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Congregation Agudath Sholom
Shabbat Bulletin |
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| Toldot |
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November 14, 2026 |
4 Kislev |
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| Friday |
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| Candle Lighting |
4:18 PM |
| Mincha |
4:23 PM |
| Shabbat |
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| Shacharit |
7:00/8:00/9:00 AM |
| The Rebbe on the Parsha |
7:45 AM |
| Sephardic Minyan |
8:45 AM |
| Coffee & Commentary |
8:45 AM |
| Melachim Class |
9:00 AM |
| Latest Shema |
9:10 AM |
| Latest Shacharit |
9:59 AM |
| Family Minyan |
10:00 AM |
| Shiur |
10:30 AM |
| Code Of Jewish Law |
3:25 PM |
| Mincha |
4:15 PM |
| Havdalah |
5:18 PM |
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The Voice of Yaakov: The True Measure of a Jewish Education
What is the true measure of a Jewish education? Is it how much Torah our children know, how well they perform academically, or something deeper—reflected in the way they speak, treat others, and live their lives?
An insight in Parshat Toldot speaks to this question and offers a fitting tribute to Walter Shuchatowitz z”l, affectionately known to generations of students and families as Mr. S., whose yahrzeit we commemorate this week.
When Yaakov approaches his father Yitzchak to receive the blessing intended for Esav, Yitzchak declares, “HaKol Kol Yaakov, veHayadayim Yedei Esav”—the voice is the voice of Yaakov, but the hands are the hands of Esav.
What did Yitzchak recognize? Was Yaakov a tenor while Esav was a baritone?
Rashi offers a surprising explanation. It was not the sound of their voices, but the manner in which they spoke. Yaakov respectfully said, “Kum na”—please arise. Esav, by contrast, said, “Yakum avi”—let my father arise.
Rabbi Moshe Taragin raises an insightful question. Esav also knew how to speak politely! Earlier, when he returned hungry from the field, he asked Yaakov for food using the word na—please. Why, then, does Rashi identify respectful language as Yaakov's distinguishing characteristic?
The difference, explains Rabbi Taragin, was not whether Esav knew how to say please. It was when he chose to say it.
When Esav needed something from Yaakov, he spoke politely. But when he approached his father expecting a blessing, his language became more demanding. Yaakov maintained his respectful manner regardless of the circumstances.
It is easy to be courteous when we need something. But what happens when we hold the power, when we have authority, or when someone depends upon us?
The true test of menschlichkeit is not how we speak when we need something, but how we speak when we don't.
That is the deeper meaning of Kol Yaakov. The voice of Yaakov is defined not by its pitch or volume, but by the dignity, humility, and respect expressed through our words.
This brings us to the remarkable legacy of Mr. S.
Walter Shuchatowitz was more than the founder of Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy. He was a visionary educator who helped shape generations of Jewish life in Stamford.
While preparing for law school, he heard Dr. Gershin Churgin at Yeshiva University challenge young people to consider who would educate the next generation of Jewish children. Walter took that challenge to heart, set aside his plans for law school, and devoted his life to Jewish education.
In 1956, he founded Bi-Cultural with only a handful of students. He knocked on doors, recruited families, inspired teachers, and pursued a dream many considered impossible. For nearly five decades, he served as principal, transforming that modest beginning into an institution that would shape countless lives.
But his greatest achievement was not simply building a school. It was recognizing the potential in every child and understanding that Jewish education must cultivate not only knowledge, but character.
A school can produce students who know an extraordinary amount of Torah. But does that Torah shape the way they live? Do they speak respectfully? Notice someone who feels excluded? Treat classmates with kindness?
Knowledge is essential. But knowledge must become character.
I often encourage parents to make one simple change. When your child comes home from school, instead of asking only, “What did you learn today?” ask another question:
“What kind thing did you do for someone today?”
Imagine the difference. A child who anticipates that question will begin looking for opportunities to help, encourage, and brighten someone else's life. The questions we ask at the dinner table can shape the choices our children make in the classroom.
