Latest Shema 9:17 am Simcha Kiddush following services
Babysitting 10:00 am
Youth Groups 10:00
Shabbat Mincha 12:36 pm
Talmud Class 5:45 pm
Shabbat ends 6:30 pm
Ma'ariv 6:45 pm
TORAH READING Exodus 27:20-30:10, Artscroll p.464 Maftir: Deuteronomy 25:17-19, p. 1066 Haftarah: I Samuel 15:1-34, p. 1214
SPEAKER Rabbi Kean will deliver a Dvar Torah Shabbat morning Daniel Grossberg will lead the Kiddush Conversation.
KIDDUSH Kiddush is sponsored by CBAJ.
CONDOLENCES
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob regrets to inform you of the passing of Shirley Gordon, mother of CBAJ member Harvey (Michelle) Gordon of Albany, Mark Gordon of Sacramento CA and Lisa (Jano) Handler of Brooklyn NY, grandmother of 9 grandchildren, including CBAJ member Seri (Sean) Ference, great grandmother of 11 great grandchildren. May the family be comforted, and may Shirley's memory be a blessing.
MESSAGE FROM RABBI KEAN
On behalf of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob, I would like to wish you and your family a restful and meaningful Shabbat.
This week, I am saddened by recent events in Israel. I am mourning the murders of brothers Hillel Menachem (22) & Yagel Ya'acov Yaniv (20) and Israeli-American Elan Ganeles (26, a native of West Hartford, CT, who I had many mutual friends with) by Palestinian terrorists. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families.
I am deeply disturbed by the violence committed by Israeli Jews in Hawara this past week. I join the Orthodox Union in condemning this horrific act. It is tragic and upsetting to see such horrible things done in the name of Judaism.
It is difficult with such difficult news coming out of Israel to properly be excited about Purim coming up next week. Nonetheless, I believe we have the imperative to celebrate this joyous holiday.
We have a wonderful schedule of events at CBAJ, and I look forward to celebrating with you!
Please remember to view the Purim guide and donate to our Matanot La'Evyonim campaign which supports both members of the local Jewish community and wonderful organizations (donating to the CBAJ campaign fulfills the mitzvah of Matanot La'Evyonim as the money we collect is distributed on Purim).
I hope to see you soon at a tefilah, children's program, event, or class!
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Ben Kean
AGUNAH AWARENESS DAY
Ahead of International Agunah Day on Ta'anit Esther, CBAJ is joining the Organization for the Resolution of Agunot (ORA) in dedicating this Shabbat to agunot around the world. Just as Esther was trapped in an unwanted marriage, as we approach Ta'anit Esther we take a moment to remember the many women facing the same predicament today, along with the need for communities to step up in support. To read more about ORA's work, please visit: www.getora.org.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
MONDAY, MARCH 6 FAST OF ESTHER Shacharit 6:20 am Mincha 5:35 pm (with Zecher L'Machatzit Ha-shekel)
MAARIV & FAMILY MEGILLAH READING 6:20 pm followed by a light break fast
LATE "QUIET" MEGILLAH READING 9:00 pm
TUESDAY, MARCH 7 Shacharit & Megillah Reading 6:20 am Remember Tzedakah for Matanot L'Evyonim
CBAJ PURIM CARNIVAL with HACD, MAIMONIDES, & YAD Family-Friendly Megillah Reading 4:15 pm Dinner ("Seduah") & Carnival 5:15 pm - 7:00 pm MINCHA/MAARIV 5:35 pm - in the Carr Chapel
SIMCHA KIDDUSH The next Simcha Kiddush is on March 18! Sponsors are invited to submit their celebratory announcements by 3/15/2023. Click here to complete the online form or email office@cbaj.org.
The next TOT SHABBAT will be March 18!
HAGGADAH INSIGHTS *New* Tuesdays, March 14 & 28, 7:45-8:30 pm at CBAJ Join Rabbi Kean for a two-part lecture series exploring the Haggadah. Rabbi Kean's goal is to primarily share ideas that are new to him. LUNCH & LEARN for SENIORS *New* Join Rabbi Kean for the new Lunch & Learn Series for Seniors.
March 28: Four Myths & Facts About Passover
May 9: Myths & Facts: Lag Ba'Omer
All sessions will begin at 12:30 pm. All curious minds are welcome. Lunch catered by 518 Kosher, supervised by the VHCD, free of charge. Please register by contacting our events coordinator Beth Liotta Tyler at 518.489.5819 x4 or beth@cbaj.org.
* A Theodore Strauss z"l Endowment Fund sponsored program
NOTE: Please feel welcome to wear a mask during the Lunch & Learn & take lunch home to enjoy.
YOUTH PROGAMS
NCSY Events Stay tuned for more information. Torah High 2022-2023 CBAJ's Torah High meets Mondays, 7-9 pm and is open to all students in grades 8 - 12. Pizza dinner is served. Contact Rabbi Kean with questions. Registration information available here Tot Shabbat Next Tot Shabbat March 18! 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, Yael Gonzalez, 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 for 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/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
WEEKLY CLASSES NACH YOMI - *NEW* 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 -5:35 pm this Shabbat Join our Shabbat AfternoonTALMUD SHIUR in-person, at CBAJ, starting 45 minutes before Shabbat ends. 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 Our next zoom gathering is Wednesday, May 3 at 8:00 pm. We will discuss The Books of Jacob by Olga Tokarczu. It is available on Amazon, Thrift Books and in local libraries. CBAJ has 2 available copies to loan.
