| Congregation Agudath Sholom
Shabbat Bulletin |
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| | Vayikra | | March 21, 2026 | 3 Nisan |
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| | Friday | | | Candle Lighting | 6:48 PM | | Mincha | 6:53 PM | | Shabbat | | | Shacharit | 7:00/8:00/9:00 AM | | Sephardic | 8:45 AM | | Coffee & Commentary | 8:45 AM | | Melachim Class | 9:00 AM | | Latest Shema | 9:18 AM | | Teen Minyan | 10:00 AM | | Shiur | 10:30 AM | | Latest Shacharit | 10:32 AM | | Code Of Jewish Law | 5:55 PM | | Pre-Mincha Teen Shiur | 6:00 PM | | Mincha | 6:45 PM | | Havdalah | 7:49 PM |
The Eternal Torah The Torah is eternal. No word is wasted and without meaning. Yet the book of Vayikra seems very archaic at times and mysterious. For instance, a quick perusal of the double Torah portions of Tazria and Metzora at the heart of the book seems to belie this message. The focus is on the issues of tumah and tahara, mischaracterized as impurity and purity, a seemingly archaic and irrelevant subject in modern times. Yet, in truth, when the subjects are unpacked, we will discover the current relevance of these sections in the Torah. Rabbi Samson Rafael Hirsch explains etymologically that tumah connotes a barrier or blockage and tahara connotes connection or conduit. For instance, the highest state of Tumah is a dead body, not because the body is dirty in any way but rather the separation of body and soul prevents the soul from connecting to God via the vessel of the body. The soul is blocked from growth without the vehicle of the body. Tahara represents clarity and connection. A person immerses in a mikvah, etymologically connected to the word, tikvah "hope" to reinforce the possibility for forging a renewed relationship with God and moving from a state of feeling distant and to becoming close to God. More than any other book in the Torah, the book of Vaykira focuses on personal development. The categories of Tumah and tahara are portals to appreciate the impact of how we live in this world. Do we eat to live or live to eat? Blessings and Kashrut are opportunities to either distance ourselves from God or move closer to God. Speech is a gift from God and what we say and how we speak determine whether we are harnessing this gift for the profane or the holy. The topics in Vayikra relate to issues of forgiveness, gratitude, kindness, ethics and holiness. The prime topic of tzaraat, a physical manifestation of the spiritual malady of tale bearing, gossip and arrogance is intended to awaken within us the sacred nature of speech. Words build or destroy. Words can bridge relationships or create isolation. A person who gossips fails to appreciate that even one word can harm someone. As a result, the person undergoes a spiritual rehabilitation in which he/she lives alone as a way for the person to understand the nature of the pain words caused to another human being. Just one word of the Kohen determines a person's fate. These ideas are just the beginning. Learn the deeper messages of these parshiyot as their messages are truly eternal and the foundation for leading a righteous, holy, meaningful and ethical life. Wishing you and your families a Shabbat Shalom and God willing good news from Israel in the days ahead, Rabbi Daniel Cohen |
In Tribute to Rabbi Joseph Ehrenkranz
This past week was the Yahrzeit of Rabbi Ehrenkranz, who served as Rabbi of Agudath Sholom for over 40 years. We stand on his shoulders and his dedication to forge a modern orthodox shul and community rooted in Torah and the mission of the Jewish people to see the face of God in every human being and be a light unto the world. Here is a link to my tribute to him when he passed away and some related links: Talmud Lessons on JBS and Rabbi Ehrenkranz Remembered. Here is a video of a truly memorable evening of CAS Stories with Rabbi Ehrenkranz, Lorraine Kweskin and Herm Alswanger. May his memory be for a blessing always.
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Community Security Update
In light of recent events affecting Jewish communities, we continue to review and strengthen our security measures. This Shabbat we will have an additional police presence at the synagogue near the parking lot entrance as part of our ongoing commitment to the safety and wellbeing of our congregation.
UJF's Regional Security Advisor, Jim Comstock, together with other CSI members, has been in close and ongoing contact with all local police departments, who have deployed additional patrols to Jewish institutions throughout our area and will continue to do so over Shabbat.
We are grateful to our volunteer security team and local law enforcement for their partnership. If you ever notice anything concerning, please notify a staff member or security volunteer immediately. May we share good news God willing in the days ahead. Shabbat Shalom
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Important Pre Peach Message
Your Pesach preparation can transform someone else's Pesach experience.
