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
Shabbat Mevarchim Parshat Shekalim Vayakhel March 8 - 9, 2024
Friday Candle Lighting 5:36 pm
Friday Evening Services 5:35 pm
Morning Services Shabbat 9:00 am
Latest Shema 9:11 am Kiddush following services
Babysitting 10:00 am
Youth Groups 10:00 am Shabbat Mincha 12:35 pm Talmud Class 5:50 pm
Havdalah 6:37 pm Maariv 6:50 pm
REMINDER: Day Light Saving Begins Again This Weekend
TORAH READING Exodus 35:1 - 38:20, Artscroll p. 516 Maftir: Exodus 30:11-16, 484 Haftarah: II Kings 12:1 - 17, p. 1213
SPEAKER Rabbi Kean will deliver a Dvar Torah this Shabbat.
KIDDUSH A light kiddush luncheon is being sponsored this Shabbat by Rebekah Wildman and Joshua Wildman in celebration of the bar mitzvah of their son, Shlomo Wildman. Mazal Tov!
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.
Rosh Chodesh Adar Bet begins on Saturday night, which means Purim is right around the corner! Please anticipate receiving soon our full Purim schedule, Purim guide, and information about fulfilling the mitzvah of Matanot La-Evyonim (gifts for those in need) with CBAJ.
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
MAIMONIDES PIZZA NIGHT Saturday night, March 9, at Maimonides school! Last night of the year!
COMMUNITY BEIS MIDRASH NIGHT* NEW LOCATION! Sunday, 8:00 pm at THE SHTEEBLE (Cong. Shomray Torah)
CBAJ LIFE & LEGACY "What I Love About Beth Abe" Art Contest Please contact office@cbaj.org if your child is participating. We want to make sure we have received everyone's submission.
LIFE & LEGACY SPONSORED MARCH 16th SIMCHA KIDDUSH Please join us for the next Simcha Kiddush All are invited to be co-sponsors in honor of a special person or special event (click here to sponsor) All submissions for the CBAJ Life & Legacy "What I Love About Beth Abe" Art Contest will be on display
Pre-Purim Family Learning Night - March 16 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! Full Purim schedule coming soon
*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
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 Maariv 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 30*Huldah with Simma Kinderlehrer *Please note new date.
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
THANK YOU LETTERS TO IDF SOLDIERS Nathan and Sarah Singer (son and daughter-in-law of CBAJ members Ruth & Sheldon) are requesting letters of appreciation to IDF soldiers to be distributed while visiting hospitals in Israel. These simple messages are very meaningful and appreciated by Israel’s defenders. Messages can be sent to Nathanesinger@gmail.com
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
SPEAKER Rabbi Kean will deliver a Dvar Torah this Shabbat. Kiddush Conversation will be led by Chana Cotter.
KIDDUSH Kiddush this Shabbat is sponsored by Nanci Wagner in memory of Abbott Hillel Phillips z"l, May his memory be for a blessing and by Rakhamim & Rachel Yakobov, on the birth of a daughter, who will be named this Shabbat.
CONDOLENCES Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob regrets to inform you of the passing of longtime CBAJ member Abbott Hillel Phillips. Abbott is survived by his wife, Judy Diamond Phillips, his children, Michelle Davidoff (Doug Harff), Jonathan Phillips (Amy Phillips), Tracey Nussbaum (Keith Nussbaum) and Rick Lev (Tammy Lev), Scott Phillips (Debra Phillips) and his many beloved grandchildren. The funeral took place Tuesday.
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob regrets to inform you of the passing of Rabbi Meyer Hershl Leifer, husband of Dr. Jacqueline Maier, father of CBAJ member Mark (Simi) Leifer, Nicole (Shlomo) Cohen, Daniella Leifer, Lori Leifer, David (Elaina) Leifer, and grandfather of Ella & Abby Leifer, Iddo, Aviyah, Tomer, & Shaked Cohen, and Ariella Leifer. The funeral took place Monday. Shiva in Albany: Mark, Simi, Ella, & Abby will return to Albany on Thursday to conclude shiva at the following schedule: Saturday: visiting hours: 7:30 - 9:00 pm Sunday: Shacharit at 8:45 am. Shiva concludes following Shacharit.
May the families be comforted, and may Abbott's and Rabbi Leifer'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. 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! Sunday, 8:00 pm at THE SHTEEBLE (Cong. Shomray Torah)
CBAJ LIFE & LEGACY "What I Love About Beth Abe" Art Contest All art contest submission are due by Monday, March 4
SUNDAY SCHMOOZE *NEW* Next Sunday Schmooze date TBA
KIDDUSH LUNCH March 9 Rebekah Wildman and Joshua Wildman will sponsor a light kiddush luncheon next Shabbat (March 9) in celebration of the bar mitzvah of their son, Shlomo. Mazal tov!
*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. "What I Love About Beth Abe" Art Contest details Organized by CBAJ's Life & Legacy Committee, All art contest submission are due by Monday, March 4 Coordinate with the office at office@cbaj.org
Award winning art pieces will be presented, along with all submissions, at our very special Life & Legacy Simcha Kiddush on March 16. Show us your artistic talents and celebrate Life & Legacy. Our Children are indeed our future !!!
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 Maariv 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.
KIDDUSH CONVERSATIONS 2023-2024 Share Jewish experiences or ideas that inspire you! Following Kiddush on winter Shabbats.
* 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 30*Huldah with Simma Kinderlehrer *Please note new date.
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
AMIDAH ALBANY The Amidah Albany group is hosting a zoom presentation with Professor Aren M. Maeir entitled The Current Conflict From A Modern Historical Perspective, at CBAJ March 3, 1:00pm - 3:00pm. RSVP is required -click here to register
THANK YOU LETTERS TO IDF SOLDIERS Nathan and Sarah Singer (son and daughter-in-law of CBAJ members Ruth & Sheldon) are requesting letters of appreciation to IDF soldiers to be distributed while visiting hospitals in Israel. These simple messages are very meaningful and appreciated by Israel’s defenders. Messages can be sent to Nathanesinger@gmail.com
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
SPEAKER Rabbi Kean will deliver a Dvar Torah this Shabbat. Kiddush Conversation will be led by Mitch Abolafia.
KIDDUSH Kiddush this Shabbat is sponsored by CBAJ.
CONDOLENCES Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob regrets to inform you of the passing Sara Schaffer-Pollack, wife of Michael Pollack, sister of CBAJ member Howard A. Schaffer (Simma) and the late Merle Schaffer (Lewis) Sperber, z''l, and Donna (Harry, z''l) Minassian. The funeral took place on Tuesday. The family sat shiva at the home of Michael and Sara, z''l.
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!
ALBANY NCSY SHABBATON February 23-24 Details below
FEBRUARY FAMILY LEARNING NIGHT Saturday, February 24, 7:00 PM Parsha learning for families, pizza, raffle, prizes, and bonding! Geared to kids ages 5-12
COMMUNITY BEIS MIDRASH NIGHT* NEW LOCATION! Sunday, 8:00 pm at THE SHTEEBLE (Cong. Shomray Torah) Rabbi Kean's guided learning group will meet this week. New Topic: Exploring Ein Yaakov (anthology of Talmudic Midrash)
CHILDREN'S CREATIVE ART DAY with Youth Director Daniella Mikhaylova Sunday, February 25, 10 AM - Noon & CBAJ LIFE & LEGACY "What I Love About Beth Abe" Art Contest
SUNDAY SHMOOZE*NEW* Sunday, February 25, following morning minyan (approx. 8:30 am) Join your CBAJ friends and Rabbi Kean for Sunday morning bagels, brief D'var Torah, and shmoozing! Sponsored by Sam & Barbara Sonenberg in l'ilui nishmat Lorraine Sherman and by Rob Kasper. Funded in part by the Theodore Strauss z''l Endowment Fund.
SENIOR SHIUR & DINNER *NEW* “End of Life Issues and Halacha” presented by Rav Dovid Cohen February 26, 2024 Dinner: 6:00 pm Lecture: 7:00pm See below under Adult Education for registration details. Sponsored in part by the Theodore Strauss z''l Endowment Fund
*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. Children's Creative Art Day with Youth Director Daniella Mikhaylova & "What I Love About Beth Abe" Art Contest details Sunday, February 25, 10 AM - Noon @ CBAJ Social Hall Join Youth Art Director Daniella Mikhaylova to work on your submission for the upcoming "What I love About Beth Abe" art contest, organized by CBAJ's Life & Legacy Committee. There will be a variety of art supplies available but you are welcome to bring your own too. Young children should be accompanied by a parent.
