| Congregation Agudath Sholom
Shabbat Bulletin |
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| | Vayakhel-Pekudei | Shabbat HaChodesh
Mevarchim Chodesh Nisan | March 14, 2026 | 25 Adar |
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| | Friday | | | Candle Lighting | 6:40 PM | | Mincha | 6:45 PM | | Shabbat | | | Shacharit | 7:00/8:00/9:00 AM | | Sephardic Minyan | 8:45 AM | | Coffee & Commentary | 8:45 AM | | Melachim Class | 9:00 AM | | Latest Shema | 9:25 AM | | Family Minyan | 10:00 AM | | Bob's Basics | 10:00 AM | | Shiur | 10:30 AM | | Latest Shacharit | 10:38 AM | | Code Of Jewish Law | 5:45 PM | | Mincha | 6:35 PM | | Havdalah | 7:42 PM |
The Blessing of Giving In this week's Torah portions, Vayakhel and Pekudei, the Torah describes one of the most remarkable acts of communal generosity in Jewish history: the building of the Mishkan, the Tabernacle in the desert. God calls upon the Jewish people to contribute their talents, resources, and hearts to create a sanctuary where the Divine Presence could dwell among them. The response was extraordinary. Men and women came forward with enthusiasm bringing gold, silver, precious materials, and craftsmanship until the donations were so abundant that Moses had to announce that no more contributions were needed. Within this inspiring story lies a profound lesson about the nature of giving. The Torah tells us that the leaders of the tribes, the Nesi'im, eventually brought the precious stones used for the priestly garments. Yet the great medieval commentator Rashi notes something unusual: the word describing these princes is missing a letter. The letter yud is absent from their title. Why? Rashi explains that the princes initially decided to wait. Their plan seemed reasonable—they would allow the people to give first and then provide whatever remained. But because they did not step forward immediately with enthusiasm, they lost the opportunity to lead the moment. Symbolically, a letter is missing from their name for all generations. The Torah is teaching us the first principle of giving: generosity should be embraced with energy and joy. Opportunities to contribute should never be viewed as a burden but as a blessing. When we support something sacred whether a sanctuary, a community, or the future of Jewish life—we are not losing something. We are investing in eternity. This idea is beautifully captured in a well-known story about the great 19th-century Jewish philanthropist Moses Montefiore. When someone once asked him how much he was worth, he responded with a number that seemed surprisingly small. When the questioner expressed disbelief, Montefiore explained: "You did not ask me how much I own. You asked me how much I am worth. So I calculated what I have given to charity this year and that is the number." In Judaism, our true worth is measured not only by what we possess, but by what we are willing to share. Yet the Torah also teaches a second lesson about giving. Later, in the portion of Naso, when the Mishkan is finally dedicated, the princes once again bring offerings. This time the Torah records each leader's gift separately—even though every offering is exactly the same. Why repeat the identical contribution twelve times? Because Judaism wishes to emphasize that in giving there should be no jealousy and no hierarchy of worth. Each offering is cherished equally. What matters most is not the size of the gift but the sincerity of the heart behind it. When a community comes together and each person contributes according to their ability, every act of generosity becomes beloved. These teachings reflect a deeper rhythm within Jewish life itself, a cycle of giving that begins with God. At Sinai, during Matan Torah, God gave the Torah to the Jewish people as the ultimate gift of meaning and purpose. In response, the Jewish people gave back—offering their resources and creativity to build the Mishkan so that holiness could dwell among them. Ever since, every generation continues that sacred exchange by sustaining Jewish life through acts of generosity, kindness, and communal responsibility. Giving, in other words, is not simply philanthropy. It is a partnership with one another and with God. As we approach our annual dinner, we are deeply grateful to every member of our community who participates in this shared endeavor. Whether one gives much or little, each contribution reflects a commitment to the future of our synagogue and the values we hold dear. When we give with enthusiasm and with humility when we recognize that every person's offering matters, we help build the Mishkan of our time: a place where faith, learning, and community can flourish for generations to come. Wishing you and your families a Shabbat Shalom and God willing the light of the full redemption speedily and in our days. 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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We look forward God willing to welcome Chazan Duvie Shapiro to Agudath Sholom for Shabbat, March 20-21. He will lead Kaballat Shabbat, Shacharit and Musaf.
