CBAJ Notes Weekly E-mail

Candle Lighting 
Friday: 6:42pm
Saturday: after 7:38pm

Latest Shema
9:44 am

Latest Shacharit
10:46 am

Earliest Mincha
1:19 pm

Sunset - Saturday
Saturday: 6:58 pm
Sunday: 6:56 pm 

Yom Tov ends
Sunday, 7:37 pm

All Services
for registered participants



​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ 

Rosh Hashana
September 18-20, 2020

CBAJ ROSH HASHANAH SERVICES
We are thrilled to be holding Rosh Hashanah services this year. Please note that due to the nature of these times and the strict requirements of social distancing, you must be pre-registered in order to attend. Only those who have registererd for these services and received confirmation will be admitted due to our limited space. Please note that as the services are abridged, they will run shorter than usual; Shofar on Sunday will be considerably earlier than in past years. Please remember to bring your own Tallit if you wear one; communal Tallitot will not be available. 

CBAJ HIGH HOLY DAY READER Our High Holy Day Reader contains the important local times for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, instructions and suggestions for those praying at home, as well as sermons, shiurim, and other reading material.

SELICHOT AND HATARAT NEDARIM ON ZOOM
Join us tomorrow at 7:05 AM in the CBAJ Zoom Room for the special Selichot service for Rosh Hashanah Eve followed by Hatarat Nedarim (found in your Siddur).

TASHLICH AT BUCKINGHAM
Since we cannot hold our usual Albany community-wide Tashlich this year, we have partnered with Temple Israel to take reservations for socially-distant group Tashlich appointments. Please register  here . If you prefer to wait until after the holiday, the custom of Tashlich may be performed through Hoshana Rabba. 

FAST OF GEDALIAH
The fast begins Monday at 5:18 am and ends at 7:24 pm.

PRE-SHABBAT SHUVA DISCOURSE
Rabbi Feldman will deliver a short pre-Shabbat Shuva Discourse Thursday evening at 8 pm as part of the Thursdays with Beth Abe series. 

ORDER YOUR LULAV SETS BY MONDAY
Click Here to order your Arba Minim  through CBAJ. Deadline: THIS Monday, September 21.

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU
Rabbi Feldman and the CBAJ Family is available to speak with you. Please e-mail him at  rabbi@cbaj.org  or call the CBAJ Office to leave a message. 
CBAJ President Artie Brenner is reachable at  president@cbaj.org . The Chesed committee can be reached through the form below.

CHESED AT CBAJ
If you would like help with shopping, errands, or other things since you are remaining home as much as possible, or conversely, if you would like to volunteer to help people in the community who may need help,  please fill out the form at this link .  Please be in touch with Rabbi Feldman with any needs.

CONDOLENCES 
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob mourns the passing of CBAJ Member Michael Scher, husband of Barbara Scher, and father of Jeremy Scher and Dan (Aliza) Scher. Notes of condolence can be sent to Barbar Scher at scherb13@gmail.com 

YOU SEND IT, WE PRINT IT
Please be sure to send the CBAJ office information about celebrations or other achievements to be mentioned in the weekly e-mail and printed notes.

ACCESS INFORMATION FOR OUR VIRTUAL PROGRAMS
Our Zoom conferences can be accessed on a computer or smartphone at:  https://zoom.us/j/9405089347 and entering password 613518.
For Facebook programming, visit facebook.com/rabbifeldman

DAILY SERVICES
In person for registered participants.
Monday - Thursday: 6:45 pm on Zoom (6:40 Monday)
preceded by Selichot at 6:30 pm (6:25 Monday)
(Participants may fully participate in Selichot service via Zoom)

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JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES
JFS is offering many programs and help at this time, and they also seek volunteers for many of those initiatives.  Click here for more information if you'd like to volunteer or participate.  Our very own Nanette Brenner will be leading Activities for Emotional Well-being on Mondays; click here for more information or to register .

CORONA-VIRUS INFORMATION
If you have health related questions, concerns, or needs regarding COVID-19, St. Peters Health Partners has social workers and nurses available to speak with you at 518-525-1132.  If you need more emotional support during this difficult time,
the NY State COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline is 844-863-9314.

When it comes to possibly saving lives, Jewish law always follows the most stringent opinion that will save the most lives. Let us be part of the solution by staying safe and following protocols suggested by public health experts. Keep social distancing guidelines:
Do not be within 6 feet of anyone else, except the people with whom you live.
If you can, work from home; if you cannot, maintain the social distancing protocols.
Playdates should not take place between children.
If you experience symptoms, contact your doctor.
Do not invite guests for Shabbat or Yom Tov meals, and make Shiva and Bikkur Cholim visits by phone.
If you are High Risk due to age or other conditions, please stay home as much as possible and take advantage of our Chesed Committee's generous offers.
The Mikva is open by appointment and is following protocols suggested by the Orthodox Union in consultation with public health experts. 
The Utensil Mikvah is also open. Please bring gloves to use, and wash your hands with soap before and after using the Utensil Mikvah. If you cannot follow these sanitary protocols, or if you have personal concerns about using the Utensil Mikvah for current health-related reasons, you may use this form to have the Beth Din of America arrange to sell your new utensils to someone who is not Jewish.  They will arrange to buy those utensils back at a later date (which will be shared with you), at which point your utensils must be "toveled" in the Mikvah. This solution is only to be used in cases of great need, such as ours.

TEFILAH AT HOME
Use this opportunity to take extra time and read the Tefilot meaningfully (and learn their meaning), sing with new melodies (if you have others at home, sing together). 
Aside from not reciting Bar'chu, Kaddish, Kedusha, or the repetition in any services:
Friday Night: Recite Vayechulu paragraph following the Amidah, then skip to Aleinu. If starting Shabbat early, daven Mincha before Plag Hamincha (the time labeled "Earliest Shabbat" on this e-mail's time-bar), candles may be lit and Ma'ariv may be davened after Plag Hamincha.
Shabbat Morning: Start davening in time to recite Shema before the latest time for Shema. After Shacharit Amidah, read the Torah Portion and special Maftir without any of the blessings.  Yekum Purkan is not recited, then Ashrei and the Mussaf Amidah should be recited, and the concluding prayers (if you have children at home, ask them to lead Ein Kelokeinu, Aleinu, Shir Shel Yom, and Adon Olam). Shir HaKavod is not recited.
Ma'ariv and general: One may daven Ma'ariv 15 minutes before the end of Shabbat and include Atah Chonantanu in the Amidah. It is Rabbi Feldman's opinion that one does not say the three words "E-l Melech Ne'eman" before Shema in Ma'ariv or Shacharit, contrary to the instructions in many Siddurim. It is also his opinion that one who usually recites the paragraph at weekday Ma'ariv that begins ברוך ה' לעולם אמן ואמן does not recite this paragraph when praying without a Minyan. 

LIFE & LEGACY *
We are excited and honored to be partnering with 10 other local organizations in the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s LIFE & LEGACY™ program. We completed a successful first year!  Please help us pay it forward and leave a legacy for future Capital District Jews. Please speak to a Life & Legacy committee member about partnering on this crucial initiative to ensure the vitality of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob for the next 200 years. Please consider completing a Letter of Intent. For more information, contact office@cbaj.org.

Earliest Shabbat
6:02 pm

Candle Lighting 
7:07 pm

Latest Shema
9:39 am

Latest Shacharit
10:44 am

Earliest Mincha
1:26 pm

Sunset
7:23 pm

Shabbat ends
8:04 pm

Shabbat Services
for registered participants


​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Shabbat Ki Tavo
September 4-5, 2020

Our building remains closed. Please continue social distancing. We are working diligently with a task force of Synagogue leadership and medical experts on a reopening plan for CBAJ.

Please reach out to us if you need help with anything at all, or even if you just need to talk, during this prolonged difficult period.

RABBI'S MESSAGE
Click here to view a video message from Rabbi Feldman.

NEW VIRTUAL SHABBAT SCHEDULE

Thursdays: Thursdays with Beth Abe on Zoom at 8 pm.
Fridays: A Video Dvar Torah from Rabbi Feldman (link in weekly CBAJ Notes).

TORAH READING
Deut: 26:1 - 29:8 Artscroll p. 1068  
Haftarah: Isaiah 60:1-22, p. 1201 

THE HIGH HOLY DAYS IN THE ARTS
Please join us for the final of a three-part Zoom Guest Lecture Series Tuesday evenings at 8 pm on the experience of the High Holy Days in the Arts.

September 8: The Music of the High Holy Days.

Cantor Eric S. Freeman, Associate Director of Yeshiva University's Belz School of Jewish Music, will teach about the history and meaning of the traditional liturgy and melodies of the Yamim Noraim.

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU
Rabbi Feldman and the CBAJ Family is available to speak with you. Please e-mail him at  rabbi@cbaj.org  or call the CBAJ Office to leave a message. 
CBAJ President Artie Brenner is reachable at  president@cbaj.org . 
The Chesed committee can be reached through the form below.

CHESED AT CBAJ
If you would like help with shopping, errands, or other things since you are remaining home as much as possible, or conversely, if you would like to volunteer to help people in the community who may need help,  please fill out the form at this link .  Please be in touch with Rabbi Feldman with any needs.

MISHNA CLUB
Click here for this week's Mishna Club learning. For more information on joining, contact Rabbi Feldman.

YOU SEND IT, WE PRINT IT
Please be sure to send the CBAJ office information about celebrations or other achievements to be mentioned in the weekly e-mail and printed notes.