All art contest submission are due by Monday, March 4 Award winning art pieces will be presented, along with all submissions, at our very special Life & Legacy Simcha Kiddush on March 16. Show us your artistic talents and celebrate Life & Legacy. Our Children are indeed our future !!!
NCSY ALBANY NCSY SHABBATON at CBAJ February 23-24 Friday Night: Oneg with snacks, games & hangout 8:30 - 10:00 pm at Kovach's Saturday: Shabbos lunch at CBAJ at 1:00 pm Saturday Night Activity: Dave and Busters arcade, 7:15-9:00 pm
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 Maariv 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
Shiur Screening & Dinner for Seniors “End of Life Issues and Halacha” Presented by Rav Dovid Cohen February 26, 2024, Dinner: 6:00 pm Shiur: 7:00 pm At CBAJ, dinner prepared by 518Kosher RVSP required by Thursday, February 22 by calling 518.489.5819 x 3 or emailing office@cbaj.org Please include number attending and names click here for more details Sponsored in part by the Theodore Strauss z''l Endowment Fund
CBAJ BOOK CLUB Announcing the next book to read: Rav Kook: Mystic in a Time of Revolution (Jewish Lives) by Yehudah Mirsky The next book club meeting: Wednesday, February 28 at 8:00 pm
FALL SEASON OF COMMUNITY BEIS MIDRASH NIGHT Join us at the Shteeble (Cong. Shomray Torah) 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.
Rabbi Kean's guided learning group will meet this week. New Topic: Exploring Ein Yaakov (anthology of Talmudic Midrash)
KIDDUSH CONVERSATIONS 2023-2024 Share Jewish experiences or ideas that inspire you! Following Kiddush on winter Shabbats. Contact Simma Kinderlehrer or Rabbi Kean to sign up
* 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
February 27: How Does Midrash Work? 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 30* Huldah with Simma Kinderlehrer *Please note new date.
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
THANK YOU LETTERS TO IDF SOLDIERS Nathan and Sarah Singer (son and daughter-in-law of CBAJ members Ruth & Sheldon) are requesting letters of appreciation to IDF soldiers to be distributed while visiting hospitals in Israel. These simple messages are very meaningful and appreciated by Israel’s defenders. Messages can be sent to Nathanesinger@gmail.com
I Stand with Israel bracelets are available for purchase $5.00 each (cash or Venmo @SherylHoffman). Pick up at Temple Israel All proceeds will go to Federations Support Israel Efforts
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
Youth Groups 10:00 am Shabbat Mincha 12:36 pm Talmud Class No class this week
Havdalah 6:12 pm Maariv 6:25 pm
TORAH READING Exodus 25:1 - 27:19, Artscroll p. 444 Haftarah: I Kings 5:26 - 6:13, 1157
SPEAKER Daniel Grossberg will deliver the third installment of the Prophetic Personalities winter lecture series following services on the prophet Yonah.
KIDDUSH Kiddush this Shabbat is sponsored by Nanette & Artie Brenner to celebrate the birth of identical twin boys Ori Amichai and Raz Rephael to our children, Lianna Brenner and Elie Peltz; and to mark the 12th yahrzeit of Nanette's mother Eva Halpern (Chava bat Bessa)
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 out of town this Shabbat and most of next week. I look forward to seeing you all when I return. You may continue to reach out to me for urgent matters, such as halachic matters, and I will answer as quickly as possible. I will reply to all non-urgent matters 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
COMMUNITY BEIS MIDRASH NIGHT* Sunday, 8:00 pm at CBAJ
ALBANY NCSY SHABBATON February 23-24
CHILDREN'S CREATIVE ART DAY with Youth Director Daniella Mikhaylova Sunday, February 25, 10 AM - Noon & CBAJ LIFE & LEGACY "What I Love About Beth Abe" Art Contest
SUNDAY SHMOOZE*NEW* Sunday, February 25, following morning minyan (approx. 8:30 am) Join your CBAJ friends and Rabbi Kean for Sunday morning bagels, brief D'var Torah, and shmoozing! Sponsored by Sam & Barbara Sonenberg in l'ilui nishmat Lorraine Sherman and by Rob Casper. Funded in part by the Theodore Strauss z''l Endowment Fund.
SENIOR SHUIR & DINNER *NEW* “End of Life Issues and Halacha” presented by Rav Dovid Cohen February 26, 2024, 7:00pm See below under Adult Education for registration details. Sponsored in part by the Theodore Strauss z''l Endowment Fund
CBAJ MEET-UP IN FLORIDA Rabbi Kean will be visiting with CBAJ members in Florida (Boca Raton & Fort Myers) the week of Presidents’ Day! Please reach out to Rabbi Kean if you are interested in receiving details and attending rabbi@cbaj.org
*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. Children's Creative Art Day with Youth Director Daniella Mikhaylova & "What I Love About Beth Abe" Art Contest details Sunday, February 25, 10 AM - Noon @ CBAJ Social Hall Join Youth Art Director Daniella Mikhaylova to work on your submission for the upcoming "What I love About Beth Abe" art contest, organized by CBAJ's Life & Legacy Committee. There will be a variety of art supplies available but you are welcome to bring your own too. Young children should be accompanied by a parent.
All art contest submission are due by Monday, March 4 Award winning art pieces will be presented, along with all submissions, at our very special Life & Legacy Simcha Kiddush on March 16. Show us your artistic talents and celebrate Life & Legacy. Our Children are indeed our future !!!
NCSY ALBANY NCSY SHABBATON at CBAJ February 23-24 Friday Night: Oneg with snacks, games & hangout Saturday: Shabbos lunch at CBAJ Saturday Night Activity: Dave and Busters arcade
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* No class this week Thursday mornings, 9:30 - 10:30 AM on Zoom*. Studying Kohelet (Ecclesiastes) * A Theodore Strauss z"l Endowment Fund sponsored program
TALMUD CLASS No class this week Join our Shabbat Afternoon TALMUD SHIUR in-person, at CBAJ,starting 1 hour before Maariv 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
Shiur Screening & Dinner for Seniors “End of Life Issues and Halacha” Presented by Rav Dovid Cohen February 26, 2024, 7:00pm At CBAJ, dinner prepared by 518Kosher RVSP required by Thursday, February 22 by calling 518.489.5819 x 3 or emailing office@cbaj.org Please include number attending and names click here for more details Sponsored in part by the Theodore Strauss z''l Endowment Fund
CBAJ BOOK CLUB Announcing the next book to read: Rav Kook: Mystic in a Time of Revolution (Jewish Lives) by Yehudah Mirsky The next book club meeting: Wednesday, February 28 at 8:00 pm
FALL SEASON OF COMMUNITY BEIS MIDRASH NIGHT This season, all sessions will be held WEEKLY on SUNDAYS at CBAJ at 8:00 pm
Independent & Guided Learning Guided learning with Rabbi Kean will meet once or twice a month. Guided learning with Rabbi Kean NOT meet this week.
KIDDUSH CONVERSATIONS 2023-2024 Share Jewish experiences or ideas that inspire you! Following Kiddush on winter Shabbats. Contact Simma Kinderlehrer or Rabbi Kean to sign up
* 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
February 27: How Does Midrash Work? March 19:Who is "The King"? 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 Feb 17 Yonah with Daniel Grossberg March 30* Huldah with Simma Kinderlehrer *Please note new date.
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
THANK YOU LETTERS TO IDF SOLDIERS Nathan and Sarah Singer (son and daughter-in-law of CBAJ members Ruth & Sheldon) are requesting letters of appreciation to IDF soldiers to be distributed while visiting hospitals in Israel. These simple messages are very meaningful and appreciated by Israel’s defenders. Messages can be sent to Nathanesinger@gmail.com
I Stand with Israel bracelets are available for purchase $5.00 each (cash or Venmo @SherylHoffman). Pick up at Temple Israel All proceeds will go to Federations Support Israel Efforts
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
Shabbat Mishpatim & Rosh Chodesh Adar I February 9 - 10, 2024
Friday Candle Lighting 5:01 pm
Friday Evening Services 5:00 pm
Morning Services Shabbat 9:00 am
Latest Shema 9:35 am
Simcha Kiddush following services
Babysitting 10:00 am
Youth Groups 10:00 am
TOT SHABBAT 10:30 am Shabbat Mincha 12:36 pm Talmud Class 5:20 pm
Havdalah 6:04 pm Maariv 6:20 pm
TORAH READING Exodus 21:1 - 24:18, Artscroll p.416 Maftir: Numbers 28:9-15, p. 890 Haftarah: Isaiah 66:1-24, p. 1208
SPEAKER Rabbi Kean will deliver a Dvar Torah this Shabbat
Kiddush Conversations will be led by Faye Silton.
