Congregation Agudath Sholom | 301 Strawberry Hill Ave | Stamford, CT 06902 (203)-358-2200 www.agudathsholom.org

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Friday, October 16, 2026

Congregation Agudath Sholom Shabbat Bulletin

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Congregation Agudath Sholom
Shabbat Bulletin
Noach October 17, 2026 6 Cheshvan
send your submission to
bulletin@cas-stamford.org
Friday
Candle Lighting 5:53 PM
Mincha 5:58 PM
Shabbat
Shacharit 7:00/8:00/9:00 AM
The Rebbe on the Parsha 7:45 AM
Coffee & Commentary 8:45 AM
Sephardic Minyan 8:45 AM
Melachim Class 9:00 AM
Latest Shema 9:54 AM
Bob's Basics 10:00 AM
Teen Minyan 10:00 AM
Shiur 10:30 AM
Latest Shacharit 10:49 AM
Faith & Blue - Meet in Parking Lot to Walk to Police Station 12:15 PM
Daf Yomi 4:55 PM
Code Of Jewish Law 4:55 PM
Mincha 5:45 PM
Havdalah 6:52 PM
Shabbat Shalom
Rainbow Living: Walking in God's Ways

Few images in the Torah are as beautiful or as universally recognized as the rainbow. Emerging after the devastation of the Flood, it becomes the symbol of God's enduring covenant with humanity—a promise that the world will never again be destroyed by a flood.

But why a rainbow? Why not a star, a mountain, or a single beam of light? And what can its many colors teach us about the lives we are called to lead?

Jewish mystical teachings associate the colors of the rainbow with the middot, the Divine attributes. The rainbow, then, is more than a reminder of God's promise. It can also serve as a reminder of our responsibility to reflect His attributes in the world. God promises to preserve the world. We are called to help make it a world worthy of preserving.

Patience. Kindness. Gratitude. Humility. Compassion. Forgiveness. These are not simply admirable qualities. They are the foundation of a life of Torah.

Rabbi Chaim Vital, in Shaarei Kedushah, explains that the Torah does not explicitly enumerate good character traits among its commandments because they are the very foundation upon which the commandments rest. Before we can fully live a life of mitzvot, we must cultivate the character that gives those mitzvot meaning. The Torah is not simply concerned with what we do. It is concerned with who we become.

And the opportunities to develop our character are everywhere. When someone approaches a doorway behind us, do we pause to hold it open? When we notice something that needs attention, do we take responsibility or assume someone else will? When a person speaks to us, do we give them our attention or remain distracted? When someone makes a mistake, do we respond with impatience or understanding?

These moments rarely seem significant. Yet they reveal something essential about our character. Derech eretz is not reserved for extraordinary occasions. It is practiced in the ordinary encounters of everyday life.

This may help us understand a fascinating contrast between Noach and Abraham. Noach is introduced as a righteous man who walked with God. In a generation consumed by corruption and violence, he preserved his integrity and faithfully followed God's instructions. Yet our sages also question the limitations of his righteousness. Why did he not do more to influence the people around him? Why did his generation remain so far from God's ways?

Abraham, by contrast, is chosen not only because of his personal faith, but because of his commitment to transmitting that faith through a life of justice and kindness. God declares: "For I have known him, because he commands his children and his household after him to keep the way of God, doing righteousness and justice" (Genesis 18:19).

Notice the expression: Derech Hashem, the way of God. Abraham understood that faith is not simply something we preserve within ourselves. It is something we model, teach, and bring into the lives of others. He would build a household rooted in God's values and extend those values outward through hospitality, generosity, and concern for others.

That is the challenge of rainbow living. We are called not merely to admire the colors of the rainbow, but to embody the Divine attributes they can represent.

And perhaps that message is especially timely. This weekend, as our community participates in National Faith & Blue Weekend alongside the Stamford Police Department, we have an opportunity to put these values into practice. A handshake. A word of appreciation. A conversation with someone whose experiences may be different from our own. A willingness to build relationships beyond our familiar circles.

These are simple acts, but they reflect something profound: the recognition that every human being is created in the image of God and deserves to be treated with dignity.