ACCESS INFORMATION FOR OUR VIRTUAL PROGRAMS
Our Zoom conferences can be accessed on a computer or smartphone at:  https://zoom.us/j/9405089347 and entering password
For Facebook programming, visit facebook.com/rabbifeldman

DAILY SERVICES
In person for registered participants.
Sunday - Thursday: 7:10 pm on Zoom

---------------------------------------------------------------------

JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES
JFS is offering many programs and help at this time, and they also seek volunteers for many of those initiatives.  Click here for more information if you'd like to volunteer or participate.  Our very own Nanette Brenner will be leading Activities for Emotional Well-being on Mondays; click here for more information or to register .

CORONA-VIRUS INFORMATION
If you have health related questions, concerns, or needs regarding COVID-19, St. Peters Health Partners has social workers and nurses available to speak with you at 518-525-1132.  If you need more emotional support during this difficult time,
the NY State COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline is 844-863-9314.

When it comes to possibly saving lives, Jewish law always follows the most stringent opinion that will save the most lives. Let us be part of the solution by staying safe and following protocols suggested by public health experts. Keep social distancing guidelines:
Do not be within 6 feet of anyone else, except the people with whom you live.
If you can, work from home; if you cannot, maintain the social distancing protocols.
Playdates should not take place between children.
If you experience symptoms, contact your doctor.
Do not invite guests for Shabbat or Yom Tov meals, and make Shiva and Bikkur Cholim visits by phone.
If you are High Risk due to age or other conditions, please stay home as much as possible and take advantage of our Chesed Committee's generous offers.
The Mikva is open by appointment and is following protocols suggested by the Orthodox Union in consultation with public health experts. 
The Utensil Mikvah is also open. Please bring gloves to use, and wash your hands with soap before and after using the Utensil Mikvah. If you cannot follow these sanitary protocols, or if you have personal concerns about using the Utensil Mikvah for current health-related reasons, you may use this form to have the Beth Din of America arrange to sell your new utensils to someone who is not Jewish.  They will arrange to buy those utensils back at a later date (which will be shared with you), at which point your utensils must be "toveled" in the Mikvah. This solution is only to be used in cases of great need, such as ours.

TEFILAH AT HOME
Use this opportunity to take extra time and read the Tefilot meaningfully (and learn their meaning), sing with new melodies (if you have others at home, sing together). 
Aside from not reciting Bar'chu, Kaddish, Kedusha, or the repetition in any services:
Friday Night: Recite Vayechulu paragraph following the Amidah, then skip to Aleinu. If starting Shabbat early, daven Mincha before Plag Hamincha (the time labeled "Earliest Shabbat" on this e-mail's time-bar), candles may be lit and Ma'ariv may be davened after Plag Hamincha.
Shabbat Morning: Start davening in time to recite Shema before the latest time for Shema. After Shacharit Amidah, read the Torah Portion and special Maftir without any of the blessings.  Yekum Purkan is not recited, then Ashrei and the Mussaf Amidah should be recited, and the concluding prayers (if you have children at home, ask them to lead Ein Kelokeinu, Aleinu, Shir Shel Yom, and Adon Olam). Shir HaKavod is not recited.
Ma'ariv and general: One may daven Ma'ariv 15 minutes before the end of Shabbat and include Atah Chonantanu in the Amidah. It is Rabbi Feldman's opinion that one does not say the three words "E-l Melech Ne'eman" before Shema in Ma'ariv or Shacharit, contrary to the instructions in many Siddurim. It is also his opinion that one who usually recites the paragraph at weekday Ma'ariv that begins ברוך ה' לעולם אמן ואמן does not recite this paragraph when praying without a Minyan. 

LIFE & LEGACY *
We are excited and honored to be partnering with 10 other local organizations in the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s LIFE & LEGACY™ program. We completed a successful first year!  Please help us pay it forward and leave a legacy for future Capital District Jews. Please speak to a Life & Legacy committee member about partnering on this crucial initiative to ensure the vitality of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob for the next 200 years. Please consider completing a Letter of Intent. For more information, contact office@cbaj.org.

Earliest Shabbat
6:21 pm

Candle Lighting 
7:30 pm

Latest Shema
9:33 am

Latest Shacharit
10:42 am

Earliest Mincha
1:31 pm

Sunset
7:46 pm

Shabbat ends
8:29 pm

Shabbat Services
for registered participants


​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
 

Shabbat Shoftim
August 21-22, 2020

Our building remains closed. Please continue social distancing. We are working diligently with a task force of Synagogue leadership and medical experts on a reopening plan for CBAJ.

Please reach out to us if you need help with anything at all, or even if you just need to talk, during this prolonged difficult period.

RABBI'S MESSAGE
Click here to view a video message from Rabbi Feldman.

NEW VIRTUAL SHABBAT SCHEDULE

Thursdays: Thursdays with Beth Abe on Zoom at 8 pm.
Fridays: A Video Dvar Torah from Rabbi Feldman (link in weekly CBAJ Notes).

TORAH READING
Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9, Artscroll p. 1024
Haftarah: Isaiah 51:12-52:12, p. 1199

MAZAL TOV
Mazal Tov to Ilana and Rob Kovach on the marriage of their daughter, Jenny, to Simcha Gold.

Mazal Tov to Bill Rockwood on the engagement of his grandson Jack Rosenbaum to Adina Gao of Jerusalem.
​​​​​​​
Mazal Tov to Ruth and Sheldon Singer on the engagement of their son Nathan Singer to Sara Coleman. 

Mazal Tov to Sheri and Ira Woren, on the birth of their first grandchild, Noah Ryan, son of Rachael and Rob Schertzer. 

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
CBAJ is pleased to announce our newest members:
Robert "Bob" Crystal
Kenneth Dymond
Sam Sonenberg
 

THE HIGH HOLY DAYS IN THE ARTS
Please join us for a three-part Zoom Guest Lecture Series on three upcoming Tuesday evenings at 8 pm on the experience of the High Holy Days in the Arts.

August 25: The Art of the High Holy Days.

Naomi Roter of the Jewish Art Education Organization will take us through 1500 years of the Jewish visual art depicting the experience, objects, and symbolism of the High Holy Days.

September 1: The Experience of the High Holy Days in Literature. 

Dr. Gillian Steinberg, English teacher at SAR High School and formerly a tenured Associate Professor of English Literature at Yeshiva University and director if its writing program, will explore depictions of the High Holy Day experience in contemporary literature.

September 8: The Music of the High Holy Days.

Cantor Eric S. Freeman, Associate Director of Yeshiva University's Belz School of Jewish Music, will teach about the history and meaning of the traditional liturgy and melodies of the Yamim Noraim.

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU
Rabbi Feldman and the CBAJ Family is available to speak with you. Please e-mail him at  rabbi@cbaj.org  or call the CBAJ Office to leave a message. 
CBAJ President Artie Brenner is reachable at  president@cbaj.org . 
The Chesed committee can be reached through the form below.

CHESED AT CBAJ
If you would like help with shopping, errands, or other things since you are remaining home as much as possible, or conversely, if you would like to volunteer to help people in the community who may need help,  please fill out the form at this link .  Please be in touch with Rabbi Feldman with any needs.

CONDOLENCES
CBAJ mourns the passing of our Past President Bertram Lieberman, husband of CBAJ Member Lee Lieberman, and father of Risa Skerker (z"l), Debra Sue Lieberman (z"l), Joni Lieberman Basen, Marcy Weisburgh, and Amy Lieberman. Virtual shiva "visits" in the CBAJ Zoom Room (info below) Sunday, August 23 from 2pm to 4 pm. Lee Lieberman can be reached by phone at 518-229-4280, and notes of condolences can be sent to the family at  Jonilb3@gmail.com.

CBAJ mourns the passing of Leonard Candib, brother of CBAJ Member Sam (and Linda) Candib.
Notes of condolence can be sent to linsam@juno.com and Sam can be called on his cell phone at 518-852-4732.

May the families be comforted, and may the memory of their loved one be a blessing.

MISHNA CLUB
Click here for this week's Mishna Club learning. For more information on joining, contact Rabbi Feldman.

YOU SEND IT, WE PRINT IT
Please be sure to send the CBAJ office information about celebrations or other achievements to be mentioned in the weekly e-mail and printed notes.

DAVID AND ROSE UDELSON BRAY SCHOLARSHIP
Applications can now be submitted for the David and Rose Udelson Bray Scholarship Fund. The award is available to support undergraduate or graduate study. 
For details of the application, please see   Bray Scholarship. Applications for the fall semester are due by Monday, August 31. 

ACCESS INFORMATION FOR OUR VIRTUAL PROGRAMS
Our Zoom conferences can be accessed on a computer or smartphone at:  https://zoom.us/j/9405089347 
For Facebook programming, visit facebook.com/rabbifeldman

DAILY SERVICES
In person for registered participants.
Sunday - Thursday: 6:10 pm on Zoom

---------------------------------------------------------------------

JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES
JFS is offering many programs and help at this time, and they also seek volunteers for many of those initiatives.  Click here for more information if you'd like to volunteer or participate.  Our very own Nanette Brenner will be leading Activities for Emotional Well-being on Mondays; click here for more information or to register .

CORONA-VIRUS INFORMATION
If you have health related questions, concerns, or needs regarding COVID-19, St. Peters Health Partners has social workers and nurses available to speak with you at 518-525-1132.  If you need more emotional support during this difficult time,
the NY State COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline is 844-863-9314.