SIMCHA KIDDUSH This Shabbat, the Simcha Kiddush (dairy) is prepared by the Simcha Kiddush Committee, chaired by Faye Silton & Marta Koblenz. The Simcha Kiddush is sponsored by CBAJ, and the families 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.
I hope to see you soon at a tefilah, children's program, event, or class!
Am Yisrael Chai.
Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Ben Kean
SIMCHA KIDDUSH SPONSORS & CELEBRANTS
Stan and Margie Rosenberg in honor of Stan Rosenberg'sbirthday Marissa & Eitan Barlaz in honor of Ayal’s upcoming 2nd birthday Stacy & David Cohen in honor of David’s brother Mitchell Cohen’s Leap Year Birthday! Sandra Sabzevari and Joshua Schulman-Marcus in honor of their anniversary Scott & Clara Roth in celebration of their wedding anniversary, and in honor of daughter Ilana on her birthday Rabbi Paul Silton in honor of Faye Jeanne Silton's birthday, and the birthday of their daughter Elana Yaakova Moskowitz, and the birthdays of Solomon Zeke Robinson, Nitzhan Ta'ir Epstein, and Jonah Gavriel Brandwein
UPCOMING EVENTS
COMMUNITY BEIS MIDRASH NIGHT* Sunday, 8:00 pm at CBAJ
A Chevra Kaddisha Event *NEW* Thursday, February 15 Hosted by: CBAJ, Levine Memorial Chapel & Chevra Kaddisha See below under Adult Education for more details.
Prophetic Personalities A lecture series for select winter Shabbatot February 17 Yonah with Daniel Grossberg
Sunday Shmooze *NEW* Sunday, February 25, following morning minyan (approx. 8:30 am) Join your CBAJ friends and Rabbi Kean for Sunday morning bagels, brief D'var Torah, and shmoozing!
Children's Creative Art Day with Youth Director Daniella Mikhaylova Sunday, February 25, 10 AM - Noon
A Special Seniors Shuir & Dinner *NEW* “End of Life Issues and Halacha” presented by Rav Dovid Cohen February 26, 2024, 7:00pm See below under Adult Education for more details. Sponsored in part by the Theodore Strauss z''l Endowment Fund
CBAJ MEET-UP IN FLORIDA Rabbi Kean will be visiting with CBAJ members in Florida (Boca Raton & Fort Myers) the week of Presidents’ Day! Please reach out to Rabbi Kean if you are interested in receiving details and attending rabbi@cbaj.org
*See the sections below for more information about these upcoming events and other programs
YOUTH PROGAMS
Tot Shabbat Tot Shabbat this 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. Children's Creative Art Day with Youth Director Daniella Mikhaylova & "What I love About Beth Abe" Art Contest details Sunday, February 25, 10 AM - Noon @ CBAJ Social Hall Join Youth Art Director Daniella Mikhaylova to work on your submission for the upcoming "What I love About Beth Abe" art contest, organized by CBAJ's Life & Legacy Committee. There will be a variety of art supplies available but you are welcome to bring your own too. Young children should be accompanied by a parent.
All art contest submission are due by Monday, March 4 Award winning art pieces will be presented, along with all submissions, at our very special Life & Legacy Simcha Kiddush on March 16. Show us your artistic talents and celebrate Life & Legacy. Our Children are indeed our future !!!
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 Maariv 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
A Chevra Kaddisha Event: Screening of Zayin Adar Event with Rabbi Elchonon Zohn. Rabbi Zohn is the director of the National Association of Chevra Kadsiha. Thursday, February 15. Location: 380 Whitehall Rd. Doors open 8:15 pm. Hosted by: CBAJ, Levine Memorial Chapel & Chevra Kaddisha Attendance: open to all, light refreshments served & prepared by 518Kosher Registration requested: Text message Rabbi Bomzer (518-727-5566) or Rebbetzin Bomzer (518-391-8910). click here for more details
Shiur Screening & Dinner for Seniors “End of Life Issues and Halacha” Presented by Rav Dovid Cohen February 26, 2024, 7:00pm At CBAJ, dinner prepared by 518Kosher RVSP required by Thursday, February 22 by calling 518.489.5819 x 3 or emailing office@cbaj.org Please include number attending and names click here for more details Sponsored in part by the Theodore Strauss z''l Endowment Fund
CBAJ BOOK CLUB Announcing the next book to read: Rav Kook: Mystic in a Time of Revolution (Jewish Lives) by Yehudah Mirsky The next book club meeting: Wednesday, February 28 at 8:00 pm
FALL SEASON OF COMMUNITY BEIS MIDRASH NIGHT This season, all sessions will be held WEEKLY on SUNDAYS at CBAJ at 8:00 pm
Independent & Guided Learning Guided learning with Rabbi Kean will meet once or twice a month. Guided learning with Rabbi Kean NOT meet this week.
KIDDUSH CONVERSATIONS 2023-2024 Share Jewish experiences or ideas that inspire you! Following Kiddush on winter Shabbats. Contact Simma Kinderlehrer or Rabbi Kean to sign up
* A Theodore Strauss z"l Endowment Fund sponsored program
Stay tuned for the Winter schedule
Prophetic Personalities A lecture series for select winter Shabbatot Feb 17 Yonah with Daniel Grossberg March 30* Huldah with Simma Kinderlehrer *Please note new date.
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
THANK YOU LETTERS TO IDF SOLDIERS Nathan and Sarah Singer (son and daughter-in-law of CBAJ members Ruth & Sheldon) are requesting letters of appreciation to IDF soldiers to be distributed while visiting hospitals in Israel. These simple messages are very meaningful and appreciated by Israel’s defenders. Messages can be sent to Nathanesinger@gmail.com
I Stand with Israel bracelets are available for purchase $5.00 each (cash or Venmo @SherylHoffman). Pick up at Temple Israel All proceeds will go to Federations Support Israel Efforts
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
Latest Shema 9:39 am Regular Kiddush following services
Babysitting 10:00 am
Youth Groups 10:00 am Shabbat Mincha 12:35 pm Talmud Class 5:10 pm
Havdalah 5:55 pm Maariv 6:10 pm
Family Learning 6:30 pm following Maariv
TORAH READING Exodus 18:1 - 20:23: Artscroll p. 394 Haftarah: Isaiah 6:1- 7:6, 9:5-6 p. 1154
SPEAKER Rabbi Kean will deliver a Dvar Torah this Shabbat
Kiddush Conversations will be led by Barry Siegel
KIDDUSH Kiddush this Shabbat 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 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* Sunday, 8:00 pm at CBAJ
CBAJ FAMILY LEARNING NIGHT Led by youth director Yonah Schneier February 3rd at 6:30 PM (following Ma’ariv) Ages 5-12 Featuring a Pizza Party !
Sponsored by Rabbi Moshe & Rebbetzin Rochel Bomzer l'iluy nishmat HaRav Chaim Zev Bomzer on the occasion of his 11th yahrzeit
FEBRUARY SIMCHA KIDDUSH Share your special life moments with us at the February 10th Simcha Kiddush Click Here to sponsor
February 25 Kid's Art Day & Art Contest Save the date for Sunday morning, February 25. Details below.
CBAJ MEET-UP IN FLORIDA Rabbi Kean will be visiting with CBAJ members in Florida (Boca Raton & Fort Myers) the week of Presidents’ Day! Please reach out to Rabbi Kean if you are interested in receiving details and attending rabbi@cbaj.org
*See the sections below for more information about these upcoming events and other programs
YOUTH PROGAMS
Tot Shabbat The next Tot Shabbat will be February 10 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. Children's Art Day and Art Contest Art day: Sunday, February 25 Art will be displayed & prizes announced Shabbat, March 16 Theme: What I Love About Beth Abe! Organized with the Life & Legacy Committee More details forthcoming.
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 Maariv 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 Announcing the next book to read: Rav Kook: Mystic in a Time of Revolution (Jewish Lives) by Yehudah Mirsky The next book club meeting: Wednesday, February 28 at 8:00 pm
FALL SEASON OF COMMUNITY BEIS MIDRASH NIGHT This season, all sessions will be held WEEKLY on SUNDAYS at CBAJ at 8:00 pm
Independent & Guided Learning Guided learning with Rabbi Kean will meet once or twice a month. Guided learning with Rabbi Kean NOT meet this week.