KIDDUSH CONVERSATIONS This year's Topic: "The World of Midrash" Join CBAJ members in discussing a different Midrash every week during daylight savings! Midrash is one of our Tradition's most powerful and ancient tools for understanding the Torah and demonstrating its relevance to later generations.
KABBALAH AND CONSCIOUSNESS *New* With Simma Kinderlehrer & Howard Schaffer Curious about Kabbalah? We are offering a taste of the book Kabbalah and Consciousness, by Allen Afterman. We will discuss a few juicy tidbits to wet your appetite for an ongoing study of this accessible, experiential ascent from ordinary consciousness toward knowledge of and union with The Infinite. Sunday, March 19, 10:00 a.m. on Zoom. Future sessions will be in person, time dependent on participants. R.S.V.P. Requested. Please text response and questions to (516) 382-5201
READING CLASSICAL HEBREW COURSE *New* Beginning after Pesach, on one evening each week students will meet on Zoom for a 90-minute class to learn grammar and vocabulary from the textbook The First Hebrew Primer. The instructor will be Mike Kupferschmid. For more information, please send an email for him to nancylawson10@gmail.com. (The day of the week will be determined by the availability of the students.)
* New - Ongoing Learning Program * COMMUNITY-WIDE BEIS MIDRASH NIGHT Jointly presented by CBAJ & the Shteeble Starts Thursday, March 2, 8:30-9:30 pm at CBAJ (social hall) Join the Shteeble & CBAJ for Beis Midrash Night! Take part in the unique experience of in-depth, textual chavrusa or individual learning in a Beis Midrash setting. Cholent & kugel will be served. All levels of experience are welcome—with guided options available for beginners. This will be a recurring program - Next Scheduled Night TBA For more information, contact: Rabbi Kean, Sean Ference, or Mendy Shepherd.
PURIM EVE Monday & Tuesday Erev Purim Fast begins 5:11 am Shacharit & Selichot 6:20am Mincha 5:35 pm Megillah Reading 6:20 pm Fast Ends 6:21 pm Megillah Reading 9:00 pm
PURIM Shacharit 6:20 am Megillah Reading 4:30 pm Carnival and Purim Seudah (dinner) 5:15 pm Mincha/Maariv 5:35 pm
MESSAGE FROM LIFE & LEGACY
“The things you do for your self are gone when you are gone, but the things you do for others remain as your legacy.” Kalu Ndukwe Kalu
We are excited and honored to be partnering with 10 other local organizations in the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s LIFE & LEGACY™ program. Please help us pay it forward and leave a legacy for future Capital District Jews. Please speak to Paula Mosher or Ellen Kaplowitz, the Life & Legacy committee chairs about partnering on this crucial initiative to ensure the vitality of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob for the next 200 years.
WELLNESS REMINDER Anyone who has symptoms of any illness or is not feeling well is strongly encouraged to stay home, irrespective of vaccination status. Better to miss services than risk spreading COVID or another viral infection. Please also wear a mask if you suspect or know of a covid exposure regardless of symptoms. MINYAN NOTICE In recent weeks, guaranteeing a weekday minyan has been a greater challenge, especially for Mincha/Maariv which is early in the Winter. We ask that adult Jewish men to attempt to come to minyan more frequently.
PARKING NOTICE For security purposes, any time a CBAJ member parks in our parking lot overnight, or the B'nai Shalom parking lotat any time, we request that you display a placard issued from the office. A supply will be left on the shelf in the hallway outside the sanctuary. Please contact office@cbaj.org if more placards are needed.
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Community-wide Shabbat Dinner at JCC Save the date: March 31 CBAJ will be joining in the program and CBAJ's Friday evening services will be moved to the JCC on March 31. More details to follow! Hosted by the Jewish Federation at Albany JCC
Jewish Family Services - Grief & Loss Support Group JFS is offering an in-person weekly support group for anyone who is grieving the death of a family member or friend. Select Thursdays in February & March, starting 2/16, 2 - 3 pm. Locations TBA. For dates, registration & fee information CLICK HERE
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
Latest Shema 9:23 am Simcha Kiddush following services
Babysitting 10:00 am
Youth Groups 10:00
Shabbat Mincha 12:37 pm
Talmud Class 5:35 pm
Shabbat ends 6:22 pm
Ma'ariv 6:35 pm
TORAH READING Exodus 25:1 - 27:19, Artscroll p. 444 Maftir: Deuteronomy 25:17 - 19, 1066 Haftarah: I Samuel 15:2 - 24, 1214
SPEAKER Rabbinic Intern Jack Hartstein will deliver the final lecture of a three-part winter lecture series entitled Pillars. This week's installment: "Chesed in the Age of Facebook."
KIDDUSH Kiddush is sponsored by CBAJ.
MESSAGE FROM RABBI KEAN
On behalf of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob, I would like to wish you and your family a restful and meaningful Shabbat.
I am so glad I was able to visit with so many members of our CBAJ family in Florida this past week, and I am thrilled to be back in Albany!
I hope to see you soon at a tefilah, children's program, event, or class!
