Babysitting 10:00 am Youth Groups On hiatus for summer
Kiddush following services
No Talmud Class this Shabbat
Shabbat Mincha & Seudah Shlishit 7:15 pm
Maariv 8:15 pm Havdalah 8:26 pm
TORAH READING Deuteronomy 7:12-11:25, Artscroll p. 980 Haftarah: Isaiah 49:14-51:3, p. 1197 KIDDUSH Kiddush is sponsored by Sylvia Solomon in memory of her husband, Michael Solomon Z"L on his 3rd Yahrzeit (18 Av).
MAZAL TOV Mazal Tov to Rabbi and Rebbetzin Bomzer on the Bar Mitzvah of their grandson Ariel in this week in Israel.
MESSAGE FROM RABBI KEAN
Dear CBAJ Family,
On behalf of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob, I would like to wish you and your family a restful and meaningful Shabbat.
I will be on vacation from August 18 to August 25. I look forward to seeing you when I return.
I hope to see you soon at a tefilah, children's program, event, or class!
Am Yisrael Chai.
Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Ben Kean
UPCOMING EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Tri-City ValleyCats are hosting Jewish Heritage Night on Sunday, August 25th
The next Senior Lunch & Learn will be Tuesday, August 27th
Summer Hiatus announcements for Youth Programming & Beis Medrash
Nach Yomi will resume on Monday August 26
Torah High Announcement Open House for 2024-2025 Semesters
See Below For More Information
YOUTH PROGRAMMING
Torah High 2024-2025 Save the date for the Torah High Open House Monday, September 9 at 7:00 PM. Details forthcoming. Tot Shabbat For children ages 0-5 and their parents at 10:30 am in classroom 3. Please contact Joshua Schulman-Marcus (jschumar@gmail.com) if you would like to be added to the Young Families WhatsApp group.
Youth Groups Youth groups for children in grades k-5 will be on hiatus for the summer.
Babysitting Babysitting is available for children ages 0-5 every Shabbat morning from 10:00-11:30 am! You do not need to be a member to drop off your kids. At least one parent or guardian must be at CBAJ for the duration of babysitting. Babysitting will take place in Classroom 3. The babysitters will bring the kids to Kiddush, please remember to pick up your kids when babysitting ends! Please make sure to inform the babysitters if your child has any food allergies or restrictions. Children in diapers may participate, but babysitters will not be able to change diapers, so please check on kids in diapers.
WEEKLY LEARNING AT CBAJ
NACH YOMI Join Rabbi Kean for studying a chapter of NACH (Nevi'im & Ketuvim, the latter two sections of Jewish scripture) every weekday before Shacharit, Sunday through Friday, half an hour before the regular start time for morning services (7:30 am on Sundays, 6:10 am Monday - Friday) - in the social hall.
TORAH & TEA* Thursday mornings, 9:30 - 10:30 AM on Zoom*. Studying Kohelet (Ecclesiastes) * A Theodore Strauss z"l Endowment Fund sponsored program
TALMUD CLASS No Talmud Class this Shabbat Join our Shabbat Afternoon TALMUD SHIUR in-person, at CBAJ, starting 1 hour before Mincha We are studying Masechet Makkot
*CBAJ ZOOM ROOM (weekday classes only) Go to https://zoom.us/join Enter meeting ID: 940 508 9347 | Enter passcode: 613518
ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMMING
CBAJ BOOK CLUB
The next book is "The gifts of the Jews: how a tribe of desert nomads changed the way everyone thinks and feels" by Thomas Cahill We'll meet by Zoom on October 9 at 8pm Shul copies available in the Carr Chapel during minyan times or by appointment Contact office@cbaj.org as needed.
Summer 2024 Senior Lunch & Learn Series Topic: Talmudic Personalities & their Relevance Today
Based on your feedback, and following-up on a popular lecture series at CBAJ, we will explore the life and times of some of the greatest figures of the Mishnah and Talmud. Through exploring their lives, we will get a window into the world of the Mishnah and Talmud, the foundational texts of Rabbinic Judaism, and explore the eternal relevance of their legacies.
Please register by contacting Seanan Herrick 518.489.5819 x3 or office@cbaj.org
All sessions will begin at 12:30 pm at CBAJ 380 Whitehall Rd.
Lunch is free of charge catered by 518 Kosher Catering & supervised by the Vaad Hakashruth of the Capital District
Please feel welcome to wear a mask during the event & take lunch home to enjoy
August 27 Rabbi Yehudah HaNasi: Savior & Destroyer of “Oral Torah” September 24 Reish Lakish: The Gladiator Rabbi
Community Beit Midrash Night will be on hiatus for the summer. Stay tuned for information about the Fall series!
THE DEE PIRKEI AVOT PROJECT
The Dee Pirkei Avot project disseminates a weekly Pirkei Avot study and discussion sheet in honor of their memory of Lucy, Maia, and Rina, z''l, who were killed in a terrorist attack this year.
“The synagogue is a community which values who I am, how I live, what I give to others now and to those who follow me in years to come. It is the place where they know my name." Rabbi Jonathan Sacks
We are excited and honored to be partnering with 10 other local organizations in the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s LIFE & LEGACY™ program. Please help us pay it forward and leave a legacy for future Capital District Jews. Please speak to Paula Mosher or Ellen Kaplowitz the Life & Legacy committee chairs about partnering on this crucial initiative to ensure the vitality of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob for the next 200 years.
Please click HERE for an important message from our Security Committee & security partner, Community Security Service (CSS) regarding guidelines for attending pro-Israel events
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Tri-City ValleyCats are hosting Jewish Heritage Night Sunday, August 25th, Gates open at 3:30 pm, First Pitch at 5:00 pm Postgame: Fireworks presented by Price Chopper & Kids Run the Bases Here is the link to purchase tickets: https://bit.ly/4clsyw3 . $10 Premium Tickets - Just the ticket to the game $20 - Premium ticket and a voucher for either 2 Hot Dogs or a Hamburger, Chips & Drink $28 - Premium ticket and a voucher for either 2 Hot Dogs or a Hamburger, Chips & Drink along with a souvenir ValleyCats Jewish Heritage Night Squishy Baseball
Food vouchers will be redeemable in the Pavilion down the right field line beginning at 5:15pm. The food is prepared by 518Kosher supervised by the Vaad Hakashruth of the Capital District.
JEWISH COALITION FOR LITERACY - Jewish Federation of NENY For over 20 years, the Jewish Coalition for Literacy has played an integral part in helping Kindergarten through 3rd grade students learn to read. We are looking for more volunteers and are having a Kick-off event on Thursday, September 19th at the Federation.Click here for more information.
PRICE CHOPPER KOSHER STORE RELOCATED & EXPANDED OPTIONS New Location: 1730 Central Avenue in Colonie We need you with us to show our solidarity behind the new venture, which will expand the kosher offerings in the community. The new store will host our kosher department as well as new offerings of To-Go-Meals & Kosher Sushi.
TORAH READING Deuteronomy 3:23-7:11, Artscroll p. 958 Haftarah: Isaiah 40:1-26, p. 1196 SPEAKER Rabbi Kean will deliver a Dvar Torah at Shabbat morning services.
KIDDUSH This Shabbat Kiddush is sponsored by CBAJ.
MAZAL TOV Mazal tov to CBAJ members Rob & Ilana Kovach on the brit milah of their grandson, Liam Aharon Gold. Mazal tov to the parents Jenny & Simcha Gold, the great-grandparents, CBAJ members Barbara and Hesh Ungerman and the entire Kovach, Ungerman, and Gold families.
MESSAGE FROM RABBI KEAN
Dear CBAJ Family,
On behalf of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob, I would like to wish you and your family a restful and meaningful Shabbat.
I will be on vacation for this week, from August 18 to August 25. I look forward to seeing you when I return.
As a strong supporter of Israel, and as someone who encourages Jews to be strong supporters of Israel, I believe it is important for me to echo Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Israeli President Herzog, along with leaders across Israel's political and religious spectrum, in condemning yesterday's attack by Israeli vigilantes against Palestinians in the town of Jit in the West Bank. Wanton vigilante violence cannot be something that we support or condone. I hope that all those who were injured or impacted recover soon, and that those involved in perpetrating violence are swiftly brought to justice.
I hope to see you soon at a tefilah, children's program, event, or class!
Am Yisrael Chai.
Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Ben Kean
UPCOMING EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Tri-City ValleyCats are hosting Jewish Heritage Night on Sunday, August 25th.
The next Senior Lunch & Learn will be Tuesday, August 27th
Summer Hiatus announcements for Youth Programming & Beis Medrash
RE: Weekly Learning Next Week No Torah & Tea Thursday, August 22 No Talmud Class next Shabbat No Nach Yomi next week, Sunday August 18 through Sunday August 25. Nach Yomi will resume on Monday August 26.
Torah High Announcment Open House for 2024-2025 Semesters See Below For More Information
YOUTH PROGRAMMING
Torah High 2024-2025 Save the date for the Torah High Open House Monday, September 9 at 7:00 PM. Details forthcoming.
Tot Shabbat For children ages 0-5 and their parents at 10:30 am in classroom 3. Please contact Joshua Schulman-Marcus (jschumar@gmail.com) if you would like to be added to the Young Families WhatsApp group.
Youth Groups Youth groups for children in grades k-5 will be on hiatus for the summer.
Babysitting Babysitting is available for children ages 0-5 every Shabbat morning from 10:00-11:30 am! You do not need to be a member to drop off your kids. At least one parent or guardian must be at CBAJ for the duration of babysitting. Babysitting will take place in Classroom 3. The babysitters will bring the kids to Kiddush, please remember to pick up your kids when babysitting ends! Please make sure to inform the babysitters if your child has any food allergies or restrictions. Children in diapers may participate, but babysitters will not be able to change diapers, so please check on kids in diapers.
WEEKLY LEARNING AT CBAJ
NACH YOMI Join Rabbi Kean for studying a chapter of NACH (Nevi'im & Ketuvim, the latter two sections of Jewish scripture) every weekday before Shacharit, Sunday through Friday, half an hour before the regular start time for morning services (7:30 am on Sundays, 6:10 am Monday - Friday) - in the social hall.
TORAH & TEA* Thursday mornings, 9:30 - 10:30 AM on Zoom*. Studying Kohelet (Ecclesiastes) * A Theodore Strauss z"l Endowment Fund sponsored program
TALMUD CLASS Join our Shabbat Afternoon TALMUD SHIUR in-person, at CBAJ, starting 1 hour before Mincha We are studying Masechet Makkot
*CBAJ ZOOM ROOM (weekday classes only) Go to https://zoom.us/join Enter meeting ID: 940 508 9347 | Enter passcode: 613518
ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMMING
CBAJ BOOK CLUB
The next book is "The gifts of the Jews: how a tribe of desert nomads changed the way everyone thinks and feels" by Thomas Cahill We'll meet by Zoom on October 9 at 8pm
Summer 2024 Senior Lunch & Learn Series Topic: Talmudic Personalities & their Relevance Today
Based on your feedback, and following-up on a popular lecture series at CBAJ, we will explore the life and times of some of the greatest figures of the Mishnah and Talmud. Through exploring their lives, we will get a window into the world of the Mishnah and Talmud, the foundational texts of Rabbinic Judaism, and explore the eternal relevance of their legacies.
Please register by contacting Seanan Herrick 518.489.5819 x3 or office@cbaj.org
All sessions will begin at 12:30 pm at CBAJ 380 Whitehall Rd.
Lunch is free of charge catered by 518 Kosher Catering & supervised by the Vaad Hakashruth of the Capital District
Please feel welcome to wear a mask during the event & take lunch home to enjoy
August 27 Rabbi Yehudah HaNasi: Savior & Destroyer of “Oral Torah” September 24 Reish Lakish: The Gladiator Rabbi
Community Beit Midrash Night will be on hiatus for the summer. Stay tuned for information about the Fall series!
THE DEE PIRKEI AVOT PROJECT
The Dee Pirkei Avot project disseminates a weekly Pirkei Avot study and discussion sheet in honor of their memory of Lucy, Maia, and Rina, z''l, who were killed in a terrorist attack this year.
“The synagogue is a community which values who I am, how I live, what I give to others now and to those who follow me in years to come. It is the place where they know my name." Rabbi Jonathan Sacks
We are excited and honored to be partnering with 10 other local organizations in the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s LIFE & LEGACY™ program. Please help us pay it forward and leave a legacy for future Capital District Jews. Please speak to Paula Mosher or Ellen Kaplowitz the Life & Legacy committee chairs about partnering on this crucial initiative to ensure the vitality of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob for the next 200 years.
Please click HERE for an important message from our Security Committee & security partner, Community Security Service (CSS) regarding guidelines for attending pro-Israel events
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Tri-City ValleyCats are hosting Jewish Heritage Night Sunday, August 25th, Gates open at 3:30 pm, First Pitch at 5:00 pm Postgame: Fireworks presented by Price Chopper & Kids Run the Bases Here is the link to purchase tickets:https://bit.ly/4clsyw3. $10 Premium Tickets - Just the ticket to the game $20 - Premium ticket and a voucher for either 2 Hot Dogs or a Hamburger, Chips & Drink $28 - Premium ticket and a voucher for either 2 Hot Dogs or a Hamburger, Chips & Drink along with a souvenir ValleyCats Jewish Heritage Night Squishy Baseball
Food vouchers will be redeemable in the Pavilion down the right field line beginning at 5:15pm. The food is prepared by 518Kosher supervised by the Vaad Hakashruth of the Capital District.
JEWISH COALITION FOR LITERACY - Jewish Federation of NENY For over 20 years, the Jewish Coalition for Literacy has played an integral part in helping Kindergarten through 3rd grade students learn to read. We are looking for more volunteers and are having a Kick-off event on Thursday, September 19th at the Federation.Click here for more information.
PRICE CHOPPER KOSHER STORE RELOCATED & EXPANDED OPTIONS New Location: 1730 Central Avenue in Colonie We need you with us to show our solidarity behind the new venture, which will expand the kosher offerings in the community. The new store will host our kosher department as well as new offerings of To-Go-Meals & Kosher Sushi.
Shabbat Hazon Devarim August 9 - 10, 2024 and Tisha B'av August 12 - 13, 2024
Friday Candle Lighting 7:46 pm
Friday Night Services 7:00 pm
Shabbat Morning Services 9:00 am
Latest Shema 9:29 am
No Babysitting this week
Youth Groups On hiatus for summer
Kiddush following services
Talmud Class 6:40 pm
Shabbat Mincha & Seudah Shlishit 7:44 pm
Maariv 8:40 pm Havdalah 8:49 pm
TORAH READING Deuteronomy 1:1-3:22, Artscroll p. 938 Haftarah: Isaiah 1:1-27, p. 1195 SPEAKER Rabbi Kean will deliver a Dvar Torah at Shabbat morning services entitled "His Kindnesses Are Not Stopped: Seeing Divine Mercy Through Divine Rebuke."
KIDDUSH This Shabbat Kiddush is sponsored by Elliot and Rina Chester in honor of the first yahrzeit of Elliot's grandfather William Chester (Velvel Ben Shmuel HaLevi) z"l.
MAZAL TOV Mazal tov to CBAJ members Rob & Ilana Kovach on the birth of a grandson to their children Jenny & Simcha Gold. Mazal tov to the great-grandparents, CBAJ members Barbara and Hesh Ungerman and the entire Kovach, Ungerman, and Gold families.
MESSAGE FROM RABBI KEAN
Dear CBAJ Family,
On behalf of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob, I would like to wish you and your family a restful and meaningful Shabbat.
In light of the constant stream of news about threats of a major attack from Iran and Hezbollah against Israel, I am reminded of the haunting words of Rav Joseph B. Soloveitchik in his work Kol Dodi Dofek:
"With respect to the unity of the nation as well, one must firmly establish that so long as there is shared suffering, in the sense of "I am with in him in his distress" (Psalms 91:15), there is unity. If the Jew, on whom Providence has shined Its countenance, and who believes that with respect to himself the sharpness of hatred has been removed, and estrangement from his surroundings has passed, nevertheless still feels the distress of the nation the burden of its fate/existence, then his bond to the nation has not been severed. If boiling water is poured on the head of a Moroccan Jew, the prim and proper Jew in Paris or London must scream, and by feeling the pain, shows himself loyal to the nation. The breakup of the people and the constriction of its self-image are the result of a lack of shared empathy." (Ed. 2006, pp. 57-58)
In challenging times like this, it is imperative that we remind ourselves that our fates our linked and bonded together.
I hope to see you soon at a tefilah, children's program, event, or class!
Am Yisrael Chai.
Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Ben Kean
TISHA B'AV AT CBAJ
Tisha B'Av Monday, August 12 - Tuesday, August 13
Schedule of Tisha B'Av Services at CBAJ Monday August 12 *7:45 pm Mincha/Maariv with Eicha Fast of Tisha B'Av begins at 8:00 pm
Tuesday 6:40 am - Shacharit with Kinot Kinot will be done following Shacharit, and will last until approximately 9:30 am. Kinot will be accompanied by brief explanations by Rabbi Kean and CBAJ members to enhance our understanding of the Kinot. CBAJ will include a special Kinah written by Rav Yosef Tzvi Rimon in commemoration of the victims of the October 7 Massacre and the fallen in the current war, Swords of Iron.
Tisha B'Av Afternoon Shiur: "The Lord Is Righteous in All His Ways: Accepting & Challenging Divine Judgment on Tisha B'Av." With Rabbi Kean 4:00 PM at CBAJ
Tisha B'Av Film Screening: Legend of Destruction Tuesday August 13th at 5:30 PM Location: Temple Israel
7:35 pm - Mincha/Maariv Fast ends 8:32 pm
GUIDE TO THE THREE WEEKS
Tisha B'av is August 12-13. During these three weeks leading up to Tisha B'av, known as Bein Ham'tzarim (lit. "Between the Straits"), Jewish tradition dictates customs of mourning to be observed in commemoration of the destruction of the Beit Hamikdash (Temple). See below for Rabbi Kean's guide to these customs.
Tisha B'Av Film Screening: Legend of Destruction August 13th at 5:30 PM Location: Temple Israel Sponsored by the Jewish Federation, Temple Israel, Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob, Bnai Sholom, Beth Emeth, & Ohav Shalom.
Legend of Destruction, winner four Israeli Academy Awards, created a stir in Israel when it first came out. The movie is based on historical events that led up to the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE – a calamity that changed the destiny of the Jewish people forever. Click here to view flyer with event details As a review by the NY Times describes, its relevance to current themes of disunity in Israeli society led then-Prime Minister Bennett to encourage all Knesset members to watch it and President Herzog to wish that every Israeli school child would see it. Click here to view the trailer. Click here for a review by Rav Stav founder of Tzohar, which also highlight the relevance of this production to today’s events.
Note: Summer Hiatus announcements for Youth Programming & Beis Medrash See Below For More Information
YOUTH PROGRAMMING
Tot Shabbat For children ages 0-5 and their parents at 10:30 am in classroom 3. Please contact Joshua Schulman-Marcus (jschumar@gmail.com) if you would like to be added to the Young Families WhatsApp group.
Youth Groups Youth groups for children in grades k-5 will be on hiatus for the summer.
Babysitting Babysitting is available for children ages 0-5 every Shabbat morning from 10:00-11:30 am! You do not need to be a member to drop off your kids. At least one parent or guardian must be at CBAJ for the duration of babysitting. Babysitting will take place in Classroom 3. The babysitters will bring the kids to Kiddush, please remember to pick up your kids when babysitting ends! Please make sure to inform the babysitters if your child has any food allergies or restrictions. Children in diapers may participate, but babysitters will not be able to change diapers, so please check on kids in diapers.
WEEKLY LEARNING AT CBAJ
NACH YOMI Join Rabbi Kean for studying a chapter of NACH (Nevi'im & Ketuvim, the latter two sections of Jewish scripture) every weekday before Shacharit, Sunday through Friday, half an hour before the regular start time for morning services (7:30 am on Sundays, 6:10 am Monday - Friday) - in the social hall.
TORAH & TEA* Thursday mornings, 9:30 - 10:30 AM on Zoom*. Studying Kohelet (Ecclesiastes) * A Theodore Strauss z"l Endowment Fund sponsored program
TALMUD CLASS Join our Shabbat Afternoon TALMUD SHIUR in-person, at CBAJ, starting 1 hour before Mincha We are studying Masechet Makkot
*CBAJ ZOOM ROOM (weekday classes only) Go to https://zoom.us/join Enter meeting ID: 940 508 9347 | Enter passcode: 613518
ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMMING
CBAJ BOOK CLUB
The next book is "The gifts of the Jews: how a tribe of desert nomads changed the way everyone thinks and feels" by Thomas Cahill We'll meet by Zoom on October 9 at 8pm
Summer 2024 Senior Lunch & Learn Series Topic: Talmudic Personalities & their Relevance Today
Based on your feedback, and following-up on a popular lecture series at CBAJ, we will explore the life and times of some of the greatest figures of the Mishnah and Talmud. Through exploring their lives, we will get a window into the world of the Mishnah and Talmud, the foundational texts of Rabbinic Judaism, and explore the eternal relevance of their legacies.
Please register by contacting Seanan Herrick 518.489.5819 x3 or office@cbaj.org
All sessions will begin at 12:30 pm at CBAJ 380 Whitehall Rd.
Lunch is free of charge catered by 518 Kosher Catering & supervised by the Vaad Hakashruth of the Capital District
Please feel welcome to wear a mask during the event & take lunch home to enjoy
August 27 (no change after all!) Rabbi Yehudah HaNasi: Savior & Destroyer of “Oral Torah” September 24 Reish Lakish: The Gladiator Rabbi
Community Beit Midrash Night will be on hiatus for the summer. Stay tuned for information about the Fall series!
THE DEE PIRKEI AVOT PROJECT
The Dee Pirkei Avot project disseminates a weekly Pirkei Avot study and discussion sheet in honor of their memory of Lucy, Maia, and Rina, z''l, who were killed in a terrorist attack this year.
Refer to Tisha B'av Schedule above for service times on Tuesday 8/13
MESSAGE FROM LIFE & LEGACY
“A community is too heavy to carry alone” Deuteronomy Rabbah 1:10
We are excited and honored to be partnering with 10 other local organizations in the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s LIFE & LEGACY™ program. Please help us pay it forward and leave a legacy for future Capital District Jews. Please speak to Paula Mosher or Ellen Kaplowitz the Life & Legacy committee chairs about partnering on this crucial initiative to ensure the vitality of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob for the next 200 years.
Please click HERE for an important message from our Security Committee & security partner, Community Security Service (CSS) regarding guidelines for attending pro-Israel events
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
JEWISH COALITION FOR LITERACY - Jewish Federation of NENY For over 20 years, the Jewish Coalition for Literacy has played an integral part in helping Kindergarten through 3rd grade students learn to read. We are looking for more volunteers and are having a Kick-off event on Thursday, September 19th at the Federation.Click here for more information.
PRICE CHOPPER KOSHER STORE RELOCATED & EXPANDED OPTIONS New Location: 1730 Central Avenue in Colonie We need you with us to show our solidarity behind the new venture, which will expand the kosher offerings in the community. The new store will host our kosher department as well as new offerings of To-Go-Meals & Kosher Sushi.
Shabbat Hazon Devarim August 9 - 10, 2024 and Tisha B'av August 12 - 13, 2024
Friday Candle Lighting 7:46 pm
Friday Night Services 7:00 pm
Shabbat Morning Services 9:00 am
Latest Shema 9:29 am
No Babysitting this week
Youth Groups On hiatus for summer
Kiddush following services
Talmud Class 6:40 pm
Shabbat Mincha & Seudah Shlishit 7:44 pm
Maariv 8:40 pm Havdalah 8:49 pm
TORAH READING Deuteronomy 1:1-3:22, Artscroll p. 938 Haftarah: Isaiah 1:1-27, p. 1195 SPEAKER Rabbi Kean will deliver a Dvar Torah at Shabbat morning services entitled "His Kindnesses Are Not Stopped: Seeing Divine Mercy Through Divine Rebuke."
KIDDUSH This Shabbat Kiddush is sponsored by Elliot and Rina Chester in honor of the first yahrzeit of Elliot's grandfather William Chester (Velvel Ben Shmuel HaLevi) z"l.
MAZAL TOV Mazal tov to CBAJ members Rob & Ilana Kovach on the birth of a grandson to their children Jenny & Simcha Gold. Mazal tov to the great-grandparents, CBAJ members Barbara and Hesh Ungerman and the entire Kovach, Ungerman, and Gold families.
MESSAGE FROM RABBI KEAN
Dear CBAJ Family,
On behalf of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob, I would like to wish you and your family a restful and meaningful Shabbat.
In light of the constant stream of news about threats of a major attack from Iran and Hezbollah against Israel, I am reminded of the haunting words of Rav Joseph B. Soloveitchik in his work Kol Dodi Dofek:
"With respect to the unity of the nation as well, one must firmly establish that so long as there is shared suffering, in the sense of "I am with in him in his distress" (Psalms 91:15), there is unity. If the Jew, on whom Providence has shined Its countenance, and who believes that with respect to himself the sharpness of hatred has been removed, and estrangement from his surroundings has passed, nevertheless still feels the distress of the nation the burden of its fate/existence, then his bond to the nation has not been severed. If boiling water is poured on the head of a Moroccan Jew, the prim and proper Jew in Paris or London must scream, and by feeling the pain, shows himself loyal to the nation. The breakup of the people and the constriction of its self-image are the result of a lack of shared empathy." (Ed. 2006, pp. 57-58)
In challenging times like this, it is imperative that we remind ourselves that our fates our linked and bonded together.
I hope to see you soon at a tefilah, children's program, event, or class!
Am Yisrael Chai.
Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Ben Kean
TISHA B'AV AT CBAJ
Tisha B'Av Monday, August 12 - Tuesday, August 13
Schedule of Tisha B'Av Services at CBAJ Monday August 12 7:55 pm Mincha/Maariv with Eicha Fast of Tisha B'Av begins at 8:00 pm
Tuesday 6:40 am - Shacharit with Kinot Kinot will be done following Shacharit, and will last until approximately 9:30 am. Kinot will be accompanied by brief explanations by Rabbi Kean and CBAJ members to enhance our understanding of the Kinot. CBAJ will include a special Kinah written by Rav Yosef Tzvi Rimon in commemoration of the victims of the October 7 Massacre and the fallen in the current war, Swords of Iron.
Tisha B'Av Afternoon Shiur: "The Lord Is Righteous in All His Ways: Accepting & Challenging Divine Judgment on Tisha B'Av." With Rabbi Kean 4:00 PM at CBAJ
Tisha B'Av Film Screening: Legend of Destruction Tuesday August 13th at 5:30 PM Location: Temple Israel
7:35 pm - Mincha/Maariv Fast ends 8:32 pm
GUIDE TO THE THREE WEEKS
Tisha B'av is August 12-13. During these three weeks leading up to Tisha B'av, known as Bein Ham'tzarim (lit. "Between the Straits"), Jewish tradition dictates customs of mourning to be observed in commemoration of the destruction of the Beit Hamikdash (Temple). See below for Rabbi Kean's guide to these customs.
Tisha B'Av Film Screening: Legend of Destruction August 13th at 5:30 PM Location: Temple Israel Sponsored by the Jewish Federation, Temple Israel, Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob, Bnai Sholom, Beth Emeth, & Ohav Shalom.
Legend of Destruction, winner four Israeli Academy Awards, created a stir in Israel when it first came out. The movie is based on historical events that led up to the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE – a calamity that changed the destiny of the Jewish people forever. Click here to view flyer with event details As a review by the NY Times describes, its relevance to current themes of disunity in Israeli society led then-Prime Minister Bennett to encourage all Knesset members to watch it and President Herzog to wish that every Israeli school child would see it. Click here to view the trailer. Click here for a review by Rav Stav founder of Tzohar, which also highlight the relevance of this production to today’s events.
Note: Summer Hiatus announcements for Youth Programming & Beis Medrash See Below For More Information
YOUTH PROGRAMMING
Tot Shabbat For children ages 0-5 and their parents at 10:30 am in classroom 3. Please contact Joshua Schulman-Marcus (jschumar@gmail.com) if you would like to be added to the Young Families WhatsApp group.
Youth Groups Youth groups for children in grades k-5 will be on hiatus for the summer.
Babysitting Babysitting is available for children ages 0-5 every Shabbat morning from 10:00-11:30 am! You do not need to be a member to drop off your kids. At least one parent or guardian must be at CBAJ for the duration of babysitting. Babysitting will take place in Classroom 3. The babysitters will bring the kids to Kiddush, please remember to pick up your kids when babysitting ends! Please make sure to inform the babysitters if your child has any food allergies or restrictions. Children in diapers may participate, but babysitters will not be able to change diapers, so please check on kids in diapers.
WEEKLY LEARNING AT CBAJ
NACH YOMI Join Rabbi Kean for studying a chapter of NACH (Nevi'im & Ketuvim, the latter two sections of Jewish scripture) every weekday before Shacharit, Sunday through Friday, half an hour before the regular start time for morning services (7:30 am on Sundays, 6:10 am Monday - Friday) - in the social hall.
TORAH & TEA* Thursday mornings, 9:30 - 10:30 AM on Zoom*. Studying Kohelet (Ecclesiastes) * A Theodore Strauss z"l Endowment Fund sponsored program
TALMUD CLASS Join our Shabbat Afternoon TALMUD SHIUR in-person, at CBAJ, starting 1 hour before Mincha We are studying Masechet Makkot
*CBAJ ZOOM ROOM (weekday classes only) Go to https://zoom.us/join Enter meeting ID: 940 508 9347 | Enter passcode: 613518
ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMMING
CBAJ BOOK CLUB
The next book is "The gifts of the Jews: how a tribe of desert nomads changed the way everyone thinks and feels" by Thomas Cahill We'll meet by Zoom on October 9 at 8pm
Summer 2024 Senior Lunch & Learn Series Topic: Talmudic Personalities & their Relevance Today
Based on your feedback, and following-up on a popular lecture series at CBAJ, we will explore the life and times of some of the greatest figures of the Mishnah and Talmud. Through exploring their lives, we will get a window into the world of the Mishnah and Talmud, the foundational texts of Rabbinic Judaism, and explore the eternal relevance of their legacies.