Perhaps that is one of the most enduring gifts of Mr. S. He invested not merely in a school, but in the character and future of our community. His legacy lives in generations of students who carry forward the values he worked so tirelessly to instill. As we remember Walter Shuchatowitz, Rav Zev ben HaRav Aharon, on his yahrzeit, may Bi-Cultural continue to grow from strength to strength, nurturing young people who not only know Torah, but live its teachings.
As we enter Kislev, the month of Chanukah, may we remember that bringing light into the world begins with the words we choose and the kindness we extend to others. May we preserve the Kol Yaakov in every interaction, remembering that the true measure of a Jewish education is not simply what we know, but who we become.
Wishing you and your families a Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Daniel Cohen
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We are excited to welcome Rabbi Ira Kosowsky, founder and director of Machon Maayan in Israel, for a special Shabbat of Inspiration
Please join Diane and me for a Friday night Oneg at our home at 7:30 PM, featuring Rabbi Kosowsky speaking on “Take Back Your Life: The Surprising Power of the Amidah.”
On Shabbat morning, Rabbi Kosowsky will deliver a shiur at 10:15 AM. We will also have a slightly different format during davening, as I will not be delivering the sermon. Instead, following davening, we will enjoy Kiddush together, followed by a special 20–30 minute shiur with Rabbi Kosowsky at approximately 12:00 PM. An early Mincha will follow for those who wish to participate.
Rabbi Kosowsky will also speak during Seudah Shlishit, beginning at 4:45 PM, following Mincha.
We look forward to a wonderful Shabbat of learning, inspiration, and community. Please join us for as much of the weekend as you can!
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Winter Shabbat Daf Yomi Notice During standard winter hours, Daf Yomi will be Motzei Shabbat on Zoom
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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 |
| Shiur |
Rabbi Ira Kosowsky: The Things We Do For Love - Three Ways to Transfer Our Relationships |
| Post-Kiddush Shiur |
Rabbi Ira Kosowsky: The Miracles We Almost Miss - Finding God in Life's Challenges |
| Seudah Shlishit |
Rabbi Ira Kosowsky: Why Wait for the Funeral? The Words That Can Change a Life Today |
| Teen Learning |
Zechariah Mainzer |
- new members Desiree & Michael Katcher and their children Jonah, Ava and Elijah!
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- to Neda Khaghan & Robert Yaghoubian on the engagement of their son Jared to Alexa Gold, daughter of Jill Gold of Hauppauge, NY and Eric Gold of New York City!
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- to Elise & Steven Cohen on the arrival of a grandson, born to Tamar & Josh Fink! Mazal Tov to aunt and uncle Shoshana Edelman & Jacob Cohen!
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- to Jodi Hadge and Sharon & Fred Baer on their daughter and granddaughter Ally Hadge on making Aliyah to Israel this week!
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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: Jake & Janice Meyer in commemoration of the recent Yahrzeits of Paul Levi z"l and Mollie Meyer z"l
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- Chapel Kiddush: Toby & Gene Tabachnick in appreciation of the warm welcome they have received since moving to Stamford in July, and marking Toby’s mother’s 15th yahrzeit, Leah bas Labe (Lillian Rosen z"l), the consummate warm and welcoming person
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- Sephardic Kiddush: Masha & Ariel Yusupov, in honor of the second Nahala/Yahrzeit of Ariel's grandmother, L'iluy Nishmat Mazal bat Yael
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- Sanctuary Kiddush: Co-sponsored by Shira & Steven Manheimer in commemoration of the 2nd yahrzeit of Shira's mother, Carole Bolensky z"l; Richard Schwartz in memory of his parents Helen & Dr. Saul Schwartz z"l; Diane and Rabbi Daniel Cohen - in memory of Ruth Umansky z"l; and in memory of Luba Weinroth z"l
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- Seudat Shlishit: Rachel Seligson and Family in loving memory of Richard Seligson z"l (Refael Ephraim ben Arye Leib v'Sima) beloved husband, father, and uncle on his 5th Yahrtzeit
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Shabbat, November 14 - 6:30 PM
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Literature at Lunch Roundtable with Dr. Richard Schwartz
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Wednesday, November 18 - 12:00 PM
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An Evening with Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz
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Wednesday, November 18 - 7:30 PM
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Agudath Sholom Teen Shabbat
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Friday, November 20 - 5:30 PM
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CAS Youth Thanksgiving Crafts Event
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Sunday, November 22 - 3:00 PM
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Midrash for the Soul (3-part Chanukah Series)
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Tuesday, November 24 - 8:15 AM
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Thank Our First Responders This Thanksgiving!
