stranger are not merely moral gestures; they reinforce our own identity as bearers of light. There is a striking comment about Aaron, the first High Priest. When the Torah later records that he lit the menorah "as God commanded," the commentators explain that his greatness was not in performing the act once. It was in performing it with the same devotion on day one hundred as on day one. That may be the deepest lesson of all. Wonder is not a personality trait reserved for the young. It is the result of consistent attention. Enthusiasm is not sustained by novelty alone, but by commitment. A meaningful life is not built on dramatic awakenings, but on daily relighting. The menorah burned continually because the human spirit requires continual care. You are not merely moving through routine. You are the guardian of a flame. Your choices what you say, what you notice, what you study, how you treat others — either brighten that flame or dim it. In a world that risks becoming desensitized, the ancient instruction still speaks clearly: tend the light. Rekindle it. Act in ways that strengthen it. The spark is already there. The question is whether we will relight it today. Wishing you and your families a Shabbat Shalom and joyous month of Adar for the entire Jewish people, Rabbi Daniel Cohen Special Note about Shabbat Parshat Zachor from Rabbi Cohen  Once a year, we are obligated to hear the Torah reading. During the remainder of the year, whether on a weekday, Shabbat or holiday, the words of God do not assume the same importance publicly as the words we will read this Shabbat across the world. On the Shabbat prior to Purim, we are obligated to fulfill the mitzvah of remembering Amalek, the arch enemy of the Jewish people. We read Zachor to not only remember this struggle, but to refortify ourselves to our historic mission to fight against the theology of Amalek and redouble our efforts to stand proudly as Jews, advocate for Israel, and lead lives publicly and privately that hasten the redemption of the world. We will have readings of Zachor on Shabbat morning in all minyanim and also following the minyan in the main sanctuary and before mincha. May we merit to see the full light of the redemption speedily and in our days. CAS Annual Dinner CAS ANNUAL DINNER March 15, 5pm Lives That Uplift. Impact That Endures. Celebrate our honorees for their Dedication and commitment to our community... Guests of Honor Irwin Niedober and Howard Weiss Young Leadership Award Alex & Brett Olsson Community Service Award Mitchell Bell Chai Award Audrey Waldstreicher Click here to sign up Thanks to our participants who have signed up to date! Why not join them? Marjory & Robert Abrams Agudath Women (Sisterhood) Johanna & Selim Akyuz Adrienne & Michael Alexander Barbara & Ron Ashkenas Sharyn & Fred Baer Aliza & Bradley Baskir Talia & Rami Ben-Joseph Debra & Michael Berg Dina Berger Stacie & Aaron Berk Karen & Ira Berk Lynn & Harvey Berman Darona & Tzvi Bernstein David Bessaleli Sara & Sam Bienenfeld Stephanie & Josh Bilenker CAS Bingo Committee Charlotte & Manfred Birnbaum Ellen Borker Jodi & Richard Boxer David & Jesse Brand Mona & Mark Breiner Zoe & Harry Chiel Joanne Waldstreicher & Sol Cohane Diane & Rabbi Daniel Cohen Elise & Steven Cohen Rachel & Ephraim Cohen Sheila Claire Cohen Meredith & David Cohen Elior & David Coleman Judy & Nick Contente Arline Gewanter & Lloyd Contract Dena & Avishai Don Deborah & Ira Feigenbaum Sharon & Michael Feldstein Tamara Feurstein Stephanie & Howard Fogel Jennie & Benjamin Folkinshteyn Mindi Olsson & Steven Frank Rhoda & Avram Freedberg Lynne & Steven Frenkel Aryeh & Gila Freund Miriam Gelb Josh Getman Sharon & Scott Glass Arlene W Glassman M.J. Gluck Tova & Joshua Goldberg Risa & Jeff Goldblum Judy & Howard Goldstein Meryl & David Gordon Ariel & Evan Gorsky Jill & Arthur Green Gloria Green Yaffa & Pinchas Gross Andrea & Scott Gruber Joyce & Lawrence Haber Caryn & Tommy Haendler Meghan & Yoav Haron Rachel & Dan Haron Ronen Haron Kamal Haron Bonnie Hazan Cheryl Frydman & Larry Hillman Tricia & Robert Hoff Shara and David Israel Liz & Andre Jacobovitz Monica & Eric Jankelovits David Jelen Sandra & Michael Kamen