Please register by contacting Seanan Herrick 518.489.5819 x3 or office@cbaj.org
All sessions will begin at 12:30 pm at CBAJ 380 Whitehall Rd.
Lunch is free of charge catered by 518 Kosher Catering & supervised by the Vaad Hakashruth of the Capital District
Please feel welcome to wear a mask during the event & take lunch home to enjoy
August 27 (no change after all!) Rabbi Yehudah HaNasi: Savior & Destroyer of “Oral Torah” September 24 Reish Lakish: The Gladiator Rabbi
Community Beit Midrash Night will be on hiatus for the summer. Stay tuned for information about the Fall series!
THE DEE PIRKEI AVOT PROJECT
The Dee Pirkei Avot project disseminates a weekly Pirkei Avot study and discussion sheet in honor of their memory of Lucy, Maia, and Rina, z''l, who were killed in a terrorist attack this year.
Refer to Tisha B'av Schedule above for service times on Tuesday 8/13
MESSAGE FROM LIFE & LEGACY
“A community is too heavy to carry alone” Deuteronomy Rabbah 1:10
We are excited and honored to be partnering with 10 other local organizations in the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s LIFE & LEGACY™ program. Please help us pay it forward and leave a legacy for future Capital District Jews. Please speak to Paula Mosher or Ellen Kaplowitz the Life & Legacy committee chairs about partnering on this crucial initiative to ensure the vitality of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob for the next 200 years.
Please click HERE for an important message from our Security Committee & security partner, Community Security Service (CSS) regarding guidelines for attending pro-Israel events
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
JEWISH COALITION FOR LITERACY - Jewish Federation of NENY For over 20 years, the Jewish Coalition for Literacy has played an integral part in helping Kindergarten through 3rd grade students learn to read. We are looking for more volunteers and are having a Kick-off event on Thursday, September 19th at the Federation.Click here for more information.
PRICE CHOPPER KOSHER STORE RELOCATED & EXPANDED OPTIONS New Location: 1730 Central Avenue in Colonie We need you with us to show our solidarity behind the new venture, which will expand the kosher offerings in the community. The new store will host our kosher department as well as new offerings of To-Go-Meals & Kosher Sushi.
TORAH READING Numbers 30:2-36:13, Artscroll p. 900 Haftarah: Jeremiah 2:4-28,3:4, p. 1193 SPEAKER Rabbi Kean will deliver a Dvar Torah at Shabbat morning services.
KIDDUSH This Shabbat Kiddush is sponsored by CBAJ.
MESSAGE FROM RABBI KEAN
Dear CBAJ Family,
On behalf of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob, I would like to wish you and your family a restful and meaningful Shabbat.
Recently, I have been asked a question by multiple people, asked in a few different ways: How are we to relate to a period of "added" mourning for Tisha B'av and the Three Weeks when so many of us are still reeling from the horrors of October 7 and the war which has followed and continued to threaten the lives and safety of so many Israelis, coupled with the rise in antisemitism throughout the world? Perhaps the feeling of trauma from October 7 "overshadows" the memory of the Churban (destruction of the Temple)? Perhaps it simply is not possible to add more mourning during this year?
I am not going to pretend to have a definitive answer to this question, and many greater than I are thinking about it. For example, my teacher, and mentor to many North American rabbis, Rabbi JJ Schacter discussed it ina podcast with Mosaic magazine, and Aleph Beta produced a five part video series on the subject. (Both of which, I have not yet seen, but plan to).
My first thought, though, is the principle at the heart of Tisha B'av, that all suffering of the Jewish people can ultimately be connected back to the Churban, to the destruction of the Temple.
It is for that reason that the Mishnah in Masechet Taanit connects multiple tragedies to Tisha B'av (the sin and lack of faith of the Spies, the crushing of the Bar Kochva revolt with the fall of Beitar, the plowing of the Temple Mount). It is for that reason that the Talmud Yerushalmi (Yoma 1a) states that "any generation in which the Temple is not rebuilt, it is as if it had been destroyed in their times." It is for this reason that the kinot recall events such as the expulsions from various European countries or the burning of the Talmud in Paris in 1242 - events which took place centuries after the Churban HaBayit - and why contemporary poskim instituted kinot for the Shoah.
This period of (increased) mourning should force us to put the tragedies of the past year in the context of the history of tragedies that our people have experienced and in the context of our reality of living in an unredeemed world which we must still work to repair.
We must also remember that it was for the sins of sinat chinam (baseless hatred) and division that the second Beit HaMikdash was destroyed. These are problems that still plague us to this day and that we must still work to rectify.
I hope to see you soon at a tefilah, children's program, event, or class!
Am Yisrael Chai.
Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Ben Kean
GUIDE TO THE THREE WEEKS
Tisha B'av is August 12-13. During these three weeks leading up to Tisha B'av, known as Bein Ham'tzarim (lit. "Between the Straits"), Jewish tradition dictates customs of mourning to be observed in commemoration of the destruction of the Beit Hamikdash (Temple). See below for Rabbi Kean's guide to these customs.
Announcing: Summer 2024 Senior Lunch & Learn Series
Announcing: Next CBAJ Book Club Book copies now available in the Carr Chapel
Tisha B'Av Film Screening: Legend of Destruction August 13th at 5:30 PM Location: Temple Israel Sponsored by the Jewish Federation, Temple Israel, Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob, Bnai Sholom, Beth Emeth, & Ohav Shalom.
Legend of Destruction, winner four Israeli Academy Awards, created a stir in Israel when it first came out. The movie is based on historical events that led up to the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE – a calamity that changed the destiny of the Jewish people forever. Click here to view flyer with event details As a review by the NY Times describes, its relevance to current themes of disunity in Israeli society led then-Prime Minister Bennett to encourage all Knesset members to watch it and President Herzog to wish that every Israeli school child would see it. Click here to view the trailer. Click here for a review by Rav Stav founder of Tzohar, which also highlight the relevance of this production to today’s events.
Note: Summer Hiatus announcements for Youth Programming & Beis Medrash See Below For More Information
YOUTH PROGRAMMING
Tot Shabbat For children ages 0-5 and their parents at 10:30 am in classroom 3. Please contact Joshua Schulman-Marcus (jschumar@gmail.com) if you would like to be added to the Young Families WhatsApp group.
Youth Groups Youth groups for children in grades k-5 will be on hiatus for the summer.
Babysitting Babysitting is available for children ages 0-5 every Shabbat morning from 10:00-11:30 am! You do not need to be a member to drop off your kids. At least one parent or guardian must be at CBAJ for the duration of babysitting. Babysitting will take place in Classroom 3. The babysitters will bring the kids to Kiddush, please remember to pick up your kids when babysitting ends! Please make sure to inform the babysitters if your child has any food allergies or restrictions. Children in diapers may participate, but babysitters will not be able to change diapers, so please check on kids in diapers.
WEEKLY LEARNING AT CBAJ
NACH YOMI Join Rabbi Kean for studying a chapter of NACH (Nevi'im & Ketuvim, the latter two sections of Jewish scripture) every weekday before Shacharit, Sunday through Friday, half an hour before the regular start time for morning services (7:30 am on Sundays, 6:10 am Monday - Friday) - in the social hall.
TORAH & TEA* Thursday mornings, 9:30 - 10:30 AM on Zoom*. Studying Kohelet (Ecclesiastes) * A Theodore Strauss z"l Endowment Fund sponsored program
TALMUD CLASS Join our Shabbat Afternoon TALMUD SHIUR in-person, at CBAJ, starting 1 hour before Mincha We are studying Masechet Makkot
*CBAJ ZOOM ROOM (weekday classes only) Go to https://zoom.us/join Enter meeting ID: 940 508 9347 | Enter passcode: 613518
ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMMING
CBAJ BOOK CLUB
The next book is "The gifts of the Jews: how a tribe of desert nomads changed the way everyone thinks and feels" by Thomas Cahill We'll meet by Zoom on October 9 at 8pm
Summer 2024 Senior Lunch & Learn Series Topic: Talmudic Personalities & their Relevance Today
Based on your feedback, and following-up on a popular lecture series at CBAJ, we will explore the life and times of some of the greatest figures of the Mishnah and Talmud. Through exploring their lives, we will get a window into the world of the Mishnah and Talmud, the foundational texts of Rabbinic Judaism, and explore the eternal relevance of their legacies.
Please register by contacting Seanan Herrick 518.489.5819 x3 or office@cbaj.org
All sessions will begin at 12:30 pm at CBAJ 380 Whitehall Rd.
Lunch is free of charge catered by 518 Kosher Catering & supervised by the Vaad Hakashruth of the Capital District
Please feel welcome to wear a mask during the event & take lunch home to enjoy
New Date To Be Announced Rabbi Yehudah HaNasi: Savior & Destroyer of “Oral Torah” September 24 Reish Lakish: The Gladiator Rabbi
Community Beit Midrash Night will be on hiatus for the summer. Stay tuned for information about the Fall series!
THE DEE PIRKEI AVOT PROJECT
The Dee Pirkei Avot project disseminates a weekly Pirkei Avot study and discussion sheet in honor of their memory of Lucy, Maia, and Rina, z''l, who were killed in a terrorist attack this year.
“A community is too heavy to carry alone” Deuteronomy Rabbah 1:10
We are excited and honored to be partnering with 10 other local organizations in the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s LIFE & LEGACY™ program. Please help us pay it forward and leave a legacy for future Capital District Jews. Please speak to Paula Mosher or Ellen Kaplowitz the Life & Legacy committee chairs about partnering on this crucial initiative to ensure the vitality of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob for the next 200 years.
Please click HERE for an important message from our Security Committee & security partner, Community Security Service (CSS) regarding guidelines for attending pro-Israel events
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
AMIDAH ALBANY EVENT : CELEBRATE ISRAEL RALLY Meet at Moses statue, Washington Park (Albany) Sunday, August 4that 1:30 2:00 Pm Run For Their Lives - Free-The-Hostages Walk 2:30 Celebrate Israel Rally Click hereto view flyer for more details Rabbi Kean will be a speaker at this event.
JEWISH COALITION FOR LITERACY - Jewish Federation of NENY For over 20 years, the Jewish Coalition for Literacy has played an integral part in helping Kindergarten through 3rd grade students learn to read. We are looking for more volunteers and are having a Kick-off event on Thursday, September 19th at the Federation.Click here for more information.
PRICE CHOPPER KOSHER STORE RELOCATED & EXPANDED OPTIONS New Location: 1730 Central Avenue in Colonie We need you with us to show our solidarity behind the new venture, which will expand the kosher offerings in the community. The new store will host our kosher department as well as new offerings of To-Go-Meals & Kosher Sushi.
TORAH READING Numbers 25:10 - 30:1, Artscroll p. 876 Haftarah: Jeremiah 1:1-2:3, p. 1192 SPEAKER Rabbi Kean will deliver a Dvar Torah at Shabbat morning services, entitled "The Courage to be Wrong."
KIDDUSH This Shabbat Kiddush is sponsored by CBAJ members Robert Crystal, in memory of his parents, Harriet Frances Tofel Crystal z"l, and David Sydney Crystal z"l, and Ken Dymond in memory of his father, Milton Dymond z"l.
MAZAL TOV Mazal Tov Rina and Elliot Chester on the birth of their son, Simon William (Shimon Velvel), whose brit milah was this morning (Friday). Mazal tov to older brother Saul, the grandparents, Sharon z''l &Mark Chester and Patricia & Joe Feldman.
MESSAGE FROM RABBI KEAN
Dear CBAJ Family,
On behalf of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob, I would like to wish you and your family a restful and meaningful Shabbat.
I hope to see you soon at a tefilah, children's program, event, or class!
Am Yisrael Chai.
Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Ben Kean
GUIDE TO THE THREE WEEKS
Tisha B'av is August 12-13. During these three weeks leading up to Tisha B'av, known as Bein Ham'tzarim (lit. "Between the Straits"), Jewish tradition dictates customs of mourning to be observed in commemoration of the destruction of the Beit Hamikdash (Temple). See below for Rabbi Kean's guide to these customs.
Announcing: Summer 2024 Senior Lunch & Learn Series
Announcing: Next CBAJ Book Club Book copies now available in the Carr Chapel
Tisha B'Av Film Screening: Legend of Destruction August 13th at 5:30 PM Location: Temple Israel Sponsored by the Jewish Federation, Temple Israel, Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob, Bnai Sholom, Beth Emeth, & Ohav Shalom.
Legend of Destruction, winner four Israeli Academy Awards, created a stir in Israel when it first came out. The movie is based on historical events that led up to the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE – a calamity that changed the destiny of the Jewish people forever. Click here to view flyer with event details As a review by the NY Times describes, its relevance to current themes of disunity in Israeli society led then-Prime Minister Bennett to encourage all Knesset members to watch it and President Herzog to wish that every Israeli school child would see it. Click here to view the trailer. Click here for a review by Rav Stav founder of Tzohar, which also highlight the relevance of this production to today’s events.
Note: Summer Hiatus announcements for Youth Programming & Beis Medrash See Below For More Information
YOUTH PROGRAMMING
Tot Shabbat For children ages 0-5 and their parents at 10:30 am in classroom 3. Please contact Joshua Schulman-Marcus (jschumar@gmail.com) if you would like to be added to the Young Families WhatsApp group.
Youth Groups Youth groups for children in grades k-5 will be on hiatus for the summer.
Babysitting Babysitting is available for children ages 0-5 every Shabbat morning from 10:00-11:30 am! You do not need to be a member to drop off your kids. At least one parent or guardian must be at CBAJ for the duration of babysitting. Babysitting will take place in Classroom 3. The babysitters will bring the kids to Kiddush, please remember to pick up your kids when babysitting ends! Please make sure to inform the babysitters if your child has any food allergies or restrictions. Children in diapers may participate, but babysitters will not be able to change diapers, so please check on kids in diapers.
WEEKLY LEARNING AT CBAJ
NACH YOMI Join Rabbi Kean for studying a chapter of NACH (Nevi'im & Ketuvim, the latter two sections of Jewish scripture) every weekday before Shacharit, Sunday through Friday, half an hour before the regular start time for morning services (7:30 am on Sundays, 6:10 am Monday - Friday) - in the social hall.
TORAH & TEA* Thursday mornings, 9:30 - 10:30 AM on Zoom*. Studying Kohelet (Ecclesiastes) * A Theodore Strauss z"l Endowment Fund sponsored program
TALMUD CLASS Join our Shabbat Afternoon TALMUD SHIUR in-person, at CBAJ, starting 1 hour before Mincha We are studying Masechet Makkot
*CBAJ ZOOM ROOM (weekday classes only) Go to https://zoom.us/join Enter meeting ID: 940 508 9347 | Enter passcode: 613518
ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMMING
CBAJ BOOK CLUB
The next book is "The gifts of the Jews : how a tribe of desert nomads changed the way everyone thinks and feels" by Thomas Cahill We'll meet by Zoom on October 9 at 8pm From now on, all books selected will be available in audio as well as written format - to help out those with limited time to sit and read.
There are 2 audio books available on the library app "Hoopla" and 8 copies available through the Upper Hudson Library System. We will also order 2 CBAJ copies.
Announcing : Summer 2024 Senior Lunch & Learn Series Topic: Talmudic Personalities & their Relevance Today
Based on your feedback, and following-up on a popular lecture series at CBAJ, we will explore the life and times of some of the greatest figures of the Mishnah and Talmud. Through exploring their lives, we will get a window into the world of the Mishnah and Talmud, the foundational texts of Rabbinic Judaism, and explore the eternal relevance of their legacies.
Please register by contacting Seanan Herrick 518.489.5819 x3 or office@cbaj.org
All sessions will begin at 12:30 pm at CBAJ 380 Whitehall Rd.
Lunch is free of charge catered by 518 Kosher Catering & supervised by the Vaad Hakashruth of the Capital District
Please feel welcome to wear a mask during the event & take lunch home to enjoy
July 30 Rabbi Akiva: Late in Life Penitent, Doomed Revolutionary, & Incurable Optimist August 27 Rabbi Yehudah HaNasi: Savior & Destroyer of “Oral Torah” September 24 Reish Lakish: The Gladiator Rabbi
Community Beit Midrash Night will be on hiatus for the summer. Stay tuned for information about the Fall series!
THE DEE PIRKEI AVOT PROJECT
The Dee Pirkei Avot project disseminates a weekly Pirkei Avot study and discussion sheet in honor of their memory of Lucy, Maia, and Rina, z''l, who were killed in a terrorist attack this year.
“A community is too heavy to carry alone” Deuteronomy Rabbah 1:10
We are excited and honored to be partnering with 10 other local organizations in the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s LIFE & LEGACY™ program. Please help us pay it forward and leave a legacy for future Capital District Jews. Please speak to Paula Mosher or Ellen Kaplowitz the Life & Legacy committee chairs about partnering on this crucial initiative to ensure the vitality of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob for the next 200 years.
Please click HERE for an important message from our Security Committee & security partner, Community Security Service (CSS) regarding guidelines for attending pro-Israel events
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
AMIDAH ALBANY EVENT Celebrate Israel Rally - Sunday, August 4th at 1:30 pm, Washington Park, Albany Click here to view flyer Rabbi Kean will be a speaker at this event.
JEWISH COALITION FOR LITERACY - Jewish Federation of NENY For over 20 years, the Jewish Coalition for Literacy has played an integral part in helping Kindergarten through 3rd grade students learn to read. We are looking for more volunteers and are having a Kick-off event on Thursday, September 19th at the Federation.Click here for more information.
PRICE CHOPPER KOSHER STORE RELOCATED & EXPANDED OPTIONS New Location: 1730 Central Avenue in Colonie We need you with us to show our solidarity behind the new venture, which will expand the kosher offerings in the community. The new store will host our kosher department as well as new offerings of To-Go-Meals & Kosher Sushi.
TORAH READING Numbers 22:2-25:9, Artscroll p. 856 Haftarah: Micah 5:6-6:8, p. 1189 SPEAKER Rabbi Kean will deliver a Dvar Torah at Shabbat morning services.
KIDDUSH This Shabbat Kiddush is sponsored by CBAJ.
MAZAL TOV Mazal Tov to Laura and Zvi Segal on the engagement of their daughter Talia to Ethan Swartz, son of Jill and Ronald Swartz.
TUESDAY JULY 19: SHIVA ASSAR B'TAMMUZ
As a reminder, this Tuesday, July 23, is the fast of Shiva Assar Tammuz (17 Tammuz). The fast begins at at 4:26 am and concludes at 9:01 pm. Shiva Assar B'Tammuz begins the three weeks, also known as "Bein Ham'tzarim," a period defined by customs of mourning for the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash.
On behalf of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob, I would like to wish you and your family a restful and meaningful Shabbat.
Last week, as we were coming out of Shabbat, we learned that Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump was nearly assassinated while speaking at a rally. While I am not a political analyst or pundit and have no intentions of speaking about value judgments about political candidates, I believe it is important, whether we are supporters or detractors of former President Trump, to echo elected officials across the spectrum, civic leaders, and Jewish organizations of all stripes in condemning this horrific act of political violence which threatens our nation's democratic values.
We also know that as Jews, societies that have true rule of law and respected political institutions are ones in which Jews have historically enjoyed the best protections. Avot 2:3 teaches in the name of Rabbi Chanina Sgan HaKohanim "hevei mitpalel bishlomah shel malchut, she-ilmalei mora'ah, ish et re'ehu chayim b'la'o - Pray for the welfare of the government, for if not for fear of it, man would swallow his neighbor alive." We need to continue to pray and work toward an American society with tolerance for political diversity, rule of law, and respect for the democratic process.
I hope to see you soon at a tefilah, children's program, event, or class!
Am Yisrael Chai.
Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Ben Kean
UPCOMING EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Sunday, July 21, 7:30 PM: "Tzom Kal, Have an Easy Fast!" with Chaya Tal Hilsen Join Chaya Tal to discuss healthy ways that everyone can adapt to fasting and avoid the headaches, cravings, exhaustion, etc., which so many people suffer with on fast days. These techniques will help people experience not only more of the meaning and tragedy of the fast days associated with churban beit hamikdash (destruction of the Temple), but also the intense teshuvah of Yom Kippur and the glimmer of that teshuvah on Taanit Esther. Chaya Tal is an RN who is passionate about preventative health care. In person, in the Carr Chapel at CBAJ, and on Zoom. See below for CBAJ zoom room. Announcing: Summer 2024 Senior Lunch & Learn Series
Announcing: Next CBAJ Book Club Book - copies now available in the Carr Chapel
Note: Summer Hiatus announcements for Youth Programming & Beis Medrash See Below For More Information
YOUTH PROGRAMMING
Tot Shabbat For children ages 0-5 and their parents at 10:30 am in classroom 3. Please contact Joshua Schulman-Marcus (jschumar@gmail.com) if you would like to be added to the Young Families WhatsApp group.
Youth Groups Youth groups for children in grades k-5 will be on hiatus for the summer.
Babysitting Babysitting is available for children ages 0-5 every Shabbat morning from 10:00-11:30 am! You do not need to be a member to drop off your kids. At least one parent or guardian must be at CBAJ for the duration of babysitting. Babysitting will take place in Classroom 3. The babysitters will bring the kids to Kiddush, please remember to pick up your kids when babysitting ends! Please make sure to inform the babysitters if your child has any food allergies or restrictions. Children in diapers may participate, but babysitters will not be able to change diapers, so please check on kids in diapers.
WEEKLY LEARNING AT CBAJ
NACH YOMI Join Rabbi Kean for studying a chapter of NACH (Nevi'im & Ketuvim, the latter two sections of Jewish scripture) every weekday before Shacharit, Sunday through Friday, half an hour before the regular start time for morning services (7:30 am on Sundays, 6:10 am Monday - Friday) - in the social hall.
TORAH & TEA* Thursday mornings, 9:30 - 10:30 AM on Zoom*. Studying Kohelet (Ecclesiastes) * A Theodore Strauss z"l Endowment Fund sponsored program
TALMUD CLASS Join our Shabbat Afternoon TALMUD SHIUR in-person, at CBAJ, starting 1 hour before Mincha We are studying Masechet Makkot
*CBAJ ZOOM ROOM (weekday classes only) Go to https://zoom.us/join Enter meeting ID: 940 508 9347 | Enter passcode: 613518
ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMMING
CBAJ BOOK CLUB
The next book is "The gifts of the Jews : how a tribe of desert nomads changed the way everyone thinks and feels" by Thomas Cahill We'll meet by Zoom on October 9 at 8pm From now on, all books selected will be available in audio as well as written format - to help out those with limited time to sit and read.
There are 2 audio books available on the library app "Hoopla" and 8 copies available through the Upper Hudson Library System. We will also order 2 CBAJ copies.
Announcing : Summer 2024 Senior Lunch & Learn Series Topic: Talmudic Personalities & their Relevance Today
Based on your feedback, and following-up on a popular lecture series at CBAJ, we will explore the life and times of some of the greatest figures of the Mishnah and Talmud. Through exploring their lives, we will get a window into the world of the Mishnah and Talmud, the foundational texts of Rabbinic Judaism, and explore the eternal relevance of their legacies.
Please register by contacting Seanan Herrick 518.489.5819 x3 or office@cbaj.org
All sessions will begin at 12:30 pm at CBAJ 380 Whitehall Rd.
Lunch is free of charge catered by 518 Kosher Catering & supervised by the Vaad Hakashruth of the Capital District
Please feel welcome to wear a mask during the event & take lunch home to enjoy
July 30 Rabbi Akiva: Late in Life Penitent, Doomed Revolutionary, & Incurable Optimist August 27 Rabbi Yehudah HaNasi: Savior & Destroyer of “Oral Torah” September 24 Reish Lakish: The Gladiator Rabbi
Community Beit Midrash Night will be on hiatus for the summer. Stay tuned for information about the Fall series!
THE DEE PIRKEI AVOT PROJECT
The Dee Pirkei Avot project disseminates a weekly Pirkei Avot study and discussion sheet in honor of their memory of Lucy, Maia, and Rina, z''l, who were killed in a terrorist attack this year.
Tuesday Fast of Tammuz Fast Begins 4:26 am Shacharit 6:20 am
Monday & Wednesday - Friday 6:40 am
Mincha/Maariv Sunday - Thursday 8:10 Tuesday Fast of Tammuz Mincha/Maariv 8:00 pm Fast Ends 9:01 pm
Friday 7:00 pm
Candle Lighting Friday, June 26 8:03 pm
MESSAGE FROM LIFE & LEGACY
“A community is too heavy to carry alone” Deuteronomy Rabbah 1:10
We are excited and honored to be partnering with 10 other local organizations in the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s LIFE & LEGACY™ program. Please help us pay it forward and leave a legacy for future Capital District Jews. Please speak to Paula Mosher or Ellen Kaplowitz the Life & Legacy committee chairs about partnering on this crucial initiative to ensure the vitality of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob for the next 200 years.
Please click HERE for an important message from our Security Committee & security partner, Community Security Service (CSS) regarding guidelines for attending pro-Israel events
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
JEWISH COALITION FOR LITERACY - Jewish Federation of NENY For over 20 years, the Jewish Coalition for Literacy has played an integral part in helping Kindergarten through 3rd grade students learn to read. We are looking for more volunteers and are having a Kick-off event on Thursday, September 19th at the Federation.Click here for more information.
JFS: SENIORS GROUP SESSION - COPING WITH CHANGE JFS is hosting a Coping with Change group for adults ages 60+ at AJCC, starting 7/1/2024, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm. The group is designed to help those who may be struggling with transitions: housing, job, loss, etc. Click here for more information and to register
PRICE CHOPPER KOSHER STORE RELOCATED & EXPANDED OPTIONS New Location: 1730 Central Avenue in Colonie We need you with us to show our solidarity behind the new venture, which will expand the kosher offerings in the community. The new store will host our kosher department as well as new offerings of To-Go-Meals & Kosher Sushi.
TORAH READING Numbers 19:1-22:1, Artscroll p. 838 Haftarah: Judges 11:1-33, p. 1187 SPEAKER Rabbi Kean will deliver a Dvar Torah at Shabbat morning services. KIDDUSH This Shabbat Kiddush is sponsored by CBAJ.
Mazal Tov to CBAJ members Millie & Daniel Grossberg the upcoming wedding of their granddaughter Ayelet Schochet to Sammy Markowitz on Monday, July 15, 2024.
CONDOLENCE Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob regrets to inform you of the passing of CBAJ member Todd Kagan, father of Lori (Adam) Perri, brother of Barbara (Melvyn) Ciment and Risa Kagan (Richard Stern). He is predeceased by his parents, Mayer & Ethel Kagan, z''l, and his sister, Faye Hanfling, z''l.
The funeral was held graveside July 11th at the Beth Abraham-Jacob cemetery.
Barbara will sit Shiva at her home in Williams Island, Florida at 4000 Island Blvd, Apt 2206, Aventura, FL beginning Friday, July 12th through Wednesday morning, July 17th.
Shiva visitations can be made beginning Motzei Shabbat (Saturday night), July 13th from 10:00 PM - 11:00 PM. Sunday, July 14th - Tuesday, July 16th, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM, 7:30 - 9:30 PM
May the family be comforted, and may Todd's memory be a blessing.
MESSAGE FROM RABBI KEAN
Dear CBAJ Family,
On behalf of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob, I would like to wish you and your family a restful and meaningful Shabbat.
Please join me in welcoming Baruch & Gitit Popovtzer, and their children, to Albany! The Popovtzer family moved to Albany this week, and this will be their first Shabbat in town.
I hope to see you soon at a tefilah, children's program, event, or class!
Am Yisrael Chai.
Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Ben Kean
UPCOMING EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Announcing: Summer 2024 Senior Lunch & Learn Series
Announcing: Next CBAJ Book Club Book
Note: Summer Hiatus announcements for Youth Programming & Beis Medrash See Below For More Information
YOUTH PROGRAMMING
Tot Shabbat For children ages 0-5 and their parents at 10:30 am in classroom 3. Please contact Joshua Schulman-Marcus (jschumar@gmail.com) if you would like to be added to the Young Families WhatsApp group.
Youth Groups Youth groups for children in grades k-5 will be on hiatus for the Summer.
Babysitting Babysitting is available for children ages 0-5 every Shabbat morning from 10:00-11:30 am! You do not need to be a member to drop off your kids. At least one parent or guardian must be at CBAJ for the duration of babysitting. Babysitting will take place in Classroom 3. The babysitters will bring the kids to Kiddush, please remember to pick up your kids when babysitting ends! Please make sure to inform the babysitters if your child has any food allergies or restrictions. Children in diapers may participate, but babysitters will not be able to change diapers, so please check on kids in diapers.
WEEKLY LEARNING AT CBAJ
NACH YOMI Join Rabbi Kean for studying a chapter of NACH (Nevi'im & Ketuvim, the latter two sections of Jewish scripture) every weekday before Shacharit, Sunday through Friday, half an hour before the regular start time for morning services (7:30 am on Sundays, 6:10 am Monday - Friday) - in the social hall.
TORAH & TEA* Thursday mornings, 9:30 - 10:30 AM on Zoom*. Studying Kohelet (Ecclesiastes) * A Theodore Strauss z"l Endowment Fund sponsored program
TALMUD CLASS Join our Shabbat Afternoon TALMUD SHIUR in-person, at CBAJ, starting 1 hour before Mincha We are studying Masechet Makkot
*CBAJ ZOOM ROOM (weekday classes only) Go to https://zoom.us/join Enter meeting ID: 940 508 9347 | Enter passcode: 613518
ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMMING
CBAJ BOOK CLUB
The next book is "The gifts of the Jews : how a tribe of desert nomads changed the way everyone thinks and feels" by Thomas Cahill We'll meet by Zoom on October 9 at 8pm From now on, all books selected will be available in audio as well as written format - to help out those with limited time to sit and read.
