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Congregation Agudath Sholom
Shabbat Bulletin |
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| Lech-Lecha |
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October 24, 2026 |
13 Cheshvan |
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| Friday |
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| Candle Lighting |
5:43 PM |
| Mincha |
5:48 PM |
| Shabbat |
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| 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 |
9:57 AM |
| Bob's Basics |
10:00 AM |
| Family Minyan |
10:00 AM |
| Shiur |
10:30 AM |
| Latest Shacharit |
10:51 AM |
| Daf Yomi |
4:45 PM |
| Code Of Jewish Law |
4:45 PM |
| Mincha |
5:35 PM |
| Havdalah |
6:42 PM |
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Are You a Descendant or an Ancestor?
One conversation can change the direction of a person's life. Not long ago, I was speaking with a friend of mine, Cheston, who had undergone a remarkable transformation in his Jewish life. I asked what had inspired him to deepen his commitment to Judaism and build a home rooted in Torah and Jewish values. He shared several pivotal conversations, but one especially stayed with me. Years earlier, Cheston was flying in a private plane with Herb, an older friend and mentor. During the flight, Herb asked him a question he would never forget: “Cheston, do you want to be a descendant, or do you want to be an ancestor?” We are all descendants, beneficiaries of the sacrifices, values, and commitments of those who came before us. But becoming an ancestor requires something more: making choices today that will shape the lives of generations tomorrow. This distinction lies at the heart of this week's Torah portion. God commands Avraham, Lech Lecha — leave your land, your birthplace, and your father's home, and journey to a land that I will show you. Avraham inherited a family, a culture, and a worldview. Yet God challenged him to move beyond the assumptions of his upbringing and forge a relationship with Him that would transform history. Avraham's greatness lay not simply in leaving his past behind, but in taking responsibility for the future. A fascinating teaching in the Talmud (Pesachim 117b) illuminates this idea. We begin the Amidah by invoking the God of Avraham, the God of Yitzchak, and the God of Yaakov. Yet we conclude the first blessing with only Magen Avraham — Shield of Avraham. Why? Rabbi Shimon Schwab explains that our relationship with God has two dimensions: the spiritual inheritance we receive from previous generations and the personal relationship we develop through our own choices and experiences. When we invoke our three patriarchs, we acknowledge the faith and sacrifices of those who came before us. But why conclude with Avraham alone? Unlike Yitzchak and Yaakov, Avraham had no inherited Jewish covenant upon which to build. Surrounded by idolatry, he discovered God and forged his own relationship with Him. Yitzchak and Yaakov inherited that covenant, but each still had to make it his own. Avraham represents the essential first step: discovering God personally rather than relying solely upon the faith of others. Rabbi Schwab explains that when we conclude with Magen Avraham, we thank God not only for our inherited faith, but for the personal connection we ourselves have developed with Him. Our ancestors can provide the foundation, but they cannot live our spiritual lives for us. An inherited faith becomes enduring when we make it our own. This is the challenge of Lech Lecha. Avraham did not merely preserve a legacy. He created one. God promises him, Veheyeh Berachah — “You shall be a blessing.” Rashi explains that until this point, God bestowed blessings directly. Now Avraham would be entrusted with the power to bless others. He was not simply receiving a blessing. He was being called to become one. The same responsibility belongs to us. We honor our ancestors not simply by remembering their values, but by living them and passing them forward. Our influence extends beyond our families to every person we teach, encourage, welcome, or inspire. Avraham was seventy-five years old when God called him to begin his journey. His greatest contributions were still ahead of him. The same can be true for us. This Shabbat, let us ask ourselves: What have I inherited from those who came before me? What have I made my own? And what am I doing to ensure that my faith and values will endure? We cannot choose the ancestors from whom we descend. But we can choose the kind of ancestors we become. Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Daniel Cohen |
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Shabbat Topics & Participants
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| Friday Night Dvar Torah |
Zach Mainzer, Rabbinic Intern |
| Coffee & Commentary |
Rabbi Daniel Cohen |
| Melachim Class |
Mark Wagshul |
| Bob's Basics |
Rabbi Bob Abrams |
| Shiur |
Zach Mainzer, Rabbinic Intern: Avraham in Egypt: Mistake or Master Plan |
| Sanctuary Sermon |
Rabbi Aryeh Roberts: Politics and the People Close to Us |
| Seudah Shlishit |
Zach Mainzer, Rabbinic Intern: Can You Think Your Way to Emunah? |
| Teen Learning |
Aryeh Klein |
- to Mia Dubitzky on her Bat Mitzvah this weekend and to her parents Emily & Zvi!