KIDDUSH CONVERSATIONS 2023-2024 Share Jewish experiences or ideas that inspire you! Following Kiddush on winter Shabbats. Contact Simma Kinderlehrer or Rabbi Kean to sign up
* A Theodore Strauss z"l Endowment Fund sponsored program
Stay tuned for the Winter schedule
Prophetic Personalities A lecture series for select winter Shabbatot Jan 20 Shmuel with Rabbi Kean Feb 17 Yonah with Daniel Grossberg March 30* Huldah with Simma Kinderlehrer *Please note new date.
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
THANK YOU LETTERS TO IDF SOLDIERS Nathan and Sarah Singer (son and daughter-in-law of CBAJ members Ruth & Sheldon) are requesting letters of appreciation to IDF soldiers to be distributed while visiting hospitals in Israel. These simple messages are very meaningful and appreciated by Israel’s defenders. Messages can be sent to Nathanesinger@gmail.com
I Stand with Israel bracelets are available for purchase $5.00 each (cash or Venmo @SherylHoffman). Pick up at Temple Israel All proceeds will go to Federations Support Israel Efforts
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
Latest Shema 9:39 am Kiddush Luncheon following services
Babysitting 10:00 am
Youth Groups 10:00 am Shabbat Mincha 12:35 pm Talmud Class 5:10 pm
Havdalah 5:55 pm Maariv 6:10 pm
Family Learning 6:30 pm following Maariv
TORAH READING Exodus 18:1 - 20:23: Artscroll p. 394 Haftarah: Isaiah 6:1- 7:6, 9:5-6 p. 1154
SPEAKER Rabbi Kean will deliver a Dvar Torah this Shabbat
Kiddush Conversations will be led by Barry Siegel
KIDDUSH Kiddush this Shabbat 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 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* Sunday, 8:00 pm at CBAJ
CBAJ FAMILY LEARNING NIGHT Led by youth director Yonah Schneier February 3rd at 6:30 PM (following Ma’ariv) Ages 5-12 Featuring a Pizza Party !
Sponsored by Rabbi Moshe & Rebbetzin Rochel Bomzer l'iluy nishmat HaRav Chaim Zev Bomzer on the occasion of his 11th yahrzeit
FEBRUARY SIMCHA KIDDUSH Share your special life moments with us at the February 10th Simcha Kiddush Click Here to sponsor
February 25 Kid's Art Day & Art Contest Save the date for Sunday morning, February 25. Details below.
CBAJ MEET-UP IN FLORIDA Rabbi Kean will be visiting with CBAJ members in Florida (Boca Raton & Fort Myers) the week of Presidents’ Day! Please reach out to Rabbi Kean if you are interested in receiving details and attending rabbi@cbaj.org
*See the sections below for more information about these upcoming events and other programs
YOUTH PROGAMS
Tot Shabbat The next Tot Shabbat will be February 10 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. Children's Art Day and Art Contest Art day: Sunday, February 25 Art will be displayed & prizes announced Shabbat, March 16 Theme: What I Love About Beth Abe! Organized with the Life & Legacy Committee More details forthcoming.
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 Maariv 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 Announcing the next book to read: Rav Kook: Mystic in a Time of Revolution (Jewish Lives) by Yehudah Mirsky The next book club meeting: Wednesday, February 28 at 8:00 pm
FALL SEASON OF COMMUNITY BEIS MIDRASH NIGHT This season, all sessions will be held WEEKLY on SUNDAYS at CBAJ at 8:00 pm
Independent & Guided Learning Guided learning with Rabbi Kean will meet once or twice a month. Guided learning with Rabbi Kean NOT meet this week.
KIDDUSH CONVERSATIONS 2023-2024 Share Jewish experiences or ideas that inspire you! Following Kiddush on winter Shabbats. Contact Simma Kinderlehrer or Rabbi Kean to sign up
* A Theodore Strauss z"l Endowment Fund sponsored program
Stay tuned for the Winter schedule
Prophetic Personalities A lecture series for select winter Shabbatot Jan 20 Shmuel with Rabbi Kean Feb 17 Yonah with Daniel Grossberg March 30* Huldah with Simma Kinderlehrer *Please note new date.
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
THANK YOU LETTERS TO IDF SOLDIERS Nathan and Sarah Singer (son and daughter-in-law of CBAJ members Ruth & Sheldon) are requesting letters of appreciation to IDF soldiers to be distributed while visiting hospitals in Israel. These simple messages are very meaningful and appreciated by Israel’s defenders. Messages can be sent to Nathanesinger@gmail.com
I Stand with Israel bracelets are available for purchase $5.00 each (cash or Venmo @SherylHoffman). Pick up at Temple Israel All proceeds will go to Federations Support Israel Efforts
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
Latest Shema 9:42 am Kiddush Luncheon following services
Babysitting 10:00 am
Youth Groups 10:00 am Shabbat Mincha 12:33 pm Talmud Class 5:00 pm
Havdalah 5:47 pm Maariv 6:00 pm
TORAH READING Exodus 10:1 - 13:16, Artscroll p. 340 Haftarah: Jeremiah 46:13-28, p. 1151
SPEAKER Rabbi Kean will deliver a Dvar Torah this Shabbat.
Kiddush Conversations will be led by Chaim Schaffer.
KIDDUSH Kiddush this Shabbat 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.
Please see below some upcoming community announcements: the Jewish Federation's mission trip to Israel and Maimonides High School's pizza night.
If you are able to join the Federation trip to Israel, I encourage you to do so. Perhaps the most common two words that I heard on my trip this month were "Todah She-batem - thank you for coming." It is hard to underestimate how much it means to Israelis to see and feel that we are there for them during this difficult war.
As we read Parshat Beshalach this week, the parsha in which describes our ultimate triumph over Egypt as the Yam Suf is split, B'nei Yisrael pass through it, and the Egyptian army is drowned, it behooves us to remember a few lessons from this story of redemption:
1. G-d's salvation can come in an instant, even in our darkest moment - just moments before the G-d split the sea, the newly freed B'nei Yisrael believed they were doomed.
2. The Egyptians were the mightiest empire at the time, they must have seemed all-powerful, and even claimed moral authority by virtue of their might. We are reminded that all of that is just an illusion.
3. Moshe's promise to the distressed Israelites: "Hashem yilachem lachem, v'atem tacharishun - G-d will wage war for you, but you shall remain silent." Our trust in Him is to remain steadfast.
4. In contrast, yet consistent with, the above, G-d's reply to Moshe: "Mah titzak elai? Daber el b'nei yisrael vayisa'u! - Why do you cry out to me? Speak to the Children of Israel and let them travel forth!" Our redemption requires to take the first bold steps, like the midrash's depiction of Nachson ben Aminadav wading into the sea at Moshe's command before it split.
I believe this lessons remain as relevant today as when the Torah was given.
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* Sunday, 8:00 pm at CBAJ
CBAJ FAMILY LEARNING NIGHT Led by youth director Yonah Schneier February 3rd at 6:30 PM (following Ma’ariv) Ages 5-12
FEBRUARY SIMCHA KIDDUSH Share your special life moments with us at the February 10th Simcha Kiddush Click Here to sponsor
CBAJ MEET-UP IN FLORIDA Rabbi Kean will be visiting with CBAJ members in Florida (Boca Raton & Fort Myers) the week of Presidents’ Day! Please reach out to Rabbi Kean if you are interested in receiving details and attending rabbi@cbaj.org
*See the sections below for more information about these upcoming events and other programs
YOUTH PROGAMS
Tot Shabbat The next Tot Shabbat will be February 10 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 Maariv 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 Announcing the next book to read: Rav Kook: Mystic in a Time of Revolution (Jewish Lives) by Yehudah Mirsky The next book club meeting: Wednesday, February 28 at 8:00 pm
FALL SEASON OF COMMUNITY BEIS MIDRASH NIGHT This season, all sessions will be held WEEKLY on SUNDAYS at CBAJ at 8:00 pm
Independent & Guided Learning Guided learning with Rabbi Kean will meet once or twice a month. Guided learning with Rabbi Kean NOT meet this week.
KIDDUSH CONVERSATIONS 2023-2024 Share Jewish experiences or ideas that inspire you! Following Kiddush on winter Shabbats. Contact Simma Kinderlehrer or Rabbi Kean to sign up
* A Theodore Strauss z"l Endowment Fund sponsored program
Stay tuned for the Winter schedule
Prophetic Personalities A lecture series for select winter Shabbatot Jan 20 Shmuel with Rabbi Kean Feb 17 Yonah with Daniel Grossberg March 30* Huldah with Simma Kinderlehrer *Please note new date.