There are 2 audio books available on the library app "Hoopla" and 8 copies available through the Upper Hudson Library System. We will also order 2 CBAJ copies.
Announcing : Summer 2024 Senior Lunch & Learn Series Topic: Talmudic Personalities & their Relevance Today
Based on your feedback, and following-up on a popular lecture series at CBAJ, we will explore the life and times of some of the greatest figures of the Mishnah and Talmud. Through exploring their lives, we will get a window into the world of the Mishnah and Talmud, the foundational texts of Rabbinic Judaism, and explore the eternal relevance of their legacies.
Please register by contacting Seanan Herrick 518.489.5819 x3 or office@cbaj.org
All sessions will begin at 12:30 pm at CBAJ 380 Whitehall Rd.
Lunch is free of charge catered by 518 Kosher Catering & supervised by the Vaad Hakashruth of the Capital District
Please feel welcome to wear a mask during the event & take lunch home to enjoy
July 30 Rabbi Akiva: Late in Life Penitent, Doomed Revolutionary, & Incurable Optimist August 27 Rabbi Yehudah HaNasi: Savior & Destroyer of “Oral Torah” September 24 Reish Lakish: The Gladiator Rabbi
Community Beit Midrash Night will be on hiatus for the summer. Stay tuned for information about the Fall series!
THE DEE PIRKEI AVOT PROJECT
The Dee Pirkei Avot project disseminates a weekly Pirkei Avot study and discussion sheet in honor of their memory of Lucy, Maia, and Rina, z''l, who were killed in a terrorist attack this year.
“A community is too heavy to carry alone” Deuteronomy Rabbah 1:10
We are excited and honored to be partnering with 10 other local organizations in the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s LIFE & LEGACY™ program. Please help us pay it forward and leave a legacy for future Capital District Jews. Please speak to Paula Mosher or Ellen Kaplowitz the Life & Legacy committee chairs about partnering on this crucial initiative to ensure the vitality of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob for the next 200 years.
Please click HERE for an important message from our Security Committee & security partner, Community Security Service (CSS) regarding guidelines for attending pro-Israel events
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
JEWISH COALITION FOR LITERACY - Jewish Federation of NENY For over 20 years, the Jewish Coalition for Literacy has played an integral part in helping Kindergarten through 3rd grade students learn to read. We are looking for more volunteers and are having a Kick-off event on Thursday, September 19th at the Federation.Click here for more information.
JFS: SENIORS GROUP SESSION - COPING WITH CHANGE JFS is hosting a Coping with Change group for adults ages 60+ at AJCC, starting 7/1/2024, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm. The group is designed to help those who may be struggling with transitions: housing, job, loss, etc. Click here for more information and to register
PRICE CHOPPER KOSHER STORE RELOCATED New Location: 1730 Central Avenue in Colonie We need you with us to show our solidarity behind the new venture, which will expand the kosher offerings in the community. The new store will host our kosher department as well as new offerings of To-Go-Meals & Kosher Sushi.
Shabbat Korach Rosh Chodesh Tammuz July 5 - 6, 2024
Friday Candle Lighting 8:17 pm
Friday Night Services 7:00 pm
Shabbat Morning Services 9:00 am
Latest Shema 9:12 am
Babysitting 10:00 am
Youth Groups On hiatus for Summer
Kiddush following services
Talmud Class 7:10 pm
Shabbat Mincha & Seudah Shlishit 8:10 pm
Maariv 9:20 pm Havdalah 9:28 pm
TORAH READING Numbers 16:1-18:32, Artscroll p. 820 Maftir: Numbers 28:9-15, p. 890 Haftarah: Isaiah 66L1-24, p. 1208
SPEAKER Rabbi Kean will deliver a Dvar Torah at Shabbat morning services, entitled "The Post-Korach Rebellion: Healing Fractured Nation." KIDDUSH This Shabbat Kiddush is sponsored by CBAJ. Thank you to Aron Cepler & Sheryl Hoffman for bringing a cake in honor of their daughter Carly's 7th birthday!
MESSAGE FROM RABBI KEAN
Dear CBAJ Family,
On behalf of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob, I would like to wish you and your family a restful and meaningful Shabbat.
Please join me in welcoming Eitan Fine to Albany this Shabbat! Eitan moved to Albany from New Jersey for work, and this Shabbat will be his first in Albany.
I would like to thank everyone who came to the Battle of the BBQ's last Sunday. In addition to supporting the Shalom Food Pantry, a great organization that does wonderful and crucial work for the Jewish and broader community, we are so proud of our CBAJ team, "Abe and Jake's House of Barbecue" for winning first place in the competition! Congratulations to the team members, Sam Sonenberg, Bob Crystal, Rob Kasper, Jeff Dittus, and myself. Hope to see you next year!
I hope to see you soon at a tefilah, children's program, event, or class!
Am Yisrael Chai.
Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Ben Kean
UPCOMING EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Announcing : Summer 2024 Senior Lunch & Learn Series
Note: Summer Hiatus announcments for Youth Programming & Beis Medrash See Below For More Information
YOUTH PROGRAMMING
Tot Shabbat For children ages 0-5 and their parents at 10:30 am in classroom 3. Please contact Joshua Schulman-Marcus (jschumar@gmail.com) if you would like to be added to the Young Families WhatsApp group.
Youth Groups Youth groups for children in grades k-5 will be on hiatus for the Summer.
Babysitting Babysitting is available for children ages 0-5 every Shabbat morning from 10:00-11:30 am! You do not need to be a member to drop off your kids. At least one parent or guardian must be at CBAJ for the duration of babysitting. Babysitting will take place in Classroom 3. The babysitters will bring the kids to Kiddush, please remember to pick up your kids when babysitting ends! Please make sure to inform the babysitters if your child has any food allergies or restrictions. Children in diapers may participate, but babysitters will not be able to change diapers, so please check on kids in diapers.
WEEKLY LEARNING AT CBAJ
NACH YOMI Join Rabbi Kean for studying a chapter of NACH (Nevi'im & Ketuvim, the latter two sections of Jewish scripture) every weekday before Shacharit, Sunday through Friday, half an hour before the regular start time for morning services (7:30 am on Sundays, 6:10 am Monday - Friday) - in the social hall.
TORAH & TEA* Thursday mornings, 9:30 - 10:30 AM on Zoom*. Studying Kohelet (Ecclesiastes) * A Theodore Strauss z"l Endowment Fund sponsored program
TALMUD CLASS Join our Shabbat Afternoon TALMUD SHIUR in-person, at CBAJ, starting 1 hour before Mincha We are studying Masechet Makkot
*CBAJ ZOOM ROOM (weekday classes only) Go to https://zoom.us/join Enter meeting ID: 940 508 9347 | Enter passcode: 613518
ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMMING
Community Beit Midrash Night will be on hiatus for the summer. Stay tuned for information about the Fall series!
THE DEE PIRKEI AVOT PROJECT
The Dee Pirkei Avot project disseminates a weekly Pirkei Avot study and discussion sheet in honor of their memory of Lucy, Maia, and Rina, z''l, who were killed in a terrorist attack this year.
Announcing : Summer 2024 Senior Lunch & Learn Series Topic: Talmudic Personalities & their Relevance Today
Based on your feedback, and following-up on a popular lecture series at CBAJ, we will explore the life and times of some of the greatest figures of the Mishnah and Talmud. Through exploring their lives, we will get a window into the world of the Mishnah and Talmud, the foundational texts of Rabbinic Judaism, and explore the eternal relevance of their legacies.
July 30 Rabbi Akiva: Late in Life Penitent, Doomed Revolutionary, & Incurable Optimist August 27 Rabbi Yehudah HaNasi: Savior & Destroyer of “Oral Torah” September 24 Reish Lakish: The Gladiator Rabbi
Please register by contacting Seanan Herrick 518.489.5819 x3 or office@cbaj.org
All sessions will begin at 12:30 pm at CBAJ 380 Whitehall Rd.
Lunch is free of charge catered by 518 Kosher Catering & supervised by the Vaad Hakashruth of the Capital District
Please feel welcome to wear a mask during the event & take lunch home to enjoy
“A community is too heavy to carry alone” Deuteronomy Rabbah 1:10
We are excited and honored to be partnering with 10 other local organizations in the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s LIFE & LEGACY™ program. Please help us pay it forward and leave a legacy for future Capital District Jews. Please speak to Paula Mosher or Ellen Kaplowitz the Life & Legacy committee chairs about partnering on this crucial initiative to ensure the vitality of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob for the next 200 years.
Please click HERE for an important message from our Security Committee & security partner, Community Security Service (CSS) regarding guidelines for attending pro-Israel events
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
JFS: SENIORS GROUP SESSION - COPING WITH CHANGE JFS is hosting a Coping with Change group for adults ages 60+ at AJCC, starting 7/1/2024, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm. The group is designed to help those who may be struggling with transitions: housing, job, loss, etc. Click here for more information and to register
PRICE CHOPPER KOSHER STORE RELOCATED New Location: 1730 Central Avenue in Colonie We need you with us to show our solidarity behind the new venture, which will expand the kosher offerings in the community. The new store will host our kosher department as well as new offerings of To-Go-Meals & Kosher Sushi.
518 KOSHER CATERING - SHABBOS-TO-GO-CATERING Learn more about 518 Kosher's Shabbos catering at their website. https://kosher518.com
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
TORAH READING Numbers 13:1-15:41, p. 798 Haftarah: Joshua 2:1-24, p. 1184
SPEAKER Rabbi Kean will deliver a Dvar Torah at Shabbat morning services entitled "The Seal of G-d is Truth: What was the sin of the Spies?" KIDDUSH This Shabbat Kiddush is sponsored by Rabbi Ben & Miriam Kean in honor of Laura & Tzvi Segal and in honor of Elliot & Rina Chester, in gratitude to Laura for two years of excellent service as president and in gratitude to Elliot for assuming the role of president.
MESSAGE FROM RABBI KEAN
Dear CBAJ Family,
On behalf of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob, I would like to wish you and your family a restful and meaningful Shabbat.
Please join me at the Shalom Food Pantry's Battle of the Barbecues this Sunday at the Albany JCC and support (and vote for!) the CBAJ team. See below for registration.
I would like to extend a welcome to some new faces at CBAJ! This week, Rabbi David Bauman, the new head of school at Hebrew Academy, and Jeff Dittus moved into Albany. Please join me in welcoming them! As always, be sure to introduce yourself to new faces at CBAJ. We are expecting some other families and individuals to be moving into Albany this summer as well, so please be sure to introduce yourself to them as well!
I hope to see you soon at a tefilah, children's program, event, or class!
Am Yisrael Chai.
Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Ben Kean
UPCOMING EVENTS
BATTLE OF THE BBQ's for Shalom Food Pantry Sunday, June 30, 4-6 PM
COMMUNITY BEIS MIDRASH NIGHT Sunday, June 30, following Maariv (evening services).
See below for more information
YOUTH PROGRAMMING
Tot Shabbat For children ages 0-5 and their parents at 10:30 am in classroom 3. Please contact Joshua Schulman-Marcus (jschumar@gmail.com) if you would like to be added to the Young Families WhatsApp group.
Youth Groups Kids in grades k-5 will meet each Shabbat morning at 10-11 am. Groups will be led by our youth director and teen youth leaders. For more information about attending, or if your teen wants to work as a youth leader, email office@cbaj.org
Babysitting Babysitting is available for children ages 0-5 every Shabbat morning from 10:00-11:30 am! You do not need to be a member to drop off your kids. At least one parent or guardian must be at CBAJ for the duration of babysitting. Babysitting will take place in Classroom 3. The babysitters will bring the kids to Kiddush, please remember to pick up your kids when babysitting ends! Please make sure to inform the babysitters if your child has any food allergies or restrictions. Children in diapers may participate, but babysitters will not be able to change diapers, so please check on kids in diapers.
WEEKLY LEARNING AT CBAJ
NACH YOMI Join Rabbi Kean for studying a chapter of NACH (Nevi'im & Ketuvim, the latter two sections of Jewish scripture) every weekday before Shacharit, Sunday through Friday, half an hour before the regular start time for morning services (7:30 am on Sundays, 6:10 am Monday - Friday) - in the social hall.
TORAH & TEA* Thursday mornings, 9:30 - 10:30 AM on Zoom*. Studying Kohelet (Ecclesiastes) * A Theodore Strauss z"l Endowment Fund sponsored program
TALMUD CLASS Join our Shabbat Afternoon TALMUD SHIUR in-person, at CBAJ, starting 1 hour before Mincha We are studying Masechet Makkot
*CBAJ ZOOM ROOM (weekday classes only) Go to https://zoom.us/join Enter meeting ID: 940 508 9347 | Enter passcode: 613518
ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMMING
SPRING/SUMMER SEASON OF COMMUNITY BEIS MIDRASH NIGHT Join us at the Shteeble (Cong. Shomray Torah) Sundays, following Maariv (evening services). Contact Rabbi Kean, Sean Ference, or Mendy Shepherd to be added to the Whatsapp group. Community Beit Midrash Night will include both independent and guided learning options. Guided learning with Rabbi Kean will meet once or twice a month. Topic: Ein Yaakov - Anthology of Talmudic Aggadah. Guided learning will NOT meet this week.
THE DEE PIRKEI AVOT PROJECT
The Dee Pirkei Avot project disseminates a weekly Pirkei Avot study and discussion sheet in honor of their memory of Lucy, Maia, and Rina, z''l, who were killed in a terrorist attack this year.
“A community is too heavy to carry alone” Deuteronomy Rabbah 1:10
We are excited and honored to be partnering with 10 other local organizations in the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s LIFE & LEGACY™ program. Please help us pay it forward and leave a legacy for future Capital District Jews. Please speak to Paula Mosher or Ellen Kaplowitz the Life & Legacy committee chairs about partnering on this crucial initiative to ensure the vitality of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob for the next 200 years.
Please click HERE for an important message from our Security Committee & security partner, Community Security Service (CSS) regarding guidelines for attending pro-Israel events
JFS: SENIORS GROUP SESSION - COPING WITH CHANGE JFS is hosting a Coping with Change group for adults ages 60+ at AJCC, starting 7/1/2024, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm. The group is designed to help those who may be struggling with transitions: housing, job, loss, etc. Click here for more information and to register
PRICE CHOPPER KOSHER STORE RELOCATED New Location: 1730 Central Avenue in Colonie We need you with us to show our solidarity behind the new venture, which will expand the kosher offerings in the community. The new store will host our kosher department as well as new offerings of To-Go-Meals & Kosher Sushi.
518 KOSHER CATERING - SHABBOS-TO-GO-CATERING Learn more about 518 Kosher's Shabbos catering at their website. https://kosher518.com
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
TORAH READING Numbers 8:1-12:16, Artscroll p. 774 Haftarah: Zechariah 2:14-4:7, p. 1182
SPEAKER Rabbi Kean and the Talmud class participants will make a siyum on Masechet Makkot following Shabbat morning services. Rabbi Kean will deliver D'var Torah for the siyum entitled "What Rabbi Akiva Saw: A Message of Hope in a Time of Distress." KIDDUSH This Shabbat Kiddush is sponsored by Rabbi Tzvi & Esther Ita Holt in celebration of the birthdays of Esther Ita (18th Sivan), Gittel Sarah (15th Sivan), and Tzivia Malka (13th Sivan) birthdays, and also by Nancy Worth and Ed Kean and Gail and Matt Kramer in honor of Rabbi Kean's Chag HaSemikha!
MAZAL TOV Mazal tov to the 8th grade of Hebrew Academy of the Capital District and the 8th and 12th grade of Maimonides School on their graduations this week!
MESSAGE FROM RABBI KEAN
Dear CBAJ Family,
On behalf of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob, I would like to wish you and your family a restful and meaningful Shabbat.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for such a wonderful Shavuot! The Shavuot night dinner, Tikkun Leil Shavuot, and NCSY programming were filled with so much Torah, energy, and community.
Last week, I asked you to join in me in davening for Yair ben Rivka, a soldier in the IDF who was critically wounded in a recent operation in Gaza with connections to our Capital District community. It is with great sadness that I share with you that he succumbed to his wounds and died earlier this week. Tehei Nishmato Tzerurah Bitzror HaChayim - May his soul be bound in the bonds of life.
This week, I am very proud that after two and a half years, the Talmud class will be finishing Masechet Makkot! In order to mark this, we will make a siyum on Shabbat morning, following morning services, in lieu of my regular sermon. The conclusion of Masechet Makkot offers one of the most forceful articulations of Jewish hope and optimism in the face of suffering and destruction, and I plan to speak about this for the siyum. More generally, a siyum is a celebration of Masorah, the passing along the traditions of Torah She-b'al Peh (Oral Torah), and of dedication to Talmud Torah. It is my hope that joining together as a whole shul for this siyum will serve to strengthen those values.
In light of the news of the passing of Yair ben Rivka, the IDF soldier that we had been praying for a recovery for, the siyum on Makkot will be dedicated l'iluy nishmato, as a merit for Yair soul.
The New York State primary elections are on Tuesday, June 25. Please remember to vote in these important elections.
There are a couple of things that I believe you should know about the primary elections: 1. In many elections, especially in New York State, the primary is the more important election, where one party almost always wins. 2. In a number of our upcoming elections, including the extremely-tight Democratic primary for New York State Assembly for Assembly district 109, which includes the city of Albany and much of Albany County, different candidates have taken very different stances on antisemitism and Israel. If you wish to take these issues into account when voting, you may wish to research the candidates to see where they stand. 3. You may wish to contact Amidah Albany , a local Jewish and pro-Israel advocacy group founded in the wake of October 7, to receive their voter score card on Israel and Jewish issues. Their email address is: amidahalbany@gmail. com and their Instagram page is @amidahalbany.
I hope to see you soon at a tefilah, children's program, event, or class!
Am Yisrael Chai.
Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Ben Kean
UPCOMING EVENTS
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING & END OF YEAR BBQ
Sunday June 23rd, 2024 at 5:30 pm
The vote for the new slate and the budget will take place at our annual membership meeting. You will also be able to access the meeting on Zoom. Following our meeting please join us for our annual delicious CBAJ BBQ.
CBAJ ZOOM ROOM Go to https://zoom.us/join Enter meeting ID: 940 508 9347 | Enter passcode: 613518
All CBAJ members are invited to attend. Full members in good standing will have one vote per adult member of their household.
Tot Shabbat For children ages 0-5 and their parents at 10:30 am in classroom 3. Please contact Joshua Schulman-Marcus (jschumar@gmail.com) if you would like to be added to the Young Families WhatsApp group.
Youth Groups Kids in grades k-5 will meet each Shabbat morning at 10-11 am. Groups will be led by our youth director and teen youth leaders. For more information about attending, or if your teen wants to work as a youth leader, email office@cbaj.org
Babysitting Babysitting is available for children ages 0-5 every Shabbat morning from 10:00-11:30 am! You do not need to be a member to drop off your kids. At least one parent or guardian must be at CBAJ for the duration of babysitting. Babysitting will take place in Classroom 3. The babysitters will bring the kids to Kiddush, please remember to pick up your kids when babysitting ends! Please make sure to inform the babysitters if your child has any food allergies or restrictions. Children in diapers may participate, but babysitters will not be able to change diapers, so please check on kids in diapers.
WEEKLY LEARNING AT CBAJ
NACH YOMI Join Rabbi Kean for studying a chapter of NACH (Nevi'im & Ketuvim, the latter two sections of Jewish scripture) every weekday before Shacharit, Sunday through Friday, half an hour before the regular start time for morning services (7:30 am on Sundays, 6:10 am Monday - Friday) - in the social hall.
TORAH & TEA* Thursday mornings, 9:30 - 10:30 AM on Zoom*. Studying Kohelet (Ecclesiastes) * A Theodore Strauss z"l Endowment Fund sponsored program
TALMUD CLASS Join our Shabbat Afternoon TALMUD SHIUR in-person, at CBAJ, starting 1 hour before Mincha We are studying Masechet Makkot
*CBAJ ZOOM ROOM (weekday classes only) Go to https://zoom.us/join Enter meeting ID: 940 508 9347 | Enter passcode: 613518
ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMMING
SPRING/SUMMER SEASON OF COMMUNITY BEIS MIDRASH NIGHT Join us at the Shteeble (Cong. Shomray Torah) Sundays, following Maariv (evening services). Contact Rabbi Kean, Sean Ference, or Mendy Shepherd to be added to the Whatsapp group.
Community Beit Midrash Night will include both independent and guided learning options. Guided learning with Rabbi Kean will meet once or twice a month. Topic: Ein Yaakov - Anthology of Talmudic Aggadah. Next guided learning Chaburah with Rabbi Kean is on June 23.
THE DEE PIRKEI AVOT PROJECT
The Dee Pirkei Avot project disseminates a weekly Pirkei Avot study and discussion sheet in honor of their memory of Lucy, Maia, and Rina, z''l, who were killed in a terrorist attack this year.
“A community is too heavy to carry alone” Deuteronomy Rabbah 1:10
We are excited and honored to be partnering with 10 other local organizations in the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s LIFE & LEGACY™ program. Please help us pay it forward and leave a legacy for future Capital District Jews. Please speak to Paula Mosher or Ellen Kaplowitz the Life & Legacy committee chairs about partnering on this crucial initiative to ensure the vitality of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob for the next 200 years.
Please click HERE for an important message from our Security Committee & security partner, Community Security Service (CSS) regarding guidelines for attending pro-Israel events
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
PRICE CHOPPER KOSHER STORE GRAND OPENING New Location: 1730 Central Avenue in Colonie Kosher Department Grand Opening on Friday June 21st at 10:00 am We need you with us to show our solidarity behind the new venture, which will expand the kosher offerings in the community. Please RSVP at vhcd51@yahoo.com or 518-727-5566 and advise you will join. The new store will host our kosher department as well as new offerings of To Go Meals and Kosher Sushi on a daily basis.
518 KOSHER CATERING - SHABBOS-TO-GO-CATERING Learn more about 518 Kosher's Shabbos catering at their website. https://kosher518.com
THE WANDERING JEW KOSHER POPUP CAFE Thursday, June 27 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm at JFNENY brought to you by ACHDUT, A Harold Grinspoon Foundation supported Haverah. Our mission is to provide an open and joyful monthly cafe experience--kosher food and uplifting programs---for the entire community. We will offer standard cafe items and some Japanese inspired menu items like sushi salad, miso soup, and stir fried vegetables and tofu. All food is prepared and sealed in the Bethlehem Chabad kitchen. Rabbi Josh Sussman, violinist and musicologist, will be playing and illuminating the sacred art of niggunim: wordless Jewish melodies and their role in Jewish spirituality.CLICK HERE for more details & to register
TORAH READING Numbers 4:21 – 7:89, Artscroll p. 748 Haftarah: Judges 13:2 – 25, p. 1181
SPEAKER Rabbi Kean will deliver a Dvar Torah on Shabbat morning. KIDDUSH This Shabbat we are celebrating with a Simcha Dessert Kiddush (dairy), prepared by the Simcha Kiddush Committee, chaired by Faye Silton & Marta Koblenz. We are celebrating simchas, and honoring our graduates! Sponsors and celebrants are listed below.
MAZAL TOV Mazal tov to Rabbi Paul and Faye Silton on the bar mitzvah of their grandson, Juda Lior Brandwein, son of Dr. Ariel Ben-Tzion Brandwein & Dr. Nava Ruth Silton.
Mazal tov to CBAJ youth director and Albany NCSY coordinator Yonah Schneier on his upcoming marriage this week to Hannah Poupko. Mazal tov to Yonah for his graduation from Yeshiva University. We thank Yonah for a wonderful year as our youth director and wish him success in all future endeavors.
Mazal tov to past CBAJ rabbinic intern, youth director, and Albany NCSY coordinator Rabbi Jack Hartstein on his marriage this past week to Esther Nasser.
MESSAGE FROM RABBI KEAN
Dear CBAJ Family,
On behalf of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob, I would like to wish you and your family a restful and meaningful Shabbat.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for such a wonderful Shavuot! The Shavuot night dinner, Tikkun Leil Shavuot, and NCSY programming were filled with so much Torah, energy, and community.
Please join in me in davening for Yair ben Rivka, a soldier in the IDF who was critically wounded in a recent operation in Gaza with connections to our Capital District community. May Hashem send him a refuah shleimah (speedy recovery) very soon.
The New York State primary elections are on Tuesday, June 25. Please remember to vote in these important elections.
There are a couple of things that I believe you should know about the primary elections: 1. In many elections, especially in New York State, the primary is the more important election, where one party almost always wins. 2. In a number of our upcoming elections, including the extremely-tight Democratic primary for New York State Assembly for Assembly district 109, which includes the city of Albany and much of Albany County, different candidates have taken very different stances on antisemitism and Israel. If you wish to take these issues into account when voting, you may wish to research the candidates to see where they stand. 3. You may wish to contact Amidah Albany , a local Jewish and pro-Israel advocacy group founded in the wake of October 7, to receive their voter score card on Israel and Jewish issues. Their email address is: amidahalbany@gmail. com and their Instagram page is @amidahalbany.
I hope to see you soon at a tefilah, children's program, event, or class!
Marjorie and Stuart Gang in honor of their son Adam Starkman who graduated from his internal medicine residency at the University of Maryland Medical Center. Tom Kligerman in honor of Ilan Kligerman's Graduation from HVCC in Mechanical Engineering Technology. Dina Gottesman and Daniel Reznik in honor of Malky Reznik’s 8th grade graduation from HACD. Amarit and Seth Rosenblum in honor of Ayelet Rosenblum's graduation from Albany High School, and Nadav Rosenblum's graduation from Hebrew Academy. Deborah Vaquez and Nathan Graber in honor of Jesse Graber’s graduation from the Albany Academy for Boys. Simma Kinderlehrer & Chaim Schaffer in honor of their grandson Shavtiel Bko’ach Kinderlehrer's graduation from Leaf High School Alstead, N.H, and plans to attend UNH in the fall. Laura and Zvi Segal in honor of their daughter Talia Segal’s graduation from medical school, Samuel and Allie Segal’s 1 year wedding anniversary, and Benjamin Segal birthday. Nanette and Artie Brenner and family wish Mazal tov to Camille Brenner for completing her MSW degree at Hunter College/CUNY and to Jeremy Wilson for completing his MD at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University. The Brenner family also celebrates Misha Brenner’s birthday, Lianna Brenner and Elie Peltz’s weddinganniversary, and Nanette and Artie’s wedding anniversary. Rabbi Ben and Miriam Kean on Rabbi Kean's participation in Yeshiva University's Chag HaSemikhah celebrating all rabbis ordained in the last 3 years and in honor of their wedding anniversary. Amy Svirsky and Mitch Abolafia in honor of their wedding anniversary. Judith Rickman in celebration of her Uncle Larry Rickman’s 98th birthday. Ofir and Josh Katz in honor of their 14th wedding anniversary Nina & Grigory Mikhaylov wishing a Happy birthday to Vadim Mikhaylov and Nison Mikhaylov. Sandra Sabzevari and Josh Schulman-Marcus in celebration of the birthdays of their children Odelia (9), Liora (5), and Netanel (2). Stacy & David Cohen in honor of our daughter-in-law, Bethanne Goldman's birthday, and in honor of the June graduates. Mazal tov to Rabbi Paul & Faye Silton on: the graduation of their granddaughter-in-law, Daniella Bessler Moskowitz (wife of Avishai David Moskowitz, son of Elana Yaakova Silton & Dr. Ari Moskowitz) from Yeshiva University's Stern College for Women; the high school graduation of their grandson Azriel Baruch Moskowitz (son of Elana & Ari), from Beth Tefilla Community Day School; their grandson Ezra Moshe Silton (son of Dr. Rabbi Akiva & Sharon Silton) on being recognized as a Chayal Mitztayen ("soldier of excellence") by Tzahal; the induction of their granddaughter Calanit Dora Epstein (daughter of Tamar Silton Epstein & Jeremy Epstein) in Tzahal; the graduation of their grandson Ariel Yair Kahan (son of David Kahan & Michal Meira Silton Kahan) from Yeshiva University summa cum laude while in the semikhah program. Ilana and Rob Kovach in honor of Dov Kovach's graduation from Albany High School, and their son-in-law Natan Mendelson's graduation from Rutgers University.
UPCOMING EVENTS
CBAJ BOOK CLUB MEETING June 19 at 8:00 pm
COMMUNITY BEIS MIDRASH NIGHT The next guided learning Chaburah with Rabbi Kean is on June 23
See below for more details
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING & END OF YEAR BBQ
Sunday June 23rd, 2024 at 5:30 pm
The vote for the new slate and the budget will take place at our annual membership meeting. You will also be able to access the meeting on Zoom. Following our meeting please join us for our annual delicious CBAJ BBQ.
CBAJ ZOOM ROOM Go to https://zoom.us/join Enter meeting ID: 940 508 9347 | Enter passcode: 613518
All CBAJ members are invited to attend. Full members in good standing will have one vote per adult member of their household.
Tot Shabbat For children ages 0-5 and their parents at 10:30 am in classroom 3. Please contact Joshua Schulman-Marcus (jschumar@gmail.com) if you would like to be added to the Young Families WhatsApp group.
Youth Groups Kids in grades k-5 will meet each Shabbat morning at 10-11 am. Groups will be led by our youth director and teen youth leaders. For more information about attending, or if your teen wants to work as a youth leader, email office@cbaj.org
Babysitting Babysitting is available for children ages 0-5 every Shabbat morning from 10:00-11:30 am! You do not need to be a member to drop off your kids. At least one parent or guardian must be at CBAJ for the duration of babysitting. Babysitting will take place in Classroom 3. The babysitters will bring the kids to Kiddush, please remember to pick up your kids when babysitting ends! Please make sure to inform the babysitters if your child has any food allergies or restrictions. Children in diapers may participate, but babysitters will not be able to change diapers, so please check on kids in diapers.