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Thursday, November 26 - 11:00 AM
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55+ Club Screening of We Met At Grossinger's
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Tuesday, December 1 - 7:00 PM
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Stamford Jewish Experience First Night of Chanukah Dinner
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Friday, December 4 - 5:30 PM
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Sunday, December 6 - 10:00 AM
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Monday, December 7 - 7:00 PM
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Voices of Light Chanukah Concert
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Monday, December 7 - 7:30 PM
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Open House Chanukah Party
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Saturday Night, December 12 - 8:00 PM
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Senior Challah Delivery Sponsorships
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Thanksgiving for the EMS/First Responders - Donate, Cook or Deliver!
Thursday, November 26 - 9:00 AM
CAS Men's Club & Young Families are looking for three or four of these fine kosher birds for serving up to the Stamford EMS on Thanksgiving Day. If you don't care to talk (donate) turkey, we can use vegetables, fruit or cake as well. Sign up and help us cook in the meat kitchen from 9-11:30 am. Deliver to the EMS main station at 684 Long Ridge Rd. at noon. Anyone aged 8 and up are welcome to help cook--it is a lot of fun. For more info, contact Mitchell Bell at wizdrbel@yahoo.com
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Open Your Home. Build Our Community.
Over the past year, CAS has welcomed over 35 new members. One reason families choose CAS is the warmth they experience in shul and around our Shabbat tables.
With new guests visiting nearly every week, your Shabbat table can be a force multiplier for belonging, turning a first visit into a lasting connection or even a lifelong friendship.
Join CAS Hosts! Our WhatsApp group connects guests with families willing to host a Shabbat meal. Simply volunteer when it works for you, ideally once a month. No pressure, just an opportunity to make a difference.
One open home can open countless doors. Together, let's make everyone feel they belong.
Click Here to join the CAS Hosts WhatsApp Group
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Kiddush Connections: Come as a Guest, Leave as a Friend!
Looking to meet new people at CAS? Whether you're new to the community, visiting for Shabbat, or a longtime member hoping to expand your circle, Kiddush Connections is for you!
During Kiddush this Shabbat, look for our Kiddush Connections sign to the right of the kid's and drink tables. Our friendly volunteer hosts will be there to welcome you, make introductions, and help spark new friendships.
Sometimes one simple introduction can lead to a lifelong connection. Stop by, say hello, and help us build a community where everyone feels at home!
An initiative of CAS Builders of Belonging.
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- Shabbat Icebreakers (courtesy of Yaakov Moshe and Elisheva Shmidman)
- What is something you and a sibling or close friend are completely opposite about? (Yaakov and Esav grow up with very different personalities and interests.)
- What is a food you would have a very hard time saying no to if you were really hungry? (Esav sells his bechorah for Yaakov’s lentil stew.)
- What is a time you had to pretend to be more confident than you really felt? (Yaakov approaches Yitzchak while disguised as Esav.)
- Would You Rather - spend a free day outdoors exploring or indoors doing something you love? (Esav is an outdoorsman and hunter, while Yaakov is described as dwelling in tents.)