We cannot always control the darkness in the world. But we can choose how much light we bring into it.

The rainbow appears when sunlight breaks through the clouds. Perhaps it reminds us that even after the darkest storms, light can return and that each of us has a role in bringing it forward.

The rainbow is God's promise to the world. Our character is how we honor that promise.

This Shabbat, let us resolve not only to look for rainbows in the sky, but to bring their colors into our homes, our communities, and every encounter. Walk in God's ways. Model a life of derech eretz. Become a blessing. And leave the world a little brighter than you found it.

A Question for Shabbat

Which Divine attribute, patience, kindness, gratitude, humility, or compassion, do I most need to strengthen, and who in my life would experience me differently if I did?

One Small Shabbat Practice

Choose one intentional act of derech eretz this Shabbat. Hold a door, welcome someone new, thank a person whose efforts often go unnoticed, or offer someone your undivided attention.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Daniel Cohen

Shabbat Topics & Participants
Teen Led Kaballat Shabbat and Maariv Yisser Speter and Alex Folkinshteyn
Teen Friday Night Dvar Torah Eliana Furmansky
The Rebbe on the Parsha Rabbi Yisrael Deren
Coffee & Commentary Rabbi Daniel Cohen
Melachim Class Mark Wagshul
Bob's Basics Rabbi Bob Abrams
Shiur David Held: The Tower That Created the Jewish People
Seudah Shlishit Rabbi Aryeh Roberts: The Tower of Recurring Fear - Migdal Bavel Then and Now
Teen Learning Aryeh Klein
Mazal Tov
  • to Lynn & Jeff Lowin on the celebration of the 70th anniversary of Jeff's Bar Mitzvah this Shabbat! In honor of this special milestone, Jeff will share a brief reflection during the Sanctuary service. Wishing Jeff and the entire Lowin family continued health, happiness, and blessings for many years to come!
  • to Claudine & Stuart Feurstein on the arrival of a granddaughter, born to Hannah & Michael Feurstein! Mazal Tov to great-grandmother Tamara Feurstein, great aunt and uncle Karen & Ira Berk and cousins Stacy & Aaron Berk!
  • to Toby Schaffer and Hyman Schaffer on Mikey's Bar Mitzvah, son of Tova & Daniel Schaffer!
Celebrate with the family! Make a donation in their honor and we will send an acknowledgement to the family. Just click here
Condolences
  • to Toby Lazarus on the passing of her mother, Naomi Lazarus z"l
Thanks To Our Yom Kippur Donors
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
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
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
Marla & Jason 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
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
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
Ilyse & Dean Schuckman
Rochelle & Harold Schwartz
Richard Schwartz
Rochelle & Edward Senker
Helen & Sheldron Seplowitz
Sherry & Rahim Shamash
Rosalyn Sherman
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
Barbara & Harry Webski
Howard Weiss
Sharon & Simeon Wohlberg
Elise & David Wolfsohn
Shana & Robert Yakubovich
Shushannah & Ari Yasgur
Maria & Ariel Yusupov
Navah & David Zizmor
Irina & Anatoly Zusman

