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Congregation Agudath Sholom
Shabbat Bulletin |
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| Eikev |
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August 1, 2026 |
18 Av |
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| Friday |
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| Mincha |
7:00/7:58 PM |
| Candle Lighting |
7:53 PM |
| Shabbat |
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| Shacharit |
7:00/8:00/9:00 AM |
| The Rebbe on the Parsha |
7:45 AM |
| Latest Shema |
8:36 AM |
| Coffee & Commentary |
8:40 AM |
| Sephardic Minyan |
8:45 AM |
| Melachim Class |
9:00 AM |
| Bob's Basics |
10:00 AM |
| Family Minyan |
10:00 AM |
| Latest Shacharit |
10:04 AM |
| Shiur |
10:30 AM |
| Daf Yomi |
6:00 PM |
| Pre-Mincha Shiur |
7:00 PM |
| Mincha |
7:45 PM |
| Havdalah |
8:52 PM |
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Every Step Matters
How Small Moments Build a Great Community This week's Torah portion, Ekev, begins with a curious word. "V'haya ekev tishme'un..."—"And it shall be, if you heed..." Why the word ekev, literally "heel"? Rashi explains that ekev reminds us not to trample upon the mitzvot that may seem small or insignificant. Judaism teaches us to cherish the "little things" just as much as the "big things," because we never know which simple act of kindness, thoughtful gesture, or quiet mitzvah will have the greatest impact. There is another beautiful layer to this idea. Our sages describe our generation as living in ikveta d'Meshicha—the "footsteps of the Messiah." Every step we take has the potential to bring a little more holiness, hope, and redemption into the world. Holiness is no longer found on Mount Sinai alone. Wherever we walk, we have the opportunity to leave a sacred footprint. The same is true in building a community. A synagogue is not defined only by its beautiful sanctuary, inspiring programs, or meaningful services. It is built one conversation at a time, one welcome at a time, one remembered birthday, one invitation for Shabbat lunch, one phone call, one smile, and one act of kindness at a time. Moments matter. Encounters matter. People matter. Most of us can trace our connection to a community back to one person who noticed us, welcomed us, encouraged us, or simply made us feel that we belonged. Those seemingly small encounters often become life-changing moments. At Agudath Sholom, we are grateful that warmth has always been one of our greatest strengths. As our community continues to grow, however, we want to be even more intentional about ensuring that every individual and every family experiences that same sense of belonging. Builders of Belonging is a shul-wide effort to ensure that every person who walks through our doors feels welcomed, valued, and connected. It focuses on five essential areas: welcoming new families, creating meaningful connections, helping members discover opportunities to contribute, recognizing life's important moments, and strengthening lasting relationships within our synagogue family. Whether you have been a member for decades or joined recently, each of us has a role to play. Every greeting, every invitation, every introduction, every moment of genuine attention is another step toward building the kind of community we aspire to be. If this vision speaks to you, we invite you to join us. Builders of Belonging is chaired by Shoshy Rosen, with Maria Reicin serving as Executive Committee Liaison, together with Rabbi Cohen. We welcome your ideas, your energy, and your partnership as we continue to strengthen the warmth and connectedness that define our community. To learn more or become involved, please contact Rabbi Daniel Cohen (rabbicohen@cas-stamford.org), Shoshy Rosen, Chair (Shoshyciment@gmail.com), Maria Reicin, Executive Committee Liaison (maria.reicin@gmail.com) After all, Ekev reminds us that the greatest blessings often begin with the smallest steps. Together, one conversation, one welcome, and one sacred moment at a time, we can continue building a community where everyone truly belongs. Wishing you and your families a Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Daniel Cohen |
Late Minyan Update The Late Friday Night Minyan will meet in the Beit Midrash moving forward until Friday, August 28. Yasher koach to everyone who helped organize, lead, and participate throughout the summer.
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A Summer Note from Rabbi Cohen
Dear Friends,
Beginning August 3, I will be spending much of the month in Israel with our family, celebrating the birth, thank God, of our new granddaughter, Tehillah Rechama, and, God willing, the upcoming wedding of our daughter, Shelhevet, to Duniel. During the month, I will also be leading our Jewish Heritage Journey to France from August 10–17
Although I will be away, I will remain accessible by WhatsApp and email as needed. At the same time, I know our community is in wonderful hands with Rabbi Roberts, who will be here throughout the month and available to assist with any pastoral or communal needs.
Wishing you and your families a wonderful summer and God willing, blessings and good news in the month ahead.
