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Congregation Agudath Sholom
Shabbat Bulletin |
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| Bereshit |
Mevarchim Chodesh Cheshvan |
October 10, 2026 |
29 Tishrei |
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| Friday |
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| Candle Lighting |
6:04 PM |
| Mincha |
6:09 PM |
| Shabbat |
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| Shacharit |
7:00/8:00/9:00 AM |
| The Rebbe on the Parsha |
7:45 AM |
| Coffee & Commentary |
8:40 AM |
| Sephardic Minyan |
8:45 AM |
| Melachim Class |
9:00 AM |
| Latest Shema |
9:51 AM |
| Family Minyan |
10:00 AM |
| Shiur |
10:30 AM |
| Latest Shacharit |
10:47 AM |
| Daf Yomi |
5:10 PM |
| Code Of Jewish Law |
5:10 PM |
| Mincha |
6:00 PM |
| Havdalah |
7:03 PM |
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What Check Marks Will We Leave Behind?
As we begin the Torah again with Parshat Bereishit, there is a beautiful lesson hidden in the very first Rashi, not only in Rashi’s famous question, but in the way he introduces it. Rashi asks why the Torah begins with the story of Creation rather than with the first mitzvah given to the Jewish people. But before answering, Rashi does something unusual. He attributes the question to Rabbi Yitzchak, traditionally understood by many as a reference to his father. There is a beautiful message here. When we learn Torah, we do not begin alone. We begin with the voices of those who came before us. I was reminded of this recently by our friend Jerome Gans visiting from Israel. Jerome showed me a volume of Iturei Torah that belonged to his father. As I looked through it, I noticed check marks next to various divrei Torah. I asked him what they meant. “Those are the ones my father found meaningful,” he explained. “So those are the ones I go back to.” Think about that. His father simply placed check marks in a book. Years later, those little marks have become precious clues into what moved his father’s soul. It made me wonder: What are the check marks our parents and grandparents left us? What ideas mattered to them? What books did they return to? What values did they live by? And perhaps even more importantly, what check marks are we leaving for those who come after us? Maybe there is a book that means something to you. Underline a passage. Write something in the margin. Leave a note. Let your children and grandchildren discover not only what you owned, but what moved you. There is a second lesson in Rashi’s opening words. The Lubavitcher Rebbe notes how unusual it is for Rashi to begin by explicitly stating the question he is addressing. Perhaps at the very beginning of a new Torah cycle, that itself contains a message: Never stop asking questions. We know the stories of Bereishit. Many of us have heard them since kindergarten. But the Torah we learned as children should not be identical to the Torah we encounter as adults. Our lives have changed. We have changed. Our joys, struggles, relationships, and responsibilities have changed. So the questions we bring to Torah should change as well. As we begin Bereishit anew, perhaps we can carry two commitments with us: listen for the check marks of those who came before us, and bring new questions of our own. Then reading the Torah again will not simply be repetition. It can become renewal, a conversation across generations in which we receive something from those who came before us and leave something meaningful for those who will follow. Shabbat Shalom and God willing good news in the days ahead, Rabbi Daniel Cohen |
A Special Welcome to Our IDF Soldiers This Shabbat
This Shabbat, Parshat Bereishit, October 10, CAS is honored to welcome an extraordinary group of IDF soldiers and reservists through Friends of the IDF (FIDF): Major Avner, Lieutenant Ben, Major (res.) Ido, Lieutenant Ofir, Major Sean, and Corporal Maya, together with Tomer Hoory of FIDF.
Our guests represent different branches and experiences within the IDF—from the Air Force, Golani Brigade, Military Intelligence, Navy, and Armored Corps to the IDF Ensemble. Many have served on the front lines since October 7, defending Israel under extraordinarily difficult circumstances.
9:00 AM – Shacharit: Join us as we welcome our guests and recite the Prayer for the State of Israel and the Prayer for Tzahal together.
4:00 PM – Meet & Greet at the Ulmer Home: CAS families and teens are invited for an informal opportunity to meet our guests and hear their stories.
6:00 PM – Seudah Shlishit following Mincha: Hear firsthand reflections from our soldiers about their experiences, service, and resilience.
They have stood for Israel and the Jewish people. This Shabbat, we have the privilege of welcoming them, hearing their stories, and personally saying thank you.
Presented in partnership with Friends of the IDF (FIDF).
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Shabbat Topics & Participants
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| The Rebbe on the Parsha |
Rabbi Yisrael Deren |
| Coffee & Commentary |
Rabbi Daniel Cohen |
| Melachim Class |
Mark Wagshul |
| Bob's Basics |
On hiatus until Oct. 17 |
| Shiur |
Michael Feldstein: From “Ayekah?” to “Hineni!” - The Torah's Journey Toward Individual Responsibility - In memory of the first yahrzeit of Sharon's father, Chaim Zalman ben Yosef haLevi z"l |
| Seudah Shlishit |
Rabbi Cohen in conversation with IDF Soldiers |
| Teen Learning |
Aryeh Klein |
- new members Shoshana Edelman & Jacob Cohen!
