Congregation Agudath Sholom Shabbat Bulletin

Congregation Agudath Sholom Shabbat Bulletin Achrei Mot-Kedoshim Omer: 23 April 25, 2026 8 of Iyyar send your submission to bulletin@cas-stamford.org ‌ ‌ Friday Mincha 7:00 PM Candle Lighting 7:25 PM Shabbat Shacharit 7:00/8:00/9:00 AM Latest Shema 8:41 AM Sephardic Minyan 8:45 AM Coffee & Commentary 8:45 AM Melachim Class 9:00 AM Bob's Basics 10:00 AM Family Minyan 10:00 AM Latest Shacharit 10:05 AM Sanctuary Sermon (apx.) 11:00 AM Pre-Mincha Shiur 6:15 PM Mincha 7:20 PM Havdalah 8:27 PM Shabbat Shalom Kedoshim: From Distinction to Elevation to Impact Each year we return to the parsha of Kedoshim, not simply to revisit familiar words, but to deepen our understanding of what those words ask of us. The Torah returns to us so that we can return to it with greater awareness and a greater readiness to live what it teaches. The opening command is simple, yet profound. Kedoshim tihyu, be holy. But what does that mean? Some understand holiness as separation, others as purity or righteousness, and still others as the way we treat other people. Each of these is true, because holiness is not one idea. It is a way of life that encompasses multiple dimensions. This becomes clear when we look at the parsha itself. While it begins with a call to holiness, much of it focuses on how we relate to others. Returning a lost object, refusing to take revenge, not standing idly by. These are not peripheral details. They are central. Holiness is not achieved by withdrawing from the world alone. It is built through the way we live within it, especially in how we encounter other people. Our tradition offers three classic approaches that together form a framework for living a life of Kedushah. Rashi, reading the parsha in context, defines holiness as separation from what is improper. Kedoshim tihyu means learning to refrain. Holiness begins with the discipline to say no, with the clarity that not every environment and not every impulse is meant for us. In a world that constantly blurs boundaries, this is a powerful form of holiness. It is the courage to be distinct. The Ramban expands this idea in a striking way. A person can follow the law and still live without refinement or dignity. It is possible to remain within what is permitted and yet miss the spirit entirely. For this reason, the Ramban teaches that holiness means sanctifying even what is allowed. The question is not only what we do, but how we do it. How we eat, speak, build relationships, and use our time. Holiness is not withdrawal. It is elevation. It is bringing purpose and presence into the ordinary moments of life. The Ishbitzer adds a third dimension. Holiness is also about readiness. It is the awareness that life constantly presents opportunities for meaning. A holy person is attentive, prepared to respond when a moment calls. Not waiting for ideal circumstances, but recognizing that even small moments can carry significance. A few minutes used well, a word offered at the right time, a simple act of care. Holiness is the ability to notice and step into those moments. These approaches are not in conflict. Together, they form a complete vision. Holiness requires the discipline to step back from what diminishes us, the commitment to elevate what is within our reach, and the readiness to step forward when a moment of purpose appears. Perhaps this is why the Torah introduces this command to the entire community. This is not a calling for the few. It is an invitation for everyone. Holiness is not found in a single act, but in the accumulation of choices, in the way we live each day. To live a life of Kedoshim is to live with clarity, intention, and readiness. To know where not to go, to elevate where we already are, and to remain open to the moments that ask something more of us. When these come together, holiness is no longer abstract. It becomes real, present, and woven into the fabric of our lives. Wishing you and your