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| 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 | | 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
Gayle & Mitchell Bell
Barbara & Evan Bell
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
Tuviya (Pável) Bortnovskiy
Jodi & Richard Boxer
David & Jessie Brand
Eileen & Robert Breakstone
Mona & Mark Breiner
Judy & Jeff Cahn
Emily & Harvey Caney
Anat & Marc Chavkin
Zoe & Harry Chiel
Kate & Peretz Cik
Joanne Waldstreicher & Sol Cohane
Rachel & Ephraim Cohen
Elise & Steven Cohen
Diane & Rabbi Daniel Cohen
Sheila Claire Cohen
Meredith & David Cohen
Stella & Isaac Cohen
Elior & David Coleman
Judy & Nick Contente
Arline Gewanter & Lloyd Contract
Jacob Dennis
Yisrael & Vivi Deren
Dena & Avishai Don
Deborah & Ira Feigenbaum
Rosalie & Stuart Feldman
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
Helene Godin
Tova & Joshua Goldberg
Ann & Alex Goldblum
Judy & Howard Goldstein
Avielle & Bradley Goldstein
Haydee & Sam Goldstein
Meryl & David Gordon
Michelle & Howland Gordon
Ariel & Evan Gorsky
Jill & Arthur Green
Gloria Green
Pamela & Eric Greenhut
Yaffa & Pinchas Gross
Andrea & Scott Gruber
Joyce & Lawrence Haber
Caryn & Tommy Haendler
Meghan & Yoav Haron
Rachel & Dan Haron
Ronen Haron
Kamal Haron
Leora & Yaakov Hauptman
Bonnie Hazan
Cheryl Frydman & Larry Hillman
Tricia & Robert Hoff
Paulette & Lawrence Hutzler
Shara & David Israel
Liz & Andre Jacobovitz
Monica & Eric Jankelovits
David Jelen
Sandra & Michael Kamen
Helene & Harvey Kaminski
Alina & Tzvika Kaminsky
Julie & Jacob Karasik
Flora & Carl Kaufman
Mark Kaufman
Lonnie Keene
Jessica & Noah Kinstlinger
Susan & George Klein
Suzette & Steven Kolitch
Rebecca & Emilio Krausz
Claudia Kraut
Jeannie & Brian Kriftcher
Lorraine & David Kweskin
Sophia LaSala | The Lapin Family
Jill Lasala
Aviva Movsas & Danny Lauer
Judy & Seth Lerner
Tamar & Jason Levine
David Levine
Marla & Jason Lewis
Ana & Albert Lilienfeld
Laura & Elliot Linder
Vered & Mark Links
Sharon & Jay Lipinsky
Gail & Robert Loonin
Nicole & Jonathan Makovsky
Roselyn Mangot
Shira & Steven Manheimer
Lorraine & James Marcus
Joanne & Samuel Marcus
Susan & Leonard Mark
Rhonda Schaffer-Maron & Jeffrey Maron
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
Joseph Mittel
Julie & Richard Morgulis
Shira Nerenberg
Marguerite & Ken Neuhaus
Bruce Newman MD
Irwin Niedober
Jessica & Elie Niedober
DJ Niedober
The Niedober Grandchildren
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
Kaili & Daniel Scherban
Aviva & Paul Schieber
Ivy & Marvin Schildkraut
Shulie Weiss and Zachary & Samantha Schnelwar
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
Amanda & Greg Smith
Lucy Schwartz & Saryah Sober
Marilyn & Harry Soffer
Kathryn & Gary Sosnovich
Miriam & Josh Sperber
Amy & Sam Sroka
Barry Sternlicht
Lili & Ian Stowe
Rachel & Harold Terk
Thomas M. Gallagher Funeral Home
Rebecca & Jonathan Tipermas
Nava & Eitan Ulmer
Audrey Waldstreicher
Sandi & Stuart Waldstreicher
Rachel & Greg Waldstreicher
The Waldstreicher Grandchildren & Great-Grandchildren
Alissa & Brent Weinberg
Howard Weiss
Rebecca Weiss
Cheryl Spigler & Daniel Weiss
Sharon & Simeon Wohlberg
Howard Wolfe
Elise & David Wolfsohn
Neda Khaghan & Robert Yaghoubian
Shushannah & Ari Yasgur
The Yuan Family
Judy Zander
Miriam Zander
Helene Zimmerman
Jeffrey Zimmerman
Hillary & Robert Zitter
Navah & David Zizmor
Dovi Zucker
Michal & Yishai Zwiren |
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Shabbat Topics & Participants |
| Coffee & Commentary | Rabbi Daniel Cohen | | Melachim Class | Mark Wagshul | | Bob's Basics | Rabbi Bob Abrams | | Shiur | Rabbi Yisrael Deren: Knaidlach - Matzo Balls: should we start Pesach with them or should we finish Pesach with them? | | Code of Jewish Law | Rabbi Yossi Kamman | | Seudah Shlishit | Rabbi Aryeh Roberts: Shul Architecture in Rabbinic Responsa |
- to our Annual Dinner Honorees: Irwin Neidober; Howard Weiss; Mitchell Bell; Audrey Waldstreicher; and Alex & Brett Olsson!