Helene & Harvey Kaminski Flora & Carl Kaufman Mark Kaufman Lonnie Keene Susan & George Klein Rebecca & Emilio Krausz Claudia Kraut Lorraine & David Kweskin The Lapin Family Jill Lasala Tamar & Jason Levine Albert & Ana Lilienfeld Vered & Mark Links Sharon & Jay Lipinsky Gail & Robert Loonin Roselyn Mangot Shira & Steven Manheimer Lorraine & James Marcus Joanne & Samuel Marcus Susan & Leonard Mark Irene Meltzer Tamar Lilienthal & Tzvi Merczynski-Hait Deborah & Neil Metviner Janice & Jacob Meyer Kori & Bill Meyers Scott Miller Russ Miller Nancy & Gadi Mimoun Stacey Mintz Marguerite & Ken Neuhaus Bruce Newman MD Irwin Niedober Alex & Brett Olsson Alison & Nate Pava Hannah & Harlan Pittell Marina Sapir & Alex Podelko Gloria Raab Ayelet & David Rand Judy & Bob Raymond Elizabeth & Eli Reichner Maria & Glenn Reicin Linda Rezak Sherri & Allen Rosenthal David Rothberg Gayle & Howard Rothman Shira Marder & Jason Saibel Tali & Jesse Salver Toby Schaffer Aviva & Paul Schieber Ivy & Marvin Schildkraut Ilyse & Dean Schuckman Richard Schwartz Rachel Seligson Rochelle & Edward Senker Pam & Alan Shanker Olivia & Andy Shapell Leah & Moshe Shemtov Rosalyn Mae Sherman Stephanie & Robert Sherman The Shmidman Family Ronnie & Steve Sichel Diane & Elliot Sloyer Marilyn & Harry Soffer Kathryn & Gary Sosnovich Miriam & Josh Sperber Amy & Sam Sroka Barry Sternlicht Lili & Ian Stowe Rachel & Harold Terk Rebecca & Jonathan Tipermas Nava & Eitan Ulmer Audrey Waldstreicher Sandi & Stuart Waldstreicher Rachel & Greg Waldstreicher The Waldstreicher Grandchildren & Great-Grandchildren Alissa & Brent Weinberg Shulie, Zachary & Samantha Weiss Howard Weiss Rebecca Weiss Cheryl Spigler & Daniel Weiss Bailey & Joshua Wertenteil Sharon & Simeon Wohlberg Howard Wolfe Elise & David Wolfsohn Shushannah & Ari Yasgur The Yuan Family Judy Zander Helene Zimmerman Jeffrey Zimmerman Hillary & Robert Zitter Navah & David Zizmor Shabbat Topics & Participants Coffee & Commentary Rabbi Daniel Cohen Melachim Class Mark Wagshul Shiur Rabbi Yossi Kamman Code of Jewish Law Rabbi Yossi Kamman Seudah Shlishit Rabbi Yossi Kamman: Examining the megillah - When does the miracle begin? Welcome new members Aviva Movsas & Danny Lauer and their son Nadiv! Mazal Tov to Alexander Siegel on his Bar Mitzvah and to parents Wendy & Jared Siegel! to Corey & Zach Ungar on the birth of a baby boy, Kfir Zussia/Cooper Harrison! Mazal Tov to big brother Coby! Celebrate with the family! Make a donation in their honor and we will send an acknowledgement to the family. Just click here Condolences to Karen Gordon on the passing of her father, Herbert Yaverbaum z"l Thanks To Our Sponsors Senior Challah Deliveries: Nancy Mimoun in memory of her grandfathers - Benjamin Harmatz z"l and I. Max Zinbarg z"l Chapel Kiddush: Rhonda & Judd Love in observation of Rhonda's father Jacob Boltino's 15th yahrzeit and her grandfather Jerome Gitlin's 65th Yahrtzeit; and the tremendous gratitude for the support of the Stamford community after  Judd's surgery Sanctuary Kiddush: Wendy & Jared Siegel in celebration of Alexander's Bar Mitzvah Seudah Shlishit: Ellen & Richard Weber in commemoration of the yahrzeit of Ellen's father, Phillip Katchinoff z"l Paid Advertisement Sign Up for these Events sign up Parent-Child Learning Saturday Night, February 28 - 7:15 PM sign up Making a Good Marriage Great - Shalom Bayit Young Couples Chavura Sunday, March 1 - 8:00 PM learn more Purim Night Kids Programming Monday, March 2 - 6:00 PM Learn more CAS Purim Schedule Monday, March 2 - 6:10 PM learn more CAS Purim Carnival Monday, March 2 Sign up Sing with Us! Choir Initiative at Agudath Sholom Monday, March 2 sign up CAS Purim Seudah Tuesday, March 3 - 5:00 PM learn more Captivating Cases in Rabbinic Responsa Wednesday, March 4 - 8:30 PM sign up Shabbat Dinner with Aimee Baron MD, FAAP Friday, March 6 - 6:30 PM sign up Information Session about Jewish Heritage Trip to France Sunday, March 8 - 9:30 AM learn more CAS Men's Club Passover Fair Sunday, March 8 - 10:00 AM sign up 1 Hour Kids Science Show Sunday, March 8 - 10:30 AM sign up Chess Club Tuesday, March 10 - 4:30 PM purchase yours Matzah from Southern Israel [Limited