families a Shabbat Shalom and God willing, a full redemption speedily and in our days, Rabbi Daniel Cohen Security Update  The door codes will be changing on Tuesday, April 28th. Please contact the office for the new code. In case you missed it  Thank God, we had a meaningful Yom Hazkiaron and Yom Ha'atzmaut Program. The videos are available for viewing here: Idan Amedi song Ari video Omer video FIDF video Lion of Zion MDA video NBN video Shabbat Topics & Participants Coffee & Commentary Rabbi Daniel Cohen Melachim Class Mark Wagshul Bob's Basics Rabbi Bob Abrams Sanctuary Sermon SIR Chaim Saiman: “What Makes Jewish Ethics Different?” - A compelling exploration of how Jewish values compare to the moral systems shaping today’s world Pre-Mincha Shiur SIR Chaim Saiman: “Is Judaism a System—or a Way of Life?” - Rethinking what Halakhah truly is—and why it matters now more than ever Seudah Shlishit SIR Chaim Saiman: “When Power Meets Values" - Can strength and spirituality coexist in today’s reality? Welcome Scholar in Residence Chaim Saiman! Join us for a thought-provoking Shabbat this weekend with Professor Saiman, exploring how timeless Jewish wisdom engages the most pressing questions of modern life. Mazal Tov to Shana & Robert Yakubovich on the engagement of their son Andrew to Liana Shtern, daughter of Natalie Trubetsky and Sam Shtern! to Lawrence Heller and Dayna Langfan on the engagement of their son Bennett Heller to Jessica Jakoby, daughter of Arthur and Janet Jakoby of New Rochelle! to Drs. Aderet & Gavriel Shechter on the birth of a baby boy! Shalom Zachor will be Friday Night at 9:30 - 11:00 PM in the Element One Lobby - 111 Morgan Street to Stephanie & Robert Sherman on the arrival of a granddaughter, Betty Claire, born to Kate & Justin Diamond! to Audrey Waldstreicher on the arrival of a great-great-granddaughter, born to Sarah Naomi and Oz Shapira in Israel! to Eliza & Uri Pearl on the birth of a baby girl, Nessa Emmanuelle / נסה שולמית! Mazal Tov to big sister Mira! to Rachel Feit & Elie Weiner on the birth of a baby boy, Aiden Jacob / Yaakov Nachum! Mazal Tov to big siblings Caleb, Sophie and Micah! to Rachel & Moshe Cohen on the birth of a baby boy, Itai Yosef! Mazal Tov to big brother Yehuda and big sister Tal! Celebrate with the family! Make a donation in their honor and we will send an acknowledgement to the family. Just click here Thank You to Elliot Linder for all his technical support for the Yom HaZikaron/Yom HaAtzmaut program! to our Yom HaZikaron/Yom HaAtzmaut program sponsors: Dina Berger in honor of the brave and resilient IDF soldiers; Darona & Tzvi Bernstein with gratitude for the State of Israel; Rachel & Dan Haron; Tricia & Robert Hoff; Veronica Reich in honor of all our brave soldiers fighting for Am Yisrael; Jonah, Howard & Carl Schrag in memory of Bella Schrag z"l; and Marilyn & Harry Soffer Thanks To Our Sponsors Senior Challah Deliveries: Greg & Amanda Smith 7AM Kiddush: David Bessaleli in commemoration of the yahrzeit of his mother, Hanna Bat Yosef z”l Sanctuary Kiddush: Co-sponsored by Marilyn Altman Fider & John Fider, and Leonard Altman in commemoration of the yahrzeit of Marilyn and Leonard's mother, Beatrice (Baila) Greenspan Altman z"l, and in memory of their Aunt Frieda Greenspan z"l; Robert Hoff with appreciation for all the early birds who arrive at 9:00 AM for the Shabbat morning Sanctuary minyan so it can start on time; Karen & Bob Katchko in memory of Paul Singer z"l; and Joseph Mittel in celebration of his 75th Bar Mitzvah anniversary Seudah Shlishit: Diane & Rabbi Daniel Cohen in memory Diane's grandmother, Esther Bas Moshe HaKohen Paid Advertisement Sign Up for these Events learn more Scholar in Residence Weekend with Chaim Saiman Shabbat, April 25 sign up Chess Club Tuesday, April 28 - 4:30 PM sign up Shabbat Backyard Shmooze! Shabbat, May 2 - 4:00 PM sign up Coffee Tasting & Mini Shiur with Rabbi Roberts Sunday, May 3 - 10:30 AM sign up Stamford Jewish