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Ben Kean
ANNOUNCEMENTS
WELLNESS REMINDER Anyone who has symptoms of any illness or is not feeling well is strongly encouraged to stay home, irrespective of vaccination status. Better to miss services than risk spreading COVID or another viral infection. Please also wear a mask if you suspect or know of a covid exposure regardless of symptoms. MINYAN NOTICE In recent weeks, guaranteeing a weekday minyan has been a greater challenge, especially for Mincha/Maariv which is early in the Winter.
In light of this, we ask two things of adult Jewish men: 1) If you are able to attend weekday minyan more frequently (even one day per week), please consider joining. 2) If you think you will be able to join minyan, regularly or occasionally, please sign-up on the weekly sign-up sheet so that we can know whether there will be enough attendees, or if we need to request additional attendees.
Please contact Rabbi Kean to join the minyan WhatsApp group, useful for receiving the sign-up sheet or if you may be available to attend a minyan on short notice.
PARKING NOTICE For security purposes, any time a CBAJ member parks in our parking lot overnight, or the B'nai Shalom parking lotat any time, we request that you display a placard issued from the office. A supply will be left on the shelf in the hallway outside the sanctuary. Please contact office@cbaj.org if more placards are needed.
UPCOMING EVENTS
PURIM 5783! Purim is right around the corner, March 6-7! Save the date for our schedule of events (details to follow): Monday night: 7:20 PM Family-friendly Megillah Reading & Light Break Fast 9:00 PM Late (Quiet) Megillah Reading Tuesday: Megillah reading with regular daily minyan 4:30 PM Family-friendly Megillah Reading 5:15 PM-7:00 PM Carnival & Purim Seudah (dinner)
LECTURE SERIES: TALMUD TOGETHER Thurs. February 16 & Tuesday February 28 at 7:00 pm (note schedule change) Join Rabbi Ben Kean and Rabbi Greg Weitzman for an evening - or two - of shared learning. Over the course of two evenings, both rabbis will teach their favorite Talmudic texts from their own unique perspectives. The first session will be on Thursday, February 16th at Congregation Beth Emeth and the second on Tuesday, February 28th at CBAJ.Rabbi Greg Weitzman joined CBE as their Co-Senior Rabbi last summer, one year after Rabbi Kean joined CBAJ.
SOFER DAY: MEZUZAH & TEFILIN CHECKING Sunday, February 26, 10 am to 4 pm (note schedule change) Rabbi Mendel Serebryanski, Sofer STA"M, will come to CBAJ to check Tefilin and Mezuzot. Reservations are preferred, but we will try to accommodate walk-ins. To make a reservation, fill out this form. Dedicated in memory of HaRav Chaim Zev Bomzer, z"l, on his 10th yahrtzeit, 28 Shevat, by Rabbi Moshe & Rebbetzin Rochel Bomzer.
LUNCH & LEARN for SENIORS *New* Join Rabbi Kean for the new Lunch & Learn Series for Seniors.
February 28: Contemporary Lessons from the Holiday of Purim
March 28: Four Myths & Facts About Passover
May 9: Myths & Facts: Lag Ba'Omer
All sessions will begin at 12:30 pm. All curious minds are welcome. Lunch catered by 518 Kosher, supervised by the VHCD, free of charge. Please register by contacting our events coordinator Beth Liotta Tyler at 518.489.5819 x4 or beth@cbaj.org. * A Theodore Strauss z"l Endowment Fund sponsored program NOTE: Please feel welcome to wear a mask to the Lunch & Learn and take lunch home to enjoy
COMMUNITY-WIDE BEIS MIDRASH NIGHT *New* Jointly presented by CBAJ & the Shteeble Starts Thursday, March 2, 8:30-9:30 pm at CBAJ (social hall) Join the Shteeble & CBAJ for Beis Midrash Night! Take part in the unique experience of in-depth, textual chavrusa or individual learning in a Beis Midrash setting. Cholent & kugel will be served. All levels of experience are welcome—with guided options available for beginners. This will be a recurring program, taking place every other week. For more information, contact: Rabbi Kean, Sean Ference, or Mendy Shepherd.
YOUTH PROGAMS
NCSY Events Stay tuned for more information. Torah High 2022-2023 - Next semester starts 2/27/2023! CBAJ's Torah High meets Mondays, 7-9 pm and is open to all students in grades 8 - 12. Pizza dinner is served. Registration information available here Tot Shabbat Next Tot Shabbat March 18! 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, Yael Gonzalez, 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 for 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/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
WEEKLY CLASSES NACH YOMI - *NEW* 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 -5:35 pm this Shabbat Join our Shabbat AfternoonTALMUD SHIUR in-person, at CBAJ, starting 45 minutes before Shabbat ends. 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
CBAJ BOOK CLUB Our next zoom gathering is Wednesday, May 3 at 8:00 pm. We will discuss The Books of Jacob by Olga Tokarczu. It is available on Amazon, Thrift Books and in local libraries. CBAJ has 2 available copies to loan.
KIDDUSH CONVERSATIONS This year's Topic: "The World of Midrash" Join CBAJ members in discussing a different Midrash every week! Midrash is one of our Tradition's most powerful and ancient tools for understanding the Torah and demonstrating its relevance to later generations, For more information, suggested source material, or the volunteer sign-up page, please click here. If you have any questions, please reach out to Rabbi Kean or Steve Rich. Begins November 19, and will take place following Kiddush.