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- to Jessica & Ari Tretin on the birth of a baby boy! Mazal Tov to big sister Ziva and grandparents Judy & Jeffrey Tretin! Shalom Zachor - Friday at 8:30 PM at 15 Hackett Circle North
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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
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Thanks To Our Yom Kippur Donors
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Thank You We express our profound gratitude to everyone who has contributed thus far to our Yom Kippur appeal. Whether a lot or a little, the donation from your heart is an eternal investment in our shul and makes a difference! If you have not done so already, please join them.
Andrea & Daniel Aaron
Mariya Feldman & Alexander Abramov
Marjory & Robert Abrams
Johanna & Selim Akyuz
Rachel & Joseph Angel
Barbara & Ronald Ashkenas
Sara & Nathan Baruch
Gayle & Mitchell Bell
Albert Bensimon
Debra & Michael Berg
Dina Berger
Karen & Ira Berk
Abby Berk
Lynn & Harvey Berman
Judith & Matthew Bernstein
Darona & Harold Bernstein
Stephanie & Joshua Bilenker
Ellen Borker
Pavel Bortnovskiy
Jodi & Richard Boxer
Jessie & David Brand
Herbert Bregman
Judith & Jeffrey Cahn
Joyce & Barry Chavkin
Anat & Marc Chavkin
Zoe & Harry Chiel
C. Sheila Cohen
Diane & Rabbi Daniel Cohen
Meredith & David Cohen
Rachel & Ephraim Cohen
Bernice & Raymond Coll
Judy & Nesim Contente
Arline Gewanter & Lloyd Contract
Lenore & Michael Cooper
Rami Dennis
Rosalie & Stuart Feldman
Tamara Feurstein
Sam Fischel
Theresa & Robert Fischer
Stephanie & Howard Fogel
Jennie & Benjamin Folkinshteyn
Maren Roccamonte & Jon Freedberg
Rhoda & Avram Freedberg
Lynn & Steve Frenkel
Miriam Gelb
Lori & Raphael Gilbert
Sharon & Michael Glick
Roslyn & L. Morris Glucksman
Shari & Allen Glucksman
Tova & Joshua Goldberg
Avielle Movsas & Bradley Goldstein
Sandra & Robert Goldstein
Shmouel Gov-Ari
Gloria Green
Jill & Arthur Green
Tatiana Kunik & Mikhael Guy
Rachel & Jeremy Hager
Kayla & Leon Hanna
Rachel & Dan Haron
Meghan & Yoav Haron
Ronen Haron
Kamal Haron
Naomi Hersh
Sarah & David Hochman
Tricia & Robert Hoff
Susan & Aaron Hollander
Andrea Horowitz
Elizabeth & Andre Jacobovitz
Judith & Nathan Janette
Monica & Eric Jankelovits
Rachel Seligson & David Jelen
Sandra & Michael Kamen
Helene & Harvey Kaminski
Karen & Robert Katchko
Jessica & Ilan Katz
Joan & Sheldon Katz
Lonnie Keene
Susan & Max Kolbrenner
Tamar & Daniel Kraus
Lorraine & David Kweskin
Aviva Movsas & Danny Lauer
Andrea & Ari Lefkovits
Tamar & Jason Levine
Judith & L. Andrew Levine
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Marla & Jason Lewis
Sharon & Jeff Lewis
Indra & David Liebskind
Esther & Paul Liesman
Ana & Albert Lilienfeld
Laura & Elliot Linder
Vered & Mark Links
Anna & Victor Litvinov
Gail & Robert Loonin
Nina & Norman Lotstein
Rhonda & Judd Love
Betty & Randy Makovsky
Roselyn Mangot
Lorraine Hutzler & James Marcus
Dinah Miller & Seth Marlowe
Rhonda Schaffer-Maron & Jeffrey Maron
Deborah & Neil Metviner
Janice & Jacob Meyer
Kori & William Meyers
Nancy & Gadi Mimoun
Joseph Mittel
Jane & Philip Molstre
Tess Brown & Nathan Morris
Shira & Marc Nerenberg
Bruce Newman
Irwin Niedober
Doreen & Howard Nusbaum
Alexandra & Brett Olsson
Jonathan Osser
Alison & Nate Pava
Miriam & Gideon Pell
Marina Sapir & Alexander Podelko
Rosa & Saiid Rastegar
Judith & Robert Raymond
Maria & Glenn Reicin
Hilary & Alan Rifkin
Laurie Rogoff
Gayle & Howard Rothman
Sara & Yonnie Rubinfeld
Jackie & Alex Sable
Aviva & Paul Schieber
Ivy & Marvin Schildkraut
Ilyse & Dean Schuckman
Rochelle & Harold Schwartz
Richard Schwartz
Rochelle & Edward Senker
Helen & Sheldron Seplowitz
Sherry & Rahim Shamash
Rosalyn Sherman
Rebecca & Eric Sigman
Judith Singer
Lisa & Abraham Slen
Shirley Zajdel & Arthur Smith
Kathy & Gary Sosnovich
Amy & Samuel Sroka
Ayelet & Keith Steinberg
Eve & Philip Steinmetz
Toby & Gene Tabachnick
Bernard Teig