Experience Lag Ba'Omer Fire Pit Monday, May 4 - 8:00 PM sign up Activating Your Purpose Tuesday, May 5 - 8:15 AM sign up CAS Movie Club Sunday, May 10 - 8:00 PM sign up Yom Yerushalayim Celebration Thursday, May 14 - 7:30 PM Learn more Jewish Heritage Trip to France Learn more Senior Challah Delivery Sponsorships Upcoming Events Literature at Lunch Roundtable led by Dr. Richard Schwartz Wednesday, April 29 - 12:00 PM We will read closely Psalm 121 (I raise my eyes unto the mountains) that we are chanting here at CAS in our daily services in support of our brothers and sisters in Israel. Lunch catered from Restaurant 613 is graciously catered by your host. If you have any questions and/or if you plan to attend in person, please contact me at rj@richardjschwartz.comZoom personal meeting ID 8784487429 Passcode 868450 CAS Announcements Mitzvah Opportunity: Jim’s Community Garden at Agudath Sholom  As we welcome spring, we’re preparing to bring Jim’s Community Garden back to life—and we’d love your help. Kickoff Meeting: April 29/ Ongoing volunteering: Wednesday evenings Whether you’d like to plant, build, maintain, or help lead the garden—or simply join a meaningful, hands-on volunteer experience—there’s a place for you. This year, we’re also expanding with a new flower garden to enhance the space. Contact: Amy Fishkow (203-249-3920) Join the WhatsApp group Mitzvah Opportunity: Shabbat Hospital Care Packages  Help bring comfort and dignity to hospital patients through thoughtfully prepared Shabbat care packages.We’re looking for a small team—or a coordinator—to help oversee this meaningful chesed initiative. What’s involved: Ordering supplies (occasionally), Packing bags, Final Friday prep (adding challah) and Light coordination (delivery support already in place) Commitment: One month at a time (approx. 4x/year, shared rotation) To get involved, contact Rabbi Cohen. 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 Michael Feldstein news  click here and click here Weekday Schedule Interested in the 8:30am weekday minyan?  Join the WhatsApp group for updates. Shacharit  Sunday: 7:15/8:30 AM; Monday-Friday: 6:30/7:30/8:30 AM Mincha  Sunday-Thursday: 7:35 PM; Friday: 7:00 PM Candle Lighting  Friday: 7:33 PM Sunday  Omer: 24 Monday  Omer: 25 Tuesday  Omer: 26 Wednesday  Omer: 27 Thursday  Omer: 28 Friday  Omer: 29, Pesach Sheni CAS Classes Join one of our classes. Click here for up to date schedule We Wish A Speedy Recovery To Aharon ben Bracha Shalom ben Hannah Mikhail ben Goda Esther Miriam. ‏ ‏אסתר ‏מרים bat ‏Chana חנה Ilana Idit אילנה עידית bat Leeba ליבה Leeba ליבה bat Chana Surah. חנה סורה Sarah Shlomit שרה שלומית bat ‏Leeba ‏ ליבה Yoseph. ‏ ‏יוסף ben Esther Miriam. ‏ ‏אסתר ‏מרים Ahuva Malka bat Sarah Click here to add a name to this list We Honor Our Military Ariel Y Shani Y Tali Y Yoad A Harry B CZM JEM AMM Nathan H Noam H Yehudit Sally K Oren L Nathan L Elimelech E Rachel M Jeremy S Yehudit S Meni N Yaniv H Click here to add a name to this list Community Announcements 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 An Evening with Aviva Klompas  Thursday, April 30 at 7:30pm - Join UJF for a presentation by Aviva Klompas, co-Founder and CEO of Boundless, former Head of Speechwriting at Israel's Permanent Mission to the U.N., and author of the books Speaking for Israel and Stand-Up Nation. Register at www.ujf.org/Klompas 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. 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 Please donate & participate in The Friendship Day & Walk  May 17th from 12:30-2:30pm. Come for a free family fun day as we walk hand in hand and heart to heart in support of families of individuals with special needs. There will be entertainment, delicious food, and more. Visit www.FriendshipDayCT.com to sign up! 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. 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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