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
I Stand with Israel bracelets are available for purchase $5.00 each (cash or Venmo @SherylHoffman). Pick up at Temple Israel All proceeds will go to Federations Support Israel Efforts
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
Latest Shema 9:43 am Kiddush Luncheon following services
Babysitting 10:00 am
Youth Groups 10:00 am Shabbat Mincha 12:30 pm Talmud Class 4:55 pm
Havdalah 5:38 pm Maariv 5:55 pm
TORAH READING Exodus 10:1 - 13:16, Artscroll p. 340 Haftarah: Jeremiah 46:13-28, p. 1151
SPEAKER Rabbi Kean will deliver the second installment of the Prophetic Personalities winter lecture series following services on Shmuel HaNavi (Samuel the Prophet).
KIDDUSH Kiddush this Shabbat is sponsored by Rabbi & Rebbetzen Bomzer in celebration of the 60th anniversary of Rabbi Bomzer's Bar Mitzvah. Rabbi Bomzer, along with Barry Siegel, members of the "Bo Brigade", celebrate their Bar Mitzvah anniversary together.
MAZAL TOV Mazal tov to CBAJ members Artie & Nanette Brenner, and their children, Lianna Brenner & Elie Peltz, on the brit milah and naming of the twin grandchildren and children, Ori Amichai & Raz Refael, which took place today (Friday). Mazal tov to the entire Brenner and Peltz families. .
WINTER WEATHER THIS SHABBAT Winter has come upon us! Please note that the weather forecast for this Shabbat includes very cold weather and strong winds - with the wind chill, it may feel like 0 degrees F tomorrow! Please remember to dress warm, with layers, when coming to shul. As always, if you have any concerns about your safety and attending services, please prioritize those concerns.
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 Yonah Schneier this Shabbat to for youth programming!
Am Yisrael Chai.
Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Ben Kean
UPCOMING EVENTS
COMMUNITY BEIS MIDRASH NIGHT* Sunday, 8:00 pm at CBAJ
*See the sections below for more information about these upcoming events and other programs
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 Maariv 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 Announcing the next book to read: Rav Kook: Mystic in a Time of Revolution (Jewish Lives) by Yehudah Mirsky The next book club meeting: Wednesday, February 28 at 8:00 pm
FALL SEASON OF COMMUNITY BEIS MIDRASH NIGHT This season, all sessions will be held WEEKLY on SUNDAYS at CBAJ at 8:00 pm
Independent & Guided Learning Guided learning with Rabbi Kean will meet once or twice a month. Guided learning with Rabbi Kean will meet this week.
KIDDUSH CONVERSATIONS 2023-2024 Share Jewish experiences or ideas that inspire you! Following Kiddush on winter Shabbats. Contact Simma Kinderlehrer or Rabbi Kean to sign up
* A Theodore Strauss z"l Endowment Fund sponsored program
Stay tuned for the Winter schedule
Prophetic Personalities A lecture series for select winter Shabbatot Jan 20 Shmuel with Rabbi Kean Feb 17 Yonah with Daniel Grossberg March 16 Huldah 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
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
I Stand with Israel bracelets are available for purchase $5.00 each (cash or Venmo @SherylHoffman). Pick up at Temple Israel All proceeds will go to Federations Support Israel Efforts
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
Latest Shema 9:43 am Kiddush Luncheon following services
Babysitting 10:00 am
Youth Groups 10:00 am Shabbat Mincha 12:30 pm Talmud Class 4:55 pm
Havdalah 5:38 pm Maariv 5:55 pm
TORAH READING Exodus 10:1 - 13:16, Artscroll p. 340 Haftarah: Jeremiah 46:13-28, p. 1151
SPEAKER Rabbi Kean will deliver the second installment of the Prophetic Personalities winter lecture series following services on Shmuel HaNavi (Samuel the Prophet).
KIDDUSH Kiddush this Shabbat is sponsored by Rabbi & Rebbetzen Bomzer in celebration of the 60th anniversary of Rabbi Bomzer's Bar Mitzvah. Rabbi Bomzer, along with Barry Siegel, members of the "Bo Brigade", celebrate their Bar Mitzvah anniversary together.
MAZAL TOV Mazal tov to CBAJ members Artie & Nanette Brenner, and their children, Lianna Brenner & Elie Peltz, on the brit milah and naming of the twin grandchildren and children, Ori Amichai & Raz Refael, which took place today (Friday). Mazal tov to the entire Brenner and Peltz families. .
WINTER WEATHER THIS SHABBAT Winter has come upon us! Please note that the weather forecast for this Shabbat includes very cold weather and strong winds - with the wind chill, it may feel like 0 degrees F tomorrow! Please remember to dress warm, with layers, when coming to shul. As always, if you have any concerns about your safety and attending services, please prioritize those concerns.
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 Yonah Schneier this Shabbat to for youth programming!
Am Yisrael Chai.
Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Ben Kean
UPCOMING EVENTS
COMMUNITY BEIS MIDRASH NIGHT* Sunday, 8:00 pm at CBAJ
*See the sections below for more information about these upcoming events and other programs
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 Maariv 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 Announcing the next book to read: Rav Kook: Mystic in a Time of Revolution (Jewish Lives) by Yehudah Mirsky The next book club meeting: Wednesday, February 28 at 8:00 pm
FALL SEASON OF COMMUNITY BEIS MIDRASH NIGHT This season, all sessions will be held WEEKLY on SUNDAYS at CBAJ at 8:00 pm
Independent & Guided Learning Guided learning with Rabbi Kean will meet once or twice a month. Guided learning with Rabbi Kean will meet this week.
KIDDUSH CONVERSATIONS 2023-2024 Share Jewish experiences or ideas that inspire you! Following Kiddush on winter Shabbats. Contact Simma Kinderlehrer or Rabbi Kean to sign up
* A Theodore Strauss z"l Endowment Fund sponsored program
Stay tuned for the Winter schedule
Prophetic Personalities A lecture series for select winter Shabbatot Jan 20 Shmuel with Rabbi Kean Feb 17 Yonah with Daniel Grossberg March 16 Huldah 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
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
I Stand with Israel bracelets are available for purchase $5.00 each (cash or Venmo @SherylHoffman). Pick up at Temple Israel All proceeds will go to Federations Support Israel Efforts
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
Latest Shema 9:44 am Kiddush Luncheon following services
Babysitting 10:00 am
Youth Groups 10:00 am
TOT SHABBAT 10:30 am
Shabbat Mincha 12:28 pm Talmud Class 4:45 pm
Havdalah 5:31 pm Maariv 5:45 pm
TORAH READING Exodus 6:2 - 9:35, Artscroll p. 318 Haftarah: Ezekiel 28:25 - 29:27, p. 1149
SPEAKER Following morning services Rabbi Kean will give a talk about his mission trip to Israel with the Rabbinical Council of America and Mizrachi Olami.
SIMCHA KIDDUSH & NEW MEMBER LUNCHEON This Shabbat Kiddush Luncheon Celebration is being prepared by the Programming Committee, and is sponsored by CBAJ, in honor of all our new members throughout this past year, and the families of the Simcha celebrants this month. The honorees, sponsors and celebrants are 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.
Am Yisrael Chai.
Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Ben Kean
CBAJ NEW MEMBER HONOREES 2023 - 2024 & JANUARY SIMCHA KIDDUSH CELEBRANTS
We celebrate and welcome all of our new CBAJ Members who have joined during the past year
Dalia & Haim Ben-Eliezer Steven Israel Shoshie & Ami Israel Lisa & Neil Gildener & family Ronen & Michal Hofman Shoham Fiorentino & Lior Huli & family Daniela & Vadim Mikhaylov Etana Zack Keren & Amir Zilberberg & family
Mazal Tov to our January Simcha sponsors and celebrants
The Abolafia family in celebration of Amy Svirsky's birthday & a belated birthday mention for Aliza Abolafia
The Katz family in celebration of Ofira Katz's birthday
Paula Mosher & Paul Mosher z"l celebrating the birthday of their granddaughter Anna Michal Dietrich
Nina & Grigoriy Mikhaylov in honor of their January birthdays: Nina, David, Daniela( December) and little YY, Yaakov Yehiel turning THREE
Vadim & Daniela Mikhaylov in honor of the December birthday of Daniela Mikhaylova, Birthdays of Nina and David Mikhaylov, Yakov Yehiel Perkins, and the Anniversary of Daniela and Vadim
UPCOMING EVENTS
COMMUNITY BEIS MIDRASH NIGHT* Sunday, 8:00 pm at CBAJ
TORAH & TEA UPDATE* Torah & Tea will begin studying Kohelet (Ecclesiastes) starting January 18.