WEEKLY LEARNING AT CBAJ
NACH YOMI Join Rabbi Kean for studying a chapter of NACH (Nevi'im & Ketuvim, the latter two sections of Jewish scripture) every weekday before Shacharit, Sunday through Friday, half an hour before the regular start time for morning services (7:30 am on Sundays, 6:10 am Monday - Friday) - in the social hall.
TORAH & TEA* Thursday mornings, 9:30 - 10:30 AM on Zoom*. Studying Kohelet (Ecclesiastes) * A Theodore Strauss z"l Endowment Fund sponsored program
TALMUD CLASS Join our Shabbat Afternoon TALMUD SHIUR in-person, at CBAJ, starting 1 hour before Mincha We are studying Masechet Makkot
*CBAJ ZOOM ROOM (weekday classes only) Go to https://zoom.us/join Enter meeting ID: 940 508 9347 | Enter passcode: 613518
ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMMING
CBAJ BOOK CLUB
The CBAJ bookclub will be reading The Jewish State: From Opposition to Opportunity by Doron Perez The next bookclub meeting: June 19 at 8:00 pm On CBAJ ZOOM
SPRING/SUMMER SEASON OF COMMUNITY BEIS MIDRASH NIGHT Join us at the Shteeble (Cong. Shomray Torah)* new location Sundays, following Maariv (evening services). Contact Rabbi Kean, Sean Ference, or Mendy Shepherd to be added to the Whatsapp group.
Independent & Guided Learning Guided learning with Rabbi Kean will meet once or twice a month. Topic: Ein Yaakov - Anthology of Talmudic Aggadah. Next guided learning Chaburah with Rabbi Kean is on June 23.
THE DEE PIRKEI AVOT PROJECT
The Dee Pirkei Avot project disseminates a weekly Pirkei Avot study and discussion sheet in honor of their memory of Lucy, Maia, and Rina, z''l, who were killed in a terrorist attack this year.
“A community is too heavy to carry alone” Deuteronomy Rabbah 1:10
We are excited and honored to be partnering with 10 other local organizations in the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s LIFE & LEGACY™ program. Please help us pay it forward and leave a legacy for future Capital District Jews. Please speak to Paula Mosher or Ellen Kaplowitz the Life & Legacy committee chairs about partnering on this crucial initiative to ensure the vitality of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob for the next 200 years.
Please click HERE for an important message from our Security Committee & security partner, Community Security Service (CSS) regarding guidelines for attending pro-Israel events
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
PRICE CHOPPER KOSHER STORE GRAND OPENING New Location: 1730 Central Avenue in Colonie Kosher Department Grand Opening on Friday June 21st at 10:00 am We need you with us to show our solidarity behind the new venture, which will expand the kosher offerings in the community. Please RSVP at vhcd51@yahoo.com or 518-727-5566 and advise you will join. The new store will host our kosher department as well as new offerings of To Go Meals and Kosher Sushi on a daily basis.
518 KOSHER CATERING - SHABBOS-TO-GO-CATERING Learn more about 518 Kosher's Shabbos catering at their website. https://kosher518.com
THE WANDERING JEW KOSHER POPUP CAFE Thursday, June 27 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm at JFNENY brought to you by ACHDUT, A Harold Grinspoon Foundation supported Haverah. Our mission is to provide an open and joyful monthly cafe experience--kosher food and uplifting programs---for the entire community. We will offer standard cafe items and some Japanese inspired menu items like sushi salad, miso soup, and stir fried vegetables and tofu. All food is prepared and sealed in the Bethlehem Chabad kitchen. Rabbi Josh Sussman, violinist and musicologist, will be playing and illuminating the sacred art of niggunim: wordless Jewish melodies and their role in Jewish spirituality.CLICK HERE for more details & to register
TORAH READING Numbers 4:21 – 7:89, Artscroll p. 748 Haftarah: Judges 13:2 – 25, p. 1181
SPEAKER Rabbi Kean will deliver a Dvar Torah on Shabbat morning. KIDDUSH This Shabbat we are celebrating with a Simcha Dessert Kiddush (dairy), prepared by the Simcha Kiddush Committee, chaired by Faye Silton & Marta Koblenz. We are celebrating simchas, and honoring our graduates! Sponsors and celebrants are listed below.
MAZAL TOV Mazal tov to Rabbi Paul and Faye Silton on the bar mitzvah of their grandson, Juda Lior Brandwein, son of Dr. Ariel Ben-Tzion Brandwein & Dr. Nava Ruth Silton.
Mazal tov to CBAJ youth director and Albany NCSY coordinator Yonah Schneier on his upcoming marriage this week to Hannah Poupko. Mazal tov to Yonah for his graduation from Yeshiva University. We thank Yonah for a wonderful year as our youth director and wish him success in all future endeavors.
Mazal tov to past CBAJ rabbinic intern, youth director, and Albany NCSY coordinator Rabbi Jack Hartstein on his marriage this past week to Esther Nasser.
MESSAGE FROM RABBI KEAN
Dear CBAJ Family,
On behalf of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob, I would like to wish you and your family a restful and meaningful Shabbat.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for such a wonderful Shavuot! The Shavuot night dinner, Tikkun Leil Shavuot, and NCSY programming were filled with so much Torah, energy, and community.
Please join in me in davening for Yair ben Rivka, a soldier in the IDF who was critically wounded in a recent operation in Gaza with connections to our Capital District community. May Hashem send him a refuah shleimah (speedy recovery) very soon.
The New York State primary elections are on Tuesday, June 25. Please remember to vote in these important elections.
There are a couple of things that I believe you should know about the primary elections: 1. In many elections, especially in New York State, the primary is the more important election, where one party almost always wins. 2. In a number of our upcoming elections, including the extremely-tight Democratic primary for New York State Assembly for Assembly district 109, which includes the city of Albany and much of Albany County, different candidates have taken very different stances on antisemitism and Israel. If you wish to take these issues into account when voting, you may wish to research the candidates to see where they stand. 3. You may wish to contactAmidah Albany, a local Jewish and pro-Israel advocacy group founded in the wake of October 7, to receive their voter score card on Israel and Jewish issues. Their email address is:amidahalbany@gmail.com and their Instagram page is @amidahalbany.
I hope to see you soon at a tefilah, children's program, event, or class!
Marjorie and Stuart Gang in honor of their son Adam Starkman who graduated from his internal medicine residency at the University of Maryland Medical Center. Tom Kligerman in honor of Ilan Kligerman's Graduation from HVCC in Mechanical Engineering Technology. Dina Gottesman and Daniel Reznik in honor of Malky Reznik’s 8th grade graduation from HACD. Amarit and Seth Rosenblum in honor of Ayelet Rosenblum's graduation from Albany High School, and Nadav Rosenblum's graduation from Hebrew Academy. Deborah Vaquez and Nathan Graber in honor of Jesse Graber’s graduation from the Albany Academy for Boys. Simma Kinderlehrer & Chaim Schaffer in honor of Shavtiel Bko’ach Kinderlehrer graduation from Leaf High School Alstead, N.H, and plans to attend UNH in the fall. Laura and Zvi Segal in honor of their daughter Talia Segal’s graduation from medical school, Samuel and Allie Segal’s 1 year wedding anniversary, and Benjamin Segal birthday. Nanette and Artie Brenner and family wish Mazal tov to Camille Brenner for completing her MSW degree at Hunter College/CUNY and to Jeremy Wilson for completing his MD at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University. The Brenner family also celebrates Misha Brenner’s birthday, Lianna Brenner and Elie Peltz’s wedding anniversary, and Nanette and Artie’s wedding anniversary. Rabbi Ben and Miriam Kean on Rabbi Kean's participation in Yeshiva University's Chag HaSemikhah celebrating all rabbis ordained in the last 3 years and in honor of their wedding anniversary. Amy Svirsky and Mitch Abolafia in honor of their wedding anniversary. Judith Rickman in celebration of her uncle Larry Rickman’s 98th birthday. Ofir and Josh Katz in honor of their 14th wedding anniversary Nina & Grigory Mikhaylov wishing a Happy birthday to Vadim Mikhaylov and Nison Mikhaylov. Sandra Sabzevari and Josh Schulman-Marcus in celebration of the birthdays of their children Odelia (9), Liora (5), and Netanel (2). Stacy & David Cohen in honor of our daughter-in-law, Bethanne Goldman's birthday, and in honor of the June graduates. Mazal tov to Rabbi Paul & Faye Silton on: the graduation of their granddaughter-in-law, Daniella Bessler Moskowitz (wife of Avishai David Moskowitz, son of Elana Yaakova Silton & Dr. Ari Moskowitz) from Yeshiva University's Stern College for Women; the high school graduation of their grandson Azriel Baruch Moskowitz (son of Elana & Ari), from Beth Tefilla Community Day School; their grandson Ezra Moshe Silton (son of Dr. Rabbi Akiva & Sharon Silton) on being recognized as a Chayal Mitztayen ("soldier of excellence") by Tzahal; the induction of their granddaughter Calanit Dora Epstein (daughter of Tamar Silton Epstein & Jeremy Epstein) in Tzahal; the graduation of their grandson Ariel Yair Kahan (son of David Kahan & Michal Meira Silton Kahan) from Yeshiva University summa cum laude while in the semikhah program. Ilana and Rob Kovach in honor of Dov Kovach's graduation from Albany High School, and their son-in-law Natan Mendelson's graduation from Rutgers University.
UPCOMING EVENTS
The CBAJ Bookclub Meeting June 19 at 8:00 pm
COMMUNITY BEIS MIDRASH NIGHT The next guided learning Chaburah with Rabbi Kean is on June 23
See below for more details
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING & END OF YEAR BBQ
Sunday June 23rd, 2024 at 5:30 pm
The vote for the new slate and the budget will take place at our annual membership meeting. You will also be able to access the meeting on Zoom. Following our meeting please join us for our annual delicious CBAJ BBQ.
CBAJ ZOOM ROOM Go to https://zoom.us/join Enter meeting ID: 940 508 9347 | Enter passcode: 613518
Tot Shabbat For children ages 0-5 and their parents at 10:30 am in classroom 3. Please contact Joshua Schulman-Marcus (jschumar@gmail.com) if you would like to be added to the Young Families WhatsApp group.
Youth Groups Kids in grades k-5 will meet each Shabbat morning at 10-11 am. Groups will be led by our youth director and teen youth leaders. For more information about attending, or if your teen wants to work as a youth leader, email office@cbaj.org
Babysitting Babysitting is available for children ages 0-5 every Shabbat morning from 10:00-11:30 am! You do not need to be a member to drop off your kids. At least one parent or guardian must be at CBAJ for the duration of babysitting. Babysitting will take place in Classroom 3. The babysitters will bring the kids to Kiddush, please remember to pick up your kids when babysitting ends! Please make sure to inform the babysitters if your child has any food allergies or restrictions. Children in diapers may participate, but babysitters will not be able to change diapers, so please check on kids in diapers.
WEEKLY LEARNING AT CBAJ
NACH YOMI Join Rabbi Kean for studying a chapter of NACH (Nevi'im & Ketuvim, the latter two sections of Jewish scripture) every weekday before Shacharit, Sunday through Friday, half an hour before the regular start time for morning services (7:30 am on Sundays, 6:10 am Monday - Friday) - in the social hall.
TORAH & TEA* Thursday mornings, 9:30 - 10:30 AM on Zoom*. Studying Kohelet (Ecclesiastes) * A Theodore Strauss z"l Endowment Fund sponsored program
TALMUD CLASS Join our Shabbat Afternoon TALMUD SHIUR in-person, at CBAJ,starting 1 hour before Mincha We are studying Masechet Makkot.
*CBAJ ZOOM ROOM (weekday classes only) Go to https://zoom.us/join Enter meeting ID: 940 508 9347 | Enter passcode: 613518
ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMMING
CBAJ BOOK CLUB
The CBAJ bookclub will be reading The Jewish State: From Opposition to Opportunity by Doron Perez The next bookclub meeting: June 19 at 8:00 pm On CBAJ ZOOM
SPRING SEASON OF COMMUNITY BEIS MIDRASH NIGHT Join us at the Shteeble (Cong. Shomray Torah)* new location Sundays, following Maariv (evening services). Contact Rabbi Kean, Sean Ference, or Mendy Shepherd to be added to the Whatsapp group.
Independent & Guided Learning Guided learning with Rabbi Kean will meet once or twice a month. Topic: Ein Yaakov - Anthology of Talmudic Aggadah. Next guided learning Chaburah with Rabbi Kean is on June 23.
A Theodore Strauss z"l Endowment Fund sponsored program
Lunch & Learn for Seniors with Rabbi Ben Kean
Summer dates to be announced.
THE DEE PIRKEI AVOT PROJECT
The Dee Pirkei Avot project disseminates a weekly Pirkei Avot study and discussion sheet in honor of their memory of Lucy, Maia, and Rina, z''l, who were killed in a terrorist attack this year.
“A community is too heavy to carry alone” Deuteronomy Rabbah 1:10
We are excited and honored to be partnering with 10 other local organizations in the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s LIFE & LEGACY™ program. Please help us pay it forward and leave a legacy for future Capital District Jews. Please speak to Paula Mosher or Ellen Kaplowitzthe Life & Legacy committee chairs about partnering on this crucial initiative to ensure the vitality of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob for the next 200 years.
Please click HERE for an important message from our Security Committee & security partner, Community Security Service (CSS) regarding guidelines for attending pro-Israel events
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
PRICE CHOPPER KOSHER STORE GRAND OPENING New Location: 1730 Central Avenue in Colonie Kosher DepartmentGrand Opening on Friday June 21st at 10:00 am We need you with us to show our solidarity behind the new venture, which will expand the kosher offerings in the community. Please RSVP at vhcd51@yahoo.com or 518-727-5566 and advise you will join. The new store will host our kosher department as well as new offerings of To Go Meals and Kosher Sushi on a daily basis.
518 KOSHER CATERING - SHABBOS-TO-GO-CATERING Learn more about 518 Kosher's Shabbos catering at their website. https://kosher518.com
THE WANDERING JEW KOSHER POPUP CAFE Thursday, June 27 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm at JFNENY brought to you by ACHDUT, A Harold Grinspoon Foundation supported Haverah. Our mission is to provide an open and joyful monthly cafe experience--kosher food and uplifting programs---for the entire community. We will offer standard cafe items and some Japanese inspired menu items like sushi salad, miso soup, and stir fried vegetables and tofu. All food is prepared and sealed in the Bethlehem Chabad kitchen. Rabbi Josh Sussman, violinist and musicologist, will be playing and illuminating the sacred art of niggunim: wordless Jewish melodies and their role in Jewish spirituality. CLICK HERE for more details & to register
Evening Services 8:20 pm Services Shavuot Dinner & Tikkun Lel Shavuot to start after evening services, approx. 9:00 pm
Wednesday Shacharit Sunrise Service 4:50 am 9:00 am
Latest Shema 9:06 am
Evening Services 8:20 pm
Candle Lighting after 9:27 pm
Thursday Shacharit with Yizkor 9:00 am Yizkor (approximate): 10:30 am Latest Shema 9:06 am
Evening Services 8:20 pm
Havdalah 9:27 pm
*Babysitting will be available for both mornings of Shavuot, beginning at 10AM.*
TORAH READINGS
Shavuot I Exodus 19:1-20:23, Artscroll p. 400 Maftir: Numbers 28:6-31, p. 891 Haftarah: Ezekiel 1:1-28; 3:12, p. 1228
Shavuot II Deuteronomy 14:22-16:17, p. 1012 Maftir: Numbers 28:6-31, p. 892 Haftarah: Habakkuk 2:20-3:19, p. 1229 Book of Ruth, p. 1269
MESSAGE FROM RABBI KEAN
Shavuot is described as "Zman Matan Torateinu" - "the festival of the giving of our Torah." Shavuot is all about celebrating our love for and acceptance of the Torah. I wish you a Shavuot infused with this love of Torah. Check out all the wonderful programming happening at CBAJ below. PLEASE BE SURE TO REGISTER FOR THE DINNER! I look forward to celebrating Shavuot with you!
Rabbi Ben Kean
THANK YOU
Thank you to all who are attending the Shavuot events at CBAJ
A special thank you to all the volunteers and to the generous sponsors of the Shavuot Dinner
Laura & Zvi Segal Marjorie & Stuart Gang
Amanda & Joshua Gurock Temple Israel
A Special Welcome to Temple Israel Joining CBAJ for the Shavuot Dinner & Tikkun Leil Shavuot
Schedule for Tikkun Leil Shavuot 10:30 PM "Revelation and the Rabbinic Imagination: A Conversation with Rabbi Ben Kean and Rabbi Wendy Love Anderson" 11:15 PM Daniela Mikhaylova, "Coexisting with My Innter Demons: Judaism the as Mediator in the Dark" 12:00 AM Vadim Mikhaylov, "A Practical Guide to Connecting with Our Thoughts and Feelings" 12:45 AM MIDNIGHT ICE CREAM PARTY!!! 1:20 AM Rabbi Anderson, "When did Ruth Convert and Why Does it Matter?" 2:10 AM Rakhamim Yakobov, "The Laws of Yom Tov" 3:00 AM Rabbi Tzvi Holt, "Electricity on Yom Tov: Modern Technology in Halacha" 3:50 AM Rabbi Ben Kean, "Killer Kohanim: Can a Kohen Who has Killed do Birkat Kohanim (the Priestly Blessing)? What about a Kohen Veteran?"
Albany NCSY Shavuaton 2024 Schedule
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
TORAH READING Numbers 1:1 -4:20, Artscroll p. 726 Haftarah: Hosea 2:1 -22, p. 1180
SPEAKER Rabbi Kean will deliver a Dvar Torah on Shabbat morningin honor of Yom Yerushalayim (Jerusalem day), which was this past Wednesday, entitled "Planting in Tears, Harvesting in Joy." KIDDUSH A Kiddush luncheon (meat) to bid farewell to the Gurock & Rosenblum families before they move away is sponsored by Dr. Dina Gottesman & Dan Reznik, Dr. Sean & Seri Ference, Elliot & Rina Chester, Ben & Tanya Schwartz, Dr. Nathan Graber & Dr. Debbie Vasquez, Dr. Josh Schulman-Marcus & Sandra Sabzevari, Rob & Ilana Kovach, Mark & Chana Israel, Artie & Nanette Brenner, Eitan & Marissa Barlaz, Dr. Zvi & Laura Segal, Josh & Ofir Katz, Mark & Simi Leifer, Rabbi Ben & Miriam Kean.
MAZAL TOV Mazal Tov to CBAJ members Jill & Howard Goldberg on the engagement of their son Samson Goldberg to Elana Pogal.
Mazal Tov to CBAJ members Daniel & Millie Grossberg on the upcoming marriage of their granddaughter Eliana Schochet to Samuel Cohen.
MESSAGE FROM RABBI KEAN
Dear CBAJ Family,
On behalf of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob, I would like to wish you and your family a restful and meaningful Shabbat.
Shavuot is right around the corner! See below for information about CBAJ's plans for Shavuot and stay tuned for more details.
I hope to see you soon at a tefilah, children's program, event, or class!
Am Yisrael Chai.
Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Ben Kean
UPCOMING EVENTS
June 11 Candle Lighting: 8:15 pm Dinner: 9:00 pm - 10:30 pm & Tikkun Leil Shavuot (All Night Learning)!
Featuring: Midnight ice cream party, NCSY programming led by Yonah Schneier, learning with Rabbi Ben Kean, Rabbi Wendy Anderson, and community members. Dinner & Tikkun Leil Shavuot are joined by Temple Israel. Contact Rabbi Kean if you are interested in speaking at the Tikkun Leil Shavuot.
June 12 Haneitz HaChamah (Sunrise) Service 4:50 am Morning Service: 9:00 am followed by Kiddush Mincha/Maariv: 8:20 pm Candle Lighting: after 9:27 pm
June 13 Morning Service: 9:00 am (with Yizkor) followed by Kiddush Mincha/Maariv: 8:20 pm Havdalah: 9:27 pm
June 8: Sponsored by the friends of the Rosenblum & Gurock families
June 15: GRADUATION SIMCHA KIDDUSH
The June Simcha Kiddush is on 6/15/2024 (new date) & It is our special Graduation Simcha Kiddush celebrating all moving-up & graduation accomplishments
email your graduate's photo & milestone details for our photo board to office@cbaj.org
As always we are happy to share in the celebration of any simcha
Sponsors are invited to submit their celebratory announcement by Thursday morning 6/14/2024
The annual membership meeting & End of Year BBQ will be held in person at CBAJ Sunday, June 23 More details to follow
YOUTH PROGAMS
Tot Shabbat Happening this Shabbat June 8th ! For children ages 0-5 and their parents at 10:30 am in classroom 3. Please contact Joshua Schulman-Marcus (jschumar@gmail.com) if you would like to be added to the Young Families WhatsApp group.
Youth Groups Kids in grades k-5 will meet each Shabbat morning at 10-11 am. Groups will be led by our youth director and teen youth leaders. For more information about attending, or if your teen wants to work as a youth leader, email office@cbaj.org
Babysitting Babysitting is available for children ages 0-5 every Shabbat morning from 10:00-11:30 am! You do not need to be a member to drop off your kids. At least one parent or guardian must be at CBAJ for the duration of babysitting. Babysitting will take place in Classroom 3. The babysitters will bring the kids to Kiddush, please remember to pick up your kids when babysitting ends! Please make sure to inform the babysitters if your child has any food allergies or restrictions. Children in diapers may participate, but babysitters will not be able to change diapers, so please check on kids in diapers.
WEEKLY LEARNING AT CBAJ
NACH YOMI Join Rabbi Kean for studying a chapter of NACH (Nevi'im & Ketuvim, the latter two sections of Jewish scripture) every weekday before Shacharit, Sunday through Friday, half an hour before the regular start time for morning services (7:30 am on Sundays, 6:10 am Monday - Friday) - in the social hall.
TORAH & TEA* Thursday mornings, 9:30 - 10:30 AM on Zoom*. Studying Kohelet (Ecclesiastes) * A Theodore Strauss z"l Endowment Fund sponsored program
TALMUD CLASS Join our Shabbat Afternoon TALMUD SHIUR in-person, at CBAJ,starting 1 hour before Mincha We are studying Masechet Makkot.
*CBAJ ZOOM ROOM (weekday classes only) Go to https://zoom.us/join Enter meeting ID: 940 508 9347 | Enter passcode: 613518
ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMMING
CBAJ BOOK CLUB
The CBAJ bookclub will be reading The Jewish State: From Opposition to Opportunity by Doron Perez The next bookclub meeting: June 19 at 8:00 pm On CBAJ ZOOM
SPRING SEASON OF COMMUNITY BEIS MIDRASH NIGHT Join us at the Shteeble (Cong. Shomray Torah)* new location Sundays, following Maariv (evening services). Contact Rabbi Kean, Sean Ference, or Mendy Shepherd to be added to the Whatsapp group.
Independent & Guided Learning Guided learning with Rabbi Kean will meet once or twice a month. Topic: Ein Yaakov - Anthology of Talmudic Aggadah. Next guided learning Chaburah with Rabbi Kean is on June 23.
A Theodore Strauss z"l Endowment Fund sponsored program
Lunch & Learn for Seniors with Rabbi Ben Kean
Summer dates to be announced.
THE DEE PIRKEI AVOT PROJECT
The Dee Pirkei Avot project disseminates a weekly Pirkei Avot study and discussion sheet in honor of their memory of Lucy, Maia, and Rina, z''l, who were killed in a terrorist attack this year.
“A community is too heavy to carry alone” Deuteronomy Rabbah 1:10
We are excited and honored to be partnering with 10 other local organizations in the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s LIFE & LEGACY™ program. Please help us pay it forward and leave a legacy for future Capital District Jews. Please speak to Paula Mosher or Ellen Kaplowitzthe Life & Legacy committee chairs about partnering on this crucial initiative to ensure the vitality of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob for the next 200 years.
Please click HERE for an important message from our Security Committee & security partner, Community Security Service (CSS) regarding guidelines for attending pro-Israel events
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
THE WANDERING JEW KOSHER POPUP CAFE Thursday, June 27 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm at JFNENY brought to you by ACHDUT, A Harold Grinspoon Foundation supported Haverah. Our mission is to provide an open and joyful monthly cafe experience--kosher food and uplifting programs---for the entire community. We will offer standard cafe items and some Japanese inspired menu items like sushi salad, miso soup, and stir fried vegetables and tofu. All food is prepared and sealed in the Bethlehem Chabad kitchen. Rabbi Josh Sussman, violinist and musicologist, will be playing and illuminating the sacred art of niggunim: wordless Jewish melodies and their role in Jewish spirituality. CLICK HERE for more details & to register
Shavuot I Exodus 19:1-20:23, Artscroll p. 400 Maftir: Numbers 28:6-31, p. 891 Haftarah: Ezekiel 1:1-28; 3:12, p. 1228
Shavuot II Deuteronomy 14:22-16:17, p. 1012 Maftir: Numbers 28:6-31, p. 892 Haftarah: Habakkuk 2:20-3:19, p. 1229 Book of Ruth, p. 1269
MESSAGE FROM RABBI KEAN
Shavuot is right around the corner!
Shavuot is described as "Zman Matan Torateinu" - "the festival of the giving of our Torah." Shavuot is all about celebrating our love for and acceptance of the Torah. I wish you a Shavuot infused with this love of Torah. Check out all the wonderful programming happening at CBAJ below. PLEASE BE SURE TO REGISTER FOR THE DINNER! I hope to see you soon at a tefilah, children's program, event, or class!
Rabbi Ben Kean
A Special Welcome to Temple Israel Joining CBAJ for the Shavuot Dinner & TIKKUN LEIL SHAVUOT
Featuring presentations by: Rabbi Ben Kean, Rabbi Wendy Love Anderson, Rakhamim Yakobov, Nathan Graber, Rabbi Tzvi Holt, Daniela Mikhaylova. Complete schedule coming soon. DON'T MISS MIDNIGHT THE ICE CREAM PARTY!!!
Albany NCSY Shavuaton 2024 Schedule
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
Shabbat Mevarchim Bechukotai May 31 - June 1, 2024
Friday Candle Lighting 8:08 pm Friday Night Services 7:00 pm
Shabbat Morning Services 9:00 am
Latest Shema 9:06 am
Babysitting 10:00 am
Youth Groups 10:00 am Kiddush following services Talmud Class 7:00 pm Shabbat Mincha & Seudah Shlishit 8:00 pm
Maariv 9:10 pm Havdalah 9:19 pm
TORAH READING Leviticus 26:3-27:34, p. 708 Haftarah: Jeremiah 16:19-17:14, p. 1179
SPEAKER Rabbi Kean will deliver a Dvar Torah on Shabbat morning. KIDDUSH Kiddush this Shabbat is sponsored by CBAJ.
MAZAL TOV Mazal tov to Rabbi Paul & Faye Silton on the Bo Bayom Hanachat Tefillin of their grandson Juda Lior Brandwein, son of Dr. Ariel Ben-Tzion Brandwein & Dr. Nava Ruth Silton.
MESSAGE FROM RABBI KEAN
Dear CBAJ Family,
On behalf of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob, I would like to wish you and your family a restful and meaningful Shabbat.
Shavuot is right around the corner! See below for information about CBAJ's plans for Shavuot and stay tuned for more details.
I hope to see you soon at a tefilah, children's program, event, or class!
Am Yisrael Chai.
Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Ben Kean
UPCOMING EVENTS
June 11 Candle Lighting: 8:15 pm Dinner: 9:00 pm - 10:30 pm & Tikkun Leil Shavuot (All Night Learning)!
Featuring: Midnight ice cream party, NCSY programming led by Yonah Schneier, learning with Rabbi Kean, Rabbi Anderson, and community members Dinner & Tikkun Leil Shavuot are cosponsored by Temple Israel. Contact Rabbi Kean if you are interested in speaking at the Tikkun Leil Shavuot.
June 12 Haneitz HaChamah (Sunrise) Service 4:50 am Morning Service: 9:00 am followed by Kiddush Mincha/Maariv: 8:20 pm Candle Lighting: 9:27 pm
June 13 Morning Service: 9:00 am (with Yizkor) followed by Kiddush Mincha/Maariv: 8:20 pm Havdalah: 9:27 pm
TWO SPECIAL KIDDUSHES
June 8: Sponsored by the friends of the Rosenblum & Gurock families
June 15: GRADUATION SIMCHA KIDDUSH
The June Simcha Kiddush is on 6/15/2024 (new date) & It is our special Graduation Simcha Kiddush celebrating all moving-up & graduation accomplishments
email your graduate's photo & milestone details for our photo board to office@cbaj.org
As always we are happy to share in the celebration of any simcha
Sponsors are invited to submit their celebratory announcement by Thursday morning 6/14/2024
The annual membership meeting & End of Year BBQ will be held in person at CBAJ Sunday, June 23 More details to follow
YOUTH PROGAMS
Tot Shabbat For children ages 0-5 and their parents at 10:30 am in classroom 3. Please contact Joshua Schulman-Marcus (jschumar@gmail.com) if you would like to be added to the Young Families WhatsApp group.
Youth Groups Kids in grades k-5 will meet each Shabbat morning at 10-11 am. Groups will be led by our youth director and teen youth leaders. For more information about attending, or if your teen wants to work as a youth leader, email office@cbaj.org
Babysitting Babysitting is available for children ages 0-5 every Shabbat morning from 10:00-11:30 am! You do not need to be a member to drop off your kids. At least one parent or guardian must be at CBAJ for the duration of babysitting. Babysitting will take place in Classroom 3. The babysitters will bring the kids to Kiddush, please remember to pick up your kids when babysitting ends! Please make sure to inform the babysitters if your child has any food allergies or restrictions. Children in diapers may participate, but babysitters will not be able to change diapers, so please check on kids in diapers.
WEEKLY LEARNING AT CBAJ
NACH YOMI Join Rabbi Kean for studying a chapter of NACH (Nevi'im & Ketuvim, the latter two sections of Jewish scripture) every weekday before Shacharit, Sunday through Friday, half an hour before the regular start time for morning services (7:30 am on Sundays, 6:10 am Monday - Friday) - in the social hall.