When it comes to possibly saving lives, Jewish law always follows the most stringent opinion that will save the most lives. Let us be part of the solution by staying safe and following protocols suggested by public health experts. Keep social distancing guidelines:
Do not be within 6 feet of anyone else, except the people with whom you live.
If you can, work from home; if you cannot, maintain the social distancing protocols.
Playdates should not take place between children.
If you experience symptoms, contact your doctor.
Do not invite guests for Shabbat or Yom Tov meals, and make Shiva and Bikkur Cholim visits by phone.
If you are High Risk due to age or other conditions, please stay home as much as possible and take advantage of our Chesed Committee's generous offers.
The Mikva is open by appointment and is following protocols suggested by the Orthodox Union in consultation with public health experts. 
The Utensil Mikvah is also open. Please bring gloves to use, and wash your hands with soap before and after using the Utensil Mikvah. If you cannot follow these sanitary protocols, or if you have personal concerns about using the Utensil Mikvah for current health-related reasons, you may use this form to have the Beth Din of America arrange to sell your new utensils to someone who is not Jewish.  They will arrange to buy those utensils back at a later date (which will be shared with you), at which point your utensils must be "toveled" in the Mikvah. This solution is only to be used in cases of great need, such as ours.

TEFILAH AT HOME
Use this opportunity to take extra time and read the Tefilot meaningfully (and learn their meaning), sing with new melodies (if you have others at home, sing together). 
Aside from not reciting Bar'chu, Kaddish, Kedusha, or the repetition in any services:
Friday Night: Recite Vayechulu paragraph following the Amidah, then skip to Aleinu. If starting Shabbat early, daven Mincha before Plag Hamincha (the time labeled "Earliest Shabbat" on this e-mail's time-bar), candles may be lit and Ma'ariv may be davened after Plag Hamincha.
Shabbat Morning: Start davening in time to recite Shema before the latest time for Shema. After Shacharit Amidah, read the Torah Portion and special Maftir without any of the blessings.  Yekum Purkan is not recited, then Ashrei and the Mussaf Amidah should be recited, and the concluding prayers (if you have children at home, ask them to lead Ein Kelokeinu, Aleinu, Shir Shel Yom, and Adon Olam). Shir HaKavod is not recited.
Ma'ariv and general: One may daven Ma'ariv 15 minutes before the end of Shabbat and include Atah Chonantanu in the Amidah. It is Rabbi Feldman's opinion that one does not say the three words "E-l Melech Ne'eman" before Shema in Ma'ariv or Shacharit, contrary to the instructions in many Siddurim. It is also his opinion that one who usually recites the paragraph at weekday Ma'ariv that begins ברוך ה' לעולם אמן ואמן does not recite this paragraph when praying without a Minyan. 

LIFE & LEGACY *
We are excited and honored to be partnering with 10 other local organizations in the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s LIFE & LEGACY™ program. We completed a successful first year!  Please help us pay it forward and leave a legacy for future Capital District Jews. Please speak to a Life & Legacy committee member about partnering on this crucial initiative to ensure the vitality of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob for the next 200 years. Please consider completing a Letter of Intent. For more information, contact office@cbaj.org.

Earliest Shabbat
6:38 pm

Candle Lighting 
7:51 pm

Latest Shema
9:27 am

Latest Shacharit
10:39 am

Earliest Mincha
1:36 pm

Sunset
8:07 pm

Shabbat ends
8:52 pm


​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Shabbat Eikev
August 7-8, 2020

Our building remains closed. Please continue social distancing. We are working diligently with a task force of Synagogue leadership and medical experts on a reopening plan for CBAJ.

Please reach out to us if you need help with anything at all, or even if you just need to talk, during this prolonged difficult period.

RABBI'S MESSAGE
Click here to view a video message from Rabbi Feldman.


NEW VIRTUAL SHABBAT SCHEDULE

Thursdays: Thursdays with Beth Abe on Zoom at 8 pm. Missed last night? Click here to see the video !
Fridays: A Video Dvar Torah from Rabbi Feldman (link in weekly CBAJ Notes).

TORAH READING
Deuteronomy 7:12-11:25, Artscroll p. 980 
Haftarah: Isaiah 49:14-51:3, p. 1197

MAZAL TOV
Mazal Tov to Ilana and Rob Kovach on the marriage  of their daughter, Maya, to Adam Lott

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU
Rabbi Feldman and the CBAJ Family is available to speak with you. Please e-mail him at  rabbi@cbaj.org  or call the CBAJ Office to leave a message. 
CBAJ President Artie Brenner is reachable at  president@cbaj.org . 
The Chesed committee can be reached through the form below.

CHESED AT CBAJ
If you would like help with shopping, errands, or other things since you are remaining home as much as possible, or conversely, if you would like to volunteer to help people in the community who may need help,  please fill out the form at this link .  Please be in touch with Rabbi Feldman with any needs.

MISHNA CLUB
Click here for this week's Mishna Club learning. For more information on joining, contact Rabbi Feldman.

BIKE NCSY
Albany is participating in this year's Bike NCSY.  Click here for more information; contact Nathan Graber to coordinate the local contignent.

YOU SEND IT, WE PRINT IT
Please be sure to send the CBAJ office information about celebrations or other achievements to be mentioned in the weekly e-mail and printed notes.

DAVID AND ROSE UDELSON BRAY SCHOLARSHIP
Applications can now be submitted for the David and Rose Udelson Bray Scholarship Fund. The award is available to support undergraduate or graduate study. 
For details of the application, please see   Bray Scholarship. Applications for the fall semester are due by Monday, August 31. 

ACCESS INFORMATION FOR OUR VIRTUAL PROGRAMS
Our Zoom conferences can be accessed on a computer or smartphone at:  https://zoom.us/j/9405089347  
For Facebook programming, visit facebook.com/rabbifeldman

DAILY SERVICES
Sunday - Thursday: 6:25 pm on Zoom

---------------------------------------------------------------------

JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES
JFS is offering many programs and help at this time, and they also seek volunteers for many of those initiatives.  Click here for more information if you'd like to volunteer or participate.  Our very own Nanette Brenner will be leading Activities for Emotional Well-being on Mondays; click here for more information or to register .

CORONA-VIRUS INFORMATION
If you have health related questions, concerns, or needs regarding COVID-19, St. Peters Health Partners has social workers and nurses available to speak with you at 518-525-1132.  If you need more emotional support during this difficult time,
the NY State COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline is 844-863-9314.

When it comes to possibly saving lives, Jewish law always follows the most stringent opinion that will save the most lives. Let us be part of the solution by staying safe and following protocols suggested by public health experts. Keep social distancing guidelines:
Do not be within 6 feet of anyone else, except the people with whom you live.
If you can, work from home; if you cannot, maintain the social distancing protocols.
Playdates should not take place between children.
If you experience symptoms, contact your doctor.
Do not invite guests for Shabbat or Yom Tov meals, and make Shiva and Bikkur Cholim visits by phone.
If you are High Risk due to age or other conditions, please stay home as much as possible and take advantage of our Chesed Committee's generous offers.
The Mikva is open by appointment and is following protocols suggested by the Orthodox Union in consultation with public health experts. 
The Utensil Mikvah is also open. Please bring gloves to use, and wash your hands with soap before and after using the Utensil Mikvah. If you cannot follow these sanitary protocols, or if you have personal concerns about using the Utensil Mikvah for current health-related reasons, you may use this form to have the Beth Din of America arrange to sell your new utensils to someone who is not Jewish.  They will arrange to buy those utensils back at a later date (which will be shared with you), at which point your utensils must be "toveled" in the Mikvah. This solution is only to be used in cases of great need, such as ours.

TEFILAH AT HOME
Use this opportunity to take extra time and read the Tefilot meaningfully (and learn their meaning), sing with new melodies (if you have others at home, sing together). 
Aside from not reciting Bar'chu, Kaddish, Kedusha, or the repetition in any services:
Friday Night: Recite Vayechulu paragraph following the Amidah, then skip to Aleinu. If starting Shabbat early, daven Mincha before Plag Hamincha (the time labeled "Earliest Shabbat" on this e-mail's time-bar), candles may be lit and Ma'ariv may be davened after Plag Hamincha.
Shabbat Morning: Start davening in time to recite Shema before the latest time for Shema. After Shacharit Amidah, read the Torah Portion and special Maftir without any of the blessings.  Yekum Purkan is not recited, then Ashrei and the Mussaf Amidah should be recited, and the concluding prayers (if you have children at home, ask them to lead Ein Kelokeinu, Aleinu, Shir Shel Yom, and Adon Olam). Shir HaKavod is not recited.
Ma'ariv and general: One may daven Ma'ariv 15 minutes before the end of Shabbat and include Atah Chonantanu in the Amidah. It is Rabbi Feldman's opinion that one does not say the three words "E-l Melech Ne'eman" before Shema in Ma'ariv or Shacharit, contrary to the instructions in many Siddurim. It is also his opinion that one who usually recites the paragraph at weekday Ma'ariv that begins ברוך ה' לעולם אמן ואמן does not recite this paragraph when praying without a Minyan. 

LIFE & LEGACY *
We are excited and honored to be partnering with 10 other local organizations in the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s LIFE & LEGACY™ program. We completed a successful first year!  Please help us pay it forward and leave a legacy for future Capital District Jews. Please speak to a Life & Legacy committee member about partnering on this crucial initiative to ensure the vitality of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob for the next 200 years. Please consider completing a Letter of Intent. For more information, contact office@cbaj.org.

Earliest Shabbat
6:45 pm

Candle Lighting 
7:59 pm

Latest Shema
9:24 am

Latest Shacharit
10:37 am

Earliest Mincha
1:37 pm

Sunset
8:16 pm

Shabbat ends
9:03 pm


​​​​​​​
 

Shabbat Vaetchanan / Nachamu
July 31- August 1, 2020

Our building remains closed. Please continue social distancing. We are working diligently with a task force of Synagogue leadership and medical experts on a reopening plan for CBAJ.