CBAJ BOOK CLUB* Rav Kook: Mystic in a Time of Revolution (Jewish Lives) by Yehudah Mirsky
*See the Adult Education Programming section below for more information about these upcoming events and other programs
YOUTH PROGAMS
Tot Shabbat The next Tot Shabbat is THIS 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 Maariv 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 Announcing the next book to read: Rav Kook: Mystic in a Time of Revolution (Jewish Lives) by Yehudah Mirsky The next book club meeting: Wednesday, February 28 at 8:00 pm
FALL SEASON OF COMMUNITY BEIS MIDRASH NIGHT This season, all sessions will be held WEEKLY on SUNDAYS at CBAJ at 8:00 pm
Independent & Guided Learning Guided learning with Rabbi Kean will meet once or twice a month. Guided learning with Rabbi Kean will not meet this week.
KIDDUSH CONVERSATIONS 2023-2024 Share Jewish experiences or ideas that inspire you! Following Kiddush on winter Shabbats. Contact Simma Kinderlehrer or Rabbi Kean to sign up
* A Theodore Strauss z"l Endowment Fund sponsored program
Stay tuned for the Winter schedule
All sessions will begin at 12:30 pm. Lunch, catered by 518 Kosher and supervised by the VHCD, is free of charge. Please feel welcome to wear a mask during the event & take lunch home to enjoy. Please register by contacting our events coordinator Beth Liotta Tyler at 518.489.5819 x4 or beth@cbaj.org.
Prophetic Personalities A lecture series for select winter Shabbatot Jan 20 Shmuel with Rabbi Kean Feb 17 Yonah with Daniel Grossberg March 16 Huldah 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
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
I Stand with Israel bracelets are available for purchase $5.00 each (cash or Venmo @SherylHoffman). Pick up at Temple Israel All proceeds will go to Federations Support Israel Efforts
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
Latest Shema 9:44 am Kiddush Luncheon following services
Babysitting 10:00 am
Youth Groups 10:00 am
TOT SHABBAT 10:30 am
Shabbat Mincha 12:28 pm Talmud Class 4:45 pm
Havdalah 5:31 pm Maariv 5:45 pm
TORAH READING Exodus 6:2 - 9:35, Artscroll p. 318 Haftarah: Ezekiel 28:25 - 29:27, p. 1149
SPEAKER Following morning services Rabbi Kean will give a talk about his mission trip to Israel with the Rabbinical Council of America and Mizrachi Olami.
SIMCHA KIDDUSH & NEW MEMBER LUNCHEON This Shabbat Kiddush Luncheon Celebration is being prepared by the Programming Committee, and is sponsored by CBAJ, in honor of all our new members throughout this past year, and the families of the Simcha celebrants this month. The honorees, sponsors and celebrants are 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.
Am Yisrael Chai.
Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Ben Kean
CBAJ NEW MEMBER HONOREES 2023 - 2024 & JANUARY SIMCHA KIDDUSH CELEBRANTS
We celebrate and welcome all of our new CBAJ Members who have joined during the past year
Dalia & Haim Ben-Eliezer Steven Israel Shoshie & Ami Israel Lisa & Neil Gildener & family Ronen & Michal Hofman Shoham Fiorentino & Lior Huli & family Daniela & Vadim Mikhaylov Etana Zack Keren & Amir Zilberberg & family
Mazal Tov to our January Simcha sponsors and celebrants
The Abolafia family in celebration of Amy Svirsky's birthday & a belated birthday mention for Aliza Abolafia
The Katz family in celebration of Ofira Katz's birthday
Paula Mosher & Paul Mosher z"l celebrating the birthday of their granddaughter Anna Michal Dietrich
Nina & Grigoriy Mikhaylov in honor of their January birthdays: Nina, David, Daniela( December) and little YY, Yaakov Yehiel turning THREE
UPCOMING EVENTS
COMMUNITY BEIS MIDRASH NIGHT* Sunday, 8:00 pm at CBAJ
TORAH & TEA UPDATE* Torah & Tea will begin studying Kohelet (Ecclesiastes) starting January 18.
CBAJ BOOK CLUB* Rav Kook: Mystic in a Time of Revolution (Jewish Lives) by Yehudah Mirsky
*See the Adult Education Programming section below for more information about these upcoming events and other programs
YOUTH PROGAMS
Tot Shabbat The next Tot Shabbat is THIS 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 Maariv 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 Announcing the next book to read: Rav Kook: Mystic in a Time of Revolution (Jewish Lives) by Yehudah Mirsky The next book club meeting: Wednesday, February 28 at 8:00 pm
FALL SEASON OF COMMUNITY BEIS MIDRASH NIGHT This season, all sessions will be held WEEKLY on SUNDAYS at CBAJ at 8:00 pm
Independent & Guided Learning Guided learning with Rabbi Kean will meet once or twice a month. Guided learning with Rabbi Kean will not meet this week.
KIDDUSH CONVERSATIONS 2023-2024 Share Jewish experiences or ideas that inspire you! Following Kiddush on winter Shabbats. Contact Simma Kinderlehrer or Rabbi Kean to sign up
* A Theodore Strauss z"l Endowment Fund sponsored program
Stay tuned for the Winter schedule
All sessions will begin at 12:30 pm. Lunch, catered by 518 Kosher and supervised by the VHCD, is free of charge. Please feel welcome to wear a mask during the event & take lunch home to enjoy. Please register by contacting our events coordinator Beth Liotta Tyler at 518.489.5819 x4 or beth@cbaj.org.
Prophetic Personalities A lecture series for select winter Shabbatot Jan 20 Shmuel with Rabbi Kean Feb 17 Yonah with Daniel Grossberg March 16 Huldah 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
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
I Stand with Israel bracelets are available for purchase $5.00 each (cash or Venmo @SherylHoffman). Pick up at Temple Israel All proceeds will go to Federations Support Israel Efforts
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
TORAH READING Exodus 1:1 - 6:1, Artscroll p. 292 Haftarah: Isaiah 27:6-28:13; 29:22-23, p. 1146
SPEAKER Rabbi Kean will deliver a Dvar Torah this Shabbat entitled "Can There be 'Setbacks' in G-d's Plan?"
Kiddush Conversations will be led by Leah Ahavah Weintraub.
KIDDUSH Kiddush is sponsored by CBAJ this Shabbat.
MAZAL TOV Mazal Tov to all Torah & Tea participants on concluding Melachim Bet (II Kings)! Torah & Tea will begin studying Kohelet (Ecclesiastes) on January 18.
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 out of town this coming week, January 7-12, for a mission trip to Israel with the Rabbinical Council of America and Mizrachi Olami.
For more details about this trip and to read my entire message for this Shabbat, pleaseCLICK HERE.
Am Yisrael Chai.
Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Ben Kean
UPCOMING EVENTS
Join CBAJ January 13th, Shabbat Vaera for the January Simcha Kiddush & Annual New Member Luncheon Click Hereto be a sponsor for this Simcha Kiddush
Following morning services on Shabbat Vaera, Rabbi Kean will give a talk about his mission trip to Israel with the Rabbinical Council of America and Mizrachi Olami COMMUNITY BEIS MIDRASH NIGHT* Sunday, 8:00 pm at CBAJ
CBAJ BOOK CLUB* New book announced: Rav Kook: Mystic in a Time of Revolution (Jewish Lives) by Yehudah Mirsky
*See the Adult Education Programming section below for more information about these upcoming events and other programs
YOUTH PROGAMS
Tot Shabbat The next Tot Shabbat is January 13 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 No Classes this upcoming week 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* No Classes this upcoming week Thursday mornings, 9:30 - 10:30 AM on Zoom*. Studying Kings 2. * A Theodore Strauss z"l Endowment Fund sponsored program
TALMUD CLASS No Join our Shabbat Afternoon TALMUD SHIUR in-person, at CBAJ,starting 1 hour before Maariv, note: new time for standard time. 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 Announcing the next book to read: Rav Kook: Mystic in a Time of Revolution (Jewish Lives) by Yehudah Mirsky The next book club meeting: Wednesday, February 28 at 8:00 pm
FALL SEASON OF COMMUNITY BEIS MIDRASH NIGHT This season, all sessions will be held WEEKLY on SUNDAYS at CBAJ at 8:00 pm
Independent & Guided Learning Guided learning with Rabbi Kean will meet once or twice a month. Guided learning with Rabbi Kean will not meet this week.