KABBALAH AND CONSCIOUSNESS *New* With Simma Kinderlehrer & Howard Schaffer Curious about Kabbalah? We are offering a taste of the book Kabbalah and Consciousness, by Allen Afterman. We will discuss a few juicy tidbits to wet your appetite for an ongoing study of this accessible, experiential ascent from ordinary consciousness toward knowledge of and union with The Infinite. Sunday, March 19, 10:00 a.m. on Zoom. Future sessions will be in person, time dependent on participants. R.S.V.P. Requested. Please text response and questions to (516) 382-5201
READING CLASSICAL HEBREW COURSE *New* Beginning after Pesach, on one evening each week students will meet on Zoom for a 90-minute class to learn grammar and vocabulary from the textbook The First Hebrew Primer. The instructor will be Mike Kupferschmid. For more information, please send an email for him to nancylawson10@gmail.com. (The day of the week will be determined by the availability of the students.)
HAGGADAH INSIGHTS *New* Tuesdays, March 14 & 28, 7:45-8:30 pm at CBAJ Join Rabbi Kean for a three-part lecture series exploring the Haggadah. Rabbi Kean's goal is to primarily share ideas that are new to him.
FEEDBACK REQUESTED The Adult Education Committee wants to hear from you! All ideas about classes, lectures, and other adult education programs of interest should be forwarded to events@cbaj.org
DAILY SERVICES
February 26 - March 3
Shacharit Sunday 8:00 am (Nach Yomi 7:30 am)
Monday- Friday 6:40 am (Nach Yomi 6:10 am)
Mincha/Maariv Sunday - Friday 5:30 pm
Candle lighting Friday 3/3/2023 5:29 pm
MESSAGE FROM LIFE & LEGACY
“The things you do for your self are gone when you are gone, but the things you do for others remain as your legacy.” Kalu Ndukwe Kalu
We are excited and honored to be partnering with 10 other local organizations in the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s LIFE & LEGACY™ program. Please help us pay it forward and leave a legacy for future Capital District Jews. Please speak to Paula Mosher or Ellen Kaplowitz, the Life & Legacy committee chairs about partnering on this crucial initiative to ensure the vitality of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob for the next 200 years.
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Community-wide Shabbat Dinner at JCC Save the date: March 31 CBAJ will be joining in the program and CBAJ's Friday evening services will be moved to the JCC on March 31. More details to follow! Hosted by the Jewish Federation at Albany JCC
Jewish Family Services - Grief & Loss Support Group JFS is offering an in-person weekly support group for anyone who is grieving the death of a family member or friend. Select Thursdays in February & March, starting 2/16, 2 - 3 pm. Locations TBA. For dates, registration & fee information CLICK HERE
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
Shabbat Mevarchim Parshat Shekalim Mishpatim February 17 - 18, 2023
Candle Lighting 5:11 pm
Mincha, Kabbalat Shabbat, & Ma'ariv 5:10 pm
Morning Services Shabbat 9:00 am
Latest Shema 9:29 am Simcha Kiddush following services
Babysitting 10:00 am
Youth Groups 10:00
Shabbat Mincha 12:37 pm
Talmud Class 5:30 pm
Shabbat ends 6:14 pm
Ma'ariv 6:30 pm
TORAH READING Exodus 21:1 - 24:18, Artscroll p.416 Maftir: Exodus 30:11-16, 484 Haftarah: II Kings 12:1 - 17, p. 1213
SPEAKER Rabbi Kean will deliver a Dvar Torah Shabbat morning. Mike Kupferschmid will lead the Kiddush Conversation.
KIDDUSH A special, parve, sit-down Kiddush is sponsored by Rakhamim Yakobov & Rachel MuratovaL'iluy Nishmat (in memory of): Masliach ben Yafa (Rakhamim's paternal grandfather) Ari Khai ben Rachel (Rachel's paternal grandfather) Mira bat Chana Bakhmal (Rachel's maternal grandmother) Yehi Zichram Baruch - May their memories be for a blessing.
MESSAGE FROM RABBI KEAN
On behalf of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob, I would like to wish you and your family a restful and meaningful Shabbat.
I am excited to share that I will be headed to Florida next week (Boca Raton on Tuesday, Fort Myers on Wednesday) to visit with our CBAJ community in Florida! If I have not already been in touch with you and you would be interested in events in Florida, please email me!
Something I'm thinking about this week is "being different together." I thoroughly enjoyed my discussion this past week with Rabbi Greg Weitzman of Cong. Beth Emeth. The conversation helped me to simultaneously understand others' points of view better and respect them more, while also strengthening my commitment to my own views.
In that vein, I want to make a plug for the Jewish Federation's Community-wide Shabbat dinner hosted at the Albany JCC on March 31 (see details below). When Rob Kovach approached me with the idea of a Community-wide Shabbat, he shared it within the context of the value of "being different together," and I truly believe that it will help strengthen both our community-wide bonds, and our particular commitments and values.
I hope to see you soon at a tefilah, children's program, event, or class!
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Ben Kean
ANNOUNCEMENTS
WELLNESS REMINDER Anyone who has symptoms of any illness or is not feeling well is strongly encouraged to stay home, irrespective of vaccination status. Better to miss services than risk spreading COVID or another viral infection. Please also wear a mask if you suspect or know of a covid exposure regardless of symptoms. MINYAN NOTICE In recent weeks, guaranteeing a weekday minyan has been a greater challenge, especially for Mincha/Maariv which is early in the Winter.