Please reach out to us if you need help with anything at all, or even if you just need to talk, during this prolonged difficult period.

RABBI'S MESSAGE
Click here to view a video message from Rabbi Feldman (this message was also sent to the members of the Rabbinical Council of America, where Rabbi Feldman has recently been elected to the Executive Committee).

The usual live Friday evening and Havdalah programs will not take place this week.  Please stay tuned for next week's new virtual programming.

TORAH READING
Deuteronomy 3:23-7:11, Artscroll p. 958 
Haftarah: Isaiah 40:1-26, p. 1196

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU
Rabbi Feldman and the CBAJ Family is available to speak with you. Please e-mail him at  rabbi@cbaj.org  or call the CBAJ Office to leave a message. 
CBAJ President Artie Brenner is reachable at  president@cbaj.org . 
The Chesed committee can be reached through the form below.

CONDOLENCES
We regret to inform you of the passing of CBAJ Member Monya Zvinyatskovskiy, father of Arkady and  Leonid Zvinyatskovskiy. Notes of condolence can be sent to arkady.zvin@gmail.com .

CHESED AT CBAJ
If you would like help with shopping, errands, or other things since you are remaining home as much as possible, or conversely, if you would like to volunteer to help people in the community who may need help,  please fill out the form at this link .  Please be in touch with Rabbi Feldman with any needs.

MISHNA CLUB
Click here for this week's Mishna Club learning. For more information on joining, contact Rabbi Feldman.
​​​​​​​
BIKE NCSY
Albany is participating in this year's Bike NCSY.  Click here for more information; contact Nathan Graber ​​​​​​​ to coordinate the local contignent.

YOU SEND IT, WE PRINT IT
Please be sure to send the CBAJ office information about celebrations or other achievements to be mentioned in the weekly e-mail and printed notes.

DAVID AND ROSE UDELSON BRAY SCHOLARSHIP
Applications can now be submitted for the David and Rose Udelson Bray Scholarship Fund. The award is available to support undergraduate or graduate study. 
For details of the application, please see   Bray Scholarship. Applications for the fall semester are due by Monday, August 31. 

ACCESS INFORMATION FOR OUR VIRTUAL PROGRAMS
For Facebook programming, visit facebook.com/rabbifeldman

DAILY SERVICES
Sunday - Thursday: 6:35 pm on Zoom

---------------------------------------------------------------------

JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES
JFS is delivering Kosher meals and offering grocery shopping to homebound seniors and families.
They are offering virtual groups for students, parents, and seniors. More information and registration is here. Clinicians are available for counseling  and  Senior Resource Specialists can help families and older adults with long-term care planning and
aging-related resources. 
Update regarding meals
Jewish Family Services (JFS) and Jewish 
Federation proudly partnered with Albany County and
the Vaad Hakashruth of the Capital District at the beginning of the pandemic to provide kosher
home delivered meals to home-bound seniors 
and families. With our community's support,
we have been able to provide over 50 meals / day. 

Now that restrictions have been lifted and 
emergency monies from the County are being 
redirected, recipients of these meals are now 
asked to go through the statewide system to 
determine continued eligibility.
Basic eligibility for meals includes 1) frailty, illness or otherwise inability to prepare meals for oneself; 
2) a lack of transportation to access other meals;
3) a lack of family or friends or support system 
that can help with meals. These are the basic 
rules but every person has a different need and 
we want to continue to be there to help. 

If you or someone you know has been receiving 
the meals or you think they should and / or have questions, please contact Lisa Gally, Director of 
Essential Services at JFS at 518.516.1107. 
Please know that JFS and Federation are committed to helping our more vulnerable community members continue get the food and support they 
need.

For more information on Albany county-supported  home delivered meals,  please click here .

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Jewish Family Services and Jewish Federation of NENY are responding to the needs of vulnerable families and seniors. We are looking for volunteers to:
Deliver Kosher meals
Pick up meals and deliver to local seniors and families
Shop for groceries
Shop at one of three Albany Price Chopper stores and deliver to a local senior. Shopping list provided.
Drive a Jewish senior
Take a senior to a doctor’s appointment, bank, hair salon, etc.
Join the JFS / Federation volunteer team.
College students welcome for the summer.
Call Lisa Gally at 518-516-1107 for more information. 
Register at this link  to volunteer. 

CORONA-VIRUS INFORMATION
If you have health related questions, concerns, or needs regarding COVID-19, St. Peters Health Partners has social workers and nurses available to speak with you at 518-525-1132.  If you need more emotional support during this difficult time,
the NY State COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline is 844-863-9314.

When it comes to possibly saving lives, Jewish law always follows the most stringent opinion that will save the most lives. Let us be part of the solution by staying safe and following protocols suggested by public health experts. Keep social distancing guidelines:
Do not be within 6 feet of anyone else, except the people with whom you live.
If you can, work from home; if you cannot, maintain the social distancing protocols.
Playdates should not take place between children.
If you experience symptoms, contact your doctor.
Do not invite guests for Shabbat or Yom Tov meals, and make Shiva and Bikkur Cholim visits by phone.
If you are High Risk due to age or other conditions, please stay home as much as possible and take advantage of our Chesed Committee's generous offers.
The Mikva is open by appointment and is following protocols suggested by the Orthodox Union in consultation with public health experts. 
The Utensil Mikvah is also open. Please bring gloves to use, and wash your hands with soap before and after using the Utensil Mikvah. If you cannot follow these sanitary protocols, or if you have personal concerns about using the Utensil Mikvah for current health-related reasons, you may use this form to have the Beth Din of America arrange to sell your new utensils to someone who is not Jewish.  They will arrange to buy those utensils back at a later date (which will be shared with you), at which point your utensils must be "toveled" in the Mikvah. This solution is only to be used in cases of great need, such as ours.

TEFILAH AT HOME
Use this opportunity to take extra time and read the Tefilot meaningfully (and learn their meaning), sing with new melodies (if you have others at home, sing together). 
Aside from not reciting Bar'chu, Kaddish, Kedusha, or the repetition in any services:
Friday Night: Recite Vayechulu paragraph following the Amidah, then skip to Aleinu. If starting Shabbat early, daven Mincha before Plag Hamincha (the time labeled "Earliest Shabbat" on this e-mail's time-bar), candles may be lit and Ma'ariv may be davened after Plag Hamincha.
Shabbat Morning: Start davening in time to recite Shema before the latest time for Shema. After Shacharit Amidah, read the Torah Portion and special Maftir without any of the blessings.  Yekum Purkan is not recited, then Ashrei and the Mussaf Amidah should be recited, and the concluding prayers (if you have children at home, ask them to lead Ein Kelokeinu, Aleinu, Shir Shel Yom, and Adon Olam). Shir HaKavod is not recited.
Ma'ariv and general: One may daven Ma'ariv 15 minutes before the end of Shabbat and include Atah Chonantanu in the Amidah. It is Rabbi Feldman's opinion that one does not say the three words "E-l Melech Ne'eman" before Shema in Ma'ariv or Shacharit, contrary to the instructions in many Siddurim. It is also his opinion that one who usually recites the paragraph at weekday Ma'ariv that begins ברוך ה' לעולם אמן ואמן does not recite this paragraph when praying without a Minyan. 

LIFE & LEGACY *
We are excited and honored to be partnering with 10 other local organizations in the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s LIFE & LEGACY™ program. We completed a successful first year!  Please help us pay it forward and leave a legacy for future Capital District Jews. Please speak to a Life & Legacy committee member about partnering on this crucial initiative to ensure the vitality of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob for the next 200 years. Please consider completing a Letter of Intent. For more information, contact office@cbaj.org.

Earliest Shabbat
6:56 pm

Candle Lighting 
8:13 pm

Latest Shema
9:17 am

Latest Shacharit
10:32 am

Earliest Mincha
1:39pm

Mincha
8:15 pm (No services in Shul)

Ma'ariv
9:10 pm  (No services in Shul)

Shabbat ends
9:19 pm


​​​​​​​
 

 Shabbat Matot - Masei / Mavarchim
July 17-18, 2020

Our building remains closed. Please continue social distancing. We are working diligently with a task force of Synagogue leadership and medical experts on a reopening plan for CBAJ.

Please reach out to us if you need help with anything at all, or even if you just need to talk, during this prolonged difficult period.

RABBI'S MESSAGE
Click here for a video message from Rabbi Feldman.

TORAH READING
Numbers 30:2-36:13, Artscroll p. 900 
Haftarah: Jeremiah 2:4-28,3:4, p. 1193 

AV AND THE NINE DAYS
Rosh Chodesh Av begins Tuesday, July 21, at sunset, ushering in the intensified mourning period of the "Nine Days."

RABBI FELDMAN AWAY
Rabbi Feldman is out of town. His virtual classes are on hiatus while he is away. For needs that require immediate rabbinic attention, please e-mail Rabbi Moshe Bomzer. For questions regarding daily services ("minyan"), please e-mail  Barry Siegel. For all other inquiries, please contact Seanan Herrick.

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU
Rabbi Feldman and the CBAJ Family is available to speak with you. Please e-mail him at  rabbi@cbaj.org  or call the CBAJ Office to leave a message. 
CBAJ President Artie Brenner is reachable at  president@cbaj.org . 
The Chesed committee can be reached through the form below.

MISSED OUR CLASSES?
Some of our virtual classes are recorded and available at this link. We are working on uploading more class recordings to the channel.