Quantity] Wednesday, April 1 Learn more Senior Challah Delivery Sponsorships Purim At C A S Supporting the Needy during Adar  One of the prime mitzvot of Purim is Matanot L'Evyonim, gifts to the needy. We encourage everyone to bring food for the Freedberg Family Kosher Food Pantry to the shul these coming weeks. We will disburse funds locally and in Jerusalem. Take a moment to contribute to the Purim Charity Fund, drop a check off at the shul or with Rabbi Cohen by 10 am Tuesday payable to CAS Charity or Od Yosef Chai. The Rambam states that the funds we donate for the gifts to the poor should equal at least to the money we spend on mishloach manot. Gifts of Friendship Mishloach Manot  The minimum requirement is two different ready-to-eat-or-drink foods or beverages. Giving gifts is an expression of hope and uplift. Beyond your circle of friends, prepare a few extra packages to deliver to people who may not usually receive the Purim gift. Please join us on Tuesday, March 3rd at Atria Senior Living at 2 pm to share the spirit of Purim with residents. Spread the Joy on Purim Day  Join us at 2:30 PM on Tuesday at the Atria on 3rd Street to spread the Purim joy to Seniors and deliver Mishloach Manot. CAS Youth News Youth Kaballat Shabbat Opportunity  Michael Feldstein is offering to teach any 11- or 12-year-old boy interested in learning Kabbalat Shabbat services. Please contact Michael at michaelgfeldstein@gmail.com for more information. CAS Announcements Shabbat Icebreakers (courtesy of Yaakov Moshe and Elisheva Shmidman)  What is your favorite article of clothing you wear specifically on Shabbos or Yom Tov (the bigdei kehuna)? What is a great Purim costume you remember (Purim)? Describe a time when a situation that seemed bad actually turned out to be good (v'nahafoch hu)? Would You Rather - be able to experience G-d much more directly or see G-d much more clearly through nature (Purim teaches us to see G-d through nature)? Save the Date for the Men's Seder at 613  Monday evening, March 23rd at 7 PM Israel Advocacy Opportunity in CT  The Red, Blue, and White Conference - www.ctforisrael.com - is a new effort to unite the Jewish community and its allies in Connecticut against rising antisemitism. This gathering brings together the Jewish grassroots to demonstrate the Jewish community's collective strength to our state-level elected leaders while celebrating our integral place in the American fabric. The conference will take place on Monday, March 9, and feature discussions with key legislators, suggestions from experienced organizers, and the opportunity to build vital connections needed to ensure a vibrant Jewish future in Connecticut for generations to come. Participants will lobby the state legislature on critical legislation to combat antisemitism, laying the groundwork for a long and productive relationship with our state's leaders. Public Service Announcement – Passover Shopping Reminder As we prepare for Pesach and begin our shopping, please be sure to check labels carefully and confirm that every item is clearly marked Kosher for Passover. Even products placed in the "Kosher for Passover" section may sometimes be shelved there in error, so it's important not to rely on location alone. A quick look at the certification can help ensure that everything we bring into our homes truly meets the standards for Pesach. Registration for 2026 Jewish Baseball League season is live!  FCCJBL is a co-ed, ages 4-11 year old little league and plays on Sundays only. Season opener is 4/12. Please sign up on www.fccjbl.org. Please reach out to info@fccjbl.org with any questions. Torah Online  Purim Shiur with Elisheva Shmidman - V'Nahafoch Hu: What We Learn from Haman New Podcast with Rabbi Cohen - Path of the Just: Understanding Your Why Hospitality Opportunity - Hosting the BCHA Banot, Eden and Herut, for Shabbat   We have been blessed for many years to host BCHA Banot in our community. From personal experience, the presence of the Banot in our home, deeply impacted our daughters love of Israel and forged life time friendships. Take a few moments, today, to sign up for a Shabbat meal to host our wonderful Banot Eden and Herut. It would