KIDDUSH CONVERSATIONS 2023-2024 Share Jewish experiences or ideas that inspire you! Following Kiddush on winter Shabbats. Contact Simma Kinderlehrer or Rabbi Kean to sign up
* A Theodore Strauss z"l Endowment Fund sponsored program
Stay tuned for the Winter schedule
All sessions will begin at 12:30 pm. Lunch, catered by 518 Kosher and supervised by the VHCD, is free of charge. Please feel welcome to wear a mask during the event & take lunch home to enjoy. Please register by contacting our events coordinator Beth Liotta Tyler at 518.489.5819 x4 or beth@cbaj.org.
Prophetic Personalities A lecture series for select winter Shabbatot Jan 20 Shmuel with Rabbi Kean Feb 17 Yonah with Daniel Grossberg March 16 Huldah 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.
January 7, 2024 - January 12, 2024 no Nach Yomi learning this week
Shacharit Sunday 8:00 am
Monday - Wednesday & Friday 6:40 am
Thursday Rosh Chodesh Shevat 6:35 am
Mincha/Maariv Sunday - Friday 4:25 pm
Candle Lighting Friday, January 12 4:25 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
I Stand with Israel bracelets are available for purchase $5.00 each (cash or Venmo @SherylHoffman). Pick up at Temple Israel All proceeds will go to Federations Support Israel Efforts
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
TORAH READING Genesis 47:28-50:26, p. 268 Haftarah: 1 Kings 21:1-12, p. 1145
SPEAKER Rabbi Kean will deliver a Dvar Torah entitled "Reflecting on Legacy" this Shabbat.
Kiddush Conversations will be led by Daniela Mikhaylova.
KIDDUSH Kiddush is sponsored by CBAJ this Shabbat. MAZAL TOV Mazal tov to CBAJ members Shoshie & Ami Israel on the birth of a daughter! Mazal tov to the grandparents, CBAJ members Mark & Chana Israel and Ellen Brickman, and great grandparents, CBAJ member Nina Israel, Sonia Wilgowicz, and Judy Brickman.
CONDOLENCES Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob regrets to inform you of the passing of Lorraine Thomas Sherman (Ahuva bat Baruch), wife of the late Jack Sherman, z''l, mother of CBAJ member Barbara (and Sam) Sonenberg and Leonard Sherman; grandmother of Bernie, Shera, Sarah, and Mollie Sonenberg; great grandmother of two. Shiva: Barbara will sit shiva at CBAJ. There will be visiting hours for half an hour after the following daily services: -Sunday morning and evening, December 31 -Monday morning, January 1. Donations in Lorraine's memory can be made to Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob's Rabbi's Discretionary Fund.
MESSAGE FROM RABBI KEAN
SUBJECTS: Albany Letter Writing Campaign; Message from the Parsha
Dear CBAJ Family,
On behalf of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob, I would like to wish you and your family a restful and meaningful Shabbat.
First, I ONCE AGAIN urge you to write the Albany Common Council to stop a misguided resolution that is currently being put forward to call for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. PLEASE TRY TO SEND YOUR EMAIL BEFORE JAN. 4. Send emails to:commoncouncil@albanyny.gov Subject line: Opposition to Potential Ceasefire Resolution A short, simple message, noting that this resolution will only cause more division, and that calls for a ceasefire are misguided and will not lead to peace, will suffice. It was requested that this request only be distributed through private channels, such as email and text, rather than social media platforms. You can write to albanyresolution@gmail.com to request access to a document with prepared talking points to be included in emails.
This Shabbat, we will read Parshat Vayechi, in which Ya'akov Avinu (Jacob) realizes that he is at the end of his life. He uses this opportunity to bless his descendants to prepare them for the future of Israel after his passing and to provide instructions for how he wishes to be buried.
I believe that this Parsha gives us an opportunity to reflect on our own legacies: that of our ancestors, that which we hope to leave for those who come after us, and how we hope live our lives to depart this world with a sense of wholeness.
Each, the National Association of Chevra Kaddisha (NASCK) uses this Shabbat as an opportunity to partner with synagogues across the English-speaking world to help us have this conversation. I encourage you to visit their website to read more about their work and check out the resources they have: https://shabbosvayechi.org.
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
Join CBAJ January 13th, Shabbat Vaera for the January Simcha Kiddush/ Annual New Member Luncheon Click Here to be a Simcha Kiddush sponsor
KIDDUSH CONVERSATIONS A new season of weekly Kiddush Conversations has begun COMMUNITY BEIS MIDRASH NIGHT Sunday, 8:00 pm at CBAJ
CBAJ BOOK CLUB New book announced: Rav Kook: Mystic in a Time of Revolution (Jewish Lives) by Yehudah Mirsky
See the Adult Education Programming section below for more information about these upcoming events and other programs
YOUTH PROGAMS
Tot Shabbat The next Tot Shabbat is January 13 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 Kings 2. * 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 Maariv, note: new time for standard time. 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 Announcing the next book to read: Rav Kook: Mystic in a Time of Revolution (Jewish Lives) by Yehudah Mirsky The next book club meeting date to be announced
FALL SEASON OF COMMUNITY BEIS MIDRASH NIGHT This season, all sessions will be held WEEKLY on SUNDAYS at CBAJ at 8:00 pm
Independent & Guided Learning Guided learning with Rabbi Kean will meet once or twice a month. Guided learning with Rabbi Kean will not meet this week.
KIDDUSH CONVERSATIONS 2023-2024 Share Jewish experiences or ideas that inspire you! Following Kiddush on winter Shabbats. Contact Simma Kinderlehrer or Rabbi Kean to sign up
* A Theodore Strauss z"l Endowment Fund sponsored program
Stay tuned for the Winter schedule
All sessions will begin at 12:30 pm. Lunch, catered by 518 Kosher and supervised by the VHCD, is free of charge. Please feel welcome to wear a mask during the event & take lunch home to enjoy. Please register by contacting our events coordinator Beth Liotta Tyler at 518.489.5819 x4 or beth@cbaj.org.
Prophetic Personalities A lecture series for select winter Shabbatot Jan 20 Shmuel with Rabbi Kean Feb 17 Yonah with Daniel Grossberg March 16 Huldah 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
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
I Stand with Israel bracelets are available for purchase $5.00 each (cash or Venmo @SherylHoffman). Pick up at Temple Israel All proceeds will go to Federations Support Israel Efforts
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
Fast of Asarah B'Tevet ends Friday night at 5:00 PM
Morning Services Shabbat 9:00 am
Latest Shema 9:39 am Kiddush following services
Babysitting 10:00 am
Youth Groups 10:00 am
Tot Shabbat 10:30 am
Shabbat Mincha 12:13 pm Talmud Class 4:25 pm
Havdalah 5:10 pm Maariv 5:25 pm
TORAH READING Genesis: 44:18-47:27 p. 250 Haftarah: Ezekiel 37:15-28, p. 1144 SPEAKER Rabbi Kean will deliver a Dvar Torah Shabbat morning. Kiddush Conversation will be led by Tzvi Holt.
SIMCHA KIDDUSH This Shabbat, the Simcha Kiddush (dairy) is prepared by the Simcha Kiddush Committee, chaired by Faye Silton & Marta Koblenz.
The December Simcha Kiddush is sponsored by CBAJ, and the families listed below.
MAZAL TOV Mazal tov to Mark & Marta Koblenz on the recent bar mitzvah of their grandson, Avi Kay, in West Hartford, Connecticut.
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.
Firstly, I urge you to write the Albany Common Council to stop a misguided resolution that is currently being put forward to call for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Send emails to: commoncouncil@albanyny.gov Subject line: Opposition to Potential Ceasefire Resolution A short, simple message, noting that this resolution will only cause more division, and that calls for a ceasefire are misguided and will not lead to peace, will suffice. It was requested that this request only be distributed through private channels, such as email and text, rather than social media platforms.
Today is the fast of Asarah B'Tevet (10th of Tevet), commemorating the beginning of the siege of the city of Jerusalem by the Babylonians, leading to the destruction of first Beit Hamikdash (as told in II Kings 25).
Although this is not the "end," it represents the moment where Israel's fate was sealed and the exile was set in motion.
In the early years of the State of Israel, Asarah B'Tevet was established as the "Yom HaKadish Hakelali" (roughly, "General Kaddish Day"), to be a day of remembrance for all of those who were murdered but whose date of death was unknown, in particular during the horrors of the Shoah.
We should use this fast day to remember not just the Churban (the destruction of the Temples), but indeed, the many tragedies throughout Jewish history - both in the distant past and recently - may their memories forever be a blessing. May their memories be an impetus for us to live lives that honor those that lost theirs al kiddush Hashem (in sanctification of G-d's name). Am Yisrael Chai.