In light of this, we ask two things of adult Jewish men: 1) If you are able to attend weekday minyan more frequently (even one day per week), please consider joining. 2) If you think you will be able to join minyan, regularly or occasionally, please sign-up on the weekly sign-up sheet so that we can know whether there will be enough attendees, or if we need to request additional attendees.
Please contact Rabbi Kean to join the minyan WhatsApp group, useful for receiving the sign-up sheet or if you may be available to attend a minyan on short notice.
PARKING NOTICE For security purposes, any time a CBAJ member parks in our parking lot overnight, or the B'nai Shalom parking lotat any time, we request that you display a placard issued from the office. A supply will be left on the shelf in the hallway outside the sanctuary. Please contact office@cbaj.org if more placards are needed.
UPCOMING EVENTS
PURIM 5783! Purim is right around the corner, March 6-7! Save the date for our schedule of events (details to follow): Monday night: 7:20 PM Family-friendly Megillah Reading & Light Break Fast 9:00 PM Late (Quiet) Megillah Reading Tuesday: Megillah reading with regular daily minyan 4:30 PM Family-friendly Megillah Reading 5:15 PM-7:00 PM Carnival & Purim Seudah (dinner)
LECTURE SERIES: TALMUD TOGETHER Thurs. February 16 & Tuesday February 28 at 7:00 pm (note schedule change) Join Rabbi Ben Kean and Rabbi Greg Weitzman for an evening - or two - of shared learning. Over the course of two evenings, both rabbis will teach their favorite Talmudic texts from their own unique perspectives. The first session will be on Thursday, February 16th at Congregation Beth Emeth (100 Academy Rd)and second on Tuesday, February 28th at CBAJ.Rabbi Greg Weitzman joined CBE as their Co-Senior Rabbi last summer, one year after Rabbi Kean joined CBAJ.
SOFER DAY: MEZUZAH & TEFILIN CHECKING Sunday, February 26, 10 am to 4 pm (note schedule change) Rabbi Mendel Serebryanski, Sofer STA"M, will come to CBAJ to check Tefilin and Mezuzot. Reservations are preferred, but we will try to accommodate walk-ins. To make a reservation, fill out this form. Dedicated in memory of HaRav Chaim Zev Bomzer, z"l, on his 10th yahrtzeit, 28 Shevat, by Rabbi Moshe & Rebbetzin Rochel Bomzer.
LUNCH & LEARN for SENIORS *New* Join Rabbi Kean for the new Lunch & Learn Series for Seniors.
February 28: Contemporary Lessons from the Holiday of Purim
March 28: Four Myths & Facts About Passover
May 9: Myths & Facts: Lag Ba'Omer
All sessions will begin at 12:30 pm. All curious minds are welcome. Lunch catered by 518 Kosher, supervised by the VHCD, free of charge. Please register by contacting our events coordinator Beth Liotta Tyler at 518.489.5819 x4 or beth@cbaj.org. * A Theodore Strauss z"l Endowment Fund sponsored program
COMMUNITY-WIDE BEIS MIDRASH NIGHT *New* Jointly presented by CBAJ & the Shteeble Starts Thursday, March 2, 8:30-9:30 pm at CBAJ (social hall) Join the Shteeble & CBAJ for Beis Midrash Night! Take part in the unique experience of in-depth, textual chavrusa or individual learning in a Beis Midrash setting. Cholent & kugel will be served. All levels of experience are welcome—with guided options available for beginners. This will be a recurring program, taking place every other week. For more information, contact: Rabbi Kean, Sean Ference, or Mendy Shepherd.
YOUTH PROGAMS
NCSY Events Stay tuned for more information. Torah High 2022-2023 - Next semester starts 2/27/2023! CBAJ's Torah High meets Mondays, 7-9 pm and is open to all students in grades 8 - 12. Pizza dinner is served. Registration information available here Tot Shabbat Next Tot Shabbat March 18! 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, Yael Gonzalez, 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 for 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/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
WEEKLY CLASSES NACH YOMI - *NEW* 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 -5:30 pm this Shabbat Join our Shabbat AfternoonTALMUD SHIUR in-person, at CBAJ, starting 45 minutes before Shabbat ends. 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
CBAJ BOOK CLUB Our next zoom gathering is Wednesday, May 3 at 8:00 pm. We will discuss The Books of Jacob by Olga Tokarczu. It is available on Amazon, Thrift Books and in local libraries. CBAJ has 2 available copies to loan.
KIDDUSH CONVERSATIONS This year's Topic: "The World of Midrash" Join CBAJ members in discussing a different Midrash every week! Midrash is one of our Tradition's most powerful and ancient tools for understanding the Torah and demonstrating its relevance to later generations, For more information, suggested source material, or the volunteer sign-up page, please click here. If you have any questions, please reach out to Rabbi Kean or Steve Rich. Begins November 19, and will take place following Kiddush.
