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Congregation Agudath Sholom
Shabbat Bulletin |
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| Chukat-Balak |
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June 27, 2026 |
12 Tamuz |
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| Friday |
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| Mincha |
7:00 PM/8:17 PM |
| Candle Lighting |
8:12 PM |
| Shabbat |
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| Shacharit |
7:00/8:00/9:00 AM |
| Latest Shema |
8:15 AM |
| Latest Shacharit |
9:49 AM |
| Family Minyan |
10:00 AM |
| Code Of Jewish Law |
7:20 PM |
| Mincha |
8:10 PM |
| Havdalah |
9:13 PM |
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The Miracles We Never See
One of the greatest spiritual challenges is recognizing the blessings we never notice. This insight emerges from a phrase many of us recite three times a day in the Amidah without giving it much thought: Melech ozer u'moshia u'magen—God is King, Helper, Savior, and Shield. The Vilna Gaon explains that these three descriptions reflect different ways we experience God's presence in our lives. An ozer, a helper, is God accompanying us through the ordinary rhythms of daily life. Every time we say "im yirtzeh Hashem" or "be'ezrat Hashem," we acknowledge that our plans and aspirations ultimately depend upon a higher hand guiding our journey. A moshia, a savior, is God who intervenes during moments of crisis. These are the times when we feel vulnerable, when we stand at our own "Red Sea" and pray for deliverance. We recognize that salvation often arrives when we need it most. But perhaps the most profound description is magen—shield. A shield protects us from dangers we never even know existed. We walk through life unaware of how many unseen obstacles have been diverted, how many accidents have been prevented, how many disappointments were actually hidden blessings. God's protection often operates quietly, behind the scenes, without fanfare or recognition. This week's Torah portion, Balak, offers one of the clearest examples of this idea. While the Jewish people traveled through the wilderness, they were completely unaware that King Balak had hired the prophet Balaam to curse them. High above the camp, a dramatic spiritual battle was unfolding. Balaam repeatedly attempted to bring harm upon the nation, yet God transformed every curse into a blessing. The remarkable part of the story is that the Jewish people never witnessed the miracle. They continued with their daily lives, oblivious to what was taking place. Only later did they learn that God had been protecting them all along. That is the essence of magen. The greatest miracles are often the ones we never see. Perhaps this is why one of Judaism's most powerful blessings is Asher Yatzar, recited after using the restroom. It reminds us to appreciate the countless bodily systems functioning properly every moment of every day. We rarely notice them until something goes wrong. Yet every healthy breath, heartbeat, and organ is a quiet testimony to God's ongoing protection. As we recite the words Melech ozer u'moshia u'magen, may we remember that God is not only present in the dramatic moments of life. Often, He is closest when we do not see Him at all, guiding, protecting, and shielding us from behind the scenes. Wishing you and your family a Shabbat Shalom and the full light of the redemption speedily and in our days, Rabbi Daniel Cohen |
Summer Dress Reminder We respectfully ask that those receiving an aliyah, leading any portion of our services, performing hagbah or gelilah, opening the Aron Kodesh, or participating in other synagogue honors refrain from wearing shorts or flip-flops. Thank you for helping preserve the dignity of our tefillot, the sanctity of our synagogue, and the honor of these sacred roles.
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Check out Rabbi Cohen's Blog on The Soul Wants That Feeling: What a championship can teach us about joy, connection, and living a meaningful life. click here
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America at 250 – Share Your Story
As we prepare to celebrate America's 250th anniversary, CAS will createa special "250 Acts of Gratitude" display and honoring those who have helped build and serve our nation.
We invite congregants to submit a brief reflection (1–3 sentences) answering:
"America made it possible for ________."
You may wish to share a family immigration story, honor a veteran or first responder, express gratitude for a cherished freedom, or reflect on an opportunity America has provided.
We are also seeking a few congregants willing to offer a brief 90-second reflection on what America has meant to their family during Shabbat, July 4th.
For more info, contact Rabbi Cohen. Please send submissions to Kim (kmahoney@cas-stamford.org) by July 1st.
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Thank you to Mitchell Bell and the Men’s Club for organizing the CAS Men's Club BBQ & 250th Celebration of USA and Jewish Life
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Welcome new members Reba and Dovid Baum and their son Charlie.
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Welcome new members Rabbi Jordan & Dr. Marti Soffer and their children Maayan, Reiut, Shoshana and Roey. We wish Rabbi Soffer much hatzlacha on his new role as Head of School of BCHA.
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Review of Three Weeks
- During the three weeks between the 17th of Tammuz until after Tisha B'Av, the custom is to observe some aspects of mourning over the destruction of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. The observance intensifies as Tisha B'Av approaches.
- The three weeks begins on Thursday, July 2nd,and ends on Tisha B’Av, Thursday, July 23rd. The observances of mourning are the following:
- Weddings should not be performed during this period.
- Listening to musical instruments is prohibited. Acapella is permitted.
- We refrain from reciting the blessing "shehecheyanu" on new garments or fruit, except on Shabbat.
We refrain from taking a haircut during this period.If you have questions, please be in touch with Rabbi Cohen or Rabbi Roberts The guidelines are designed to awaken within us the loss of the Temple and spur us to evaluate our own efforts in mending a broken world. God willing, through our meaningful observance of these rituals, we will merit to see the redemption and building of the third Beit Hamikdash speedily in our days.