TORAH & TEA* Thursday mornings, 9:30 - 10:30 AM on Zoom*. Studying Kohelet (Ecclesiastes) * A Theodore Strauss z"l Endowment Fund sponsored program
TALMUD CLASS Join our Shabbat Afternoon TALMUD SHIUR in-person, at CBAJ,starting 1 hour before Mincha We are studying Masechet Makkot.
*CBAJ ZOOM ROOM (weekday classes only) Go to https://zoom.us/join Enter meeting ID: 940 508 9347 | Enter passcode: 613518
ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMMING
CBAJ BOOK CLUB
The CBAJ bookclub will be reading The Jewish State: From Opposition to Opportunity by Doron Perez The next bookclub meeting: June 19 at 8:00 pm On CBAJ ZOOM
SPRING SEASON OF COMMUNITY BEIS MIDRASH NIGHT Join us at the Shteeble (Cong. Shomray Torah)* new location for the new season of Beis Medrash Night 8:00 PM this Sunday.
Independent & Guided Learning Guided learning with Rabbi Kean will meet once or twice a month. Topic: Ein Yaakov - Anthology of Talmudic Aggadah. Guided learning will not meet this week.
A Theodore Strauss z"l Endowment Fund sponsored program
Lunch & Learn for Seniors with Rabbi Ben Kean
Summer dates to be announced.
THE DEE PIRKEI AVOT PROJECT
The Dee Pirkei Avot project disseminates a weekly Pirkei Avot study and discussion sheet in honor of their memory of Lucy, Maia, and Rina, z''l, who were killed in a terrorist attack this year.
“A community is too heavy to carry alone” Deuteronomy Rabbah 1:10
We are excited and honored to be partnering with 10 other local organizations in the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s LIFE & LEGACY™ program. Please help us pay it forward and leave a legacy for future Capital District Jews. Please speak to Paula Mosher or Ellen Kaplowitzthe Life & Legacy committee chairs about partnering on this crucial initiative to ensure the vitality of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob for the next 200 years.
Please click HERE for an important message from our Security Committee & security partner, Community Security Service (CSS) regarding guidelines for attending pro-Israel events
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Israel Day on 5th - June 2 Formerly known as the "Celebrate Israel Parade," New York City's annual parade to celebrate Israel will take place this year on June 2 from 11:30 am - 4 pm! Visit the official page for more information: https://israeldayon5th.com
AMIDAH ALBANY - FIGHTING ANTISEMITISM ONLINE A presentation by Rachel Brynien from CyberWell Sunday, June 2 10:30 am Click here for registration details
THE WANDERING JEW KOSHER POPUP CAFE Thursday, June 27 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm at JFNENY brought to you by ACHDUT, A Harold Grinspoon Foundation supported Haverah. Our mission is to provide an open and joyful monthly cafe experience--kosher food and uplifting programs---for the entire community. We will offer standard cafe items and some Japanese inspired menu items like sushi salad, miso soup, and stir fried vegetables and tofu. Kosher supervision is provided by the Bethlehem Chabad. Rabbi Josh Sussman, violinist and musicologist, will be playing and illuminating the sacred art of niggunim: wordless Jewish melodies and their role in Jewish spirituality. CLICK HERE for more details
BATTLE OF THE BBQ's for Shalom Food Pantry Sunday, June 30, 4-6 PM Albany JCC, 340 Whitehall Road. Kosher supervision provided by Bethlehem Chabad. Click here for the flyer and full information.
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
SPEAKER Rabbi Kean will deliver a Dvar Torah on Shabbat morning. KIDDUSH Kiddush this Shabbat is sponsored by CBAJ.
MAZAL TOV Mazal tov to Rabbi Moshe & Rebbetzin Rochel Bomzer on the Bar Mitzvah of their grandson, Levi Yitzchak Hellman, son of Rabbi Jay & Faygie Hellman.
MESSAGE FROM RABBI KEAN
Dear CBAJ Family,
On behalf of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob, I would like to wish you and your family a restful and meaningful Shabbat.
Thank you to everyone who joined us last Shabbat for an enriching and meaningful scholar-in-residence Shabbat with Dr. Sara Ronis! In addition to the Shabbat being such a wonderful opportunity for us to learn from such a distinguished scholar, Dr. Ronis shared with us how much she enjoyed visiting our community. If you are interested in her teaching and writing, I encourage you to visit Dr. Ronis's website where you can learn more about her scholarship.
Once again, a special thanks to all of those who worked so hard on everything related to Dr. Ronis's visit, in particular, our adult education and simcha kiddush committees, who worked very hard to select a speaker, coordinate travel logistics, work with our caterer, cook, clean, arrange tables and chairs, etc. to make sure that everything ran smoothly.
It is with a heavy heart that we mourn the seven murdered hostages whose bodies were recovered by the IDF this past week in Gaza: Shani Louk, Amit Bouskila, Itshak Gelernter, Ron Benjamin, Hanan Yablonka, Orion Hernandez, and Michel Nisenbaum, HY"D. We continue to daven for the safety and success of the soldiers of the IDF, including family members of individuals in our community, and the wellbeing and speedy return of all hostages.
I hope to see you soon at a tefilah, children's program, event, or class!
Am Yisrael Chai.
Happy Lag Ba'Omer and Memorial Day! Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Ben Kean
We once again thank the Scholar-in-Residence Shabbat Sponsors without whom these types of programming opportunities would not be possible
Johanna Steper Nanette & Artie Brenner Laura & Zvi Segal Marta & Mark Koblenz Tom Kligerman Millie & Daniel Grossberg Stacy & David Cohen Andrea & Ari Fisher Sheryl Hoffman & Aron Cepler Marjorie & Stuart Gang Paula Mosher Debra Fruchtman & Seth Rigberg & all those who attended the Friday Night Dinner & the discussions
~ Thank You ~
CBAJ Un-Dinner
The time for receiving a s'mores kit with your donation has passed but we welcome & sincerely appreciate your donation
Tot Shabbat For children ages 0-5 and their parents at 10:30 am in classroom 3. Please contact Joshua Schulman-Marcus (jschumar@gmail.com) if you would like to be added to the Young Families WhatsApp group.
Youth Groups Kids in grades k-5 will meet each Shabbat morning at 10-11 am. Groups will be led by our youth director and teen youth leaders. For more information about attending, or if your teen wants to work as a youth leader, email office@cbaj.org
Babysitting Babysitting is available for children ages 0-5 every Shabbat morning from 10:00-11:30 am! You do not need to be a member to drop off your kids. At least one parent or guardian must be at CBAJ for the duration of babysitting. Babysitting will take place in Classroom 3. The babysitters will bring the kids to Kiddush, please remember to pick up your kids when babysitting ends! Please make sure to inform the babysitters if your child has any food allergies or restrictions. Children in diapers may participate, but babysitters will not be able to change diapers, so please check on kids in diapers.
WEEKLY LEARNING AT CBAJ
NACH YOMI Join Rabbi Kean for studying a chapter of NACH (Nevi'im & Ketuvim, the latter two sections of Jewish scripture) every weekday before Shacharit, Sunday through Friday, half an hour before the regular start time for morning services (7:30 am on Sundays, 6:10 am Monday - Friday) - in the social hall.
TORAH & TEA* Thursday mornings, 9:30 - 10:30 AM on Zoom*. Studying Kohelet (Ecclesiastes) * A Theodore Strauss z"l Endowment Fund sponsored program
TALMUD CLASS Join our Shabbat Afternoon TALMUD SHIUR in-person, at CBAJ,starting 1 hour before Mincha We are studying Masechet Makkot.
*CBAJ ZOOM ROOM (weekday classes only) Go to https://zoom.us/join Enter meeting ID: 940 508 9347 | Enter passcode: 613518
ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMMING
CBAJ BOOK CLUB
The CBAJ bookclub will be reading The Jewish State: From Opposition to Opportunity by Doron Perez two copies are now available - in the Chapel - first come, first serve The next bookclub meeting: June 19 at 8:00 pm On CBAJ ZOOM
SPRING SEASON OF COMMUNITY BEIS MIDRASH NIGHT Join us at the Shteeble (Cong. Shomray Torah)* new location for the new season of Beis Medrash Night 8:00 PM this Sunday.
Independent & Guided Learning Guided learning with Rabbi Kean will meet once or twice a month. Topic: Ein Yaakov - Anthology of Talmudic Aggadah.
A Theodore Strauss z"l Endowment Fund sponsored program
Lunch & Learn for Seniors with Rabbi Ben Kean
Spring dates to be announced after Passover
THE DEE PIRKEI AVOT PROJECT
The Dee Pirkei Avot project disseminates a weekly Pirkei Avot study and discussion sheet in honor of their memory of Lucy, Maia, and Rina, z''l, who were killed in a terrorist attack this year.
Shacharit Sunday 8:00 am Lag B'Omer & Monday 8: 00 am Memorial Day
Tuesday - Friday 6:40 am
Mincha/Maariv Sunday - Thursday 8:10 pm
Friday 7:00 pm
Candle Lighting Friday, May 31 8:08 pm
MESSAGE FROM LIFE & LEGACY
“A community is too heavy to carry alone” Deuteronomy Rabbah 1:10
We are excited and honored to be partnering with 10 other local organizations in the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s LIFE & LEGACY™ program. Please help us pay it forward and leave a legacy for future Capital District Jews. Please speak to Paula Mosher or Ellen Kaplowitzthe Life & Legacy committee chairs about partnering on this crucial initiative to ensure the vitality of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob for the next 200 years.
Please click HERE for an important message from our Security Committee & security partner, Community Security Service (CSS) regarding guidelines for attending pro-Israel events
Israel Day on 5th - June 2 Formerly known as the "Celebrate Israel Parade," New York City's annual parade to celebrate Israel will take place this year on June 2 from 11:30 am - 4 pm! Visit the official page for more information: https://israeldayon5th.com
JEWISH NATIONAL FUND USA EVENT Join the JNF for their second annualWomen for Israel event Wednesday, May 29, 7pm - 9pm Featuring Olga Meshoe Washington: Female Voices for Our Homeland; Israel andthe False Apartheid Narrative RVSP required by Monday, May 20 at JNF.ORG/WFICR
SCHOLAR-IN-RESIDENCE SPEAKER Schedule of Talks by Dr. Ronis on Shabbat Fri: 8:30-9:15 pm The Demons in the Details, or What are All Those Demons Doing in the Talmud?
Sat: 11:30 – 11:50 am Living in the Center and On the Margins: The Complex World of Rabbinic Babylonia [CW: Infertility]
Sat: Approx 1:00-1:45 pm Fetal Positions: The Talmudic Approach(es) to Personhood
Sat: 6:50 pm Talmud Class (with Dr. Ronis) Yalta in the Talmud SIMCHA KIDDUSH This Shabbat, the Simcha Kiddush (meat) is prepared by the Simcha Kiddush Committee, chaired by Faye Silton & Marta Koblenz, select items provided by 518 Kosher Catering.
The Simcha Kiddush is sponsored by CBAJ, and the sponsors listed below.
MESSAGE FROM RABBI KEAN
Dear CBAJ Family,
On behalf of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob, I would like to wish you and your family a restful and meaningful Shabbat.
Please join me in welcoming Dr. Sara Ronis for what promises to be a wonderful and engaging scholar-in-residence Shabbat.
Thank you to everyone for joining in our celebrations of Yom HaAtzmaut and commemorations of Yom HaZikaron. In partnership with the OU, we are participating in theB'yachad Lanetzachinitative with synagogues across the country to commemorate IDF soldiers who fell in service since October 7th. When you come to CBAJ this Shabbat, please take a moment to look at the plaque commemorating a fallen soldier by our bulletin board, think about him, say a prayer, or commit to a mitzvah on his behalf. May this small tribute be a merit on behalf of all those who have fallen in service of Israel's Defense Forces. I hope to see you soon at a tefilah, children's program, event, or class!
Am Yisrael Chai.
Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Ben Kean
SCHOLAR-IN-RESIDENCE SPONSORS and SIMCHA KIDDUSH SPONSORS & CELEBRANTS
SCHOLAR-IN-RESIDENCE SPONSORS
Johanna Steper Nanette & Artie Brenner Laura & Zvi Segal Marta & Mark Koblenz Tom Kligerman Millie & Daniel Grossberg Stacy & David Cohen Andrea & Ari Fisher Sheryl Hoffman & Aron Cepler Marjorie & Stuart Gang
Paula Mosher is a sponsor of the Scholar-in-Residence & Spring Simcha Kiddush, in memory of her husband, Paul Mosher z"l, and in honor of the unveiling of his headstone.
~ Thank You ~
SIMCHA KIDDUSH SPONSORS & CELEBRANTS
Sheryl Hoffman & Aron Cepler, Happy Birthday to Anna, Aron, & Sheryl! Ofir & Josh Katz in honor of Lior’s 12th birthday. Nanette & Artie Brenner, Happy Birthday to the Birthday Boys; Also, on the occasion of the first Yahrzeit of Artie’s mother, Joan Brenner z"l Lisa Gildener & Neil Leapman in honor of Shira’s second birthday. Deborah & Daniel Ari Govindan in celebration of baby Leorah’s birthday. Tom Kligerman in honor of Ilan Kligerman’s Graduation from HVCC in Mechanical Engineering Technology. Nina & Grigory Mikhaylov in celebration of Tiferet Yael Perkins 7th birthday and Shalom Perkins 1st birthday.
CBAJ Un-Dinner
The time for receiving a s'mores kit with your donation has passed but we welcome & sincerely appreciate your donation
Beth Abe is sponsoring a team for the Battle of the BBQ Abe and Jake’s House of BBQ Sunday, June 30, 2024 A community day supporting the Shalom Food Pantry We are looking for some high spirited goal oriented people to spearhead us towards victory in this battle. The brigade will prepare and barbeque food provided by the Bethlehem Chabad. If interested please contact the “The king of the Barbeque” @ 518-461-9618. Ship Ahoy!
YOUTH PROGAMS
Tot Shabbat For children ages 0-5 and their parents at 10:30 am in classroom 3. Please contact Joshua Schulman-Marcus (jschumar@gmail.com) if you would like to be added to the Young Families WhatsApp group.
Youth Groups Kids in grades k-5 will meet each Shabbat morning at 10-11 am. Groups will be led by our youth director and teen youth leaders. For more information about attending, or if your teen wants to work as a youth leader, email office@cbaj.org
Babysitting Babysitting is available for children ages 0-5 every Shabbat morning from 10:00-11:30 am! You do not need to be a member to drop off your kids. At least one parent or guardian must be at CBAJ for the duration of babysitting. Babysitting will take place in Classroom 3. The babysitters will bring the kids to Kiddush, please remember to pick up your kids when babysitting ends! Please make sure to inform the babysitters if your child has any food allergies or restrictions. Children in diapers may participate, but babysitters will not be able to change diapers, so please check on kids in diapers.
WEEKLY LEARNING AT CBAJ
NACH YOMI Join Rabbi Kean for studying a chapter of NACH (Nevi'im & Ketuvim, the latter two sections of Jewish scripture) every weekday before Shacharit, Sunday through Friday, half an hour before the regular start time for morning services (7:30 am on Sundays, 6:10 am Monday - Friday) - in the social hall.
TORAH & TEA* Thursday mornings, 9:30 - 10:30 AM on Zoom*. Studying Kohelet (Ecclesiastes) * A Theodore Strauss z"l Endowment Fund sponsored program
TALMUD CLASS Join our Shabbat Afternoon TALMUD SHIUR in-person, at CBAJ,starting 1 hour before Mincha We are studying Masechet Makkot.
*CBAJ ZOOM ROOM (weekday classes only) Go to https://zoom.us/join Enter meeting ID: 940 508 9347 | Enter passcode: 613518
ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMMING
CBAJ BOOK CLUB
The CBAJ bookclub will be reading The Jewish State: From Opposition to Opportunity by Doron Perez two copies are now available - in the Chapel - first come, first serve The next bookclub meeting: June 19 at 8:00 pm On CBAJ ZOOM
SPRING SEASON OF COMMUNITY BEIS MIDRASH NIGHT Join us at the Shteeble (Cong. Shomray Torah)* new location for the new season of Beis Medrash Night 8:00 PM this Sunday.
Independent & Guided Learning Guided learning with Rabbi Kean will meet once or twice a month. Topic: Ein Yaakov - Anthology of Talmudic Aggadah.
A Theodore Strauss z"l Endowment Fund sponsored program
Lunch & Learn for Seniors with Rabbi Ben Kean
Spring dates to be announced after Passover
THE DEE PIRKEI AVOT PROJECT
The Dee Pirkei Avot project disseminates a weekly Pirkei Avot study and discussion sheet in honor of their memory of Lucy, Maia, and Rina, z''l, who were killed in a terrorist attack this year.
“A community is too heavy to carry alone” Deuteronomy Rabbah 1:10
We are excited and honored to be partnering with 10 other local organizations in the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s LIFE & LEGACY™ program. Please help us pay it forward and leave a legacy for future Capital District Jews. Please speak to Paula Mosher or Ellen Kaplowitzthe Life & Legacy committee chairs about partnering on this crucial initiative to ensure the vitality of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob for the next 200 years.
Please click HERE for an important message from our Security Committee & security partner, Community Security Service (CSS) regarding guidelines for attending pro-Israel events
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
COMMUNITY SCREENING OF DOCUMENTARY: SCREAMS BEFORE SILENCE Thursday May 23 - 6:30 PM at Jewish Federation of NENY Jewish Federation and Jewish Family Services are partnering to show the documentary film Screams Before Silence. The screening will take place in person with on-site support from JFS clinicians.Details are in the attached flyer. RSVP Requested: https://jewishfedny.regfox.com/screams-of-silence Join us and bear witness to what happened on October 7. The new #ScreamsBeforeSilence documentary sheds light on the horrific atrocities Hamas committed by lifting up the stories of survivors from Nova Festival, first responders, and released hostages.
JEWISH NATIONAL FUND USA EVENT Join the JNF for their second annualWomen for Israel event Wednesday, May 29, 7pm - 9pm Featuring Olga Meshoe Washington: Female Voices for Our Homeland; Israel andthe False Apartheid Narrative RVSP required by Monday, May 20 at JNF.ORG/WFICR
TORAH READING Leviticus 19:1 - 20:27, Artscroll p. 656 Haftarah: Ezekiel 22:1 - 16, p. 1174
GUEST SPEAKER SHABBAT Rabbi Kean will deliver a Dvar Torah this Shabbat in honor of Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzmaut. KIDDUSH Kiddush is sponsored by Marissa and Eitan Barlaz in memory of Marissa's father, Harvey Goldrich, Haim ben Machul
MAZAL TOV Mazal to Ben & Tanya Schwartz on the engagement of their daughter, Aviva, to Aron Noam Hefter in Israel!
MESSAGE FROM RABBI KEAN
Dear CBAJ Family,
On behalf of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob, I would like to wish you and your family a restful and meaningful Shabbat.
Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzmaut (Israel's Memorial Day and Independence Day, respectively), begins Sunday evening, running through Tuesday evening. In light of the difficult war which Israel was forced into through the brutal October 7 attacks, and the polarized political climate that we have seen in response, these days take on extra meaning and importance.
With that in mind, I strongly encourage you to join me at the community-wide Yom HaZikaron/Yom HaAtzmaut commemoration and celebration this Monday! (Information below.) Please note that tickets are required for the Yom HaZikaron/Yom HaAtzmaut event.
I believe the strongest message that we can send - to our brothers and sisters in Israel, to those around us, and to ourselves - is by attending this event, so that we can say that the Capital District Jewish community comes together en masse to celebrate Israel and commemorate her losses.
In addition to what promises to be a meaningful and informative talk by Izzy Ezagui, an entertaining and invigorating musical performance by Judah Gavra, the Capital District Board of Rabbis will lead at a Tekes Maavar (like in years past), at which we will honor those in our community who lost loved ones on October 7th. I believe that being present to support our community makes this year's Tekes an even higher priority than usual.
Additionally, I am sharing below Mizrachi's educational resources for Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzmaut to help deepen our connection to Israel for these days. I hope to see you soon at a tefilah, children's program, event, or class!
Am Yisrael Chai.
Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Ben Kean
RESOURCES FOR YOM HAZIKARON & YOM HAATZMAUT
In honor of Yom HaZikaron, World Mizrachi Organization CEO, Rabbi Doron Perez, created this video, "The Pain and the Privilege," to share the story of his son, Daniel, z''l, who was killed in uniform on October 7. His remains are still being held by Hamas in Gaza.
In honor of Yom HaAtzmaut, World Mizrachi Organization shares this video, "Declaring a State" which recounts the story of the bravery of the founders of the State of Israel in founding the State.
COMMUNITY-WIDE YOM HAZIKARON COMMEMORATION & YOM HA'ATZMAUT CELEBRATION Monday, May 13 6:30 - 8:30 PM at Proctors Theater, Schenectady Mincha at Proctors Theater will be at 6:00 PM. A festive Maariv will be at 8:30 PM or following the conclusion of the program. Please email Rabbi Kean if you plan to attend. Regular Mincha/Maariv will take place at CBAJ at 7:55 PM as well. For more information or to RSVP, go to: https://www.jewishfedny.org/community-calendar/israel-76
CBAJ ANNOUNCEMENTS
SCHOLAR-IN-RESIDENCE SHABBAT
Join us May 17-18 for our Spring Scholar in Residence Shabbat with Dr. Sara Ronis The Shabbat will include a Friday night dinner (by reservation only) and a Kiddush luncheon (open to all). **Please note updated time for Friday night** **Deadline to register extended to Monday, May 13 by 10 AM**
Schedule of Events & Talks by Dr. Ronis Friday (UPDATED) 6:30 PM Friday Night Services 7:30 PM Dinner (by reservation only) 8:30-9:15 PM The Demons in the Details, or What are All Those Demons Doing in the Talmud?
Saturday 11:30 – 11:50am Living in the Center and On the Margins: The Complex World of Rabbinic Babylonia [CW: Infertility]
Approx 1:00-1:45 pm Fetal Positions: The Talmudic Approach(es) to Personhood
6:30 pm Talmud Class (with Dr. Ronis) Yalta in the Talmud
Beth Abe is sponsoring a team for the Battle of the BBQ Abe and Jake’s House of BBQ Sunday, June 30, 2024 A community day supporting the Shalom Food Pantry We are looking for some high spirited goal oriented people to spearhead us towards victory in this battle. The brigade will prepare and barbeque food provided by the Bethlehem Chabad. If interested please contact the “The king of the Barbeque” @ 518-461-9618. Ship Ahoy!
YOUTH PROGAMS
Tot Shabbat For children ages 0-5 and their parents at 10:30 am in classroom 3. Please contact Joshua Schulman-Marcus (jschumar@gmail.com) if you would like to be added to the Young Families WhatsApp group.
Youth Groups Kids in grades k-5 will meet each Shabbat morning at 10-11 am. Groups will be led by our youth director and teen youth leaders. For more information about attending, or if your teen wants to work as a youth leader, email office@cbaj.org
Babysitting Babysitting is available for children ages 0-5 every Shabbat morning from 10:00-11:30 am! You do not need to be a member to drop off your kids. At least one parent or guardian must be at CBAJ for the duration of babysitting. Babysitting will take place in Classroom 3. The babysitters will bring the kids to Kiddush, please remember to pick up your kids when babysitting ends! Please make sure to inform the babysitters if your child has any food allergies or restrictions. Children in diapers may participate, but babysitters will not be able to change diapers, so please check on kids in diapers.
WEEKLY LEARNING AT CBAJ
NACH YOMI Join Rabbi Kean for studying a chapter of NACH (Nevi'im & Ketuvim, the latter two sections of Jewish scripture) every weekday before Shacharit, Sunday through Friday, half an hour before the regular start time for morning services (7:30 am on Sundays, 6:10 am Monday - Friday) - in the social hall.
TORAH & TEA* Thursday mornings, 9:30 - 10:30 AM on Zoom*. Studying Kohelet (Ecclesiastes) * A Theodore Strauss z"l Endowment Fund sponsored program
TALMUD CLASS Join our Shabbat Afternoon TALMUD SHIUR in-person, at CBAJ,starting 1 hour before Mincha We are studying Masechet Makkot.
*CBAJ ZOOM ROOM (weekday classes only) Go to https://zoom.us/join Enter meeting ID: 940 508 9347 | Enter passcode: 613518
ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMMING
CBAJ BOOK CLUB
The CBAJ bookclub will be reading The Jewish State: From Opposition to Opportunity by Doron Perez two copies are now available - in the Chapel - first come, first serve The next bookclub meeting: June 19 at 8:00 pm On CBAJ ZOOM
SPRING SEASON OF COMMUNITY BEIS MIDRASH NIGHT Join us at the Shteeble (Cong. Shomray Torah)* new location for the new season of Beis Medrash Night 8:00 PM this Sunday.
Independent & Guided Learning Guided learning with Rabbi Kean will meet once or twice a month. Topic: Ein Yaakov - Anthology of Talmudic Aggadah.
A Theodore Strauss z"l Endowment Fund sponsored program
Lunch & Learn for Seniors with Rabbi Ben Kean
Spring dates to be announced after Passover
THE DEE PIRKEI AVOT PROJECT
The Dee Pirkei Avot project disseminates a weekly Pirkei Avot study and discussion sheet in honor of their memory of Lucy, Maia, and Rina, z''l, who were killed in a terrorist attack this year.
Mincha/Maariv Sunday - Thursday 7:55 pm* See Yom HaAtzmaut section for Mincha/Maariv at the Tekes Maavar
Friday 6:30 pm **Please note different time**
Candle Lighting Friday, May 17 7:55 pm
MESSAGE FROM LIFE & LEGACY
“A community is too heavy to carry alone” Deuteronomy Rabbah 1:10
We are excited and honored to be partnering with 10 other local organizations in the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s LIFE & LEGACY™ program. Please help us pay it forward and leave a legacy for future Capital District Jews. Please speak to Paula Mosher or Ellen Kaplowitzthe Life & Legacy committee chairs about partnering on this crucial initiative to ensure the vitality of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob for the next 200 years.
Please click HERE for an important message from our Security Committee & security partner, Community Security Service (CSS) regarding guidelines for attending pro-Israel events
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
SAVE THE DATE: Monday, May 13 6:30 - 8:30 PM COMMUNITY-WIDE YOM HAZIKARON COMMEMORATION & YOM HA'ATZMAUT CELEBRATION at Proctors Theater, Schenectady Hosted by the Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York & Israel Bonds. Featuring: Yom Hazikaron Special Guest Izzy Ezagui, Decorated IDF Soldier, Inspirational Speaker & Author; Tekes Maavar (transition ceremony) led by the Capital District Board of Rabbis & Cantors; and Judah Gavra, Israeli Singer & Songwriter accompanied by keyboardist Orian Rosenzweig. For more information or to RSVP, go to:https://www.jewishfedny.org/community-calendar/israel-76
JEWISH NATIONAL FUND USA EVENT Join the JNF for their second annualWomen for Israel event Wednesday, May 29, 7pm - 9pm Featuring Olga Meshoe Washington: Female Voices for Our Homeland; Israel andthe False Apartheid Narrative RVSP required by Monday, May 20 at JNF.ORG/WFICR
TORAH READING Leviticus 19:1 - 20:27, Artscroll p. 656 Haftarah: Ezekiel 22:1 - 16, p. 1174
GUEST SPEAKER SHABBAT Rabbi Kean will deliver a Dvar Torah this Shabbat in honor of Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzmaut. KIDDUSH Kiddush is sponsored by Marissa and Eitan Barlaz in memory of Marissa's father, Harvey Goldrich, Haim ben Machul
MAZAL TOV Mazal to Ben & Tanya Schwartz on the engagement of their daughter, Aviva, to Aron Noam Hefter in Israel!
MESSAGE FROM RABBI KEAN
Dear CBAJ Family,
On behalf of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob, I would like to wish you and your family a restful and meaningful Shabbat.
Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzmaut (Israel's Memorial Day and Independence Day, respectively), begins Sunday evening, running through Tuesday evening. In light of the difficult war which Israel was forced into through the brutal October 7 attacks, and the polarized political climate that we have seen in response, these days take on extra meaning and importance.
With that in mind, I strongly encourage you to join me at the community-wide Yom HaZikaron/Yom HaAtzmaut commemoration and celebration this Monday! (Information below.) Please note that tickets are required for the Yom HaZikaron/Yom HaAtzmaut event.
I believe the strongest message that we can send - to our brothers and sisters in Israel, to those around us, and to ourselves - is by attending this event, so that we can say that the Capital District Jewish community comes together en masse to celebrate Israel and commemorate her losses.
In addition to what promises to be a meaningful and informative talk by Izzy Ezagui, an entertaining and invigorating musical performance by Judah Gavra, the Capital District Board of Rabbis will lead at a Tekes Maavar (like in years past), at which we will honor those in our community who lost loved ones on October 7th. I believe that being present to support our community makes this year's Tekes an even higher priority than usual.
Additionally, I am sharing below Mizrachi's educational resources for Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzmaut to help deepen our connection to Israel for these days. I hope to see you soon at a tefilah, children's program, event, or class!
Am Yisrael Chai.
Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Ben Kean
RESOURCES FOR YOM HAZIKARON & YOM HAATZMAUT
In honor of Yom HaZikaron, World Mizrachi Organization CEO, Rabbi Doron Perez, created this video, "The Pain and the Privilege," to share the story of his son, Daniel, z''l, who was killed in uniform on October 7. His remains are still being held by Hamas in Gaza.
In honor of Yom HaAtzmaut, World Mizrachi Organization shares this video, "Declaring a State" which recounts the story of the bravery of the founders of the State of Israel in founding the State.