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- to Rabbi Yehoshua Domoosh, who will be leading our Sephardic minyan this Shabbat, along with his wife, Ruchama, and their son, David!
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- to Alex Folkinshteyn on his Bar Mitzvah and to his parents Jennie & Ben Folkinshteyn!
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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: Rachel & Harold Terk in commemoration of the 25th Yahrzeit of Rachel's mother, Edith Rubin Paru z"l (Yehudis bat Yehuda Leib)
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- Chapel Kiddush: Liba & Steve Steinmetz in commemoration of the Yahrzeit of Steve's father, HaRav Yekutiel Tzvi Ben HaRav Chananya Yom Tov Lipa, z"l
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- Sanctuary Kiddush: In celebration of Alex Folkinshteyn's Bar Mitzvah by his grandparents, Cookie & Mike Woltz and Galina & Leo Folkinshteyn
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- Seudah Shlishit: FIDF in Honor of our IDF Soldiers; and Diane & Rabbi Daniel Cohen in honor of Anat Chavkin, Rebecca Grossman and the FIDF
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Friends of the IDF Shabbat
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Monday, October 12 - 8:00 PM
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Tuesday, October 13 - 4:30 PM
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Faith & Blue at Congregation Agudath Sholom
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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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Information Session for Heritage Journey to Budapest, Vienna and Prague Trip
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Sunday, October 18 - 10:30 AM
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Sunday, October 18 - 3:00 PM
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Sushi and Shiur: A Monthly Women’s Learning Night
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Monday, October 19 - 8:00 PM
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Midrash for the Soul (4-part series)
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Tuesday, October 20 - 8:15 AM
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The Battle Within (7-part Series)
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Tuesday, October 20 - 9:00 AM
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Torah for Life Lunch & Learn Series with Rabbi Cohen
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Tuesday, October 20 - 12:00 PM
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Thursday, October 22 - 7:30 PM
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Sunday, October 25 - 9:30 AM
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Bracelet Making for 3rd-5th grade girls
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Sunday, October 25 - 4:00 PM
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Teen Ice Cream and Learning
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Sunday, October 25 - 4:00 PM
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Understanding Israel's Elections
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Monday, October 26 - 7:30 PM
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Kabbalah and the Hidden Architecture of You (6 part series)
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Wednesday, October 28 - 10:30 AM
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55+ Social Committee at the Museum
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Thursday, October 29 - 11:00 AM
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Friday Night Dinner with Dr. Elana Stein Hain
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Friday, October 30 - 6:45 PM
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Senior Challah Delivery Sponsorships
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Shabbat with Dr. Elana Stein Hain
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Shabbat, October 31 - 11:00 AM
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Sunday, November 1 - 10:00 AM
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CAS Youth Dodgeball for 3rd-6th grade boys
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Sunday, November 1 - 2:00 PM
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Axe Throwing with Combined Men's Clubs of Stamford
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Thursday, November 5 - 7:00 PM
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Kuriansky Teen Leadership Institute Applications Now Open Classes will take place monthly, October through May - KTLI is a leadership program that empowers Jewish teens to make a difference in our community, through the values of Tzedakah (philanthropy), Tikun Olam (social justice), and Gemilut Chasadim (acts of loving kindness). Teens entering 10th, 11th, or 12th grade are invited to apply, and KTLI alumni are welcome to participate. Apply today at http://www.ujf.org/leadership
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Pre-Bar/Bat Mitzvah Programs Begin October 18
Man Up with Rabbi Daniel Cohen brings 7th-grade boys and their fathers together to explore what Judaism teaches about becoming a man and the responsibilities of Bar Mitzvah.
Matan, led by Diane Cohen, brings 6th-grade girls and their mothers together to learn about inspiring Jewish women while strengthening the mother-daughter bond.
Both programs begin Sunday, October 18. A wonderful opportunity to learn, connect, and prepare together for this important milestone.
Sign up on the CAS website
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- Shabbat Icebreakers (courtesy of Yaakov Moshe and Elisheva Shmidman)
- What is your favorite story ending or beginning (Bereshis)?
- What is a part of creation that fascinates you or fills you with wonder (7 days of creation)?
- What is a time you stood up for a sibling (Kayin asks “Am I my brother’s keeper?”)?
- Would You Rather live for hundreds of years but be the only one with that trait or live a normal lifespan (the Torah records that the lifespans of people used to be for hundreds of years)?
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- A Message from Rabbi Daniel Cohen About UJF’s Big Give We encourage everyone to participate, volunteer, and support UJF’s Big Give on Sunday, October 25, a wonderful day of unity and community building for Stamford, New Canaan, and Darien. Through volunteer opportunities, family activities, and UJF’s annual phone-a-thon, the Big Give supports the organizations that strengthen Jewish life throughout our community, including CAS.