be great if we could fill up all of their meals between now and the end of Feb to start. Thank you!! https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/2693 Michael Feldstein's Latest Article  click here Weekday Schedule Shacharit  Sunday: 7:15/8:30 AM; Mon, Wed-Fri: 6:30/7:30/8:30 AM, Tues: 6:30/8:30 AM Mincha  Sunday-Thursday: 5:35 PM; Monday: 5:15 PM; Friday: 5:37 PM Candle Lighting  Friday: 5:32 PM Monday  Erev Purim; Taanit Esther Tuesday  Purim Wednesday  Shushan Purim CAS Classes Join one of our classes. Click here for up to date schedule We Wish A Speedy Recovery To Tzvi Zev Yosef ben Chana Shulamit Yaffa bat Hanna Anat bat Rachel Moshe Yosef ben Sarah Raanan Noach ben Slova Chaim ben Leah Aharon ben Bracha Yosef Ishai ben Miriam Sheina Feiga bat Rivka Hershel Wolf ben Brucha Rema bat Etta Yitzchak ben Shmuel v. Chaya Freidel bat Esther Leeba Minna bat Rivka Pesach Melech ben Basha Chaya Shoshana bat Yehudit Nira bat Rachel Sara bat Nira יוֹסֵף ben בתיה Chana Leah bat Esther Nadav Ephraim ben Shlomit Leah Rafael Zvi ben Chana Pearl Evgeny ben Perl Ariella Maor bat Liba Chaya Leah bat Rivka חיים זאב ben לאה Adeline bat Bat Chava Moisha Gedalia Nechemiah Dorit bat Ora Yospa bat Shana Menucha Michal bat Chana Rachel Leah bat Sara Mary Yosef Noach ben Dina Uriel ben Vered Tanya bat Malka Chaya bat Liba Moshe Yitzak ben Raisel Crendel Miriam bat Devorah אסתר רחל bat רייזל ביילה Chaya Rachel bat Carmi Adina Penina bat Batya Dov ben Pnina Nehama Miriam bat Dvora Yehouda ben Aghdas Hersh Zalman ben Sorah Rochel Moshe Gavriel ben Rachel Esther Cheryl Sheva bat Gittel Leah Sossie Raizel bat Sarah Fraida Calev Natanel ben Sara Yitzchak Osher ben Chana Shayva Chaya Inna bat Tanya Click here to add a name to this list We Honor Our Military Ariel Y Shani Y Tali Y Yoad A Harry B CZM JEM AMM Nathan H Noam H Yehudit Sally K Oren L Nathan L Rachel M Jeremy S Yehudit S Meni N Yaniv H Rachel W Click here to add a name to this list Community Announcements A Conversation for Caregivers (both lay and professional) – "Finding Strength, Giving Support"  March 5th 11:30- 1:00 pm Panelists: Dr. Joseph Feuerstein, Roni Lang, LCSW, and Rabbi MJ Newman. Moderators: Robin Bennett Kanarek, RN and Stephanie Paulmeno, DNP, RN. Co-sponsors: Jewish Family Service of Greenwich & the Israel Cancer Research Fund Location: Temple Sinai, 458 Lakeside Drive, Stamford Cost $18. Max per family $36. Light lunch - bagel and schmear Register required: https://www.jfsgreenwich.org/icrf - Questions: David.Kweskin@ICRFonline.org or bjabick@jfsgreenwich.org Cocktails for a Cause  Thursday, March 5 at 7:30 pm Sip, socialize, and support a cause! Enjoy handcrafted cocktails, tarot card readings, and discover meaningful ways to give back with UJF's Women's Philanthropy group, featuring 3Square, Dignity Grows, David's Treasure Tree, Aaron's Place, and Reading Partners. Register at http://www.ujf.org/cocktails. W Caterers Passover Catering Menu  Glatt Kosher under the Kof-K supervision. Order by Monday, March 23rd by 11 am. Check out the menu at https://www.wkosherevents.com/passovermenu Community Interfaith Seder  Thursday, March 26, 6:30pm Led by Rev. Mark Lingle and Rabbi Jay TelRav, the Interfaith Seder will use a specially designed Haggadah, highlighting the themes of unity and common ground shared among varied cultures, backgrounds, and faiths. Sign up at www.ujf.org/Seder Get ready for laughter, adventure, and Ramah magic  Registration is now open for our Spring and August Family Experiences! Bring the whole family for unforgettable days of joy, connection, and camp fun. Head to http://ramahfamilycamp.org to sign up or for more information. Aaron's Place - A Kosher Comfort Room  Aaron's Place, on the ground floor of Stamford Hospital, provides kosher snacks, drinks and meals, in a comfortable environment. If you are caring for a hospitalized loved one or waiting for tests, this comfort room is a place to relax and refresh. Information is available at the hospital front desk, The code, in Hebrew letters, is on the door of the room. Volunteers Needed! To volunteer, please email ronsichel@aol.com

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