COMMUNITY-WIDE YOM HAZIKARON COMMEMORATION & YOM HA'ATZMAUT CELEBRATION Monday, May 13 6:30 - 8:30 PM at Proctors Theater, Schenectady Mincha at Proctors Theater will be at 6:00 PM. A festive Maariv will be at 8:30 PM or following the conclusion of the program. Please email Rabbi Kean if you plan to attend. Regular Mincha/Maariv will take place at CBAJ at 7:55 PM as well. For more information or to RSVP, go to: https://www.jewishfedny.org/community-calendar/israel-76
CBAJ ANNOUNCEMENTS
SCHOLAR-IN-RESIDENCE SHABBAT
Join us May 17-18 for our Spring Scholar in Residence Shabbat with Dr. Sara Ronis The Shabbat will include a Friday night dinner (by reservation only) and a Kiddush luncheon (open to all). **Please note updated time for Friday night** **Deadline to register extended to Monday, May 10 by 10 AM**
Schedule of Events & Talks by Dr. Ronis Friday (UPDATED) 6:30 PM Friday Night Services 7:30 PM Dinner (by reservation only) 8:30-9:15 PM The Demons in the Details, or What are All Those Demons Doing in the Talmud?
Saturday 11:30 – 11:50am Living in the Center and On the Margins: The Complex World of Rabbinic Babylonia [CW: Infertility]
Approx 1:00-1:45 pm Fetal Positions: The Talmudic Approach(es) to Personhood
6:30 pm Talmud Class (with Dr. Ronis) Yalta in the Talmud
Beth Abe is sponsoring a team for the Battle of the BBQ Abe and Jake’s House of BBQ Sunday, June 30, 2024 A community day supporting the Shalom Food Pantry We are looking for some high spirited goal oriented people to spearhead us towards victory in this battle. The brigade will prepare and barbeque food provided by the Bethlehem Chabad. If interested please contact the “The king of the Barbeque” @ 518-461-9618. Ship Ahoy!
YOUTH PROGAMS
Tot Shabbat For children ages 0-5 and their parents at 10:30 am in classroom 3. Please contact Joshua Schulman-Marcus (jschumar@gmail.com) if you would like to be added to the Young Families WhatsApp group.
Youth Groups Kids in grades k-5 will meet each Shabbat morning at 10-11 am. Groups will be led by our youth director and teen youth leaders. For more information about attending, or if your teen wants to work as a youth leader, email office@cbaj.org
Babysitting Babysitting is available for children ages 0-5 every Shabbat morning from 10:00-11:30 am! You do not need to be a member to drop off your kids. At least one parent or guardian must be at CBAJ for the duration of babysitting. Babysitting will take place in Classroom 3. The babysitters will bring the kids to Kiddush, please remember to pick up your kids when babysitting ends! Please make sure to inform the babysitters if your child has any food allergies or restrictions. Children in diapers may participate, but babysitters will not be able to change diapers, so please check on kids in diapers.
WEEKLY LEARNING AT CBAJ
NACH YOMI Join Rabbi Kean for studying a chapter of NACH (Nevi'im & Ketuvim, the latter two sections of Jewish scripture) every weekday before Shacharit, Sunday through Friday, half an hour before the regular start time for morning services (7:30 am on Sundays, 6:10 am Monday - Friday) - in the social hall.
TORAH & TEA* Thursday mornings, 9:30 - 10:30 AM on Zoom*. Studying Kohelet (Ecclesiastes) * A Theodore Strauss z"l Endowment Fund sponsored program
TALMUD CLASS Join our Shabbat Afternoon TALMUD SHIUR in-person, at CBAJ,starting 1 hour before Mincha We are studying Masechet Makkot.
*CBAJ ZOOM ROOM (weekday classes only) Go to https://zoom.us/join Enter meeting ID: 940 508 9347 | Enter passcode: 613518
ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMMING
CBAJ BOOK CLUB
The CBAJ bookclub will be reading The Jewish State: From Opposition to Opportunity by Doron Perez two copies are now available - in the Chapel - first come, first serve The next bookclub meeting: June 19 at 8:00 pm On CBAJ ZOOM
SPRING SEASON OF COMMUNITY BEIS MIDRASH NIGHT Join us at the Shteeble (Cong. Shomray Torah)* new location for the new season of Beis Medrash Night 8:00 PM this Sunday.
Independent & Guided Learning Guided learning with Rabbi Kean will meet once or twice a month. Topic: Ein Yaakov - Anthology of Talmudic Aggadah.
A Theodore Strauss z"l Endowment Fund sponsored program
Lunch & Learn for Seniors with Rabbi Ben Kean
Spring dates to be announced after Passover
THE DEE PIRKEI AVOT PROJECT
The Dee Pirkei Avot project disseminates a weekly Pirkei Avot study and discussion sheet in honor of their memory of Lucy, Maia, and Rina, z''l, who were killed in a terrorist attack this year.
Mincha/Maariv Sunday - Thursday 7:55 pm* See Yom HaAtzmaut section for Mincha/Maariv at the Tekes Maavar
Friday 6:30 pm **Please note different time**
Candle Lighting Friday, May 17 7:55 pm
MESSAGE FROM LIFE & LEGACY
“A community is too heavy to carry alone” Deuteronomy Rabbah 1:10
We are excited and honored to be partnering with 10 other local organizations in the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s LIFE & LEGACY™ program. Please help us pay it forward and leave a legacy for future Capital District Jews. Please speak to Paula Mosher or Ellen Kaplowitzthe Life & Legacy committee chairs about partnering on this crucial initiative to ensure the vitality of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob for the next 200 years.
Please click HERE for an important message from our Security Committee & security partner, Community Security Service (CSS) regarding guidelines for attending pro-Israel events
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
SAVE THE DATE: Monday, May 13 6:30 - 8:30 PM COMMUNITY-WIDE YOM HAZIKARON COMMEMORATION & YOM HA'ATZMAUT CELEBRATION at Proctors Theater, Schenectady Hosted by the Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York & Israel Bonds. Featuring: Yom Hazikaron Special Guest Izzy Ezagui, Decorated IDF Soldier, Inspirational Speaker & Author; Tekes Maavar (transition ceremony) led by the Capital District Board of Rabbis & Cantors; and Judah Gavra, Israeli Singer & Songwriter accompanied by keyboardist Orian Rosenzweig. For more information or to RSVP, go to:https://www.jewishfedny.org/community-calendar/israel-76
JEWISH NATIONAL FUND USA EVENT Join the JNF for their second annualWomen for Israel event Wednesday, May 29, 7pm - 9pm Featuring Olga Meshoe Washington: Female Voices for Our Homeland; Israel andthe False Apartheid Narrative RVSP required by Monday, May 20 at JNF.ORG/WFICR
Shabbat Mevarchim Parshat Achrei Mot May 3 - 4, 2024
Friday Candle Lighting 7:40 pm
Friday Evening 7:00 pm
Morning Services Shabbat 9:00 am
Latest Shema 9:19 am
Kiddush following services
Babysitting 10:00 am
Youth Groups 10:00 am Talmud Class 6:35 pm
Shabbat Mincha & Seudah Shlishit 7:35 pm
Maariv 8:35 pm Havdalah 8:47 pm
TORAH READING Leviticus 16:1-18:30, Artscroll p. 636 Amos 9:7-15, p. 1173
GUEST SPEAKER SHABBAT Rabbi Aaron Goldscheider will share with us a Torah perspective from Jerusalem in honor of Yom HaShoah and Yom HaAtzmaut.
Speaking schedule: 11:00 am Post-Tefilah Shabbat morning drasha: "Rabbi Soloveitchik: Inspiration for Jewish Living"
12:00 pm Post-Kiddush Shiur (lecture): "Lessons From The War and the Wisdom of Rav Kook"
Dvar Torah at Seudah Shlishit: "The Meaning of the Last Hour of Shabbos" KIDDUSH Kiddush is sponsored by CBAJ.
MESSAGE FROM RABBI KEAN
Dear CBAJ Family,
On behalf of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob, I would like to wish you and your family a restful and meaningful Shabbat.
I hope that you had a meaningful end of Pesach! Please see below for information about the community-wide Yom HaShoah and Yom HaZikaron/Yom HaAtzmaut commemorations. Please note that rior registration is required for the Yom HaShoah commemoration and tickets are required for the Yom HaZikaron/Yom HaAtzamut event.
Please join me in welcoming Rabbi Aaron Goldscheider, as our guest speaker for this Shabbat, Acharei Mot (May 3-4). Rabbi Goldscheider will share Torah that helps connect us to Israel during this challenging time. See above for the schedule of his talks and below for his biography.
At the May meeting of the Capital District Board of Rabbis and Cantors this week, the topic of local incidents of Jew-hatred/antisemitism was discussed. Unfortunately, there have been several recent incidents in the wider community, including a few incidents impacting CBAJ members in the past week. All of my colleagues in the Capital District and I wish to remind you that if you experience an incident of Jew hatred/antisemitism, that you should report it! I, my fellow rabbis, as well as our Federation, all are available to help you address antisemitic incidents, whether in your child's school, at work, or on the streets. Fortunately, local law enforcement as well as our elected officials are extremely supportive of the Jewish community and work hard to forcefully respond to any incidents of Jew-hatred.
While I share this troubling news, it is important for us to remember that the support we have from the wider community and public officials, the fact that these incidents are still uncommon, and most importantly, the support that we have from the Ribbono shel Olam, the Master of the Universe, should instill within us the confidence to continue to proudly express who we are as Jews.
I hope to see you soon at a tefilah, children's program, event, or class!
Am Yisrael Chai.
Shabbat Shalom & Chag Kasher V'Sameach, Rabbi Ben Kean
UPCOMING EVENTS
GUEST SPEAKER SHABBAT with Rabbi Aaron Goldscheider In honor of Yom HaShoah and Yom HaAtzmaut, we are excited to invite Rabbi Goldscheider to share with us a Torah perspective from Jerusalem.
Biography: Rabbi Aaron Goldscheider serves as chief-editor of OU Israel's 'Torah Tidbits', Coordinator of Rabbinic/Leadership Training at Yeshiva University's RIETS Gruss Kollel, and Faculty member at the Rabbinical Council of America's 'Machon Melton' conversion program in Jerusalem. He is the author of the best-selling Haggadahs, The Night That Unites (Urim Press), and Layla Shel Achdut (Yediot Achronot). He just published Torah United, a book on the weekly parashah from Rav Kook, Rabbi Soloveitchik, and the Chassidic Masters (OU Press). To learn more about Rabbi Goldscheider, visit: https://torahunited.com
Save the date: May 17-18 for our Spring Scholar in Residence Shabbat with Dr. Sara Ronis The Shabbat will include a Friday night dinner (by reservation only) and a Kiddush luncheon (open to all). The deadline to register for the dinner is May 7.
Schedule of Events & Talks by Dr. Ronis Friday 7:00 PM Friday Night Services 8 PM Dinner (by reservation only) 8:45 -9:30pm The Demons in the Details, or What are All Those Demons Doing in the Talmud?
Saturday 11:30 – 11:50am Living in the Center and On the Margins: The Complex World of Rabbinic Babylonia [CW: Infertility]
Approx 1:00-1:45 pm Fetal Positions: The Talmudic Approach(es) to Personhood
6:30 pm Talmud Class (with Dr. Ronis) Yalta in the Talmud
Beth Abe is sponsoring a team for the Battle of the BBQ Abe and Jake’s House of BBQ Sunday, June 30, 2024 A community day supporting the Shalom Food Pantry
We are looking for some high spirited goal oriented people to spearhead us towards victory in this battle. The brigade will prepare and barbeque food provided by the Bethlehem Chabad. If interested please contact the “The king of the Barbeque” @ 518-461-9618. Ship Ahoy!
YOUTH PROGAMS
Tot Shabbat For children ages 0-5 and their parents at 10:30 am in classroom 3. Please contact Joshua Schulman-Marcus (jschumar@gmail.com) if you would like to be added to the Young Families WhatsApp group.
Youth Groups Kids in grades k-5 will meet each Shabbat morning at 10-11 am. Groups will be led by our youth director and teen youth leaders. For more information about attending, or if your teen wants to work as a youth leader, email office@cbaj.org
Babysitting Babysitting is available for children ages 0-5 every Shabbat morning from 10:00-11:30 am! You do not need to be a member to drop off your kids. At least one parent or guardian must be at CBAJ for the duration of babysitting. Babysitting will take place in Classroom 3. The babysitters will bring the kids to Kiddush, please remember to pick up your kids when babysitting ends! Please make sure to inform the babysitters if your child has any food allergies or restrictions. Children in diapers may participate, but babysitters will not be able to change diapers, so please check on kids in diapers.
WEEKLY LEARNING AT CBAJ
NACH YOMI Join Rabbi Kean for studying a chapter of NACH (Nevi'im & Ketuvim, the latter two sections of Jewish scripture) every weekday before Shacharit, Sunday through Friday, half an hour before the regular start time for morning services (7:30 am on Sundays, 6:10 am Monday - Friday) - in the social hall.
TORAH & TEA* Thursday mornings, 9:30 - 10:30 AM on Zoom*. Studying Kohelet (Ecclesiastes) * A Theodore Strauss z"l Endowment Fund sponsored program
TALMUD CLASS Join our Shabbat Afternoon TALMUD SHIUR in-person, at CBAJ,starting 1 hour before Mincha We are studying Masechet Makkot.
*CBAJ ZOOM ROOM (weekday classes only) Go to https://zoom.us/join Enter meeting ID: 940 508 9347 | Enter passcode: 613518
ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMMING
CBAJ BOOK CLUB
The CBAJ bookclub will be reading The Jewish State: From Opposition to Opportunity by Doron Perez two copies are now available - in the Chapel - first come, first serve The next bookclub meeting: TBA
SPRING SEASON OF COMMUNITY BEIS MIDRASH NIGHT Join us at the Shteeble (Cong. Shomray Torah)* new location for the new season of Beis Medrash Night 8:00 PM this Sunday.
Independent & Guided Learning Guided learning with Rabbi Kean will meet once or twice a month. Topic: Ein Yaakov - Anthology of Talmudic Aggadah.
A Theodore Strauss z"l Endowment Fund sponsored program
Lunch & Learn for Seniors with Rabbi Ben Kean
Spring dates to be announced after Passover
THE DEE PIRKEI AVOT PROJECT
The Dee Pirkei Avot project disseminates a weekly Pirkei Avot study and discussion sheet in honor of their memory of Lucy, Maia, and Rina, z''l, who were killed in a terrorist attack this year.
“A community is too heavy to carry alone” Deuteronomy Rabbah 1:10
We are excited and honored to be partnering with 10 other local organizations in the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s LIFE & LEGACY™ program. Please help us pay it forward and leave a legacy for future Capital District Jews. Please speak to Paula Mosher or Ellen Kaplowitzthe Life & Legacy committee chairs about partnering on this crucial initiative to ensure the vitality of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob for the next 200 years.
Please click HERE for an important message from our Security Committee & security partner, Community Security Service (CSS) regarding guidelines for attending pro-Israel events
SAVE THE DATE: Monday, May 13 6:30 - 8:30 PM COMMUNITY-WIDE YOM HAZIKARON COMMEMORATION & YOM HA'ATZMAUT CELEBRATION at Proctors Theater, Schenectady Hosted by the Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York & Israel Bonds. Featuring: Yom Hazikaron Special Guest Izzy Ezagui, Decorated IDF Soldier, Inspirational Speaker & Author; Tekes Maavar (transition ceremony) led by the Capital District Board of Rabbis & Cantors; and Judah Gavra, Israeli Singer & Songwriter accompanied by keyboardist Orian Rosenzweig. For more information or to RSVP, go to:https://www.jewishfedny.org/community-calendar/israel-76
JEWISH NATIONAL FUND USA EVENT Join the JNF for their second annualWomen for Israel event Wednesday, May 29, 7pm - 9pm Featuring Olga Meshoe Washington: Female Voices for Our Homeland; Israel andthe False Apartheid Narrative RVSP required by Monday, May 20 at JNF.ORG/WFICR
TORAH READING Exodus 33:12-34:26, Artscroll p. 504 Maftir: Numbers 28:19-25, p. 892 Haftarah: Ezekiel 37:1-14, p. 1224 Shir Hashirim, p. 1263
SPEAKER Rabbi Kean will deliver a Dvar Torah this Shabbat. KIDDUSH Kiddush is sponsored by CBAJ.
MESSAGE FROM RABBI KEAN
Dear CBAJ Family,
On behalf of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob, I would like to wish you and your family a restful and meaningful Shabbat.
I hope that you had meaningful and enjoyable S'darim and that the rest of your Pesach is as well.
To my eyes, reading through and discussing the Haggadah, the eternal relevance of the Haggadah came through quite clearly this year. It is difficult to fathom celebrating our freedom from bondage with over 130 hostages still being held in horrific conditions in Gaza.
With our hearts and minds with Israel right now, and with Yom HaZikaron/Yom HaAtzmaut around the corner, I am excited to share that we will be welcome a guest speaker for next Shabbat, Acharei Mot (May 3-4), Rabbi Aaron Goldscheider. Rabbi Goldscheider is a faculty member at the Orthodox Union's Israel Center in Jerusalem, and will share Torah that helps connect us to Israel during this time.
It is interesting to take note of the fact that though our primary remembrance of Yetziat Mitzrayim (the Exodus) is done at the Seder at the beginning of Pesach, the Haggadah tells us that the miracles which took place at the splitting of the sea far eclipsed that which preceded our departure from Egypt. Although our departure from Egypt was on the first night of Pesach, the splitting of the sea actually took place on the final day of Pesach. In that sense then, the greater miracle for us to celebrate is yet to come!
May we continue to experience modern miracles, salvation, and deliverance. I hope to see you soon at a tefilah, children's program, event, or class!
Am Yisrael Chai.
Shabbat Shalom & Chag Kasher V'Sameach, Rabbi Ben Kean
UPCOMING EVENTS
Guest Speaker Shabbat with Rabbi Aaron Goldscheider May 3-4 In honor of Yom HaShoah and Yom HaAtzmaut, we are excited to invite Rabbi Goldscheider to share with us a Torah perspective from Jerusalem.
Speaking schedule: 11:00 am Post-Tefilah Shabbat morning drasha: "Rabbi Soloveitchik: Inspiration for Jewish Living"
12:00 pm Post-Kiddush Shiur (lecture): "Lessons From The War and the Wisdom of Rav Kook"
Dvar Torah at Seudah Shlishit: "The Meaning of the Last Hour of Shabbos"
Biography: Rabbi Aaron Goldscheider serves as chief-editor of OU Israel's 'Torah Tidbits', Coordinator of Rabbinic/Leadership Training at Yeshiva University's RIETS Gruss Kollel, and Faculty member at the Rabbinical Council of America's 'Machon Melton' conversion program in Jerusalem. He is the author of the best-selling Haggadahs, The Night That Unites (Urim Press), and Layla Shel Achdut (Yediot Achronot). He just published Torah United, a book on the weekly parashah from Rav Kook, Rabbi Soloveitchik, and the Chassidic Masters (OU Press). To learn more about Rabbi Goldscheider, visit: https://torahunited.com
CBAJ ANNOUNCEMENTS
SCHOLAR-IN-RESIDENCE SHABBAT
Save the date: May 17-18 for our Spring Scholar in Residence Shabbat with Dr. Sara Ronis The Shabbat will include a Friday night dinner (by reservation only) and a Kiddush luncheon (open to all). The deadline to register for the dinner is May 7.
Schedule of Events & Talks by Dr. Ronis Friday 7:00 PM Friday Night Services 8 PM Dinner (by reservation only) 8:45 -9:30pm The Demons in the Details, or What are All Those Demons Doing in the Talmud?
Saturday 11:30 – 11:50am Living in the Center and On the Margins: The Complex World of Rabbinic Babylonia [CW: Infertility]
Approx 1:00-1:45 pm Fetal Positions: The Talmudic Approach(es) to Personhood
6:30 pm Talmud Class (with Dr. Ronis) Yalta in the Talmud
BATTLE OF THE BBQS
Beth Abe is sponsoring a team for the Battle of the BBQ Abe and Jake’s House of BBQ Sunday, June 30, 2024 A community day supporting the Shalom Food Pantry
We are looking for some high spirited goal oriented people to spearhead us towards victory in this battle. The brigade will prepare and barbeque food provided by the Bethlehem Chabad. If interested please contact the “The king of the Barbeque” @ 518-461-9618. Ship Ahoy!
YOUTH PROGAMS
Tot Shabbat For children ages 0-5 and their parents at 10:30 am in classroom 3. Please contact Joshua Schulman-Marcus (jschumar@gmail.com) if you would like to be added to the Young Families WhatsApp group.
Youth Groups Kids in grades k-5 will meet each Shabbat morning at 10-11 am. Groups will be led by our youth director and teen youth leaders. For more information about attending, or if your teen wants to work as a youth leader, email office@cbaj.org
Babysitting Babysitting is available for children ages 0-5 every Shabbat morning from 10:00-11:30 am! You do not need to be a member to drop off your kids. At least one parent or guardian must be at CBAJ for the duration of babysitting. Babysitting will take place in Classroom 3. The babysitters will bring the kids to Kiddush, please remember to pick up your kids when babysitting ends! Please make sure to inform the babysitters if your child has any food allergies or restrictions. Children in diapers may participate, but babysitters will not be able to change diapers, so please check on kids in diapers.
WEEKLY LEARNING AT CBAJ
NACH YOMI Join Rabbi Kean for studying a chapter of NACH (Nevi'im & Ketuvim, the latter two sections of Jewish scripture) every weekday before Shacharit, Sunday through Friday, half an hour before the regular start time for morning services (7:30 am on Sundays, 6:10 am Monday - Friday) - in the social hall.
TORAH & TEA* Thursday mornings, 9:30 - 10:30 AM on Zoom*. Studying Kohelet (Ecclesiastes) * A Theodore Strauss z"l Endowment Fund sponsored program
TALMUD CLASS Join our Shabbat Afternoon TALMUD SHIUR in-person, at CBAJ,starting 1 hour before Mincha We are studying Masechet Makkot.
*CBAJ ZOOM ROOM (weekday classes only) Go to https://zoom.us/join Enter meeting ID: 940 508 9347 | Enter passcode: 613518
ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMMING
CBAJ BOOK CLUB
The CBAJ bookclub will be reading The Jewish State: From Opposition to Opportunity by Doron Perez two copies are now available - in the Chapel - first come, first serve The next bookclub meeting: TBA
SPRING SEASON OF COMMUNITY BEIS MIDRASH NIGHT Join us at the Shteeble (Cong. Shomray Torah)* new location for the new season of Beis Medrash Night 8:00 PM this Sunday.
Independent & Guided Learning Guided learning with Rabbi Kean will meet once or twice a month. Topic: Ein Yaakov - Anthology of Talmudic Aggadah.
A Theodore Strauss z"l Endowment Fund sponsored program
Lunch & Learn for Seniors with Rabbi Ben Kean
Spring dates to be announced after Passover
THE DEE PIRKEI AVOT PROJECT
The Dee Pirkei Avot project disseminates a weekly Pirkei Avot study and discussion sheet in honor of their memory of Lucy, Maia, and Rina, z''l, who were killed in a terrorist attack this year.
Sunday, April 28, Passover VI, Erev Yom Tov Morning Services...8:00 am Evening Services...7:40 pm Candle Lighting...7:34 pm
Monday, April 29, Passover VII, Yom Tov Morning Services...9:00 am Evening Services...7:40 pm Candle Lighting...after 8:40 pm
Tuesday, April 30, Passover VIII, Yom Tov Yizkor is recited Morning Services...9:00 am Evening Services...7:40 pm Shabbat/Yom Tov ends...8:42 pm
DAILY SERVICES
May 1 - May 3, 2024 8th, 9th,10th days of Omer
Shacharit Wednesday - Friday 6:40 am
Mincha/Maariv Sunday - Thursday 7:40pm
Friday 7:00 pm
Candle Lighting Friday, May 3 7:40 pm
MESSAGE FROM LIFE & LEGACY
“A community is too heavy to carry alone” Deuteronomy Rabbah 1:10
We are excited and honored to be partnering with 10 other local organizations in the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s LIFE & LEGACY™ program. Please help us pay it forward and leave a legacy for future Capital District Jews. Please speak to Paula Mosher or Ellen Kaplowitzthe Life & Legacy committee chairs about partnering on this crucial initiative to ensure the vitality of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob for the next 200 years.
Please click HERE for an important message from our Security Committee & security partner, Community Security Service (CSS) regarding guidelines for attending pro-Israel events
SAVE THE DATE: Monday, May 13 6:30 - 8:30 PM COMMUNITY-WIDE YOM HAZIKARON COMMEMORATION & YOM HA'ATZMAUT CELEBRATION at Proctors Theater, Schenectady Early-bird pricing thru Monday April 21 Hosted by the Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York & Israel Bonds. Featuring: Yom Hazikaron Special Guest Izzy Ezagui, Decorated IDF Soldier, Inspirational Speaker & Author; Tekes Maavar (transition ceremony) led by the Capital District Board of Rabbis & Cantors; and Judah Gavra, Israeli Singer & Songwriter accompanied by keyboardist Orian Rosenzweig. For more information or to RSVP, go to:https://www.jewishfedny.org/community-calendar/israel-76
JEWISH NATIONAL FUND USA EVENT Join the JNF for their second annualWomen for Israel event Wednesday, May 29, 7pm - 9pm Featuring Olga Meshoe Washington: Female Voices for Our Homeland; Israel andthe False Apartheid Narrative RVSP required by Monday, May 20 at JNF.ORG/WFICR
Friday Evening Services will take place at AJCC this Friday at 6:00 pm *** Note Different Time
Morning Services Shabbat 9:00 am
Latest Shema 9:30 am
Shabbat HaGadol Drasha 11:15 am KiddushLuncheon 12:00 pm
Babysitting 10:00 am
Youth Groups 10:00 am Talmud Class 6:20 pm
Shabbat Mincha & Seudah Shlishit 7:20 pm
Maariv 8:20 pm Havdalah 8:29 pm
TORAH READING Leviticus 14:1 - 15:33 Artscroll p. 620 Haftarah: Malachi 3:4 - 24, p. 1220
SPEAKER Rabbi Kean will deliver the yearly Shabbat HaGadol Drasha (Discourse), entitled "Is My Dog Chametz??? Pesach, Pets, & the Halachic System." KIDDUSH LUNCHEON Following regular Shabbat morning services and Shabbat HaGadol lecture, join CBAJ for a pre-Pesach luncheon, prepared by the CBAJ Programming Committee.
Sponsors for the luncheon are listed below.
MAZAL TOV Mazal Tov to CBAJ members Laura (CBAJ Board President) and Zvi Segal on the bris of their first grandson, Lev Micha Shaprio! Mazal Tov to the parents, Ariella (Segal) & Eli Shapiro, and Eli's parents, Stanley Shapiro & Ann Hirsch.
MESSAGE FROM RABBI KEAN
Dear CBAJ Family,
On behalf of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob, I would like to wish you and your family a restful and meaningful Shabbat.
Last week, I, like many of you, was somewhat on edge about the threats from Iran to attack Israel, our cherished ancestral homeland first-flowering of our redemption. My remarks at Seudah Shlishit upon hearing whispers of reports of Iran's attack were somber, not knowing exactly what happened and fearing what it could amount to.
Upon reading the news, hearing that some 99% of all drones and missiles were shot down by Israel and the US, with support from the UK, France, and Jordan, seeing the images of Israel's air defense systems shoot down the Iranian rockets and drones, the only thing that I could think of is that we were meriting to see the words of the Haggadah, "Vayotzi-einu Hashem Elokeinu misham bi-yad chazakah u-vizro'ah netuyah - And Hashem our G-d took us out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm."
May we continue to merit to see G-d's salvation and redemption. I hope to see you soon at a tefilah, children's program, event, or class! (And I hope your Pesach prep is going well!)
Am Yisrael Chai.
Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Ben Kean
SHABBAT HAGADOL KIDDUSH LUNCHEON SPONSORS
Diamond Level Nanette & Artie Brenner Stacy & David Cohen Michal & Ronen Hofman In memory of Michal's sister Yivonne Rivka bat Rachel Laura & Zvi Segal In honor of the birth of our grandson Lev Micha Shapiro
Platinum Level Millie & Daniel Grossberg Jack & Ellen Kaplowitz Sharon & Michael Willen Andrea & Ari Fisher
Gold Level Simma Kinderlehrer & Chaim Schaffer In honor of Chaim's 60th Bar Mitzvah anniversary Robert Crystal Amy Svirsky & Mitch Abolafia The Melnicoff Family
Silver Level Ronald Sultan In memory of Salha bat Lulu & for providing a place to say Kaddish
Bronze Level Eve Rosen Anonymous Rabbi Ben & Miriam Kean In honor of Dina Gottesman & Chana Israel
SALE OF CHAMETZ Designate Rabbi Kean your agent to sell you chametz one of three ways: 1) ONLINE: Please click here to complete an online sale of chametz form. OR 2) IN-PERSON: Please click here to download a printable paper copy to print out and give directly to Rabbi Kean. (If completing in-person, Rabbi Kean will be available at the shul for authorizing the sale of Chametz immediately following morning and evening services(except Shabbat) from Tuesday morning, March 16, to Monday morning, April 22 (or by appointment). OR 3) MAIL: You may also download the printable copy and mail it to the CBAJ office.
Note, for all mailed forms and for those spending Passover in Israel or time-zones East of NY, the sale of Chametz form must be received by Rabbi Kean before Shabbat , Friday April 19.
If you need a form mailed to you, please email office@cbaj.org .
If you own a pet, you must make sure that you switch their food to non-chametz pet food. If they must eat chametz, please contact Rabbi Kean about making the proper arrangements to sell your pet.
The deadline to submit a chametz form to CBAJ is Monday, April 22, by 8:30AM
UPCOMING EVENTS
COMMUNITY BEIS MIDRASH NIGHT* NEW LOCATION! Sundays, 8:00 pm at The Shteeble(Cong. Shomray Torah)
TORAH FOR YOUR SEDER Thursday, April 18 at 8 PM In-person in the chapel and on Zoom.