This year, every new or increased gift will be matched dollar for dollar up to $25,000, thanks to Gayle and Howard Rothman and Marilyn and Harry Soffer. Bring your tzedakah boxes as well for the community-wide Tzedakah Box Project.
Please consider volunteering, making a gift, and being part of this important community-wide day.
Yasher koach to UJF CEO Diane Sloyer and Big Give chairs Robin Fischel, Robin Madan, and Stacy Ferber for their leadership.
Register for UJF’s Big Give
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- Important Message from Rabbi Daniel Cohen
The Eighth Front: An American Jewish Future Initiative
Uniting people, ideas, and resources to build the alliances and action this moment demands.
David Harris challenged our community to recognize that this is not a moment to stand on the sidelines. His message strengthened my resolve to engage more deeply with the challenges facing the Jewish people, Israel, and America and to help turn concern into action.
God willing, I will convene a group in October to explore what we can do together. If you can contribute ideas, expertise, relationships, partnerships, or resources, please contact me at rabbicohen@cas-stamford.org.
The moment is urgent. The responsibility is ours. It is time to step forward.
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- Join the Israel Advocacy Committee Our commitment to Israel extends beyond our prayers—to our voices, learning, and advocacy. To become more involved in Israel engagement at Agudath Sholom, please contact me or Paul Schieber, Chair of our Israel Advocacy Committee, at phschieber@gmail.com. Together, we can strengthen support for Israel and make a meaningful difference.
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- Israel Advocacy - Sign up for Pens and Swords This group shares links to petitions and information about how everyone can contact political figures and businesses to advocate on behalf of Israel. Most of these actions take under a minute to complete and they keep pressure on policymakers to support Israel and/or drop actions that are detrimental. Please share the link for this group with as many supporters of Israel and the Jewish people as possible. click here
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- Shacharit Sunday: 7:15/8:30 AM; Monday: 6:20/7:30/8:30 AM; Tuesday-Friday: 6:30/7:30/8:30 AM
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- Mincha Sunday-Thursday: 6:05 PM; Friday: 5:58 PM
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- Candle Lighting Friday: 5:53 PM
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- Sunday/Monday Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan
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We Wish A Speedy Recovery To
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- Elia Shava
- Hodel Dena
- Yaffa bat Hanna
- Leah bat Tziporah
- Moshe Yosef ben Sarah Leah
- Aharon ben Bracha
- Shalom ben Hannah
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- Shaina Faiga bat Rivka
- Esther Miriam bat Chana
- Ilana Idit bat Leeba
- Leeba bat Chana Surah
- Sarah Shlomit bat Leeba
- Yoseph ben Esther Miriam
- Ahuva Malka bat Sarah
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- Hadassa bat Miriam
- Sarah Bat-El bat Daniella
- Bayla Frimet bat Rivka Henshe
- Yaakov Kopel Moshe ben Rivka
- Yehudit bat Jacqueline
- Yehuda ben Sarah
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- Shani Y
- Frederick B
- Sally K
- Elimelech E
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- Rachel M
- Jeremy S
- Yehudit S
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- UJF's The Big Give Sunday, October 25 - from 9am-4pm at the UJF Office.Join in a day of unity, philanthropy, and community building at UJF’s Big Give! With something for everyone, the day features meaningful volunteer opportunities, an exciting phone-a-thon, family-friendly activities, inspiring speakers, and more. Come together, get involved, and help make a lasting impact on our Jewish community. Sign up today at www.ujf.org/BigGive26
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- UJF's Glenn Cohen: Hope After Captivity Wednesday, November 4 – at 7:30pm Insights from Mossad Chief Psychologist, the leading mental health professional who debriefed the 168 hostages. Glenn reveals rare and inspiring untold stories of resilience from freed hostages and NOVA survivors. Register today at www.ujf.org/glenncohen
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- Join our community for an uplifting evening featuring the Special in Uniform band! November 5, 7:30 pm A unique Jewish National Fund-USA initiative, Special in Uniform enables young Israeli adults with disabilities to serve in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), creating belonging and opening doors to meaningful opportunities. Enjoy a dessert reception, and an unforgettable musical performance embodying the spirit of Israel. For more information: jnf.org/powermusic
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- UJF's Rothschild Society Presents: Staying One Step Ahead of Cyber Threats Monday, November 16 - at 7pm In today’s digital world, cyber threats can impact organizations of all sizes. Join UJF’s Rothschild Society for a free virtual seminar featuring cybersecurity experts Evgin Heath and Jeremy Paulson, who will share practical strategies to safeguard your organization, protect sensitive data, and reduce online risks. Advance registration is required. Sign up today at www.ujf.org/CyberSecurity
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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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bulletin@cas-stamford.org