Thanks To Our Sponsors
  • Senior Challah Deliveries: Margie & Bob Abrams in commemoration of the yahrzeit of Margie's father, Martin Edelston z"l (Moshe ben Sara)
  • Chapel Kiddush: Sharon & Michael Feldstein, on the occasion of the first yahrzeit of Sharon’s father, Zalman Segal, of blessed memory, Chaim Zalman ben haRav Yosef haLevi v’Miriam
  • Sephardic Kiddush: Judi & Nathan Janette in honor of their 36th wedding anniversary
  • Sanctuary Kiddush: Lynn & Jeffrey Lowin, celebrating the 70th anniversary of Jeffrey’s Bar Mitzvah
  • Teen Kiddush: Jessica & Adam Furmansky in honor of Eliana’s Dvar Torah Friday night!
  • Seudah Shlishit: Deborah & Ira Feigenbaum in memory of Gladys Feigenbaum z"l
Sign Up for these Events
learn more
Faith & Blue at Congregation Agudath Sholom
Shabbat, October 17
sign up
CAS Teen Shabbat
sign up
Man Up Pre-Bar Mitzvah Father/Son Class
Sunday, October 18 - 9:15 AM
sign up
Matan Pre-Bat Mitzvah Mother/Daughter Class
Sunday, October 18 - 9:30 AM
sign up
Information Session for Heritage Journey to Budapest, Vienna and Prague Trip
Sunday, October 18 - 10:30 AM
sign up
CAS Youth Family Hike
Sunday, October 18 - 3:00 PM
learn more
Sushi and Shiur: A Monthly Women’s Learning Night
Monday, October 19 - 8:00 PM
sign up
Midrash for the Soul (4-part series)
Tuesday, October 20 - 8:15 AM
sign up
The Battle Within (7-part Series)
Tuesday, October 20 - 9:00 AM
sign up
Torah for Life Lunch & Learn Series with Rabbi Cohen
Tuesday, October 20 - 12:00 PM
sign up
CAS Youth Chess Club
Tuesday, October 20 - 4:30 PM
sign up
Life Rewritten
Thursday, October 22 - 7:30 PM
sign up
Dads, Kids & Waffles
Sunday, October 25 - 9:30 AM
sign up
Bracelet Making for 3rd-5th grade girls
Sunday, October 25 - 4:00 PM
sign up
Teen Ice Cream and Learning
Sunday, October 25 - 4:00 PM
sign up
Understanding Israel's Elections
Monday, October 26 - 7:30 PM
learn more
Kabbalah and the Hidden Architecture of You (6 part series)
Wednesday, October 28 - 10:30 AM
sign up
55+ Social Committee at the Museum
Thursday, October 29 - 11:00 AM
sign up
Friday Night Dinner with Dr. Elana Stein Hain
Friday, October 30 - 6:45 PM
learn more
Shabbat with Dr. Elana Stein Hain
Shabbat, October 31 - 11:00 AM
sign up
Mitzvah Day at Grade A
Sunday, November 1 - 10:00 AM
sign up
CAS Youth Dodgeball for 3rd-6th grade boys
Sunday, November 1 - 2:00 PM
Sign Up
Axe Throwing with Combined Men's Clubs of Stamford
Thursday, November 5 - 7:00 PM
Learn more
Senior Challah Delivery Sponsorships
CAS Youth News
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
CAS Announcements
  • Shabbat Icebreakers (courtesy of Yaakov Moshe and Elisheva Shmidman)
    1. What is something you would definitely bring with you if you had to live somewhere isolated for a month? (Noach and his family spend a long time inside the teivah.)
    2. What is a time you were really happy to finally be able to leave somewhere? (Noach and his family finally leave the teivah after the flood.)
    3. What is the tallest building or structure you have ever been inside? (The Tower of Bavel.)
    4. Would You Rather Would You Rather - spend a month on a giant boat with every kind of animal or a month alone on a tropical island? (Life inside the teivah.)
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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
Weekday Schedule
  • Shacharit  Sunday: 7:15/8:30 AM; Monday-Friday: 6:30/7:30/8:30 AM
  • Mincha  Sunday-Thursday: 5:55 PM; Friday: 5:48 PM
  • Candle Lighting  Friday: 5:43 PM
CAS Classes
Join one of our classes.

We Wish A Speedy Recovery To
  • Elia Shava
  • Hodel Dena
  • Yaffa bat Hanna
  • Leah bat Tziporah
  • Moshe Yosef ben Sarah Leah
  • Aharon ben Bracha
  • Shalom ben Hannah
  • 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
  • Hadassa bat Miriam
  • Sarah Bat-El bat Daniella
  • Bayla Frimet bat Rivka Henshe
  • Yaakov Kopel Moshe ben Rivka
  • Yehudit bat Jacqueline
  • Yehuda ben Sarah

We Honor Our Military
  • Shani Y
  • Frederick B
  • Sally K
  • Elimelech E
  • CZM
  • JEM
  • AMM
  • Rachel M
  • Jeremy S
  • Yehudit S

Community Announcements
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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, Beití 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)
  • 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
  • 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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