*For more information about programs in this section, scroll down to the relevant sections.
CBAJ ANNOUNCEMENTS
COMMUNITY SHABBAT
Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York unites with local clergy to offer the second annual community Shabbat experience on Friday, April 19, at the Albany JCC.
Please note: CBAJ's Friday night minyan will be moved to the Albany JCC for this week at 6:00 PM - note: different time Tickets are not needed to attend services
Note: tickets are sold out for the dinner
SCHOLAR-IN-RESIDENCE SHABBAT
Save the date: May 17-18 for our Spring Scholar in Residence Shabbat with Dr. Sara Ronis The Shabbat will include a Friday night dinner (by reservation only) and a Kiddush luncheon (open to all). The deadline to register for the dinner is May 7.
Schedule of Events & Talks by Dr. Ronis Friday 7:00 PM Friday Night Services 8 PM Dinner (by reservation only) 8:45 -9:30pm The Demons in the Details, or What are All Those Demons Doing in the Talmud?
Saturday 11:30 – 11:50am Living in the Center and On the Margins: The Complex World of Rabbinic Babylonia [CW: Infertility]
Approx 1:00-1:45 pm Fetal Positions: The Talmudic Approach(es) to Personhood
6:30 pm Talmud Class (with Dr. Ronis) Yalta in the Talmud
BATTLE OF THE BBQS
Beth Abe is sponsoring a team for the Battle of the BBQ Abe and Jake’s House of BBQ Sunday, June 30, 2024 A community day supporting the Shalom Food Pantry
We are looking for some high spirited goal oriented people to spearhead us towards victory in this battle. The brigade will prepare and barbeque food provided by the Bethlehem Chabad. If interested please contact the “The king of the Barbeque” @ 518-461-9618. Ship Ahoy!
YOUTH PROGAMS
Tot Shabbat For children ages 0-5 and their parents at 10:30 am in classroom 3. Please contact Joshua Schulman-Marcus (jschumar@gmail.com) if you would like to be added to the Young Families WhatsApp group.
Youth Groups Kids in grades k-5 will meet each Shabbat morning at 10-11 am. Groups will be led by our youth director and teen youth leaders. For more information about attending, or if your teen wants to work as a youth leader, email office@cbaj.org
Babysitting Babysitting is available for children ages 0-5 every Shabbat morning from 10:00-11:30 am! You do not need to be a member to drop off your kids. At least one parent or guardian must be at CBAJ for the duration of babysitting. Babysitting will take place in Classroom 3. The babysitters will bring the kids to Kiddush, please remember to pick up your kids when babysitting ends! Please make sure to inform the babysitters if your child has any food allergies or restrictions. Children in diapers may participate, but babysitters will not be able to change diapers, so please check on kids in diapers.
WEEKLY LEARNING AT CBAJ
NACH YOMI Join Rabbi Kean for studying a chapter of NACH (Nevi'im & Ketuvim, the latter two sections of Jewish scripture) every weekday before Shacharit, Sunday through Friday, half an hour before the regular start time for morning services (7:30 am on Sundays, 6:10 am Monday - Friday) - in the social hall.
TORAH & TEA* Thursday mornings, 9:30 - 10:30 AM on Zoom*. Studying Kohelet (Ecclesiastes) * A Theodore Strauss z"l Endowment Fund sponsored program
TALMUD CLASS Join our Shabbat Afternoon TALMUD SHIUR in-person, at CBAJ,starting 1 hour before Mincha We are studying Masechet Makkot.
*CBAJ ZOOM ROOM (weekday classes only) Go to https://zoom.us/join Enter meeting ID: 940 508 9347 | Enter passcode: 613518
ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMMING
CBAJ BOOK CLUB
The CBAJ bookclub will be reading The Jewish State: From Opposition to Opportunity by Doron Perez two copies are now available - in the Chapel - first come, first serve The next bookclub meeting: TBA
SPRING SEASON OF COMMUNITY BEIS MIDRASH NIGHT Join us at the Shteeble (Cong. Shomray Torah)* new location for the new season of Beis Medrash Night 8:00 PM this Sunday.
Independent & Guided Learning Guided learning with Rabbi Kean will meet once or twice a month. Topic: Ein Yaakov - Anthology of Talmudic Aggadah.
A Theodore Strauss z"l Endowment Fund sponsored program
Lunch & Learn for Seniors with Rabbi Ben Kean
Spring dates to be announced after Passover
THE DEE PIRKEI AVOT PROJECT
The Dee Pirkei Avot project disseminates a weekly Pirkei Avot study and discussion sheet in honor of their memory of Lucy, Maia, and Rina, z''l, who were killed in a terrorist attack this year.
Shacharit Sunday 8:00 am Monday Fast of First Borns begins 4:50 am Shacharit 6:30 am Chametz Sale 8:30 am Tuesday & Wednesday Pesach 9:00 am
Thursday & Friday 6:30 am
Mincha/Maariv Sunday - Thursday 7:30pm See candle lighting times
Friday 7:00 pm
Candle Lighting Monday, April 22 Erev Pesach 7:28 pm
Tuesday, April 23 Pesach after 8:32 pm* * must be lit from preexisting flame
Friday, April 26 7:32 pm
MESSAGE FROM LIFE & LEGACY
“A community is too heavy to carry alone” Deuteronomy Rabbah 1:10
We are excited and honored to be partnering with 10 other local organizations in the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s LIFE & LEGACY™ program. Please help us pay it forward and leave a legacy for future Capital District Jews. Please speak to Paula Mosher or Ellen Kaplowitzthe Life & Legacy committee chairs about partnering on this crucial initiative to ensure the vitality of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob for the next 200 years.
Please click HERE for an important message from our Security Committee & security partner, Community Security Service (CSS) regarding guidelines for attending pro-Israel events
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
SAVE THE DATE: Sunday, May 5 at 7:30 PM COMMUNITY-WIDE YOM HA-SHOAH COMMEMORATION AT OHAV SHALOM Guest presenter: Russel Kaback https://www.russellkaback.com/my-grandfathers-story Sponsored by the Capital District Board of Rabbis and Cantors
SAVE THE DATE: Monday, May 13 6:30 - 8:30 PM COMMUNITY-WIDE YOM HAZIKARON COMMEMORATION & YOM HA'ATZMAUT CELEBRATION at Proctors Theater, Schenectady Early-bird pricing thru Monday April 21 Hosted by the Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York & Israel Bonds. Featuring: Yom Hazikaron Special Guest Izzy Ezagui, Decorated IDF Soldier, Inspirational Speaker & Author; Tekes Maavar (transition ceremony) led by the Capital District Board of Rabbis & Cantors; and Judah Gavra, Israeli Singer & Songwriter accompanied by keyboardist Orian Rosenzweig. For more information or to RSVP, go to:https://www.jewishfedny.org/community-calendar/israel-76
SPEAKER Rabbi Kean will deliver a Dvar Torah this Shabbat. KIDDUSH Kiddush this week is sponsored by CBAJ.
MAZAL TOV Mazal Tov to CBAJ members Laura (CBAJ Board President) and Zvi Segal on the birth of their first grandson! Mazal Tov to the parents, Ariella (Segal) & Eli Shapiro, and Eli's parents, Stanley Shapiro & Ann Hirsch. The bris will take place in Los Angeles at 2:00 pm (Pacific Standard Time).
MESSAGE FROM RABBI KEAN
Dear CBAJ Family,
On behalf of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob, I would like to wish you and your family a restful and meaningful Shabbat.
Pesach is in just over two weeks! Please consider who around you may appreciate an invitation to join a Pesach Seder. CBAJ is working to match those looking to be invited to a Seder and hosts. We already have a few hosts who have expressed an interest in having guests. If you are looking for a Seder, or if you would like to host any guests, please contact me so that we can match you.
Please scroll down through this week's Shabbat notes to see information about so many exciting events - both in the community and at CBAJ!
I am so glad to see the Community-wide Shabbat dinner returning next week. It was truly a highlight of the Spring last year. Please note that CBAJ's Friday night services will take place at the Albany JCC next week for the community dinner.
Also included is the upcoming information about the community-wide Yom HaShoah commemoration and Yom HaZikaron/Yom HaAtzmaut event, as well as CBAJ's spring scholar-in-residence. I hope to see you soon at a tefilah, children's program, event, or class!
Am Yisrael Chai.
Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Ben Kean
SALE OF CHAMETZ Designate Rabbi Kean your agent to sell you chametz one of three ways: 1) ONLINE: Please click here to complete an online sale of chametz form. OR 2) IN-PERSON: Please click here to download a printable paper copy to print out and give directly to Rabbi Kean. (If completing in-person, Rabbi Kean will be available at the shul for authorizing the sale of Chametz immediately following morning and evening services(except Shabbat) from Tuesday morning, March 16, to Monday morning, April 22 (or by appointment). OR 3) MAIL: You may also download the printable copy and mail it to the CBAJ office.
Note, for all mailed forms and for those spending Passover in Israel or time-zones East of NY, the sale of Chametz form must be received by Rabbi Kean before Shabbat , Friday April 19.
If you need a form mailed to you, please email office@cbaj.org .
If you own a pet, you must make sure that you switch their food to non-chametz pet food. If they must eat chametz, please contact Rabbi Kean about making the proper arrangements to sell your pet.
The deadline to submit a chametz form to CBAJ is Monday, April 22, by 8:30AM
UPCOMING EVENTS
COMMUNITY BEIS MIDRASH NIGHT* NEW LOCATION! Sundays, 8:00 pm at The Shteeble(Cong. Shomray Torah) The next guided learning Chaburah led by Rabbi Kean will be April 14.
TORAH FOR YOUR SEDER Thursday, April 18 at 8 PM In-person in the chapel and on Zoom.
*For more information about programs in this section, scroll down to the relevant sections.
CBAJ ANNOUNCEMENTS
SHABBAT HAGADOL KIDDUSH LUNCHEON
Save the date for a pre-Pesach luncheon April 20 Shabbat HaGadol Metzora Specially prepared by the CBAJ Programming Committee
TORAH FOR YOUR SEDER Thursday, April 18 at 8 PM In-person in the chapel and on Zoom.
*CBAJ ZOOM ROOM Go to https://zoom.us/join Enter meeting ID: 940 508 9347 | Enter passcode: 613518
COMMUNITY SHABBAT
Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York unites with local clergy to offer the second annual community Shabbat experience on Friday, April 19, at the Albany JCC. Please note: CBAJ's Friday night minyan will be moved to the Albany JCC for this week!
Save the date: May 17-18 for our Spring Scholar in Residence Shabbat with Dr. Sara Ronis The Shabbat will include a Friday night dinner (by reservation only) and a Kiddush luncheon (open to all). The deadline to register for the dinner is May 7.
Schedule of Events & Talks by Dr. Ronis Friday 7:00 PM Friday Night Services 8 PM Dinner (by reservation only) 8:45 -9:30pm The Demons in the Details, or What are All Those Demons Doing in the Talmud?
Saturday 11:30 – 11:50am Living in the Center and On the Margins: The Complex World of Rabbinic Babylonia [CW: Infertility]
Approx 1:00-1:45 pm Fetal Positions: The Talmudic Approach(es) to Personhood
6:30 pm Talmud Class (with Dr. Ronis) Yalta in the Talmud
BATTLE OF THE BBQS
Beth Abe is sponsoring a team for the Battle of the BBQ Abe and Jake’s House of BBQ Sunday, June 30, 2024 A community day supporting the Shalom Food Pantry
We are looking for some high spirited goal oriented people to spearhead us towards victory in this battle. The brigade will prepare and barbeque food provided by the Bethlehem Chabad. If interested please contact the “The king of the Barbeque” @ 518-461-9618. Ship Ahoy!
YOUTH PROGAMS
Tot Shabbat For children ages 0-5 and their parents at 10:30 am in classroom 3. Please contact Joshua Schulman-Marcus (jschumar@gmail.com) if you would like to be added to the Young Families WhatsApp group.
Youth Groups Kids in grades k-5 will meet each Shabbat morning at 10-11 am. Groups will be led by our youth director and teen youth leaders. For more information about attending, or if your teen wants to work as a youth leader, email office@cbaj.org
Babysitting Babysitting is available for children ages 0-5 every Shabbat morning from 10:00-11:30 am! You do not need to be a member to drop off your kids. At least one parent or guardian must be at CBAJ for the duration of babysitting. Babysitting will take place in Classroom 3. The babysitters will bring the kids to Kiddush, please remember to pick up your kids when babysitting ends! Please make sure to inform the babysitters if your child has any food allergies or restrictions. Children in diapers may participate, but babysitters will not be able to change diapers, so please check on kids in diapers.
WEEKLY LEARNING AT CBAJ
NACH YOMI Join Rabbi Kean for studying a chapter of NACH (Nevi'im & Ketuvim, the latter two sections of Jewish scripture) every weekday before Shacharit, Sunday through Friday, half an hour before the regular start time for morning services (7:30 am on Sundays, 6:10 am Monday - Friday) - in the social hall.
TORAH & TEA* Thursday mornings, 9:30 - 10:30 AM on Zoom*. Studying Kohelet (Ecclesiastes) * A Theodore Strauss z"l Endowment Fund sponsored program
TALMUD CLASS Join our Shabbat Afternoon TALMUD SHIUR in-person, at CBAJ,starting 1 hour before Mincha We are studying Masechet Makkot.
*CBAJ ZOOM ROOM (weekday classes only) Go to https://zoom.us/join Enter meeting ID: 940 508 9347 | Enter passcode: 613518
ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMMING
CBAJ BOOK CLUB
The CBAJ bookclub will be reading The Jewish State: From Opposition to Opportunity by Doron Perez two copies are now available - in the Chapel - first come, first serve The next bookclub meeting: TBA
SPRING SEASON OF COMMUNITY BEIS MIDRASH NIGHT Join us at the Shteeble (Cong. Shomray Torah)* new location for the new season of Beis Medrash Night 8:00 PM this Sunday.
Independent & Guided Learning Guided learning with Rabbi Kean will meet once or twice a month. Topic: Ein Yaakov - Anthology of Talmudic Aggadah.
A Theodore Strauss z"l Endowment Fund sponsored program
Lunch & Learn for Seniors with Rabbi Ben Kean
Spring dates to be announced after Passover
THE DEE PIRKEI AVOT PROJECT
The Dee Pirkei Avot project disseminates a weekly Pirkei Avot study and discussion sheet in honor of their memory of Lucy, Maia, and Rina, z''l, who were killed in a terrorist attack this year.
*Note that Friday night services this coming week will take place at the Albany JCC.
Candle Lighting Friday, April 19 7:24 pm
MESSAGE FROM LIFE & LEGACY
“A community is too heavy to carry alone” Deuteronomy Rabbah 1:10
We are excited and honored to be partnering with 10 other local organizations in the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s LIFE & LEGACY™ program. Please help us pay it forward and leave a legacy for future Capital District Jews. Please speak to Paula Mosher or Ellen Kaplowitzthe Life & Legacy committee chairs about partnering on this crucial initiative to ensure the vitality of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob for the next 200 years.
Please click HERE for an important message from our Security Committee & security partner, Community Security Service (CSS) regarding guidelines for attending pro-Israel events
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
SAVE THE DATE: Sunday, May 5 at 7:30 PM COMMUNITY-WIDE YOM HA-SHOAH COMMEMORATION AT OHAV SHALOM Guest presenter: Russel Kaback https://www.russellkaback.com/my-grandfathers-story Sponsored by the Capital District Board of Rabbis and Cantors
SAVE THE DATE: Monday, May 13 6:30 - 8:30 PM COMMUNITY-WIDE YOM HAZIKARON COMMEMORATION & YOM HA'ATZMAUT CELEBRATION at Proctors Theater, Schenectady Hosted by the Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York & Israel Bonds. Featuring: Yom Hazikaron Special Guest Izzy Ezagui, Decorated IDF Soldier, Inspirational Speaker & Author; Tekes Maavar (transition ceremony) led by the Capital District Board of Rabbis & Cantors; and Judah Gavra, Israeli Singer & Songwriter accompanied by keyboardist Orian Rosenzweig. For more information or to RSVP, go to:https://www.jewishfedny.org/community-calendar/israel-76
Shabbat Mevarchim Parshat HaChodesh Shemini April 5 - 6, 2024
Friday Candle Lighting 7:08 pm
Friday Evening Services 7:00 pm
Morning Services Shabbat 9:00 am
Latest Shema 9:43 am Kiddush following services
Babysitting 10:00 am
Youth Groups 10:00 am Talmud Class 6:05 pm
Shabbat Mincha & Seudah Shlishit 7:05 pm
Maariv 8:00 pm* Havdalah 8:11 pm*
*Corrected times
TORAH READING Leviticus 9:1 - 11:47, Artscroll p. 588 Maftir: Exodus 12:1-20, p. 348 Haftarah: Ezekiel 45:16-46:18, p. 1218
SPEAKER Rabbi Kean will deliver a Dvar Torah this Shabbat.
KIDDUSH Kiddush is sponsored by CBAJ this Shabbat.
CONDOLENCES Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob regrets to inform you of the passing of Yagutil Mishiev (Yagutil ben HaRav Yisroel), z''l. Yagutil is survived by his children: CBAJ members Nina Mikhaylova (& Grigory), Galina Mishieva, Pavel Mishiev (& Lilya), and Katerina Tzvaygenbaum (& Israel); his grandchildren: CBAJ members Vadim Mikhaylov (& Daniela), Liya Perkins (& Chayim Ovadya), David Mikhaylov, and Nison Mikhaylov, CBAJ members Raisa Yashayev (& Aron), Esther Rakhamimov (& Rami), Mervari (& Lev) Zemelman, Anna Mishieva, Yana (& Stefan) Temuridi, Rina Danilova, Dimitry (& Liel Mishiev), Chana (& Andrey Yankilev); and 25 great-grandchildren. Yagutil was predeceased by his wife of 70 years, Chana, z''l, his son Anatoliy Mishiev z''l, and his granddaughter Inna Mikhaylova, z''l. The funeral took place in Rishon leTziyon, Israel, on Thursday. Nina and Grigory will be in Israel for the Shiva and through Shloshim.
MESSAGE FROM RABBI KEAN
Dear CBAJ Family,
On behalf of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob, I would like to wish you and your family a restful and meaningful Shabbat.
Although we are now two weeks after Purim, I wanted to share with you the impact of the work CBAJ volunteers did in advance of Purim with the annual Mishloach Manot campaign. Starting last year, the Mishloach Manot committee began including all of the residents of the Massry in our Mishloach Manot distribution campaign. In delivering the Mishloach Manot at Massry, so many residents asked me to convey to the entire shul community just how grateful they were to be thought of, to have a visitor, and to receive the Mishloach Manot. Please be sure to thank our Mishloach Manot committee, Ben & Tanya Schwartz and Mark & Chana Israel, for their leadership on this effort.
Pesach is in just over two weeks! Please consider who around you may appreciate an invitation to join a Pesach Seder. CBAJ is working to match those looking to be invited to a Seder and hosts. We already have a few hosts who have expressed an interest in having guests. If you are looking for a Seder, or if you would like to host any guests, please contact me so that we can match you. I hope to see you soon at a tefilah, children's program, event, or class!
Am Yisrael Chai.
Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Ben Kean
UPCOMING EVENTS
COMMUNITY BEIS MIDRASH NIGHT* NEW LOCATION! Sundays, 8:00 pm at The Shteeble(Cong. Shomray Torah) The next guided learning Chaburah led by Rabbi Kean will be April 14.
LUNCH & LEARN FOR SENIORS WITH RABBI BEN KEAN
Tuesday, April 9th 12:30 pm RSVP to office@cbaj.org or 518.489.5819 x3
TORAH FOR YOUR SEDER Thursday, April 18 at 8 PM In-person in the chapel and on Zoom.
*CBAJ ZOOM ROOM Go to https://zoom.us/join Enter meeting ID: 940 508 9347 | Enter passcode: 613518
COMMUNITY SHABBAT
Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York unites with local clergy to offer the second annual community Shabbat experience on Friday, April 19, at the Albany JCC
Save the date for our Spring Scholar in Residence Shabbat with Dr. Sara Ronis, May 17-18! The Shabbat will include a Friday night dinner (by reservation only) and a Kiddush luncheon (open to all). Full schedule & Registration & Sponsorship Opportunities details to follow
BATTLE OF THE BBQS
Beth Abe is sponsoring a team for the Battle of the BBQ Abe and Jake’s House of BBQ Sunday, June 30, 2024 A community day supporting the Shalom Food Pantry
We are looking for some high spirited goal oriented people to spearhead us towards victory in this battle. The brigade will prepare and barbeque food provided by the Bethlehem Chabad. If interested please contact the “The king of the Barbeque” @ 518-461-9618. Ship Ahoy!
YOUTH PROGAMS
Tot Shabbat For children ages 0-5 and their parents at 10:30 am in classroom 3. Please contact Joshua Schulman-Marcus (jschumar@gmail.com) if you would like to be added to the Young Families WhatsApp group.
Youth Groups Kids in grades k-5 will meet each Shabbat morning at 10-11 am. Groups will be led by our youth director and teen youth leaders. For more information about attending, or if your teen wants to work as a youth leader, email office@cbaj.org
Babysitting Babysitting is available for children ages 0-5 every Shabbat morning from 10:00-11:30 am! You do not need to be a member to drop off your kids. At least one parent or guardian must be at CBAJ for the duration of babysitting. Babysitting will take place in Classroom 3. The babysitters will bring the kids to Kiddush, please remember to pick up your kids when babysitting ends! Please make sure to inform the babysitters if your child has any food allergies or restrictions. Children in diapers may participate, but babysitters will not be able to change diapers, so please check on kids in diapers.
WEEKLY LEARNING AT CBAJ
NACH YOMI Join Rabbi Kean for studying a chapter of NACH (Nevi'im & Ketuvim, the latter two sections of Jewish scripture) every weekday before Shacharit, Sunday through Friday, half an hour before the regular start time for morning services (7:30 am on Sundays, 6:10 am Monday - Friday) - in the social hall.
TORAH & TEA* Thursday mornings, 9:30 - 10:30 AM on Zoom*. Studying Kohelet (Ecclesiastes) * A Theodore Strauss z"l Endowment Fund sponsored program
TALMUD CLASS Join our Shabbat Afternoon TALMUD SHIUR in-person, at CBAJ,starting 1 hour before Mincha We are studying Masechet Makkot.
*CBAJ ZOOM ROOM (weekday classes only) Go to https://zoom.us/join Enter meeting ID: 940 508 9347 | Enter passcode: 613518
ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMMING
CBAJ BOOK CLUB
The CBAJ bookclub will be reading The Jewish State: From Opposition to Opportunity by Doron Perez two copies are now available - in the Chapel - first come, first serve The next bookclub meeting:TBA
FALL SEASON OF COMMUNITY BEIS MIDRASH NIGHT Join us at the Shteeble (Cong. Shomray Torah)* new location for the new season of Beis Medrash Night 8:00 PM this Sunday.
Independent & Guided Learning Guided learning with Rabbi Kean will meet once or twice a month. Topic: Ein Yaakov - Anthology of Talmudic Aggadah.
A Theodore Strauss z"l Endowment Fund sponsored program
Announcing the winter season of Lunch & Learn for Seniors with Rabbi Ben Kean: Midrash Rewriting the Story
April 9: "Can the 10 Plagues be Explained as Natural Phenomena? Midrash & the Passover Story" Spring dates to be announced after Passover
All sessions will begin at 12:30 pm Lunch is free of charge catered by 518 Kosher and supervised by the VHCD Please feel welcome to wear a mask during the event & take lunch home to enjoy Please register by contacting our office at 518.489.5819 x3 or office@cbaj.org
THE DEE PIRKEI AVOT PROJECT
The Dee Pirkei Avot project disseminates a weekly Pirkei Avot study and discussion sheet in honor of their memory of Lucy, Maia, and Rina, z''l, who were killed in a terrorist attack this year.
Shacharit Sunday 8:00 am Monday, Wed. - Friday 6:40 am
Tuesday Rosh Chodesh Nisan 6:30 am
Mincha/Maariv Sunday - Thursday 7:15 pm
Friday 7:00 pm
Candle Lighting Friday, April 12 7:16 pm
MESSAGE FROM LIFE & LEGACY
“A community is too heavy to carry alone” Deuteronomy Rabbah 1:10
We are excited and honored to be partnering with 10 other local organizations in the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s LIFE & LEGACY™ program. Please help us pay it forward and leave a legacy for future Capital District Jews. Please speak to Paula Mosher or Ellen Kaplowitzthe Life & Legacy committee chairs about partnering on this crucial initiative to ensure the vitality of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob for the next 200 years.
Please click HERE for an important message from our Security Committee & security partner, Community Security Service (CSS) regarding guidelines for attending pro-Israel events
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
YOM HA-SHOAH LECTURE AT UALBANY April 8, 6:30 pm, in the Standish Room (Science Library, third floor), at the UAlbany Uptown Campus. The Center for Jewish Studies is hosting Dr. Atina Grossman, who will present on “Trauma, Privilege, and Adventure: Jewish Refugees Between ‘Orient’ and European Catastrophe.” Parking will be available in the Dutch Student Lot: please advise of any special mobility issues. For an interactive map with directions, go to www.albany.edu/map
SAVE THE DATE: COMMUNITY-WIDE YOM HA-SHOAH COMMEMORATION AT OHAV SHALOM Sunday evening, May 5 (time to be announced) Guest presenter: Russel Kaback https://www.russellkaback.com/my-grandfathers-story Sponsored by the Capital District Board of Rabbis and Cantors
SAVE THE DATE: COMMUNITY-WIDE YOM HAZIKARON COMMEMORATION & YOM HA'ATZMAUT CELEBRATION Monday, May 13 6:30 - 8:30 PM at Proctors Theater, Schenectady Hosted by the Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York & Israel Bonds. Featuring: Yom Hazikaron Special Guest Izzy Ezagui, Decorated IDF Soldier, Inspirational Speaker & Author; Tekes Maavar (transition ceremony) led by the Capital District Board of Rabbis & Cantors; and Judah Gavra, Israeli Singer & Songwriter accompanied by keyboardist Orian Rosenzweig. For more information or to RSVP, go to:https://www.jewishfedny.org/community-calendar/israel-76
Shabbat Mevarchim Parshat HaChodesh Shemini April 5 - 6, 2024
Friday Candle Lighting 7:08 pm
Friday Evening Services 7:00 pm
Morning Services Shabbat 9:00 am
Latest Shema 9:43 am Kiddush following services
Babysitting 10:00 am
Youth Groups 10:00 am Talmud Class 6:05 pm
Shabbat Mincha & Seudah Shlishit 7:05 pm
Havdalah 8:00 pm Maariv 8:11 pm
TORAH READING Leviticus 9:1 - 11:47, Artscroll p. 588 Maftir: Exodus 12:1-20, p. 348 Haftarah: Ezekiel 45:16-46:18, p. 1218
SPEAKER Rabbi Kean will deliver a Dvar Torah this Shabbat.
KIDDUSH Kiddush is sponsored by CBAJ this Shabbat.
CONDOLENCES Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob regrets to inform you of the passing of Yagutil Mishiev (Yagutil ben HaRav Yisroel), z''l. Yagutil is survived by his children: CBAJ members Nina Mikhaylova (& Grigory), Galina Mishieva, Pavel Mishiev (& Lilya), and Katerina Tzvaygenbaum (& Israel); his grandchildren: CBAJ members Vadim Mikhaylov (& Daniela), Liya Perkins (& Chayim Ovadya), David Mikhaylov, and Nison Mikhaylov, CBAJ members Raisa Yashayev (& Aron), Esther Rakhamimov (& Rami), Mervari (& Lev) Zemelman, Anna Mishieva, Yana (& Stefan) Temuridi, Rina Danilova, Dimitry (& Liel Mishiev), Chana (& Andrey Yankilev); and 25 great-grandchildren. Yagutil was predeceased by his wife of 70 years, Chana, z''l, his son Anatoliy Mishiev z''l, and his granddaughter Inna Mikhaylova, z''l. The funeral took place in Rishon leTziyon, Israel, on Thursday. Nina and Grigory will be in Israel for the Shiva and through Shloshim.
MESSAGE FROM RABBI KEAN
Dear CBAJ Family,
On behalf of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob, I would like to wish you and your family a restful and meaningful Shabbat.
Although we are now two weeks after Purim, I wanted to share with you the impact of the work CBAJ volunteers did in advance of Purim with the annual Mishloach Manot campaign. Starting last year, the Mishloach Manot committee began including all of the residents of the Massry in our Mishloach Manot distribution campaign. In delivering the Mishloach Manot at Massry, so many residents asked me to convey to the entire shul community just how grateful they were to be thought of, to have a visitor, and to receive the Mishloach Manot. Please be sure to thank our Mishloach Manot committee, Ben & Tanya Schwartz and Mark & Chana Israel, for their leadership on this effort.
Pesach is in just over two weeks! Please consider who around you may appreciate an invitation to join a Pesach Seder. CBAJ is working to match those looking to be invited to a Seder and hosts. We already have a few hosts who have expressed an interest in having guests. If you are looking for a Seder, or if you would like to host any guests, please contact me so that we can match you. I hope to see you soon at a tefilah, children's program, event, or class!
Am Yisrael Chai.
Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Ben Kean
UPCOMING EVENTS
COMMUNITY BEIS MIDRASH NIGHT* NEW LOCATION! Sundays, 8:00 pm at The Shteeble(Cong. Shomray Torah) The next guided learning Chaburah led by Rabbi Kean will be April 14.
LUNCH & LEARN FOR SENIORS WITH RABBI BEN KEAN
Tuesday, April 9th 12:30 pm RSVP to office@cbaj.org or 518.489.5819 x3
TORAH FOR YOUR SEDER Thursday, April 18 at 8 PM In-person in the chapel and on Zoom.