CONDOLENCES
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob regrets to inform you of the passing of David Crystal, father of CBAJ Member Robert Crystal.
The funeral has taken place. 
Notes of condolence can be sent to racrystal79@aol.com
May the family be comforted, and may his memory be a blessing.

CHESED AT CBAJ
If you would like help with shopping, errands, or other things since you are remaining home as much as possible, or conversely, if you would like to volunteer to help people in the community who may need help,  please fill out the form at this link .  Please be in touch with Rabbi Feldman with any needs.
​​​​​​​
YOU SEND IT, WE PRINT IT
Please be sure to send the CBAJ office information about celebrations or other achievements to be mentioned in the weekly e-mail and printed notes.

JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES
JFS is delivering Kosher meals and offering grocery shopping to homebound seniors and families.
They are offering virtual groups for students, parents, and seniors. More information and registration is here. Clinicians are available for counseling  and  Senior Resource Specialists can help families and older adults with long-term care planning and
aging-related resources. 
Update regarding meals
Jewish Family Services (JFS) and Jewish 
Federation proudly partnered with Albany County and
the Vaad Hakashruth of the Capital District at the beginning of the pandemic to provide kosher
home delivered meals to home-bound seniors 
and families. With our community's support,
we have been able to provide over 50 meals / day. 

Now that restrictions have been lifted and 
emergency monies from the County are being 
redirected, recipients of these meals are now 
asked to go through the statewide system to 
determine continued eligibility.
Basic eligibility for meals includes 1) frailty, illness or otherwise inability to prepare meals for oneself; 
2) a lack of transportation to access other meals;
3) a lack of family or friends or support system 
that can help with meals. These are the basic 
rules but every person has a different need and 
we want to continue to be there to help. 

If you or someone you know has been receiving 
the meals or you think they should and / or have questions, please contact Lisa Gally, Director of 
Essential Services at JFS at 518.516.1107. 
Please know that JFS and Federation are committed to helping our more vulnerable community members continue get the food and support they 
need.

For more information on Albany county-supported  home delivered meals,  please click here .

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Jewish Family Services and Jewish Federation of NENY are responding to the needs of vulnerable families and seniors. We are looking for volunteers to:
Deliver Kosher meals
Pick up meals and deliver to local seniors and families
Shop for groceries
Shop at one of three Albany Price Chopper stores and deliver to a local senior. Shopping list provided.
Drive a Jewish senior
Take a senior to a doctor’s appointment, bank, hair salon, etc.
Join the JFS / Federation volunteer team.
College students welcome for the summer.
Call Lisa Gally at 518-516-1107 for more information. 
Register at this link  to volunteer. 

ACCESS INFORMATION FOR OUR VIRTUAL PROGRAMS
For Facebook programming, visit facebook.com/rabbifeldman

DAILY SERVICES
Sunday to Thursday: 6:45 PM 

-----

CORONA-VIRUS INFORMATION
If you have health related questions, concerns, or needs regarding COVID-19, St. Peters Health Partners has social workers and nurses available to speak with you at 518-525-1132.  If you need more emotional support during this difficult time,
the NY State COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline is 844-863-9314.

When it comes to possibly saving lives, Jewish law always follows the most stringent opinion that will save the most lives. Let us be part of the solution by staying safe and following protocols suggested by public health experts. Keep social distancing guidelines:
Do not be within 6 feet of anyone else, except the people with whom you live.
If you can, work from home; if you cannot, maintain the social distancing protocols.
Playdates should not take place between children.
If you experience symptoms, contact your doctor.
Do not invite guests for Shabbat or Yom Tov meals, and make Shiva and Bikkur Cholim visits by phone.
If you are High Risk due to age or other conditions, please stay home as much as possible and take advantage of our Chesed Committee's generous offers.
The Mikva is open by appointment and is following protocols suggested by the Orthodox Union in consultation with public health experts. 
The Utensil Mikvah is also open. Please bring gloves to use, and wash your hands with soap before and after using the Utensil Mikvah. If you cannot follow these sanitary protocols, or if you have personal concerns about using the Utensil Mikvah for current health-related reasons, you may use this form to have the Beth Din of America arrange to sell your new utensils to someone who is not Jewish.  They will arrange to buy those utensils back at a later date (which will be shared with you), at which point your utensils must be "toveled" in the Mikvah. This solution is only to be used in cases of great need, such as ours.

TEFILAH AT HOME
Use this opportunity to take extra time and read the Tefilot meaningfully (and learn their meaning), sing with new melodies (if you have others at home, sing together). 
Aside from not reciting Bar'chu, Kaddish, Kedusha, or the repetition in any services:
Friday Night: Recite Vayechulu paragraph following the Amidah, then skip to Aleinu. If starting Shabbat early, daven Mincha before Plag Hamincha (the time labeled "Earliest Shabbat" on this e-mail's time-bar), candles may be lit and Ma'ariv may be davened after Plag Hamincha.
Shabbat Morning: Start davening in time to recite Shema before the latest time for Shema. After Shacharit Amidah, read the Torah Portion and special Maftir without any of the blessings.  Yekum Purkan is not recited, then Ashrei and the Mussaf Amidah should be recited, and the concluding prayers (if you have children at home, ask them to lead Ein Kelokeinu, Aleinu, Shir Shel Yom, and Adon Olam). Shir HaKavod is not recited.
Ma'ariv and general: One may daven Ma'ariv 15 minutes before the end of Shabbat and include Atah Chonantanu in the Amidah. It is Rabbi Feldman's opinion that one does not say the three words "E-l Melech Ne'eman" before Shema in Ma'ariv or Shacharit, contrary to the instructions in many Siddurim. It is also his opinion that one who usually recites the paragraph at weekday Ma'ariv that begins ברוך ה' לעולם אמן ואמן does not recite this paragraph when praying without a Minyan. 

LIFE & LEGACY *
We are excited and honored to be partnering with 10 other local organizations in the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s LIFE & LEGACY™ program. We completed a successful first year!  Please help us pay it forward and leave a legacy for future Capital District Jews. Please speak to a Life & Legacy committee member about partnering on this crucial initiative to ensure the vitality of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob for the next 200 years. Please consider completing a Letter of Intent. For more information, contact office@cbaj.org.

Facebook Shabbat Singing
6:00 pm

Earliest Shabbat
7:01 pm

Candle Lighting 
8:20 pm

Latest Shema
9:11 am

Latest Shacharit
10:28 am

Earliest Mincha
1:38 pm

Mincha
8:20 pm (No services in Shul)

Ma'ariv
9:20 pm  (No services in Shul)

Shabbat ends
9:28 pm

Zoom Musical Havdalah
9:45 pm

​​​​​​​
 

Shabbat Chukat - Balak
July 3-4, 2020

Our building remains closed. Please continue social distancing. We are working diligently with a task force of Synagogue leadership and medical experts on a reopening plan for CBAJ.

Please reach out to us if you need help with anything at all, or even if you just need to talk, during this prolonged difficult period.

TORAH READING
Numbers 19:1-25:9, Artscroll p. 838  
Haftarah: Micah 5:6-6:8, p. 1189

VIRTUAL SHABBAT PROGRAMMING
Friday
6 pm: Join Rabbi Feldman on his Facebook page  for some pre-Shabbat singing, a short Dvar Torah, and a Prayer for those who are ill.
Saturday Night
Tune into our Zoom Meeting at 9:45 pm for Musical Havdalah and some post-Shabbat singing  (one should still recite Havdalah at home).

FAST OF TAMMUZ
Thursday, July 9 marks the fast of the 17th of Tammuz.
The fast, which commemorates the breach of the walls of Jerusalem before the destruction of the Second Temple, among other catastrophes, begins at 3:34 AM and ends at 9:11 PM.

RABBI FELDMAN AWAY
Rabbi Feldman will be out of town following Shabbat through Rosh Chodesh Av. His virtual classes are on hiatus while he is away. For needs that require immediate rabbinic attention, please e-mail Rabbi Moshe Bomzer. For questions regarding daily services ("minyan"), please e-mail  Barry Siegel. For all other inquiries, please contact Seanan Herrick.

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU
Rabbi Feldman and the CBAJ Family is available to speak with you. Please e-mail him at  rabbi@cbaj.org  or call the CBAJ Office to leave a message. 
CBAJ President Artie Brenner is reachable at  president@cbaj.org . 
The Chesed committee can be reached through the form below.

MISSED OUR CLASSES?
Some of our virtual classes are recorded and available at this link. We are working on uploading more class recordings to the channel.

CHESED AT CBAJ
If you would like help with shopping, errands, or other things since you are remaining home as much as possible, or conversely, if you would like to volunteer to help people in the community who may need help,  please fill out the form at this link .  Please be in touch with Rabbi Feldman with any needs.

CONDOLENCES
We mourn the passing of Gloria Medoff, mother of CBAJ Member Cheryl (and Alan) Ginsburg. 
Notes of condolence can be sent to Cheryl at  acginsey@gmail.com .

YOU SEND IT, WE PRINT IT
Please be sure to send the CBAJ office information about celebrations or other achievements to be mentioned in the weekly e-mail and printed notes.

JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES
JFS is delivering Kosher meals and offering grocery shopping to homebound seniors and families.
They are offering virtual groups for students, parents, and seniors. More information and registration is here. Clinicians are available for counseling  and  Senior Resource Specialists can help families and older adults with long-term care planning and
aging-related resources. 