As Pesach approaches, we invite you to take part in the cherished mitzvah of Maot Chitim, helping ensure that every family can celebrate the holiday with dignity.
When completing your chametz sale through the Rabbi and synagogue, please consider including a contribution to the Passover fund to support those in need. Ideally, you should bring the Sale of Chametz form to one of the Rabbis. If you can not appear in person, you may also fill it out online.
Please donate directly to Maot Chitim.
Thank you for your generosity and partnership in this important mitzvah.
Shabbat Shalom and best wishes for a joyful and healthy Pesach.
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Shabbat Topics & Participants |
| Friday Night Dvar Torah | Didi Blau | | Kabbalat Shabbat | Duvie Shapiro | | Coffee & Commentary | Rabbi Daniel Cohen | | Melachim Class | Mark Wagshul | | Shiur | Mark Wagshul | | Shacharit | Duvie Shapiro | | Musaf | Duvie Shapiro | | Code of Jewish Law | Rabbi Yossi Kamman | | Pre-Mincha Teen Shiur | Didi Blau: Remembering vs. Reliving - what makes this night different from all other nights | | Seudah Shlishit | Rabbi Aryeh Roberts: What Entering Nissan Teaches Us About Redemption |
- our Chazan Duvie Shapiro from Israel! He will lead Kabbalat Shabbat, Shacharit and Musaf
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- Bnai Akiva Boger and Rockstar Didi Blau for a Teen Shabbaton this weekend!
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- to Rhonda Schaffer-Maron & Jeffrey Maron on the forthcoming marriage of their son Max to Yael Diamond!
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Celebrate with the family! Make a donation in their honor and we will send an acknowledgement to the family. Just click here- to all our Annual Dinner supporters! Thank you to Aviva Maller for capturing the evening - click here to view the pictures!
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- Senior Challah Deliveries: Greg & Amanda Smith
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- 7AM Kiddush: Anonymous in honor of the minyan
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- Chapel Kiddush: Ariella Chana, Kayla Shoshana, Ilana Rachel and Avraham Mordechai in honor of their new sister Talia Bella
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- Sanctuary Kiddush: Co-sponsored by Maria & Glenn Reicin in memory of Barbara Jean King Meier z"l; and Shira & Mitchell Zucker in memory of Marlie Zucker z"l
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Monday, March 23 - 7:30 PM |
| Liberating the Soul - 4 Inspiring Passover Classes |
Tuesday, March 24 - 8:30 AM |
| Tuesday, March 24 - 4:30 PM |
| Captivating Cases in Rabbinic Responsa |
Wednesday, March 25 - 7:30 PM |
| The Halachot and Meaning of the Seder Night |
Thursday, March 26 - 12:00 PM |
| Matzah from Southern Israel [Limited Quantity] |
| | Maot Chittim - Passover Charity |
| Jewish Heritage Trip to France |
| Senior Challah Delivery Sponsorships |
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Need to kosher pots and cutlery for Pesach? Bring them to the CAS Dairy Kitchen on Sunday night (March 22nd), Tuesday night (March 24th) or Sunday night (March 29th) from 8:00-9:30pm. Please ensure utensils are cleaned and have not been used in the prior 24 hours.
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Public Service Announcement – Passover Shopping Reminders - 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.
- Buy Milk Before Pesach
- Eggs May Be Purchased during Chol Hamoed Pesach
- All non-processed meat and chicken is kosher for Pesach. Buy now and freeze for Pesach before prices go up.(Please note: This doesn't apply to ground meat)
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Seder Hospitality Planning your Seder? In need of a Seder? If you would like to join a family seder or would consider hosting members of our community who may need a place for Pesach night click here
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As we prepare for the upcoming holiday, we are excited to launch our Annual Pesach Website. Agudath Sholom is committed to helping you get ready for the holiday. This site will provide you with answers to many of the questions.To join the Pesach Q and A Whatsapp group, click here.- We are offering a full array of pre-Pesach classes.
- The Men's Seder will be on Monday night, March 23rd - Sign up in the events section.
- We strongly encourage you to see the Rabbis personally for the sale of your Chametz. For those who find it impossible to do so, please click here to fill out the online form.