*CBAJ ZOOM ROOM Go to https://zoom.us/join Enter meeting ID: 940 508 9347 | Enter passcode: 613518
COMMUNITY SHABBAT
Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York unites with local clergy to offer the second annual community Shabbat experience on Friday, April 19, at the Albany JCC
Save the date for our Spring Scholar in Residence Shabbat with Dr. Sara Ronis, May 17-18! The Shabbat will include a Friday night dinner (by reservation only) and a Kiddush luncheon (open to all). Full schedule & Registration & Sponsorship Opportunities details to follow
BATTLE OF THE BBQS
Beth Abe is sponsoring a team for the Battle of the BBQ Abe and Jake’s House of BBQ Sunday, June 30, 2024 A community day supporting the Shalom Food Pantry
We are looking for some high spirited goal oriented people to spearhead us towards victory in this battle. The brigade will prepare and barbeque food provided by the Bethlehem Chabad. If interested please contact the “The king of the Barbeque” @ 518-461-9618. Ship Ahoy!
YOUTH PROGAMS
Tot Shabbat For children ages 0-5 and their parents at 10:30 am in classroom 3. Please contact Joshua Schulman-Marcus (jschumar@gmail.com) if you would like to be added to the Young Families WhatsApp group.
Youth Groups Kids in grades k-5 will meet each Shabbat morning at 10-11 am. Groups will be led by our youth director and teen youth leaders. For more information about attending, or if your teen wants to work as a youth leader, email office@cbaj.org
Babysitting Babysitting is available for children ages 0-5 every Shabbat morning from 10:00-11:30 am! You do not need to be a member to drop off your kids. At least one parent or guardian must be at CBAJ for the duration of babysitting. Babysitting will take place in Classroom 3. The babysitters will bring the kids to Kiddush, please remember to pick up your kids when babysitting ends! Please make sure to inform the babysitters if your child has any food allergies or restrictions. Children in diapers may participate, but babysitters will not be able to change diapers, so please check on kids in diapers.
WEEKLY LEARNING AT CBAJ
NACH YOMI Join Rabbi Kean for studying a chapter of NACH (Nevi'im & Ketuvim, the latter two sections of Jewish scripture) every weekday before Shacharit, Sunday through Friday, half an hour before the regular start time for morning services (7:30 am on Sundays, 6:10 am Monday - Friday) - in the social hall.
TORAH & TEA* Thursday mornings, 9:30 - 10:30 AM on Zoom*. Studying Kohelet (Ecclesiastes) * A Theodore Strauss z"l Endowment Fund sponsored program
TALMUD CLASS Join our Shabbat Afternoon TALMUD SHIUR in-person, at CBAJ,starting 1 hour before Mincha We are studying Masechet Makkot.
*CBAJ ZOOM ROOM (weekday classes only) Go to https://zoom.us/join Enter meeting ID: 940 508 9347 | Enter passcode: 613518
ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMMING
CBAJ BOOK CLUB
The CBAJ bookclub will be reading The Jewish State: From Opposition to Opportunity by Doron Perez two copies are now available - in the Chapel - first come, first serve The next bookclub meeting:TBA
FALL SEASON OF COMMUNITY BEIS MIDRASH NIGHT Join us at the Shteeble (Cong. Shomray Torah)* new location for the new season of Beis Medrash Night 8:00 PM this Sunday.
Independent & Guided Learning Guided learning with Rabbi Kean will meet once or twice a month. Topic: Ein Yaakov - Anthology of Talmudic Aggadah.
A Theodore Strauss z"l Endowment Fund sponsored program
Announcing the winter season of Lunch & Learn for Seniors with Rabbi Ben Kean: Midrash Rewriting the Story
April 9: "Can the 10 Plagues be Explained as Natural Phenomena? Midrash & the Passover Story" Spring dates to be announced after Passover
All sessions will begin at 12:30 pm Lunch is free of charge catered by 518 Kosher and supervised by the VHCD Please feel welcome to wear a mask during the event & take lunch home to enjoy Please register by contacting our office at 518.489.5819 x3 or office@cbaj.org
THE DEE PIRKEI AVOT PROJECT
The Dee Pirkei Avot project disseminates a weekly Pirkei Avot study and discussion sheet in honor of their memory of Lucy, Maia, and Rina, z''l, who were killed in a terrorist attack this year.
Shacharit Sunday 8:00 am Monday, Wed. - Friday 6:40 am
Tuesday Rosh Chodesh Nisan 6:30 am
Mincha/Maariv Sunday - Thursday 7:15 pm
Friday 7:00 pm
Candle Lighting Friday, April 12 7:16 pm
MESSAGE FROM LIFE & LEGACY
“A community is too heavy to carry alone” Deuteronomy Rabbah 1:10
We are excited and honored to be partnering with 10 other local organizations in the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s LIFE & LEGACY™ program. Please help us pay it forward and leave a legacy for future Capital District Jews. Please speak to Paula Mosher or Ellen Kaplowitzthe Life & Legacy committee chairs about partnering on this crucial initiative to ensure the vitality of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob for the next 200 years.
Please click HERE for an important message from our Security Committee & security partner, Community Security Service (CSS) regarding guidelines for attending pro-Israel events
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
YOM HA-SHOAH LECTURE AT UALBANY April 8, 6:30 pm, in the Standish Room (Science Library, third floor), at the UAlbany Uptown Campus. The Center for Jewish Studies is hosting Dr. Atina Grossman, who will present on “Trauma, Privilege, and Adventure: Jewish Refugees Between ‘Orient’ and European Catastrophe.” Parking will be available in the Dutch Student Lot: please advise of any special mobility issues. For an interactive map with directions, go to www.albany.edu/map
SAVE THE DATE: COMMUNITY-WIDE YOM HA-SHOAH COMMEMORATION AT OHAV SHALOM Sunday evening, May 5 (time to be announced) Guest presenter: Russel Kaback https://www.russellkaback.com/my-grandfathers-story Sponsored by the Capital District Board of Rabbis and Cantors
SAVE THE DATE: COMMUNITY-WIDE YOM HAZIKARON COMMEMORATION & YOM HA'ATZMAUT CELEBRATION Monday, May 13 6:30 - 8:30 PM at Proctors Theater, Schenectady Hosted by the Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York & Israel Bonds. Featuring: Yom Hazikaron Special Guest Izzy Ezagui, Decorated IDF Soldier, Inspirational Speaker & Author; Tekes Maavar (transition ceremony) led by the Capital District Board of Rabbis & Cantors; and Judah Gavra, Israeli Singer & Songwriter accompanied by keyboardist Orian Rosenzweig. For more information or to RSVP, go to:https://www.jewishfedny.org/community-calendar/israel-76
TORAH READING Leviticus 6:1 - 8:36, Artscroll p. 568 Maftir: Bamidbar 19:1-22 p. 838 Haftarah: Ezekiel 36:16-38, p. 1216
SPEAKER Simma Kinderlehrer will deliver the final installment of the Prophetic Personalities winter lecture series following services on the prophet Huldah.
KIDDUSH Kiddush is sponsored by CBAJ this Shabbat.
Seudah Shlishit this Shabbat is sponsored by the Graber family in memory of Herman Irwin Graber whose yahrzeit is this week.
MAZAL TOV Mazal Tov to CBAJ members Daniel Ari & Deborah Govindan on the birth of a daughter! Mazal Tov to the grandparents, CBAJ members Barry and Leah Siegel, the Govindan family, and older siblings Odelia, Shua, and Elliana.
Mazal Tov to CBAJ members Stephanie & Drew Kugler and their son and his wife - Joshua and Danielle Kugler - on the birth of a beautiful baby boy.
MESSAGE FROM RABBI KEAN
Dear CBAJ Family,
On behalf of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob, I would like to wish you and your family a restful and meaningful Shabbat and a Purim Sameach!
I would like to take a moment to thank everyone who helped make our celebration of Purim, even with the challenges of losing power, so wonderful and joyous. Our programming committee, chaired by Dina Gottesman and Chana Israel, prepared a delicious Purim seudah and fun time. Our Megillah readers this year were Dan Reznik, Artie Brenner, Elon Weintaub, and myself. Finally, thanks to our greeters who provided to make sure we were all safe. And thank you to all of you for joining us and celebrating a Purim full of spiritual light, even if we were lacking of physical light.
CBAJ is joining the Orthodox Union's "180 for 180" campaign to mail 180,000 letters to President Biden to convey a strong message about the importance of supporting Israel, combating anti-Semitism, and securing the release of our hostages. The 180,000 letters will be hand-delivered to the White House on April 3, 180 days after the October 7 massacre. Click here to sign a letter and join the initiative through the CBAJ team.I am hoping for 100% participation from our membership!
Pesach is now less that one month away! Now is the time to start thinking about who might need or appreciate an invitation to join your Seder table. If you are looking to be hosted for a Seder, please reach out to me, so that we can help make sure that everyone has a Seder to go to. See below and check your inbox for more information about CBAJ and community programs around and just after Pesach.
Am Yisrael Chai.
Shabbat Shalom & Purim Sameach, Rabbi Ben Kean
UPCOMING EVENTS
COMMUNITY BEIS MIDRASH NIGHT* NEW LOCATION! Sundays, 8:00 pm at The Shteeble(Cong. Shomray Torah)
CBAJ ANNOUNCEMENTS
LUNCH & LEARN FOR SENIORS WITH RABBI BEN KEAN: "Can the 10 Plagues be Explained as Natural Phenomena? Midrash & the Passover Story"
Tuesday, April 9th at 12:30 RSVP to office@cbaj.org or 518.489.5819 x3
COMMUNITY SHABBAT
Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York unites with local clergy to offer the second annual community Shabbat experience on Friday, April 19, at the Albany JCC.
The CBAJ bookclub will be reading The Jewish State: From Opposition to Opportunity by Doron Perez
SCHOLAR-IN-RESIDENCE SHABBAT
Save the date for our Spring Scholar in Residence Shabbat with Dr. Sara Ronis, May 17-18! The Shabbat will include a Friday night dinner (by reservation only) and a Kiddush luncheon (open to all). Full schedule & Registration & Sponsorship Opportunities details to follow
*For more information about programs in these sections, scroll down to the relevant sections.
YOUTH PROGAMS
Tot Shabbat For children ages 0-5 and their parents at 10:30 am in classroom 3. Please contact Joshua Schulman-Marcus (jschumar@gmail.com) if you would like to be added to the Young Families WhatsApp group.
Youth Groups Kids in grades k-5 will meet each Shabbat morning at 10-11 am. Groups will be led by our youth director and teen youth leaders. For more information about attending, or if your teen wants to work as a youth leader, email office@cbaj.org
Babysitting Babysitting is available for children ages 0-5 every Shabbat morning from 10:00-11:30 am! You do not need to be a member to drop off your kids. At least one parent or guardian must be at CBAJ for the duration of babysitting. Babysitting will take place in Classroom 3. The babysitters will bring the kids to Kiddush, please remember to pick up your kids when babysitting ends! Please make sure to inform the babysitters if your child has any food allergies or restrictions. Children in diapers may participate, but babysitters will not be able to change diapers, so please check on kids in diapers.
WEEKLY LEARNING AT CBAJ
NACH YOMI Join Rabbi Kean for studying a chapter of NACH (Nevi'im & Ketuvim, the latter two sections of Jewish scripture) every weekday before Shacharit, Sunday through Friday, half an hour before the regular start time for morning services (7:30 am on Sundays, 6:10 am Monday - Friday) - in the social hall.
TORAH & TEA* Thursday mornings, 9:30 - 10:30 AM on Zoom*. Studying Kohelet (Ecclesiastes) * A Theodore Strauss z"l Endowment Fund sponsored program
TALMUD CLASS Join our Shabbat Afternoon TALMUD SHIUR in-person, at CBAJ,starting 1 hour before Mincha We are studying Masechet Makkot.
*CBAJ ZOOM ROOM (weekday classes only) Go to https://zoom.us/join Enter meeting ID: 940 508 9347 | Enter passcode: 613518
ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMMING
CBAJ BOOK CLUB
The CBAJ bookclub will be reading The Jewish State: From Opposition to Opportunity by Doron Perez two copies will be available shortly The next bookclub meeting:TBA
FALL SEASON OF COMMUNITY BEIS MIDRASH NIGHT Join us at the Shteeble (Cong. Shomray Torah)* new location for the new season of Beis Medrash Night 8:00 PM this Sunday.
Independent & Guided Learning Guided learning with Rabbi Kean will meet once or twice a month. Topic: Ein Yaakov - Anthology of Talmudic Aggadah.
A Theodore Strauss z"l Endowment Fund sponsored program
Announcing the winter season of Lunch & Learn for Seniors with Rabbi Ben Kean: Midrash Rewriting the Story
April 9: "Can the 10 Plagues be Explained as Natural Phenomena? Midrash & the Passover Story"
Spring dates to be announced after Passover
All sessions will begin at 12:30 pm Lunch is free of charge catered by 518 Kosher and supervised by the VHCD Please feel welcome to wear a mask during the event & take lunch home to enjoy Please register by contacting our office at 518.489.5819 x3 or office@cbaj.org
SCHOLAR-IN-RESIDENCE SHABBAT Save the date for our Spring Scholar-in-Residence Shabbat with Dr. Sara Ronis, May 17-18!
Dr. Ronis is a scholar of Rabbinic literature and the Jews of Late Antiquity. Dr. Ronis will teach us about several of her fascinating research topics, including demons in Rabbinic literature, the Talmudic figure Yalta, and self-identity.
The Shabbat will include a Friday night dinner (by reservation only) and a Kiddush luncheon (open to all). Full schedule and how to register to follow. Biography: Dr. Sara Ronis is an associate professor of Theology at St. Mary’s University, where she teaches courses in the Hebrew Bible and its reception, and religious studies and Theology more broadly. She holds a Ph.D. in Judaism in Late Antiquity in the Program in Judaic Studies and the Department of Religious Studies at Yale University (2015). She earned a MA in Religion from Columbia University and a BA in Near Eastern and Judaic Studies from Brandeis University. Her first book, Demons in the Details: Demonic Discourse and Rabbinic Culture in the Babylonian Talmud (August 2022), looks at demonic discourse in the Babylonian Talmud in its legal, narrative, and socio-cultural contexts. To learn more about Dr. Ronis, visit her website: https://sararonis.com
THE DEE PIRKEI AVOT PROJECT
The Dee Pirkei Avot project disseminates a weekly Pirkei Avot study and discussion sheet in honor of their memory of Lucy, Maia, and Rina, z''l, who were killed in a terrorist attack this year.
“A community is too heavy to carry alone” Deuteronomy Rabbah 1:10
We are excited and honored to be partnering with 10 other local organizations in the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s LIFE & LEGACY™ program. Please help us pay it forward and leave a legacy for future Capital District Jews. Please speak to Paula Mosher or Ellen Kaplowitzthe Life & Legacy committee chairs about partnering on this crucial initiative to ensure the vitality of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob for the next 200 years.
Please click HERE for an important message from our Security Committee & security partner, Community Security Service (CSS) regarding guidelines for attending pro-Israel events
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
TORAH READING Leviticus 1:1 - 5:26, Artscroll, p. 544 Maftir: Deuteronomy 25:17-19, p. 1067 Haftarah: 1 Samuel 15:1-34, p. 1214
SPEAKER Rabbi Kean will deliver a Dvar Torah this Shabbat.
KIDDUSH Kiddush is sponsored by CBAJ this Shabbat.
MESSAGE FROM RABBI KEAN
Dear CBAJ Family,
On behalf of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob, I would like to wish you and your family a restful and meaningful Shabbat and a Purim Sameach!
Please see below for the full Purim schedule, as well as opportunities to give Mishloach Manot and for special Purim initiatives this year.
This year, many are asking themselves, how can we celebrate Purim in a year like this one, where there is still a difficult war in Israel with many thousands of soldiers still fighting, thousands of families displaced from their homes, thousands of families still missing a parent or spouse, thousands still recovering from injuries, and over 100 individuals held hostage by Hamas terrorists in dire, inhumane conditions and unknown circumstances.
In fact, as Rabbi Shimshon Nadel, CBAJ's scholar in residence last year, wrote in his weekly column this week, in 1941, following the sinking of a ship carrying nearly 800 Jewish refugees one week before Purim that year and in the shadow of the Holocaust, the nascent Yishuv canceled all Purim celebrations under the direction of leading Religious-Zionist rabbis.
That being said, as we saw in the aftermath of the horrific Simchat Torah/October 7th attacks, the Jewish people across the world have responded by simultaneously consoling the bereaved, honoring those we have lost, and refusing to allow anyone or anything to break our joy. That is the spirit in which I hope that we can celebrate Purim this year, with the faith and trust in Hashem that He will continue to deliver us from all who stand against us and the determination to let anyone or anything stop us from celebrating this joyous day. I hope to see you soon at a tefilah, children's program, event, or class!
Am Yisrael Chai.
Shabbat Shalom & Purim Sameach, Rabbi Ben Kean
PURIM
MATANOT LA'EVYONIM
It is a mitzvah to give "Matanot La'Evyonim" (gifts to those in need) on Purim. The funds are to be distributed on Purim day, but may be given before Purim begins. The mitzvah is to give enough to purchase a meal to two different individuals in need. By donating to CBAJ's Matanot La'Evyonim campaign, you will fulfill the mitzvah of Matanot La'Evyonim.
All funds will be distributed on Purim day or on Shushan Purim in Jerusalem.
SPECIAL PURIM INITIATIVES
This year, ahead of Purim, I would like to invite you to join me in two special Mishloach Manot initiatives. First, CBAJ is proud to partner with ORA in sending Mishloach Manot to agunot. Second, CBAJ is proud to partner with the Kochav HaShachar community in Israel to send Mishloach Manot to families with a father/husband who is currently serving in the war with Hamas. This initiative is being organized by former Albany shaliach, Yael Reshef, who spent time strengthening our community in Albany. Participation in these initiatives shows agunot and Israeli army families that we stand with them and care about them. If you are interested in joining in any of these initiatives, please make a contribution to the Rabbi’s discretionary fund and put “M&M for Agunot” or “M&M for army families” in the payment notes. Please note: Although these are important initiatives which fulfill the mitzvah of "Ve'ahavta le'rei'acha kamocha," "love your neighbor as you love yourself," giving to these initiatives does NOT count as a fulfillment of the mitzvah of Matanot La'Evyonim or the mitzvah of Mishloach Manot.
COMMUNITY BEIS MIDRASH NIGHT* NEW LOCATION! Sundays, 8:00 pm at The Shteeble(Cong. Shomray Torah) Beit Midrash Night will not meet on March 24th (Purim)
YOM HASHOAH CANDLE DELIVERY
Sunday, March 24, 9:00 AM to 11:45 PM at Beth Emeth. This is the day for picking up Yom HaShoah candles for the community-wide effort to deliver a Yom HaShoah candle to every Jewish home in the Capital District. All are welcome to participate in making deliveries, no prior registration necessary, just show up and pick-up a route! Contact Bob Crystal (518-364-5782) if you have any questions or if you need to coordinate an alternate pickup time.
CBAJ YARN CRAFT CLUB Tuesday, 26th at 7:30 PM All ages. Children under 12 welcome with adult supervision.
*For more information about programs in this section, scroll down to the relevant sections.
YOUTH PROGAMS
Tot Shabbat For children ages 0-5 and their parents at 10:30 am in classroom 3. Please contact Joshua Schulman-Marcus (jschumar@gmail.com) if you would like to be added to the Young Families WhatsApp group.
Youth Groups Kids in grades k-5 will meet each Shabbat morning at 10-11 am. Groups will be led by our youth director and teen youth leaders. For more information about attending, or if your teen wants to work as a youth leader, email office@cbaj.org
Babysitting Babysitting is available for children ages 0-5 every Shabbat morning from 10:00-11:30 am! You do not need to be a member to drop off your kids. At least one parent or guardian must be at CBAJ for the duration of babysitting. Babysitting will take place in Classroom 3. The babysitters will bring the kids to Kiddush, please remember to pick up your kids when babysitting ends! Please make sure to inform the babysitters if your child has any food allergies or restrictions. Children in diapers may participate, but babysitters will not be able to change diapers, so please check on kids in diapers.
CBAJ PROGRAMS
CBAJ YARN CRAFT CLUB CBAJ Yarn Craft Club will be meeting on Tuesday March 26th at 7:30 pm (or after maariv). Bring a project you are working on, or a desire to learn something new! Children under 12 welcome with adult supervision. Basic yarn, hooks and needles will be available. Contact Rina Chester ( mofeldmanhy5@gmail.com ) with questions.
WEEKLY LEARNING AT CBAJ
NACH YOMI Join Rabbi Kean for studying a chapter of NACH (Nevi'im & Ketuvim, the latter two sections of Jewish scripture) every weekday before Shacharit, Sunday through Friday, half an hour before the regular start time for morning services (7:30 am on Sundays, 6:10 am Monday - Friday) - in the social hall.
TORAH & TEA* Thursday mornings, 9:30 - 10:30 AM on Zoom*. Studying Kohelet (Ecclesiastes) * A Theodore Strauss z"l Endowment Fund sponsored program
TALMUD CLASS Join our Shabbat Afternoon TALMUD SHIUR in-person, at CBAJ,starting 1 hour before Mincha We are studying Masechet Makkot.
*CBAJ ZOOM ROOM (weekday classes only) Go to https://zoom.us/join Enter meeting ID: 940 508 9347 | Enter passcode: 613518
ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMMING
FALL SEASON OF COMMUNITY BEIS MIDRASH NIGHT Join us at the Shteeble (Cong. Shomray Torah)* new location for the new season of Beis Medrash Night 8:00 PM this Sunday.
Independent & Guided Learning Guided learning with Rabbi Kean will meet once or twice a month. Topic: Ein Yaakov - Anthology of Talmudic Aggadah.
A Theodore Strauss z"l Endowment Fund sponsored program
Announcing the winter season of Lunch & Learn for Seniors with Rabbi Ben Kean: Midrash Rewriting the Story
April 9: "Can the 10 Plagues be Explained as Natural Phenomena? Midrash & the Passover Story"
Spring dates to be announced after Passover
All sessions will begin at 12:30 pm Lunch is free of charge catered by 518 Kosher and supervised by the VHCD Please feel welcome to wear a mask during the event & take lunch home to enjoy Please register by contacting our office at 518.489.5819 x3 or office@cbaj.org
Prophetic Personalities A lecture series for select winter Shabbatot March 30Huldah with Simma Kinderlehrer
THE DEE PIRKEI AVOT PROJECT
The Dee Pirkei Avot project disseminates a weekly Pirkei Avot study and discussion sheet in honor of their memory of Lucy, Maia, and Rina, z''l, who were killed in a terrorist attack this year.
“A community is too heavy to carry alone” Deuteronomy Rabbah 1:10
We are excited and honored to be partnering with 10 other local organizations in the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s LIFE & LEGACY™ program. Please help us pay it forward and leave a legacy for future Capital District Jews. Please speak to Paula Mosher or Ellen Kaplowitzthe Life & Legacy committee chairs about partnering on this crucial initiative to ensure the vitality of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob for the next 200 years.
Please click HERE for an important message from our Security Committee & security partner, Community Security Service (CSS) regarding guidelines for attending pro-Israel events
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
TORAH READING Exodus 38:21 - 40:38, p.530 Haftarah: I Kings 7:51 - 8:21, p. 1164
SPEAKER Rabbi Kean will deliver a Dvar Torah this Shabbat.
Life & Legacy Simcha Kiddush Kiddush this week is specially prepared by the CBAJ Life & Legacy committe, chaired by Ellen Kaplowitz and Paula Mosher and the CBAJ Simcha kiddush committee, chaired by Marta Koblenz and Faye Silton.
This special Simcha Kiddush honors all the community members who have already committed to leaving a legacy gift.
Sponsors for this Shabbat's Simcha kiddush include CBAJ Life & Legacy Committe, and all of this month's Simcha co-sponsors and celebrants listed below.
On behalf of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob, I would like to wish you and your family a restful and meaningful Shabbat.
It is hard to believe that Purim is next week! Please see below for the full Purim schedule.
This Shabbat is Agunah Awareness Shabbat, an initiative of the Organization for the Resolution of Agunot (ORA), to raise awareness to the widespread problem of get refusal, which is when one spouse in a marriage that is over refuses to participate in the halachic divorce process. Every day, ORA reaffirms our commitment to protect and support those who refused their freedom. Join us. Stand up, stand proud and stand with us as we protect agunot around the world in the diaspora and in Israel. To read more about ORA's work, please visit: www.getora.org.
This year, ahead of Purim, I would like to invite you to join me in two special Mishloach Manot initiatives. First, CBAJ is proud to partner with ORA in sending Mishloach Manot to agunot. Second, CBAJ is proud to partner with the Kochav HaShachar community in Israel to send Mishloach Manot to families with a father/husband who is currently serving in the war with Hamas. This initiative is being organized by former Albany shaliach, Yael Reshef, who spent time strengthening our community in Albany. Participation in these initiatives shows agunot and Israeli army families that we stand with them and care about them. If you are interested in joining in any of these initiatives, please make a contribution to the Rabbi’s discretionaryfund and put “M&M for Agunot” or “M&M for army families” in the payment notes.
I hope to see you soon at a tefilah, children's program, event, or class!
Amy Svirsky & Aliza Abolafia in celebration of Mitch Abolafia’s birthday Laura & Sam Weisblatt in honor of their 10th wedding anniversary Laura Segal in honor of all the members of Life & Legacy, in celebration of Zvi Segal’s birthday and their son Samuel Segal’s birthday Stacy & David Cohen in honor of the birthdays of our sons Benjamin and Steven Nina Mikhaylova, Daniela & Vadim Mikhaylov in honor of Grigoriy Mikhaylov’s 70th birthday, and Kiya Perkin’s birthday Deborah Fruchtman & Seth Rigberg in celebration of the birthdays of Johanna Steper and Netanya Simons
UPCOMING EVENTS
COMMUNITY BEIS MIDRASH NIGHT* NEW LOCATION! Sunday, 8:00 pm at THE SHTEEBLE (Cong. Shomray Torah)
Pre-Purim Family Learning Night - March 16 at 8 PM See below for details.
CBAJ's Annual Purim Carnival March 24, 1 - 3 PM Bouncy house party, meat seudah, and opportunities to fulfill all the mitzvot of Purim!
*See the sections below for more information about these upcoming events and other programs
YOUTH PROGAMS
Tot Shabbat The next Tot Shabbat will be March 16 For children ages 0-5 and their parents at 10:30 am in classroom 3. Please contact Joshua Schulman-Marcus (jschumar@gmail.com) if you would like to be added to the Young Families WhatsApp group.
Pre-Purim Family Learning Night March 16 at 8:00 PM Pizza, prizes, Torah & family bonding! For ages 5-12 With Yonah Schneider Sponsored by the Barlaz family
Youth Groups Kids in grades k-5 will meet each Shabbat morning at 10-11 am. Groups will be led by our youth director and teen youth leaders. For more information about attending, or if your teen wants to work as a youth leader, email office@cbaj.org
Babysitting Babysitting is available for children ages 0-5 every Shabbat morning from 10:00-11:30 am! You do not need to be a member to drop off your kids. At least one parent or guardian must be at CBAJ for the duration of babysitting. Babysitting will take place in Classroom 3. The babysitters will bring the kids to Kiddush, please remember to pick up your kids when babysitting ends! Please make sure to inform the babysitters if your child has any food allergies or restrictions. Children in diapers may participate, but babysitters will not be able to change diapers, so please check on kids in diapers.
WEEKLY LEARNING AT CBAJ
NACH YOMI Join Rabbi Kean for studying a chapter of NACH (Nevi'im & Ketuvim, the latter two sections of Jewish scripture) every weekday before Shacharit, Sunday through Friday, half an hour before the regular start time for morning services (7:30 am on Sundays, 6:10 am Monday - Friday) - in the social hall.
TORAH & TEA* Thursday mornings, 9:30 - 10:30 AM on Zoom*. Studying Kohelet (Ecclesiastes) * A Theodore Strauss z"l Endowment Fund sponsored program
TALMUD CLASS Join our Shabbat Afternoon TALMUD SHIUR in-person, at CBAJ,starting 1 hour before Mincha We are studying Masechet Makkot.
*CBAJ ZOOM ROOM (weekday classes only) Go to https://zoom.us/join Enter meeting ID: 940 508 9347 | Enter passcode: 613518
ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMMING
FALL SEASON OF COMMUNITY BEIS MIDRASH NIGHT Join us at the Shteeble (Cong. Shomray Torah)* new location for the new season of Beis Medrash Night 8:00 PM this Sunday.
Independent & Guided Learning Guided learning with Rabbi Kean will meet once or twice a month. Topic: Ein Yaakov - Anthology of Talmudic Aggadah.
* A Theodore Strauss z"l Endowment Fund sponsored program
Announcing the winter season of Lunch & Learn for Seniors with Rabbi Ben Kean: Midrash Rewriting the Story
March 19:Who is "The King" in the Purim Story? April 9: TBA
All sessions will begin at 12:30 pm Lunch is free of charge catered by 518 Kosher and supervised by the VHCD Please feel welcome to wear a mask during the event & take lunch home to enjoy Please register by contacting our office at 518.489.5819 x3 or office@cbaj.org
Prophetic Personalities A lecture series for select winter Shabbatot March 30Huldah with Simma Kinderlehrer
THE DEE PIRKEI AVOT PROJECT
The Dee Pirkei Avot project disseminates a weekly Pirkei Avot study and discussion sheet in honor of their memory of Lucy, Maia, and Rina, z''l, who were killed in a terrorist attack this year.
“A community is too heavy to carry alone” Deuteronomy Rabbah 1:10
We are excited and honored to be partnering with 10 other local organizations in the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s LIFE & LEGACY™ program. Please help us pay it forward and leave a legacy for future Capital District Jews. Please speak to Paula Mosher or Ellen Kaplowitzthe Life & Legacy committee chairs about partnering on this crucial initiative to ensure the vitality of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob for the next 200 years.
Please click HERE for an important message from our Security Committee & security partner, Community Security Service (CSS) regarding guidelines for attending pro-Israel events
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