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Shabbat Topics & Participants
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| Coffee & Commentary |
Rabbi Daniel Cohen: 48 Ways of Wisdom |
| Melachim Class |
Mark Wagshul |
| Code of Jewish Law |
Rabbi Yossi Kamman |
| Seudah Shlishit |
Rabbi Yossi Kamman |
- to Ellen Borker and Allie and Cookie Goldblum on the forthcoming marriage of Melanie Borker to Alex Koblenz
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- to Dr. Ariel Blum & Dr. Ben Zweig on the birth of a baby girl
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- to Drs. Danielle & Steven Thau on the birth of a grandson, Zecharya Pinchas, born to Francesca & Daniel Goldstein
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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 Marilyn Dale on the passing of her husband, Lewis
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- Senior Challah Deliveries Aviva & Paul Schieber in memory of Paul’s father’s yahrzeit, Shlomo ben Pinchas z”l (Solomon Schieber)
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- Chapel Kiddush In honor of the anniversary of Howard's Bar Mitzvah
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- Sanctuary Kiddush Ellen Borker in honor of the forthcoming marriage of Melanie Borker to Alex Koblenz
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CAS Men's Club BBQ & 250th Celebration of USA and Jewish Life
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Sunday, June 28 - 12:00 PM
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Thursday, July 9 - 9:15 AM
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Kiddush Lunch & Learn with Rabbi Shmuel Hain
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Shabbat, July 11 - 12:00 PM
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Senior Challah Delivery Sponsorships
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- The Jewish Response to Loss, Resilience, and RenewalScholar-in-Residence Shabbat with Rabbi Shmuel Hain-July 10–11
CAS is honored to welcome Rabbi Shmuel Hain for a special Scholar-in-Residence Shabbat during the Three weeks. Drawing upon Biblical, Rabbinic, halakhic, psychological, and contemporary perspectives, Rabbi Hain will explore how Judaism transforms experiences of loss and destruction into pathways of resilience, healing, faith, and renewal.
- Shabbat Morning Drasha- The Destruction That Builds: Finding Hope and Renewal in Times of Loss
- Shabbat Lunch & Learn- Jewish Mourning and the Human Journey: What Grief Teaches Us About Life, Love, and Faith. Adults $36 Children 10 and under $18 - RSVP click here by Tuesday, July 7th
- Seudah Shlishit - From Tisha B'Av to Consolation: The Jewish Path from Brokenness to Rebirth
Rabbi Hain is Rabbi of Young Israel of North Riverdale and an educator at SAR High School. He is widely recognized for his expertise in Hilchot Aveilut (the laws of mourning), combining halakhic depth, pastoral sensitivity, and insights from psychology and the humanities. He also teaches at RIETS, Yeshivat Chovevei Torah, and the Shalom Hartman Institute’s Rabbanut North America program. His forthcoming book on Jewish mourning will be published by the Jewish Publication Society in 2027.
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- Ice Breakers
- What is the most surprising thing you ever heard someone say (the donkey talks to Bilaam)?
- Recall a time Hashem guided you to a given situation/ prevented you from going to a given situation (the angel sends Bilaam a message on his journey that he must say whatever the angel tells him to say).
- What is a great view you experienced (Balak takes Bilaam out to different points overlooking different areas)?
- Would You Rather -Would you rather be able to communicate with animals or know all the human languages (Bilaam talks to the donkey)?
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- Save the Date! 55+ Empty Nesters Sunset Cruise Sunday Aug. 2nd, 6-8 pm. We will be sailing for 2 hours at sunset in a large sailboat schooner. Get more information at soundwaters.org/sails-rentals/public-schooner-sails, then go to sailing trips. Contact Bruce Newman, as needed (bruce.newman8@gmail.com, 313-549-7014).
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- Shacharit Sunday: 7:15/8:30 AM; Monday-Thursday: 6:30/7:30/8:30 AM; Friday: 7:00/8:30 AM
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- Mincha Sunday-Wednesday: 8:15 PM; Thursday: 7:55 PM; Friday: 7:00 PM/8:17 PM
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- Candle Lighting Friday: 8:12 PM
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- Thursday 17th of Tamuz Fast Begins 3:36 AM, Ends 9:07 PM
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New Class with Rabbi Yisrael Deren on Shabbat Mornings: The Rebbe on the Parsha 7:45 AM - 8:45 AM. A weekly deep dive into a part of the Parsha through the lens of the Rebbe’s Torah, primarily from Likkutei Sichos.
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We Wish A Speedy Recovery To
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- Aharon ben Bracha
- Shalom ben Hannah
- Shaina Faiga bat Rivka
- Mikhail ben Goda
- Esther Miriam bat Chana
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- Ilana Idit bat Leeba
- Leeba bat Chana Surah
- Sarah Shlomit bat Leeba
- Yoseph ben Esther Miriam
- Faiga bat Chana
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- Fayga bat Chana
- 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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- PJ Library Popsicles in the Park Each Wednesday at 4:30pm, from July 8th-29th Join PJ Library for a sweet summer afternoon at the park. Enjoy refreshing popsicles, engaging story time, and plenty of time to play and connect with friends. The event is free, but advance registration is required at www.ujf.org/Popsicles
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- Advanced Active Threat Training Join us for an Advance Active Threat Training, presented in partnership with UJA-JCC of Greenwich, Community Security Initiative, and United Jewish Federation. Five opportunities to participate: Tuesday, July 14: 10am or 5pm in Greenwich, Wednesday, July 15: 8am, 12pm, or 7pm in Stamford. The trainings are free, but advance registration is required at www.ujf.org/ActiveThreat
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- Women's Philanthropy Salon Thursday, July 16 at 7:30pm Join UJF for the next Women's Philanthropy Salon: Mind, Body, & Soul Reset, an evening dedicated to relaxation, healing, and reconnecting with yourself. Come unwind through a restorative sound bath meditation experience. Sign up today at www.ujf.org/Reset
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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