All the best! Rabbi Cohen
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Shabbat Topics & Participants
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| Friday Night Presentation |
SIR Avi Zimmerman: The Torah's Abundance Mindset |
| The Rebbe on the Parsha |
Rabbi Yisrael Deren |
| Coffee & Commentary |
Rabbi Daniel Cohen: 48 Ways of Wisdom |
| Melachim Class |
Mark Wagshul |
| Bob's Basics |
Rabbi Bob Abrams |
| Shiur |
David Held: Not a Comeback Story |
| Sanctuary Sermon |
SIR Avi Zimmerman: "My Strength and the Might of My Arm"—Faith, Initiative, and Israel's Future |
| Pre-Mincha Shiur |
SIR Avi Zimmerman: The Second Paragraph of Shema: The Covenant Between God, the Jewish People, and the Land of Israel |
| Seudah Shlishit |
SIR Avi Zimmerman: Jerusalem at an October 6 Moment: Ten Reasons for Hope in Israel's Eternal Capital |
| Teen Learning |
Aryeh Klein |
- to Sara Fay & Shmuel Goldis on the birth of a baby girl! Mazal Tov to big sisters Emma and Abby!
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- to Mark Kaufman on the arrival of a grandson, Jack Lyons Kaufman, born to Jeanne & Douglas Kaufman in Austin, TX!
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- to Flora & Carl Kaufman on the arrival of a great-grandson, born to Hanna & Brian Akselrad!
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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
- Senior Challah Deliveries: Joan & Sheldon Katz in celebration of their daughter, Dana's engagement to Eugene Glouzgal
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- Chapel Kiddush: Sam Fischel in memory of his late wife, Flossy z”l and parents David & Guta Fischel z”l
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- Sanctuary Kiddush: Co-sponsored by Sandi & Stuart Waldstreicher in memory of Sandi's father, Murray Ehrlich‘s 20th yahrzeit; Gail & Robert Loonin in memory of Archibald Medjuck z"l
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Sunday, August 2 - 2:30 PM
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CAS 55+ Social Committee Sunset Cruise
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Sunday, August 2 - 6:00 PM
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Monday, August 31 - 8:00 PM
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"Can We Really Change?" - A Three-Part Elul Learning Series
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Tuesday, September 1 - 8:15 AM
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Submit an Entry to the Yizkor Book
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Stamford Jewish Experience First Night Rosh Hashana Dinner
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Friday, September 11 - 8:00 PM
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Patron Member Reserved Seat Request
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Senior Challah Delivery Sponsorships
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Man Up Pre-Bar Mitzvah Father/Son Class
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Sunday, October 18 - 9:15 AM
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Matan Pre-Bat Mitzvah Mother/Daughter Class
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Sunday, October 18 - 9:30 AM
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Join the CAS Youth Chess Club! Whether your child is making their very first move or already thinking several moves ahead, the CAS Youth Chess Club offers a fun and engaging opportunity to learn, grow, and make new friends.
Led by David Lane, a nationally ranked chess player in his youth, students will develop strategic thinking, concentration, confidence, and sportsmanship in a welcoming and encouraging environment.Tuesdays from 4:30–5:30 PM on October 13 – December 15 - $50 for the semester.
The club will meet weekly and, God willing, culminate with a CAS Youth Chess Tournament at the end of the semester.
Open to elementary-age students of all skill levels. Registration opens soon!
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Bnei Akiva Teen Leadership Initiative Growing Leaders. Strengthening Community. Deepening Our Love for Torah, the Jewish People, and Israel. Congregation Agudath Sholom is excited to launch a new Bnei Akiva Teen Leadership Initiative for 9th and 10th graders, designed to train, inspire, and empower the next generation of Jewish leaders. Led by Liela Silbiger, a junior at Yeshiva University and lifelong Bnei Akiva leader from Montreal, participants will explore the values of Torah Va'Avodah, develop practical leadership skills, build meaningful relationships with younger children, and learn how to create engaging peulot, Shabbat experiences, and youth programming.
If your teen is interested in becoming part of this exciting opportunity, please contact Liela Silbiger at lielaks@gmail.com or Rabbi Daniel Cohen. Additional details and registration information will be shared in the coming weeks.
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- Stamford Jewish Experience had a great sunset cruise on a yacht this past Sunday eve courtesy of Jonathan Tratt. Check out the photos. If you know young professionals in their 20s and 30s who might like to learn more about SJE, please contact Rabbi Cohen with contact info. Thank you!