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Jewish Family Services and Jewish Federation of NENY are responding to the needs of vulnerable families and seniors. We are looking for volunteers to:
Deliver Kosher meals
Pick up meals at Price Chopper (Central and 155) and deliver to local seniors and families
Shop for groceries
Shop at one of three Albany Price Chopper stores and deliver to a local senior. Shopping list provided.
Drive a Jewish senior
Take a senior to a doctor’s appointment, bank, hair salon, etc.
Join the JFS / Federation volunteer team.
College students welcome for the summer.
Call Lisa Gally at 518-516-1107 for more information. 
Register at this link  to volunteer. 

ACCESS INFORMATION FOR OUR VIRTUAL PROGRAMS
For Facebook programming, visit facebook.com/rabbifeldman

DAILY SERVICES
Sunday to Tesday: 6:55 pm on Zoom
Wednesday: 8:30 pm on Zoom
Thursday (Fast of Tammuz): 6:45 pm on Zoom

-----

CORONA-VIRUS INFORMATION
If you have health related questions, concerns, or needs regarding COVID-19, St. Peters Health Partners has social workers and nurses available to speak with you at 518-525-1132.  If you need more emotional support during this difficult time,
the NY State COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline is 844-863-9314.

When it comes to possibly saving lives, Jewish law always follows the most stringent opinion that will save the most lives. Let us be part of the solution by staying safe and following protocols suggested by public health experts. Keep social distancing guidelines:
Do not be within 6 feet of anyone else, except the people with whom you live.
If you can, work from home; if you cannot, maintain the social distancing protocols.
Playdates should not take place between children.
If you experience symptoms, contact your doctor.
Do not invite guests for Shabbat or Yom Tov meals, and make Shiva and Bikkur Cholim visits by phone.
If you are High Risk due to age or other conditions, please stay home as much as possible and take advantage of our Chesed Committee's generous offers.
The Mikva is open by appointment and is following protocols suggested by the Orthodox Union in consultation with public health experts. 
The Utensil Mikvah is also open. Please bring gloves to use, and wash your hands with soap before and after using the Utensil Mikvah. If you cannot follow these sanitary protocols, or if you have personal concerns about using the Utensil Mikvah for current health-related reasons, you may use this form to have the Beth Din of America arrange to sell your new utensils to someone who is not Jewish.  They will arrange to buy those utensils back at a later date (which will be shared with you), at which point your utensils must be "toveled" in the Mikvah. This solution is only to be used in cases of great need, such as ours.

TEFILAH AT HOME
Use this opportunity to take extra time and read the Tefilot meaningfully (and learn their meaning), sing with new melodies (if you have others at home, sing together). 
Aside from not reciting Bar'chu, Kaddish, Kedusha, or the repetition in any services:
Friday Night: Recite Vayechulu paragraph following the Amidah, then skip to Aleinu. If starting Shabbat early, daven Mincha before Plag Hamincha (the time labeled "Earliest Shabbat" on this e-mail's time-bar), candles may be lit and Ma'ariv may be davened after Plag Hamincha.
Shabbat Morning: Start davening in time to recite Shema before the latest time for Shema. After Shacharit Amidah, read the Torah Portion and special Maftir without any of the blessings.  Yekum Purkan is not recited, then Ashrei and the Mussaf Amidah should be recited, and the concluding prayers (if you have children at home, ask them to lead Ein Kelokeinu, Aleinu, Shir Shel Yom, and Adon Olam). Shir HaKavod is not recited.
Ma'ariv and general: One may daven Ma'ariv 15 minutes before the end of Shabbat and include Atah Chonantanu in the Amidah. It is Rabbi Feldman's opinion that one does not say the three words "E-l Melech Ne'eman" before Shema in Ma'ariv or Shacharit, contrary to the instructions in many Siddurim. It is also his opinion that one who usually recites the paragraph at weekday Ma'ariv that begins ברוך ה' לעולם אמן ואמן does not recite this paragraph when praying without a Minyan. 

LIFE & LEGACY *
We are excited and honored to be partnering with 10 other local organizations in the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s LIFE & LEGACY™ program. We completed a successful first year!  Please help us pay it forward and leave a legacy for future Capital District Jews. Please speak to a Life & Legacy committee member about partnering on this crucial initiative to ensure the vitality of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob for the next 200 years. Please consider completing a Letter of Intent. For more information, contact office@cbaj.org.

Facebook Shabbat Singing
6:00 pm

Earliest Shabbat
7:01 pm

Candle Lighting 
8:20 pm

Latest Shema
9:07 am

Latest Shacharit
10:24 am

Earliest Mincha
1:35 pm

Mincha
8:20 pm (No services in Shul)

Ma'ariv
9:20 pm  (No services in Shul)

Shabbat ends
9:30 pm

Zoom Musical Havdalah
9:45 pm


 

Shabbat Shelach / Mevarchim
June 19-20, 2020

Our building remains closed. Please continue social distancing. We are working diligently with a task force of Synagogue leadership and medical experts on a reopening plan for CBAJ.

Please reach out to us if you need help with anything at all, or even if you just need to talk, during this prolonged difficult period.

TORAH READING
Numbers 13:1-15:41, p. 798
Haftarah: Joshua 2:1-24, p. 1184   

CBAJ YOUTH FAMILY PARSHA PAGE
Click here to print a one-sheet (double sided) Parsha Page with a summary of the Parsha, a story with a Parsha-related Message, some discussion questions, and a Shabbat-friendly activity.

CELEBRATE OUR GRADUATES
Virtual Graduation Kiddush on Monday evening, June 22, from 7:30 pm to 8:00 pm with Montage and messages to our graduates from Rabbi Feldman and special guest Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan.  At our Zoom Link.

VIRTUAL SHABBAT PROGRAMMING
Friday
6 pm: Join Rabbi Feldman on his Facebook page  for some pre-Shabbat singing, a short Dvar Torah, and a Prayer for those who are ill.
Saturday Night
Tune into our Zoom Meeting at 9:45 pm for Musical Havdalah and some post-Shabbat singing  (one should still recite Havdalah at home).

NEW 2-PART SERIES
Shabbat at Home: What are Kiddush and Havdalah About? 2 Tuesdays at 7:30 pm on Zoom
Tuesday, June 23: Kiddush
Tuesday, June 30: Havdalah

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU
Rabbi Feldman and the CBAJ Family is available to speak with you. Please e-mail him at  rabbi@cbaj.org  or call the CBAJ Office to leave a message.  CBAJ President Artie Brenner is reachable at  president@cbaj.org .  The Chesed committee can be reached through the form below.

CHESED AT CBAJ
If you would like help with shopping, errands, or other things since you are remaining home as much as possible, or conversely, if you would like to volunteer to help people in the community who may need help,  please fill out the form at this link .  Please be in touch with Rabbi Feldman with any needs.

YOU SEND IT, WE PRINT IT
Please be sure to send the CBAJ office information about celebrations or other achievements to be mentioned in the weekly e-mail and printed notes.

JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES
JFS is delivering Kosher meals and offering grocery shopping to homebound seniors and families.
They are offering virtual groups for students, parents, and seniors. More information and registration is here. Clinicians are available for counseling  and  Senior Resource Specialists can help families and older adults with long-term care planning and
aging-related resources. 

ACCESS INFORMATION FOR OUR VIRTUAL PROGRAMS
For Facebook programming, visit facebook.com/rabbifeldman

DAILY SERVICES
Sunday, Wednesday: 8:30 pm on Zoom
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday at 6:55 pm on Zoom

-----

FULL VIRTUAL WEEKLY SCHEDULE
Daily
Monday to Friday at 1 pm: Orthodox Union Communal Tehillim and Words of Inspiration, call (773) 249-0370
Sunday to Thursday: Mincha, Mishna study in memory of our loved ones (for mourners and Yahrzeit), a prayer for the ill, and Ma'ariv, on Zoom Conference.

Sundays at 7:30 pm at CBAJ Zoom: In Depth Talmud: Megilah
More special programs and guest speakers to be announced

Youth Programming
Sundays at 10:30 am on Zoom: CBAJ Kid's Club for grades 2-5 with Youth Director Jory 

CORONA-VIRUS INFORMATION
If you have health related questions, concerns, or needs regarding COVID-19, St. Peters Health Partners has social workers and nurses available to speak with you at 518-525-1132.  If you need more emotional support during this difficult time, the NY State COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline is 844-863-9314.

When it comes to possibly saving lives, Jewish law always follows the most stringent opinion that will save the most lives. Let us be part of the solution by staying safe and following protocols suggested by public health experts. Keep social distancing guidelines:
Do not be within 6 feet of anyone else, except the people with whom you live.
If you can, work from home; if you cannot, maintain the social distancing protocols.
Playdates should not take place between children.
If you experience symptoms, contact your doctor.
Do not invite guests for Shabbat or Yom Tov meals, and make Shiva and Bikkur Cholim visits by phone.
If you are High Risk due to age or other conditions, please stay home as much as possible and take advantage of our Chesed Committee's generous offers.
The Mikva is open by appointment and is following protocols suggested by the Orthodox Union in consultation with public health experts. 
The Utensil Mikvah is also open. Please bring gloves to use, and wash your hands with soap before and after using the Utensil Mikvah. If you cannot follow these sanitary protocols, or if you have personal concerns about using the Utensil Mikvah for current health-related reasons, you may use this form to have the Beth Din of America arrange to sell your new utensils to someone who is not Jewish.  They will arrange to buy those utensils back at a later date (which will be shared with you), at which point your utensils must be "toveled" in the Mikvah. This solution is only to be used in cases of great need, such as ours.