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- Help Fill the Freedberg Kosher Food Pantry This Thanksgiving! As you shop for Shabbos this week—and every week—please remember those in our community facing food insecurity. With Thanksgiving approaching, join us in replenishing the Freedberg Kosher Food Pantry at Schoke JFS. Drop off needed food items at Agudath or make a contribution to help families in need.For more information, visit www.ctjfs.org/kosher-food-pantry/
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- Chesed Committee: Spreading Kindness, Strengthening Community Our newly revitalized Agudath Sholom Chesed Committee is off to a wonderful start, with many meaningful ideas and initiatives to support members of our community and spread kindness. We are excited to build on this momentum and welcome your involvement! Whether you have ideas to share or would like to volunteer, please reach out to Amy Sroka at amynkohen@hotmail.com or Rabbi Cohen at rabbicohen@cas-stamford.org. Together, we can make a meaningful difference, one act of kindness at a time.
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- Torah Opportunity back by Popular Demand CAS Daily Learning Initiative to Ignite Your Life Consider the daily study of Chayenu - daily Parsha, Tanya and Tehillim! A generous sponsor offered to subsidize subscriptions. For more info, visit https://chayenu.org. If you would like to join, please email Rabbi Cohen at rabbicohen@cas-stamford.org. "It changed my life!" - Agudath Sholom member Josh Goldberg
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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: 4:20 PM; Friday: 4:18 PM
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- Candle Lighting Friday: 4:13 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
- Shaina Faiga bat Rivka
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- Esther Miriam bat Chana
- Ilana Idit bat Leeba
- Leeba bat Chana Surah
- Sarah Shlomit bat Leeba
- Yoseph ben Esther Miriam
- Nira bat Rachel
- 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
- Yoad A
- Frederick B
- Sally K
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- Rachel M
- Jeremy S
- Yehudit S
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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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- Women’s Initiative for Jewish Studies (WIJS) at Young Israel of New Rochelle is proud to present Dr. Yael Landman Tuesday, November 17, 2026 @ 8:30 pm (ET) on Zoom. Dr. Landman’s lecture is entitled, “Anatomy of a Punishment: What Happens to the Sotah in Numbers 5?” Numbers 5 introduces the case of the sotah, a woman whose husband jealously accuses her of adultery but lacks the necessary evidence to prove it. The woman undergoes one of the Torah’s most unusual rituals, and exactly what she experiences if proven guilty is notoriously difficult to understand. This lecture focuses on what happens to the body of the sotah when the ritual determines her guilt. We will consider the meanings of the particular bodily punishment she experiences and how it fits with biblical ideas about women, bodies, shame, and punishment. All WIJS programming is open to all - For more information, to be added to the WIJS email list, or for Zoom information, please call 914-636-2215 or email: wijs@yinr.org.
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- Temple Beth El's Israel & Antisemitism Committee is hosting a free, public "VIP Israeli Briefing" featuring Israeli-American journalist and author Gil Hoffman Thursday, November 19, 2026 at 7:00 PM. The event will offer behind-the-scenes insights into Middle Eastern geopolitical and media battlefields, post-election government formation in Israel, and the escalation of global antisemitism since October 2023. Additionally, Hoffman will discuss his book The Blood Libel Machine, followed by a book signing with books available for purchase. Refreshments will be served - RSVP at https://www.tinyurl.com/gil-nov19.
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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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- The Jewish Historical Society of Fairfield County invites you to The Norma and Milton Mann Annual Lecture Sunday, December 6, 2026 at Congregation Agudath Sholom. The community is welcome to attend the lecture at 11:00am. The Forward: Reporting the American Jewish Story, Then and Now - What has kept the Forward at the heart of Jewish life for more than a century? Samuel Norich shares the stories, traditions, and innovations that continue to make this historic publication relevant today. (Underwritten by the Mann Family Foundation to honor the memory of their parents) Registration: https://mann.cbo.io. For questions: 203.359.2196 or info@jhsfc-ct.org
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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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