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- to Helene Zimmerman on the arrival of a great-grandson!
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- to our CAS thespians and theater crew for their upcoming performance in BCHA's Descendant's: The Musical - Denise Angel, Ilana Cik, Mia Dubitzky, Hannah Folkinshteyn, Caleb Frager, Yakira & Yoav Hochman, Abby Jacob, Lily Levi, Koh Lubin, Mackenzie Makovsky, Aiden Miller, Joshua Schwartz, Reagan Teplitsky, Hailey Tepper, Abby Rubinfeld,Charlotte Miller, Zohar (Zoey) Neumeier, Eliza Ostroff, Rebecca Ostroff, Bess Yasgur, Naomi Yasgur, Elisheva Rosenfeld & Yael Rosenfeld! Opening Night, THIS THURSDAY March 19th!
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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 our dinner chairs - Lorraine & James Marcus - and our journal chairs - Hannah Pittell, Nava Ulmer and Shushannah Yasgur!
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- Senior Challah Deliveries: Greg & Amanda Smith
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- Last week's 7AM Kiddush: Sherri & Allen Rosenthal in commemoration of the yahrzeit of Allen's father, David Rosenthal z"l
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- Chapel Kiddush: Howard Wolfe in commemoration of Marvin Wolfe's z"l (משה אליה בן שאול וחנה) 8th yahrzeit
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- Sanctuary Kiddush:Co-sponsored by Diane & Rabbi Daniel Cohen in memory of Shalhevet Pass z"l; Sherri & Allen Glucksman in memory of Sofi Glucksman z"l; David Levine in memory of Sylvia Levine z"l; and Ilyse & Dean Schuckman in memory of Belle Schuckman z"l
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- Seudah Shlishit: Talia & Rami Ben-Joseph in the memory of Talia's mother, Ziona Fosman z"l
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Liberating the Soul - 4 Inspiring Passover Classes |
Tuesday, March 17 - 8:15 AM |
| Tuesday, March 17 - 4:30 PM |
| Captivating Cases in Rabbinic Responsa |
Wednesday, March 18 - 7:30 PM |
| The Halachot and Meaning of the Seder Night |
Thursday, March 19 - 12:00 PM |
| Monday, March 23 - 7:45 PM |
| Matzah from Southern Israel [Limited Quantity] |
| Maot Chittim - Passover Charity |
| Senior Challah Delivery Sponsorships |
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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.
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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 contact Rabbi Cohen or Rabbi Roberts.
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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 is something that gets you fired up (Lo T'vaaru Eish)?
- If you could have one artistic skill, what would it be (there were many artisans who worked on the Mishkan)?
- What is an act of great generosity you witnessed or experienced (the Jewish people gave very generously to the Mishkan)?
- Would You Rather - Be honored for a big donation you gave or give it anonymously (the Jewish people donated to the mishkan)?
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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-Wednesday, Friday: 6:30/7:30/8:30 AM; Thursday: 6:20/7:30/8:30 AM
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- Mincha Sunday-Thursday: 6:50 PM; Friday: 6:53 PM
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- Candle Lighting Friday: 6:48 PM
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- Thursday Rosh Chodesh Nisan
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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
- 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
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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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- 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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