KABBALAH AND CONSCIOUSNESS *New* With Simma Kinderlehrer & Howard Schaffer Curious about Kabbalah? We are offering a taste of the book Kabbalah and Consciousness, by Allen Afterman. We will discuss a few juicy tidbits to wet your appetite for an ongoing study of this accessible, experiential ascent from ordinary consciousness toward knowledge of and union with The Infinite. Sunday, March 19, 10:00 a.m. on Zoom. Future sessions will be in person, time dependent on participants. R.S.V.P. Requested. Please text response and questions to (516) 382-5201
READING CLASSICAL HEBREW COURSE *New* Beginning after Pesach, on one evening each week students will meet on Zoom for a 90-minute class to learn grammar and vocabulary from the textbook The First Hebrew Primer. The instructor will be Mike Kupferschmid. For more information, please send an email for him to nancylawson10@gmail.com. (The day of the week will be determined by the availability of the students.)
HAGGADAH INSIGHTS *New* Tuesdays, March 14 & 28, 7:45-8:30 pm at CBAJ Join Rabbi Kean for a three-part lecture series exploring the Haggadah. Rabbi Kean's goal is to primarily share ideas that are new to him.
PILLARS LECTURE SERIES Please note change of final installment to February 25th
FEEDBACK REQUESTED The Adult Education Committee wants to hear from you! All ideas about classes, lectures, and other adult education programs of interest should be forwarded to events@cbaj.org
DAILY SERVICES
February 19 - February 24
Shacharit Sunday & Monday 8:00 am (Nach Yomi 7:30 am)
Tuesday - Friday 6:40 am (Nach Yomi 6:10 am)
Mincha/Maariv Sunday - Friday 5:20 pm
Candle lighting Friday 2/24/2023 5:20 pm
MESSAGE FROM LIFE & LEGACY
“The things you do for your self are gone when you are gone, but the things you do for others remain as your legacy.” Kalu Ndukwe Kalu
We are excited and honored to be partnering with 10 other local organizations in the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s LIFE & LEGACY™ program. Please help us pay it forward and leave a legacy for future Capital District Jews. Please speak to Paula Mosher or Ellen Kaplowitz, the Life & Legacy committee chairs about partnering on this crucial initiative to ensure the vitality of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob for the next 200 years.
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Community-wide Shabbat Dinner at JCC Save the date: March 31, 6:30 - 8:30 pm CBAJ will be joining in the program and CBAJ's Friday evening services will be moved to the JCC on March 31. More details to follow! Hosted by the Jewish Federation at Albany JCC
Jewish Family Services - Grief & Loss Support Group JFS is offering an in-person weekly support group for anyone who is grieving the death of a family member or friend. Select Thursdays in February & March, starting 2/16, 2 - 3 pm. Locations TBA. For dates, registration & fee information CLICK HERE
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
Latest Shema 9:00 am Simcha Kiddush following services
Babysitting 10:00 am
NO YOUTH GROUPS THIS SHABBAT
Tot Shabbat 10:30 am
Shabbat Mincha 12:36 pm
Talmud Class 5:20 pm
Shabbat ends 6:05 pm
Ma'ariv 6:20 pm
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 Shabbat morning. SIMCHA KIDDUSH The Simcha Kiddush is prepared by the Simcha Kiddush Committee, chaired by Faye Silton & Marta Koblenz. The sponsors are listed below.
SIMCHA KIDDUSH SPONSORS
The February Simcha Kiddush is sponsored by CBAJ, and by the families of our celebrants:
CBAJ in appreciation of the Security Committee volunteers & greeters.
Tom Kligerman in celebration of the birthdays of Adina Kligerman and Lisa Woolfe.
Daniel Reznik and Dina Gottesman in honor of their wedding anniversary.
Moshe Kudan in honor of Yossi and Nechama Kagan on the birth a boy, and Mazal Tov to grandparents Ruvain and Shayna Kudan and family.
Clara and Scott Roth in celebration of their wedding anniversary and the birthday of Ilana Schaeffer.
Stan Rosenberg in honor of his milestone birthday.
The Barlaz family in honor of Ayal’s first birthday!
Joshua Schulman-Marcus and Sandra Sabzevari in honor of their wedding anniversary.
MESSAGE FROM RABBI KEAN
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 Leah Ahava Weintraub on her visit to Albany. Leah Ahava and her husband Elon (and their son) are considering moving to Albany. Please take the chance to introduce yourself to her if you meet her.
While in this week's parsha we read about the initial Ma'amad Har Sinai (the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai), our tradition teaches that every time we read from the Torah or study Torah, it is like we are reliving Ma'amad Har Sinai.
In that spirit, we are pleased to share a number of new adult education/Torah learning programs to supplement our standing programs and previously announced ones. Check out the "Upcoming Events" and "Adult Education" sections of the Shabbat notes for more information. I hope that you find a learning opportunity that piques your interest!
I hope to see you soon at a tefilah, children's program, event, or class!
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Ben Kean
ANNOUNCEMENTS
WELLNESS REMINDER Anyone who has symptoms of any illness or is not feeling well is strongly encouraged to stay home, irrespective of vaccination status. Better to miss services than risk spreading COVID or another viral infection. Please also wear a mask if you suspect or know of a covid exposure regardless of symptoms. MINYAN NOTICE In recent weeks, guaranteeing a weekday minyan has been a greater challenge, especially for Mincha/Maariv which is early in the Winter.
In light of this, we ask two things of adult Jewish men: 1) If you are able to attend weekday minyan more frequently (even one day per week), please consider joining. 2) If you think you will be able to join minyan, regularly or occasionally, please sign-up on the weekly sign-up sheet so that we can know whether there will be enough attendees, or if we need to request additional attendees.