TEFILAH AT HOME
Use this opportunity to take extra time and read the Tefilot meaningfully (and learn their meaning), sing with new melodies (if you have others at home, sing together). 
Aside from not reciting Bar'chu, Kaddish, Kedusha, or the repetition in any services:
Friday Night: Recite Vayechulu paragraph following the Amidah, then skip to Aleinu. If starting Shabbat early, daven Mincha before Plag Hamincha (the time labeled "Earliest Shabbat" on this e-mail's time-bar), candles may be lit and Ma'ariv may be davened after Plag Hamincha.
Shabbat Morning: Start davening in time to recite Shema before the latest time for Shema. After Shacharit Amidah, read the Torah Portion and special Maftir without any of the blessings.  Yekum Purkan is not recited, then Ashrei and the Mussaf Amidah should be recited, and the concluding prayers (if you have children at home, ask them to lead Ein Kelokeinu, Aleinu, Shir Shel Yom, and Adon Olam). Shir HaKavod is not recited.
Ma'ariv and general: One may daven Ma'ariv 15 minutes before the end of Shabbat and include Atah Chonantanu in the Amidah. It is Rabbi Feldman's opinion that one does not say the three words "E-l Melech Ne'eman" before Shema in Ma'ariv or Shacharit, contrary to the instructions in many Siddurim. It is also his opinion that one who usually recites the paragraph at weekday Ma'ariv that begins ברוך ה' לעולם אמן ואמן does not recite this paragraph when praying without a Minyan. 

LIFE & LEGACY *
We are excited and honored to be partnering with 10 other local organizations in the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s LIFE & LEGACY™ program. We completed a successful first year!  Please help us pay it forward and leave a legacy for future Capital District Jews. Please speak to a Life & Legacy committee member about partnering on this crucial initiative to ensure the vitality of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob for the next 200 years. Please consider completing a Letter of Intent. For more information, contact office@cbaj.org. 

Facebook Shabbat Singing
6:00 pm

Earliest Shabbat
6:55 pm

Candle Lighting 
8:14 pm

Latest Shema
9:05 am

Latest Shacharit
10:22 am

Earliest Mincha
1:32 pm

Mincha
8:15 pm (No services in Shul)

Ma'ariv
9:15 pm  (No services in Shul)

Shabbat ends
9:23 pm

Zoom Musical Havdalah
9:45 pm


 

Shabbat Nasso
June 5-6, 2020

Our building remains closed. Please continue social distancing. We are working diligently with a task force of Synagogue leadership and medical experts on a reopening plan for CBAJ.

Please reach out to us if you need help with anything at all, or even if you just need to talk, during this prolonged difficult period.

STATEMENT MOURNING THE SENSELESS KILLING OF GEORGE FLOYD
Our Jewish Community is grief stricken. We stand in solidarity with our black brothers and sisters in the Jewish community and beyond, as we all mourn the violent death of George Floyd. Our community rejects racism and bigotry in all its forms in our society.

Along with Civil Rights leaders, local officials, and other religious leaders, we express our respect and empathy for every human being as we are taught that each person is created B’Tzelem Elohim [in sacred image of God]. We renew our commitment to pursue justice and to work together for meaningful and lasting systemic change.

Our tradition teaches: “Do not stand idly by while your neighbor bleeds” [Leviticus 19:16]. Therefore, we will uphold our responsibility to work alongside our neighbors to build a more equitable, caring, and just world.

Capital District Board of Rabbis
Jewish Family Services of Northeastern New York
Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York

TORAH READING
Numbers 4:21 – 7:89 , Artscroll p. 748  
Haftarah: Judges 13:2 – 25, p. 1181  

CBAJ YOUTH FAMILY PARSHA PAGE
Click here to print a one-sheet (double sided) Parsha Page with a summary of the Parsha, a story with a Parsha-related Message, some discussion questions, and a Shabbat-friendly activity.

VIRTUAL SHABBAT PROGRAMMING
Friday
5 pm: Tot Shabbat on Zoom
6 pm: Join Rabbi Feldman on his Facebook page  for some pre-Shabbat singing, a short Dvar Torah, and a Prayer for those who are ill.
Saturday Night
Tune into our Zoom Meeting at 9:45 pm for Musical Havdalah and some post-Shabbat singing  (one should still recite Havdalah at home).

MAZAL TOV
Mazal Tov to CBAJ Members Chaya Tal & Yosef Yishai Hilsen on the marriage of their son, Eiden Tal, to Adena Miller of Silver Spring, MD

CBAJ BOOK CLUB  
The CBAJ Book Club will next meet on Wednesday June 10. We will be reading  The Librarian of Auschwitz by Antonio Iturbe . For more information, e-mail Rabbi Feldman.

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU
Rabbi Feldman and the CBAJ Family is available to speak with you. Please e-mail him at  rabbi@cbaj.org  or call the CBAJ Office to leave a message.  CBAJ President Artie Brenner is reachable at  president@cbaj.org .  The Chesed committee can be reached through the form below.

CHESED AT CBAJ
If you would like help with shopping, errands, or other things since you are remaining home as much as possible, or conversely, if you would like to volunteer to help people in the community who may need help,  please fill out the form at this link .  Please be in touch with Rabbi Feldman with any needs.

CONDOLENCES
We mourn the passing of Myrna Coleman, mother of CBAJ Member Laura (and Zvi) Segal.  Notes of condolence can be sent to lrsegal724@gmail.com

YOU SEND IT, WE PRINT IT
Please be sure to send the CBAJ office information about celebrations or other achievements to be mentioned in the weekly e-mail and printed notes.

ACCESS INFORMATION FOR OUR VIRTUAL PROGRAMS

For Facebook programming, visit facebook.com/rabbifeldman

DAILY SERVICES
Sunday to Thursday at 8:25 pm on Zoom

-----

FULL VIRTUAL WEEKLY SCHEDULE
Daily
Monday to Friday at 1 pm: Orthodox Union Communal Tehillim and Words of Inspiration, call (773) 249-0370
Sunday to Thursday: Mincha, Mishna study in memory of our loved ones (for mourners and Yahrzeit), a prayer for the ill, and Ma'ariv, on Zoom Conference.

Weekly Adult Education
Sundays at 8:30 pm on Zoom: In Depth Talmud: Megilah
Mondays at 8:30 pm on Zoom: Contemporary Halakhic Issues
More special programs and guest speakers to be announced

Youth Programming
Friday at 5 pm on Zoom: Tot Shabbat
Sundays at 10:30 am on Zoom: CBAJ Kid's Club for grades 2-5 with Youth Director Jory 

CORONA-VIRUS INFORMATION
If you have health related questions, concerns, or needs regarding COVID-19, St. Peters Health Partners has social workers and nurses available to speak with you at 518-525-1132.  If you need more emotional support during this difficult time, the NY State COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline is 844-863-9314.

When it comes to possibly saving lives, Jewish law always follows the most stringent opinion that will save the most lives. Let us be part of the solution by staying safe and following protocols suggested by public health experts. Keep social distancing guidelines:
Do not be within 6 feet of anyone else, except the people with whom you live.
If you can, work from home; if you cannot, maintain the social distancing protocols.
Playdates should not take place between children.
If you experience symptoms, contact your doctor.
Do not invite guests for Shabbat or Yom Tov meals, and make Shiva and Bikkur Cholim visits by phone.
If you are High Risk due to age or other conditions, please stay home as much as possible and take advantage of our Chesed Committee's generous offers.
The Mikva is open by appointment and is following protocols suggested by the Orthodox Union in consultation with public health experts. 
The Utensil Mikvah is also open. Please bring gloves to use, and wash your hands with soap before and after using the Utensil Mikvah. If you cannot follow these sanitary protocols, or if you have personal concerns about using the Utensil Mikvah for current health-related reasons, you may use this form to have the Beth Din of America arrange to sell your new utensils to someone who is not Jewish.  They will arrange to buy those utensils back at a later date (which will be shared with you), at which point your utensils must be "toveled" in the Mikvah. This solution is only to be used in cases of great need, such as ours.

JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES
JFS is helping with Kosher food and grocery delivery, and soon will be offering support groups during this difficult time.  See here for more information.

TEFILAH AT HOME
Use this opportunity to take extra time and read the Tefilot meaningfully (and learn their meaning), sing with new melodies (if you have others at home, sing together). 
Aside from not reciting Bar'chu, Kaddish, Kedusha, or the repetition in any services:
Friday Night: Recite Vayechulu paragraph following the Amidah, then skip to Aleinu. If starting Shabbat early, daven Mincha before Plag Hamincha (the time labeled "Earliest Shabbat" on this e-mail's time-bar), candles may be lit and Ma'ariv may be davened after Plag Hamincha.
Shabbat Morning: Start davening in time to recite Shema before the latest time for Shema. After Shacharit Amidah, read the Torah Portion and special Maftir without any of the blessings.  Yekum Purkan is not recited, then Ashrei and the Mussaf Amidah should be recited, and the concluding prayers (if you have children at home, ask them to lead Ein Kelokeinu, Aleinu, Shir Shel Yom, and Adon Olam). Shir HaKavod is not recited.
Ma'ariv and general: One may daven Ma'ariv 15 minutes before the end of Shabbat and include Atah Chonantanu in the Amidah. It is Rabbi Feldman's opinion that one does not say the three words "E-l Melech Ne'eman" before Shema in Ma'ariv or Shacharit, contrary to the instructions in many Siddurim. It is also his opinion that one who usually recites the paragraph at weekday Ma'ariv that begins ברוך ה' לעולם אמן ואמן does not recite this paragraph when praying without a Minyan. Remember to count the Omer after nightfall each night.