Rachel & Harold Terk
Rebecca & Jonathan Tipermas
Ailene & Steven Tisser
Laura & Seth Tobin
Judy & Jeffrey Tretin
Ludmila Tuller
Pamela & Richard Vogel
Audrey Waldstreicher
Sandi & Stuart Waldstreicher
Sarah Bierman & Daniel Wallis
Linda Gornitsky & Harvey Weber
Barbara & Harry Webski
Howard Weiss
Sharon & Simeon Wohlberg
Elise & David Wolfsohn
Shana & Robert Yakubovich
Shushannah & Ari Yasgur
Maria & Ariel Yusupov
Helene Zimmerman
Hillary & Robert Zitter
Navah & David Zizmor
Irina & Anatoly Zusman
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- Senior Challah Deliveries: Margie & Bob Abrams in commemoration of the yahrzeit of Margie's father, Martin Edelston z"l (Moshe ben Sara)
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- 7AM Kiddush: Navah & David Zizmor in honor of David’s 32nd anniversary of his Bar Mitzvah
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- Chapel Kiddush: Sara & Yonnie Rubinfeld in honor of their birthdays
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- Sanctuary Kiddush: Rhoda & Avram Freedberg in commemoration of the yahrzeit of Avram's father, George Freedberg z"l (Yosef Chanan ben Shabsai Hakohen)
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- Seudah Shlishit: Monica & Eric Jankelovits in commemoration of the yahrzeit of Eric's father, Arye Jankelovits z"l (Dovid Aryeh Ben Yitzchak Isaac)
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Man Up Pre-Bar Mitzvah Father/Son Class
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Sunday, October 25 - 9:15 AM
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Sunday, October 25 - 9:30 AM
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Matan Pre-Bat Mitzvah Mother/Daughter Class
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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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Midrash for the Soul (4-part series)
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Tuesday, October 27 - 8:15 AM
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The Battle Within (7-part Series)
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Tuesday, October 27 - 9:00 AM
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Torah for Life Lunch & Learn Series with Rabbi Cohen
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Tuesday, October 27 - 12:00 PM
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Tuesday, October 27 - 4:30 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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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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Sunday, November 8 - 3:00 PM
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Senior Challah Delivery Sponsorships
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Literature at Lunch Roundtable led by Dr. Richard Schwartz
Wednesday, October 28 - 12:00 PM
Our theme for the next nine sessions is directed to those who would like to remain young at heart by deciphering poems that contrast extremes such as Free Choice versus Fate, War versus Peace, Zealotry versus Indifference , Despair versus Love, Solitude versus Companionship, etc. After each explication we dive deeply into related Hebrew texts to unearth the wisdom they convey. In our first session we will discuss "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost to illustrate the role of free will. We then meet Wednesday November 18th at noon to discuss "March of War" by Chinese poet Du Fu. And on Wednesday December 9th, Frost's poem "Fire and Ice.' is slated to be on our Roundtable. Lunch catered by Restaurant 613 is graciously provided by your host. Please respond to rj@richardjschwartz.com if you plan to attend in person. Zoom Meeting ID 8784487429 Passcode 868450
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- Message from Nina Bernstein - Bring Smiles to Children at Stamford Hospital!