Please contact Rabbi Kean to join the minyan WhatsApp group, useful for receiving the sign-up sheet or if you may be available to attend a minyan on short notice.
PARKING NOTICE For security purposes, any time a CBAJ member parks in our parking lot overnight, or the B'nai Shalom parking lotat any time, we request that you display a placard issued from the office. A supply will be left on the shelf in the hallway outside the sanctuary. Please contact office@cbaj.org if more placards are needed.
UPCOMING EVENTS
SECURITY COMMITTEE CSS Level 1 Training This is an in-person Level 1 at CBAJ on Sunday, 12 February at 1 pm. You will need to have complete the online training prior to the class as per your registration with committee chair Ari Fisher.
ACTIVE SHOOTER TRAINING A 1-hour active shooter training class for the general membership has been scheduled, by our Security Committee in partnership with our NYS Trooper liaison, for February 15 at 7:00 pm at CBAJ. Please consider attending this important training.
NEW LECTURE SERIES: TALMUD TOGETHER Thurs. February 16 & Tuesday February 28 at 7:00 pm (note schedule change) Join Rabbi Ben Kean and Rabbi Greg Weitzman for an evening - or two - of shared learning. Over the course of two evenings, both rabbis will teach their favorite Talmudic texts from their own unique perspectives. The first session will be on Thursday, February 16th at Congregation Beth Emeth (100 Academy Rd)and second on Tuesday, February 28th at CBAJ.Rabbi Greg Weitzman joined CBE as their Co-Senior Rabbi last summer, one year after Rabbi Kean joined CBAJ.
SOFER DAY: MEZUZAH & TEFILIN CHECKING Sunday, February 26, 10 am to 4 pm (note schedule change) Rabbi Mendel Serebryanski, Sofer STA"M, will come to CBAJ to check Tefilin and Mezuzot. Reservations are preferred, but we will try to accommodate walk-ins. To make a reservation, fill out this form. Dedicated in memory of HaRav Chaim Zev Bomzer, z"l, on his 10th yahrtzeit, 28 Shevat, by Rabbi Moshe & Rebbetzin Rochel Bomzer.
LUNCH & LEARN for SENIORS *New* Join Rabbi Kean for the new Lunch & Learn Series for Seniors.
February 28: Contemporary Lessons from the Holiday of Purim
March 28: Four Myths & Facts About Passover
May 9: Myths & Facts: Lag Ba'Omer
All sessions will begin at 12:30 pm. All curious minds are welcome. Lunch catered by 518 Kosher, supervised by the VHCD, free of charge. Please register by contacting our events coordinator Beth Liotta Tyler at 518.489.5819 x4 or beth@cbaj.org. * A Theodore Strauss z"l Endowment Fund sponsored program
COMMUNITY-WIDE BEIS MIDRASH NIGHT *New* Jointly presented by CBAJ & the Shteeble Starts Thursday, March 2, 8:30-9:30 pm at CBAJ (social hall) Join the Shteeble & CBAJ for Beis Midrash Night! Take part in the unique experience of in-depth, textual chavrusa or individual learning in a Beis Midrash setting. Cholent & kugel will be served. All levels of experience are welcome—with guided options available for beginners. This will be a recurring program, taking place every other week. For more information, contact: Rabbi Kean, Sean Ference, or Mendy Shepherd.
YOUTH PROGAMS
NCSY Events Stay tuned for more information. Torah High 2022-2023 - Next semester starts 2/27/2023! CBAJ's Torah High meets Mondays, 7-9 pm and is open to all students in grades 8 - 12. Pizza dinner is served. Registration information available here Tot Shabbat Next Tot Shabbat March 18! 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 THERE WILL NOT BE YOUTH GROUPS THIS SHABBAT! (Our teen leaders are all out of town for Northeast NCSY's regional Shabbaton. Youth groups will resume next Shabbat.) Kids in grades k-5 will meet each Shabbat morning at 10-11 am. Groups will be led by our youth director, Yael Gonzalez, 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 for 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/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
WEEKLY CLASSES NACH YOMI - *NEW* 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 -5:20 pm this Shabbat Join our Shabbat AfternoonTALMUD SHIUR in-person, at CBAJ, starting 45 minutes before Shabbat ends. 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
KIDDUSH CONVERSATIONS This year's Topic: "The World of Midrash" Join CBAJ members in discussing a different Midrash every week! Midrash is one of our Tradition's most powerful and ancient tools for understanding the Torah and demonstrating its relevance to later generations, For more information, suggested source material, or the volunteer sign-up page, please click here. If you have any questions, please reach out to Rabbi Kean or Steve Rich. Begins November 19, and will take place following Kiddush.
KABBALAH AND CONSCIOUSNESS *New* With Simma Kinderlehrer & Howard Schaffer Curious about Kabbalah? We are offering a taste of the book Kabbalah and Consciousness, by Allen Afterman. We will discuss a few juicy tidbits to wet your appetite for an ongoing study of this accessible, experiential ascent from ordinary consciousness toward knowledge of and union with The Infinite. Sunday, March 19, 10:00 a.m. on Zoom. Future sessions will be in person, time dependent on participants. R.S.V.P. Requested. Please text response and questions to (516) 382-5201
READING CLASSICAL HEBREW COURSE *New* Beginning after Pesach, on one evening each week students will meet on Zoom for a 90-minute class to learn grammar and vocabulary from the textbook The First Hebrew Primer. The instructor will be Mike Kupferschmid. For more information, please send an email for him to nancylawson10@gmail.com. (The day of the week will be determined by the availability of the students.)