Tzom Kal & Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Ben Kean
SIMCHA KIDDUSH SPONSORS
Aron Cepler & Sheryl Hoffman in honor of their anniversary. Clara & Scott Roth in honor of Clara's birthday. Moishy Kudan in honor of the recent engagement of his brother, Chaim Kudan to Bassi Cunin from Reno Nevada. Mazal tov to the Kudan and Cunin families. And in honor of his sister and brother-in-law, Rabbi Avi & Miriam Berman on the occasion of a baby boy last week. The Bris took place on Friday. Mazal tov to the Kudan and Berman families. Nina Israel in honor of the engagement of her grandson Yair Sohn of Elizabeth, NJ and Dina Baharov of Hillside, NJ. Mazal tov to the parents, Emunah & Ron Sohn and Binyamin & Suri Karmel-Fox Mark & Chana Israel in honor of Mark's birthday. Jill & Howard Goldberg in honor of the birth of their grandson Naftali Yehuda Goldberg, son of Shore & Shajar Goldberg, born on November 21, 2023. Laura & Zvi Segal in honor of the birthdays of their daughter Ariella, son-in-law Eli and daughter-in-law Allie, and Laura & Zvi's wedding anniversary. Stacy & David Cohen in celebration of their children Ben & Ilana Cohen's wedding anniversary. Rabbi Paul & Faye Silton in celebration of the birth of their 29th & 30th grandchildren, twin girls Jacqueline Hannah and Jasmine May, born to Drs. Ariel Brandwein & Nava Ruth Silton.
UPCOMING EVENTS
KIDDUSH CONVERSATIONS A new season of weekly Kiddush Conversations has begun COMMUNITY BEIS MIDRASH NIGHT Sunday, 8:00 pm at CBAJ
CBAJ BOOK CLUB New book announced: Rav Kook: Mystic in a Time of Revolution (Jewish Lives) by Yehudah Mirsky
See the Adult Education Programming section below for more information about these upcoming events and other programs
YOUTH PROGAMS
Torah High2023-2024 CBAJ's Torah High meets Mondays, 7-9 pm and is open to all students in grades 8 - 12. Dinner is served. Contact Rabbi Kean with questions. Online registration available HERE Tot Shabbat The next Tot Shabbat will be January 13 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 Kings 2. * 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 Maariv, note: new time for standard time. 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 Announcing the next book to read: Rav Kook: Mystic in a Time of Revolution (Jewish Lives) by Yehudah Mirsky The next book club meeting date to be announced
FALL SEASON OF COMMUNITY BEIS MIDRASH NIGHT This season, all sessions will be held WEEKLY on SUNDAYS at CBAJ at 8:00 pm
Independent & Guided Learning Guided learning with Rabbi Kean will meet once or twice a month. Guided learning with Rabbi Kean will not meet this week.
KIDDUSH CONVERSATIONS 2023-2024 Share Jewish experiences or ideas that inspire you! Following Kiddush on winter Shabbats. Contact Simma Kinderlehrer or Rabbi Kean to sign up
* A Theodore Strauss z"l Endowment Fund sponsored program
Stay tuned for the dates of the winter session
All sessions will begin at 12:30 pm. Lunch, catered by 518 Kosher and supervised by the VHCD, is free of charge. Please feel welcome to wear a mask during the event & take lunch home to enjoy. Please register by contacting our events coordinator Beth Liotta Tyler at 518.489.5819 x4 or beth@cbaj.org.
Prophetic Personalities A lecture series for select winter Shabbatot Jan 20 Shmuel with Rabbi Kean Feb 17 Yonah with Daniel Grossberg March 16 Huldah 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
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
I Stand with Israel bracelets are available for purchase $5.00 each (cash or Venmo @SherylHoffman). Pick up at Temple Israel All proceeds will go to Federations Support Israel Efforts
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
TORAH READING Genesis 41:1 - 44:17, p. 222 Haftarah: I Kings 3:15 - 4:1, p. 1143 SPEAKER Rabbi Kean will deliver the first installment of the Shabbat morning lecture series, Prophetic Personalities. This week's installment: "What is a Prophet?"
KIDDUSH Kiddush is sponsored by CBAJ this Shabbat.
CONDOLENCES Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob regrets to inform you of the passing of Lillian Willen, wife of the late Alfred Willen, z''l, mother of CBAJ Member Michael (and Sharon) Willen, grandmother of Aaron (& Alana) Willen and Jessica Willen.
The funeral will take place on Sunday, December 17, 11 am, at Mount Lebanon Cemetery in Queens, NY.
Shiva Monday, Dec 18 - Friday, Dec 22, Michael will attend Shacharit at CBAJ, and will sit shiva at CBAJ until 8 am.
Home visits at Michael and Sharon's home are welcome from Monday - Thursday, 12-8 pm. 125 Kaydeross Park Rd Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Shiva minyan: There will be a Maariv minyan at the Willen's home on Wednesday, Dec 20, at 7 pm. Please email to Rabbi Kean if you are able to attend, rabbi@cbaj.org
May the family be comforted, and may Lillian's memory be for 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.
As much as Chanukah had a difficult start last week, I hope that it was full of joy, Jewish pride, and meaning. As Chanukah concludes, I wish you a year full of light.
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
SIMCHA KIDDUSH & TOT SHABBAT The December Simcha Kiddush & Tot Shabbat has been rescheduled for next Shabbat, December 23
KIDDUSH CONVERSATIONS A new season of weekly Kiddush Conversations has begun COMMUNITY BEIS MIDRASH NIGHT Sunday, 8:00 pm at CBAJ
Lunch & Learn for Seniors with Rabbi Kean Tuesday, December 19
Stop the Bleed Training Course Wednesday, December 20
CBAJ BOOK CLUB New book announced: Rav Kook: Mystic in a Time of Revolution (Jewish Lives) by Yehudah Mirsky
See the Adult Education Programming & Security Announcements sections below for more information about these upcoming events and other programs
SIMCHA KIDDUSH
The Simcha Kiddush Committee invites you to join CBAJ for the next SIMCHA KIDDUSH on Shabbat Vayigash December 23
Celebrate a birthday or mark an anniversary. Announce an engagement, marriage, or a new baby Make known an achievement or express gratitude
Sponsors are invited to submit their celebratory announcements by next Thursday 12/21/2023
Click here to complete the online form or email office@cbaj.org
YOUTH PROGAMS
Torah High2023-2024 CBAJ's Torah High meets Mondays, 7-9 pm and is open to all students in grades 8 - 12. Dinner is served. Contact Rabbi Kean with questions. Online registration available HERE Tot Shabbat Rescheduled for December 23 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 Kings 2. * 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 Maariv, note: new time for standard time. 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
SECURITY COMMITTEE PROGRAMMING
The Security Committee is hosting a Stop the Bleed Training Course offered by Albany Medical Center Trauma Dept. Wednesday, December 20 at 7:00 - 8:30 pm Click Here to RSVP
ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMMING
CBAJ BOOK CLUB Announcing the next book to read: Rav Kook: Mystic in a Time of Revolution (Jewish Lives) by Yehudah Mirsky The next book club meeting date to be announced
FALL SEASON OF COMMUNITY BEIS MIDRASH NIGHT This season, all sessions will be held WEEKLY on SUNDAYS at CBAJ at 8:00 pm
Independent & Guided Learning Guided learning with Rabbi Kean will meet once or twice a month. Guided learning with Rabbi Kean will not meet this week.
KIDDUSH CONVERSATIONS 2023-2024 Share Jewish experiences or ideas that inspire you! Following Kiddush on winter Shabbats. Contact Simma Kinderlehrer or Rabbi Kean to sign up
* A Theodore Strauss z"l Endowment Fund sponsored program
The Lunch & Learn for Seniors with Rabbi Kean series has resumed and the fall theme is Life's Highs and Lows. 12/19/2023 Judaism and Positive Living All sessions will begin at 12:30 pm. Lunch, catered by 518 Kosher and supervised by the VHCD, is free of charge. Please feel welcome to wear a mask during the event & take lunch home to enjoy. Please register by contacting our events coordinator Beth Liotta Tyler at 518.489.5819 x4 or beth@cbaj.org.
Prophetic Personalities A lecture series for select winter Shabbatot Jan 20 Shmuel with Rabbi Kean Feb 17 Yonah with Daniel Grossberg March 16 Huldah 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.
Friday Fast of Tevet Shacharit: 6:20 am Fast begins 6:11 am
Mincha/Maariv Sunday - Friday 4:10 pm
Candle Lighting Friday, December 22 4:07 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
I Stand with Israel bracelets are available for purchase $5.00 each (cash or Venmo @SherylHoffman). Pick up at Temple Israel All proceeds will go to Federations Support Israel Efforts
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