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- Israel Advocacy Our commitment to Israel does not end with our prayers. It continues through our voices, our learning, and our advocacy.I encourage you to read a powerful recent article by Rabbi Avi Weiss, which offers a timely and courageous perspective on standing with Israel. I also recommend listening to the moving new song “We will Dance Again” by Boy George whose message is both heartfelt and deeply resonant for this moment. If you would like to become more involved in Israel engagement and advocacy at Agudath Sholom, please reach out to me or Paul Scheiber, phschieber@gmail.com Chair of our Israel Advocacy Committee. Together, each of us can help strengthen support for Israel and make a meaningful difference.
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- Shabbat Icebreakers (courtesy of Yaakov Moshe and Elisheva Shmidman)
- What is the oldest item of clothing you still own or wear (the Jews' clothing did not wear out in the desert)?
- What is your favorite product from Israel (the praise of Eretz Yisrael and the Seven Species)?
- Describe G-d's hand in something you worked hard for that you were really proud of (the warning against saying "כֹּחִי וְעֹצֶם יָדִי")?
- Would You Rather - never have to buy new clothes again, or never have to do laundry again (the Jews clothes and shoes did not wear out in the wilderness)?
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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-Thursday: 7:50 PM; Friday: 7:00/7:50 PM
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- Candle Lighting Friday: 7:45 PM
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We Wish A Speedy Recovery To
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- Elia Shava ben n/a
- Hodel Dena bat n/a
- Leah bat Tziporah
- Moshe Yosef ben Sarah Leah
- Aharon ben Bracha
- Shalom ben Hannah
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- Shaina Faiga bat Rivka
- Mikhail ben Goda
- Esther Miriam bat Chana
- Ilana Idit bat Leeba
- Leeba bat Chana Surah
- Sarah Shlomit bat Leeba
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- Yoseph ben Esther Miriam
- Ahuva Malka bat Sarah
- Bayla Frimet bat Rivka Henshe
- Yaakov Kopel Moshe ben Rivka
- Yehuda ben Sarah
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- Shani Y
- Harry B
- Frederick B
- Nathan H
- Noam H
- Yehudit
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- Sally K
- Oren L
- Nathan L
- Elimelech E
- CZM
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- JEM
- AMM
- Rachel M
- Jeremy S
- Yehudit S
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- Schoke JFS Sunset Summer Concert Returns: Back to the Beach! Join Schoke JFS on Thursday, August 6 at 6:30 p.m. at Fairfield’s beautiful Pavilions at Penfield Beach for an unforgettable summer night by the water, all while supporting a great cause. Enjoy live music from headliner Pimpinella, and opening act The Breakers, plus an open bar, delicious food, dancing, and incredible views of Long Island Sound. Tickets are $95. Your support helps Schoke JFS provide vital programs and services to more than 8,000 families across Fairfield County each year. Gather your friends, celebrate summer, and make a difference! Purchase tickets: SJFSConcert26.givesmart.com
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- Special screening of the Jewish Historical Society of Fairfield County's acclaimed documentary, “Remembering the Family Store, Downtown Stamford circa 1940–1965” Sunday, August 16, at 2:00 PM as part of Avon on Tour at the Bruce Museum in Greenwich, CT. Registration is available at https://tinyurl.com/2vzv3rbm. Here is a link to the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-kj-i2eabs For more information contact: info@jhsfc-ct.org
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- Home for Sale - 3/4 mile from CAS 80 Leonard Street - 3 bedroom/2 bathroom with 2 car garage. 1920 sq. ft located in a quiet neighborhood on a dead end st. Price- $ 729,99.00 Contact Mike Parelli - 203-940-2666
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- UJF Family Nature Hike & Scavenger Hunt Sunday, August 16, 2026 from 10:00-11:30am Lace up your sneakers and join PJ Library for a fun-filled family adventure as we explore nature together on an exciting hike and scavenger hunt. After the adventure, everyone will enjoy delicious kosher ice cream! Sign up today at www.ujf.org/Nature
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- UJF Annual Campaign Kick-Off Event Tuesday evening, September 15, 2026UJF's Annual Campaign Kick-Off event is shaping up to be one you definitely don't want to miss. Join UJF for a timely discussion with Alyssa Rosenheck, author of the book White. Blonde. Jew.. Sign up today at www.ujf.org/Launch26
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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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- What is the Jewish Historical Society of Fairfield County (JHSFC)? We capture local Jewish history, including volunteered-oral histories at our Resource Center (990 Rear Hope Street, Stamford) and do special events and show special collections. In addition, we have books and documents to help one do research. We also do Holocaust programs in schools, have a special 250-year USA history event in downtown Stamford (see below), have book club meetings and did a movie on Stamford Family businesses. We also do an annual Mann Lecture and a yearly fundraiser.
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bulletin@cas-stamford.org