For my Bat Mitzvah chesed project, I am collecting toys for David’s Treasure Closet at Stamford Hospital, which brings comfort and happiness to children during their hospital stays.
Ever since I was little, my family and I have donated toys to David’s Treasure Closet. It has always made me so happy to know that something as simple as a toy can bring a smile to a child’s face, especially during a difficult time. Now, as I prepare for my Bat Mitzvah, I’m excited to continue this special mitzvah and help bring joy to other children in our community.
Donation boxes will be available through November 13 at Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy, Congregation Agudath Sholom, and Young Israel of Stamford. Thank you so much for helping me make a difference, one toy and one smile at a time!
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- Shabbat Icebreakers (courtesy of Yaakov Moshe and Elisheva Shmidman)
- What is a promise someone made to you that you never forgot? (Hashem promises Avraham that his descendants will inherit the land.)
- What is a time you realized it was better to separate from someone or something rather than keep fighting? (Avraham and Lot separate after tension between their shepherds.)
- Have you ever gone through a phase where people started calling you something different? (Avram becomes Avraham, and Sarai becomes Sarah.)
- Would You Rather - move somewhere new without knowing exactly what it will be like, or stay somewhere familiar even if you know you are ready for a change? (“Lech lecha” — Avraham is told to leave everything familiar.)
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- Standing Together with the Herzfeld Family — A Personal Appeal from Rabbi Cohen
We were deeply moved by the courageous presentation from Esther Herzfeld and her daughter Rivka, who shared the extraordinary challenges facing their family as Esther’s four children, now young adults, live with juvenile-onset ALS.
Their faith, resilience, and strength were powerful reminders to cherish our blessings and never take them for granted.
I am personally asking you to join me in helping Esther and her family. The financial demands of providing compassionate, around-the-clock assistance for her children are immense. Thank God, they continue to strive to lead meaningful and productive lives, and we can help ensure they receive the support they need to do so with dignity.
Please consider making a meaningful contribution to the Charity Fund today to help the Herzberg Family and others in need in our community. Every gift helps ease a family's financial burden.
Kol Yisrael areivim zeh bazeh—every Jew is responsible for one another. Esther and her family should not have to shoulder this burden alone. I hope we can come together as a community and make a real difference in their lives.
May God bless Esther and her entire family with strength, healing, good news, and miracles in the days ahead.
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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-Friday: 6:30/7:30/8:30 AM
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- Mincha Sunday-Thursday: 5:40 PM; Friday: 5:39 PM
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- Candle Lighting Friday: 5:34 PM
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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
- Shmaryahu ben Raizel Shoshana Miriam
- 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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- SAR Mini Mall: Pre-Chanukah Boutique Sunday, November 8 | 12-4 PM | SAR High School - Get a head start on Chanukah shopping with jewelry, Judaica, clothing, housewares, toys, and baby gifts, plus a raffle. Brought to you by the SAR Parent Association. Vendors: Afterglow Kids, Anevis, Beità Designs, Charm by KM, Cheese Guy, Frostings By Venee, Garden Theory Soap Co., Georgia Eve Designs, Girl Crew, Infinite Potential, Koren Jerusalem, Krush, Local Hoops, LUMI, Mahj Mavens NYC, Perfect Dimples, resinATe, SAR StingWear, Sparkle by Sima, Tablecloth Direct NY, Tabletime Linens, Tamar Eagle Jewels, The 3 Cricuteers, Yessir...with more to come! Pop-up restaurants: Cafe Demi | Izzy’s BBQ Want to be a vendor? Sign up at bit.ly/SARMiniMallVendors (Food vendors: Register at bit.ly/SARMiniMallFood)
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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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- UJF's One Shabbat, One Community Saturday, December 5 – 6:00-8:30pm For the second year in a row, One Shabbat, One CommUNITY activities will take place the weekend of December 4–5. Every agency and synagogue in town will host its own individual Shabbat-themed programs throughout the weekend. Join together on Saturday evening, December 5, with agencies and synagogues from across the community for a joyous community Havdalah experience, featuring live music, kosher food, games, activities, and something for everyone to enjoy! Advance registration is required. www.ujf.org/OneShabbat
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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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