- To give Maot Chitim, click here. We are working with Schoke Jewish Family Service to provide food and emergency assistance. Tzedakah can be donated online to our CAS Passover Fund. Thank you in advance for your generosity. Please reach out discreetly to me via rabbicohen@cas-stamford.org if you know a family in need.
- Here is our Passover schedule.
- Please note the Fast of the First Born this year is on Wednesday, April 1st with the siyum on Wednesday morning and we check for Chametz on Tuesday evening.
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- Shabbat Icebreakers (courtesy of Yaakov Moshe and Elisheva Shmidman)
- What do you think your calling is (VaYikra)?
- What's something you would struggle to sacrifice even if it might be good for you (all of the sacrifices)?
- What's something courageous you've seen someone do or say (im lo yagid v'nasa avono)?
- Would You Rather - Bring a meal offering or an animal offering (There is discussion about whether the animal offerings will still be offered when Moshiach comes)?
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- In Case You Missed the Classes Rabbi Cohen's Series on Liberating the Soul - First Two Classes on Inner Exodus and Sacred Growth - click here -This Tuesday - Rediscovering Awe and Generational Impact
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- 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.
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- Shacharit Sunday: 7:15/8:30 AM; Monday-Friday: 6:30/7:30/8:30 AM
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- Mincha Sunday-Friday: 7:00 PM
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- Candle Lighting Friday: 6:55 PM
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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
- Shalom ben Hannah
- 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
| - Ahuva Malka bat Sarah
- 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
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- 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
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- TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW - To BCHA's upcoming Spring Musical Based on the popular Disney Channel Original Movies, Disney's Descendants: The Musical is a brand-new musical jam-packed with comedy, adventure, Disney characters, and hit songs from the films! Come support our cast of 45 students — from 3rd grade through high school — with even more working backstage, as the BCHA Players launch yet another fabulous production filled with talent, amazing costumes and sets, and just the right amount of theatrical magic! Thursday, March 19 at 7pm, Friday, March 20 at 2pm, Sunday, March 22 at 11am, Sunday, March 22 at 3 pm * $10/tik - https://buytickets.at/bcha
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- 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
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- UJF's Community Yom HaShoah Commemoration Monday, April 13 at 7:00pm Join UJF for a community commemoration of Yom HaShoah - Holocaust Remembrance Day. There is no charge to attend, but advance registration is required at www.ujf.org/yomhashoah
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- Yom Ha'Atzmaut with NextGen Saturday evening, April 18 Join UJF's NextGen community in celebrating Yom Ha'Atzmaut at an awesome party! NextGen is committed to building a vibrant and inclusive Jewish community for young Jews in their mid-20s, 30s, and 40s. All participants must be 21+. Register at www.ujf.org/YHnextgen
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- Community Yom Ha'Atzmaut Family Program Wednesday, April 22 from 5:00-6:30pm Celebrate Yom Ha'Atzmaut with a fun-filled Family Program that takes you on a "trip around Israel!" Enjoy a bounce house, games, face-painting, Israeli snacks, and even a hands-on archeological dig. Bring the whole family for an afternoon of laughter, learning, and celebrating Israel's birthday! Register at www.ujf.org/YHfamily
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- Yom Ha'Atzmaut Adult Evening Sunday, April 26 from 6:00-8:00pmJoin UJF to celebrate and experience Israel through taste, sound, and spirit! Shuk b'Stamford will bring Israeli food, music, games, and culture together for an event you won't want to miss. All participants must be 21+. Register at www.ujf.org/YHadult
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- 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
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- 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.
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- UJF's Women's Philanthropy Spring Dinner Thursday, May 7 at 6:00pmJoin together for a fabulous evening featuring guest speaker Zibby Owens. The inaugural Women of Valor Award will also be presented to Aviva Maller. Register at www.ujf.org/SpringDinner
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- An Evening with Schoke JFS: Seeds for Tomorrow May 17, 2026, at Whispering Oaks in Norwalk, CT. Join us for an elegant evening of cocktails, dinner, and celebration as we honor Wheel It Forward, recipient of the 46th Annual Mitzvah Award, a nonprofit that lends durable medical equipment at no cost to residents throughout Fairfield County. Guests will enjoy an awards presentation, paddle raise, and online auction, all supporting programs that uplift and transform lives across Fairfield County. Learn more or reserve tickets at www.ctjfs.org/gala.
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- 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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