ALBANY COMMUNITY MITZVAH STUDY
CBAJ is studying Sefer Hachinuch in partnership with Bet Shraga Hebrew Academy of the Capital District and Maimonides Hebrew Day School.  Sefer HaChinuch is a book that summarizes every Mitzvah in the Torah.  Our hope is that, as a community, we collectively study all 613 Mitzvot and hold a Siyum (Celebration marking the completion of a Torah study project) on Shavuot.  We will use the edition of Sefer HaChinuch found here.  Please sign up here for the Mitzvot you'd like to study!

LIFE & LEGACY *
We are excited and honored to be partnering with 10 other local organizations in the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s LIFE & LEGACY™ program. We completed a successful first year!  Please help us pay it forward and leave a legacy for future Capital District Jews. Please speak to a Life & Legacy committee member about partnering on this crucial initiative to ensure the vitality of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob for the next 200 years. Please consider completing a Letter of Intent. For more information, contact office@cbaj.org.Your text goes here!

Facebook Shabbat Singing
6:00 pm

Earliest Shabbat
6:46 pm

Candle Lighting 
8:00 pm

Latest Shema
9:08 am

Latest Shacharit
10:23 am

Earliest Mincha
1:30 pm

Mincha
8:05 pm (No services in Shul)

Ma'ariv
9:00 pm  (No services in Shul)

Shabbat ends
9:10 pm

Zoom Musical Havdalah
9:25 pm

Shabbat Bemidbar / Mevarchim
May 22-23, 2020

IMPORTANT CORONAVIRUS MESSAGE:
Please continue social distancing. The last thing we want is a second outbreak of this disease. Even while outdoors, please be sure to keep a safe distance from people who do not live with you. Not only is this the safest thing for you to do from a medical standpoint, but it prevents the perception among others that the Jewish community does not take these precautions and public safety seriously. On the contrary, Judaism takes them extraordinarily seriously.

Please be aware that due to the overriding Jewish value of Pikuah Nefesh, saving lives, Synagogues may remain closed for a prolonged period after other businesses have been opened due to economic or other considerations, and even after the government has officially permitted "religious gatherings." The government considers factors that Halakha does not, and Jewish Law continues to value saving lives over other consideratons.

Please reach out to us if you need help with anything at all, or even if you just need to talk, during this prolonged difficult period.

TORAH READING
Numbers 1:1 - 4:20, Artscroll p. 726
Haftarah for Erev Rosh Chodesh: 1 Samuel 20:18-42
The Torah reading can be found and printed here.

CBAJ YOUTH FAMILY PARSHA PAGE
Click here to print a one-sheet (double sided) Parsha Page with a summary of the Parsha, a story with a Parsha-related Message, some discussion questions, and a Shabbat-friendly activity.

ROSH CHODESH SIVAN
Rosh Chodesh is Saturday Night and Sunday. On Sunday, please remember to include Ya'ael Veyavo, Half Hallel after the Shacharit Amidah, Mussaf for Rosh Chodesh.

VIRTUAL SHABBAT PROGRAMMING
Friday
5 pm: Tot Shabbat on Zoom
6 pm: Join Rabbi Feldman on his Facebook page  for some pre-Shabbat singing, a short Dvar Torah, and a Prayer for those who are ill.
Saturday Night
Tune into our Zoom Meeting at 9:25 pm for Musical Havdalah and some post-Shabbat singing  (one should still recite Havdalah at home).

SHAVUOT PROGRAMMING
Wednesday, May 27, Late Night Learning
Starts with Rabbi Feldman's lecture on Zoom at 8 pm, and continues with speakers from Yeshiva University and RIETS.

Thursday, May 28, Ice Cream Truck
Ice Cream Truck at CBAJ Parking Lot from 4 pm to 6 pm before Yom Tov. Get ice cream and Shavuot learning materials. Please wear masks and maintain social distancing. CBAJ Members will receive a voucher for free ice cream next week.

Sunday, May 31, Virtual Yizkor
The day after Yom Tov from 10:00 am to 10:30 am, virtual Yizkor service on Zoom.

More information and materials in next week's e-mail.

CBAJ BOOK CLUB  
The CBAJ Book Club will next meet on Wednesday June 10. We will be reading  The Librarian of Auschwitz by Antonio Iturbe . For more information, e-mail Laura Segal .

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU
Rabbi Feldman and the CBAJ Family is available to speak with you. Please e-mail him at  rabbi@cbaj.org  or call the CBAJ Office to leave a message.  CBAJ President Artie Brenner is reachable at  president@cbaj.org .  The Chesed committee can be reached through the form below.

CHESED AT CBAJ
If you would like help with shopping, errands, or other things since you are remaining home as much as possible, or conversely, if you would like to volunteer to help people in the community who may need help,  please fill out the form at this link .  Please be in touch with Rabbi Feldman with any needs.

ACCESS INFORMATION FOR OUR VIRTUAL PROGRAMS

For Facebook programming, visit facebook.com/rabbifeldman

YOU SEND IT, WE PRINT IT
Please be sure to send the CBAJ office information about celebrations or other achievements to be mentioned in the weekly e-mail and printed notes.

DAILY SERVICES
Sunday to Thursday at 8:15 pm on Zoom
Friday morning, May 22 is Yom Yerushalayim. Full Hallel after Shacharit Amidah.
Sunday is Rosh Chodesh Sivan

-----

FULL VIRTUAL WEEKLY SCHEDULE
Daily
Monday to Friday at 1 pm: Orthodox Union Communal Tehillim and Words of Inspiration, call (773) 249-0370
Sunday to Thursday: Mincha, Mishna study in memory of our loved ones (for mourners and Yahrzeit), a prayer for the ill, and Ma'ariv, on Zoom Conference.

Weekly Adult Education -
NOTE DIFFERENCES THIS WEEK
Sundays at 8:30 pm on Zoom: In Depth Talmud: Megilah
Mondays at 8:30 pm on Zoom: No Class this Monday - Memorial Day
Thursdays: Tanakh Class on Summer Hiatus
More special programs and guest speakers to be announced

Youth Programming
Friday at 5 pm on Zoom: Tot Shabbat
Sundays at 10:30 am on Zoom: CBAJ Kid's Club for grades 2-5 with Youth Director Jory 

CORONA-VIRUS INFORMATION
If you have health related questions, concerns, or needs regarding COVID-19, St. Peters Health Partners has social workers and nurses available to speak with you at 518-525-1132.  If you need more emotional support during this difficult time, the NY State COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline is 844-863-9314.

When it comes to possibly saving lives, Jewish law always follows the most stringent opinion that will save the most lives. Let us be part of the solution by staying safe and following protocols suggested by public health experts. Keep social distancing guidelines:
Do not be within 6 feet of anyone else, except the people with whom you live.
If you can, work from home; if you cannot, maintain the social distancing protocols.
Playdates should not take place between children.
If you experience symptoms, contact your doctor.
Do not invite guests for Shabbat or Yom Tov meals, and make Shiva and Bikkur Cholim visits by phone.
If you are High Risk due to age or other conditions, please stay home as much as possible and take advantage of our Chesed Committee's generous offers.
The Mikva is open by appointment and is following protocols suggested by the Orthodox Union in consultation with public health experts. 
The Utensil Mikvah is also open. Please bring gloves to use, and wash your hands with soap before and after using the Utensil Mikvah. If you cannot follow these sanitary protocols, or if you have personal concerns about using the Utensil Mikvah for current health-related reasons, you may use this form to have the Beth Din of America arrange to sell your new utensils to someone who is not Jewish.  They will arrange to buy those utensils back at a later date (which will be shared with you), at which point your utensils must be "toveled" in the Mikvah. This solution is only to be used in cases of great need, such as ours.

JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES
JFS is helping with Kosher food and grocery delivery, and soon will be offering support groups during this difficult time.  See here for more information.

TEFILAH AT HOME
Use this opportunity to take extra time and read the Tefilot meaningfully (and learn their meaning), sing with new melodies (if you have others at home, sing together). 
Aside from not reciting Bar'chu, Kaddish, Kedusha, or the repetition in any services:
Friday Night: Recite Vayechulu paragraph following the Amidah, then skip to Aleinu. If starting Shabbat early, daven Mincha before Plag Hamincha (the time labeled "Earliest Shabbat" on this e-mail's time-bar), candles may be lit and Ma'ariv may be davened after Plag Hamincha.
Shabbat Morning: Start davening in time to recite Shema before the latest time for Shema. After Shacharit Amidah, read the Torah Portion and special Maftir without any of the blessings.  Yekum Purkan is not recited, then Ashrei and the Mussaf Amidah should be recited, and the concluding prayers (if you have children at home, ask them to lead Ein Kelokeinu, Aleinu, Shir Shel Yom, and Adon Olam). Shir HaKavod is not recited.
Ma'ariv and general: One may daven Ma'ariv 15 minutes before the end of Shabbat and include Atah Chonantanu in the Amidah. It is Rabbi Feldman's opinion that one does not say the three words "E-l Melech Ne'eman" before Shema in Ma'ariv or Shacharit, contrary to the instructions in many Siddurim. It is also his opinion that one who usually recites the paragraph at weekday Ma'ariv that begins ברוך ה' לעולם אמן ואמן does not recite this paragraph when praying without a Minyan. Remember to count the Omer after nightfall each night.

LIFE & LEGACY *
We are excited and honored to be partnering with 10 other local organizations in the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s LIFE & LEGACY™ program. We completed a successful first year!  Please help us pay it forward and leave a legacy for future Capital District Jews. Please speak to a Life & Legacy committee member about partnering on this crucial initiative to ensure the vitality of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob for the next 200 years. Please consider completing a Letter of Intent. For more information, contact office@cbaj.org.Your text goes here!