HAGGADAH INSIGHTS *New* Tuesdays, March 7, 21, & 28, 7:45-8:30 pm at CBAJ Join Rabbi Kean for a three-part lecture series exploring the Haggadah. Rabbi Kean's goal is to primarily share ideas that are new to him.
PILLARS LECTURE SERIES Please note change of final installment to February 25th
FEEDBACK REQUESTED The Adult Education Committee wants to hear from you! All ideas about classes, lectures, and other adult education programs of interest should be forwarded to events@cbaj.org
DAILY SERVICES
February 12 - February 17
Shacharit Sunday 8:00 am (Nach Yomi 7:30 am)
Monday - Friday 6:40 am (Nach Yomi 6:10 am)
Mincha/Maariv Sunday - Friday 5:10 pm
Candle lighting Friday 2/17/2023 5:11 pm
MESSAGE FROM LIFE & LEGACY
“The things you do for your self are gone when you are gone, but the things you do for others remain as your legacy.” Kalu Ndukwe Kalu
We are excited and honored to be partnering with 10 other local organizations in the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s LIFE & LEGACY™ program. Please help us pay it forward and leave a legacy for future Capital District Jews. Please speak to Paula Mosher or Ellen Kaplowitz, the Life & Legacy committee chairs about partnering on this crucial initiative to ensure the vitality of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob for the next 200 years.
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Community-wide Shabbat Dinner at JCC Save the date: March 31, 6:30 - 8:30 pm CBAJ will be joining in the program and CBAJ's Friday evening services will be moved to the JCC on March 31. More details to follow! Hosted by the Jewish Federation at Albany JCC
Jewish Family Services - Grief & Loss Support Group JFS is offering an in-person weekly support group for anyone who is grieving the death of a family member or friend. Select Thursdays in February & March, starting 2/16, 2 - 3 pm. Locations TBA. For dates, registration & fee information CLICK HERE
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
Latest Shema 9:38 am Simcha Kiddush following services
Babysitting 10:00 am
Youth Groups 10:00 am
Shabbat Mincha 12:35 pm
Talmud Class 5:10 pm
Shabbat ends 5:56 pm
Ma'ariv 6:10 pm
TORAH READING Exodus 13:17-17:16, Artscroll p. 366 Haftarah: Judges 4:4 - 5:31, p. 1152
SPEAKER Rav Jack will deliver a Dvar Torah Shabbat morning. Tom Kligerman will lead the Kiddush Conversation. Rav Jack will teach the Shabbat afternoon Talmud class this week. KIDDUSH Kiddush is sponsored by CBAJ.
MESSAGE FROM RABBI KEAN
On behalf of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob, I would like to wish you and your family a restful and meaningful Shabbat.
Miriam and I have both tested positive for COVID (my test was this morning, Miriam's was Tuesday evening), so we will not be in present this Shabbat. You may wish to consider monitoring yourself for symptoms or getting yourself tested if you were in contact with either of us recently.
Thankfully, Miriam and I are both doing well, with minor symptoms, and we have everything that we need. We are so grateful to everyone who has offered there assistance already. It is such a tremendous privilege to be part of such a special community where everyone looks out for each other.
Likewise, I have heard from a few individuals who were present at services last Shabbat that they tested positive for COVID earlier in the week. Please take these incidents as a reminder that we all must take health and wellness seriously, including staying home when we are sick.
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Noah & Hadassah Tye, along with their son Betzalel, who have just moved into Albany this week. Additionally, I'd like to welcome Ahava Weintraub to Albany. Ahava and her husband Elon are considering moving to Albany. Please take the chance to extend a warm Albany-welcome (on a not-so-warm Albany day).
As I will not see you over Shabbat, I would like to share a brief D'var Torah: Two weeks ago, I spoke about the idea of "complex faith" - the idea that we can simultaneously hold in our hearts both deep trust in HaShem and also to grapple with the challenge of the existence of suffering of the innocent.
This idea stemmed from Moshe Rabbeinu asking G-d "why have you done evil to this nation?" (Exodus 5:22), apparently challenging G-d and his righteousness. The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 11) exonerates Moshe, declaring him "bar levav" pure of heart, because he was simply demaning the salvation of Israel, pained by the sight of their suffering.
I would like to suggest that a similar idea - of complex faith - can be seen in this week's parsha. As Israel is trapped between the encroaching Egyptian army and the Yam Suf, we see an apparent contradiction in their behavior.
In Exodus 14:10, we read "and the children of Israel cried out to the Lord," apparently expressing deep faith in the power of G-d to be their savior, but then in the next verse, they cry to Moses, "Was it because there were no graves in Egypt, that you took us away to die in the wilderness? What have you done to us, to bring us forth out of Egypt," expressing a deep lack of faith in the leadership of Moses, G-d's servant.
There are numerous answers that could be offered, for instance, Nachmanides suggests that perhaps Israel faith in HaShem but not in Moses. But a colleague of mine suggested that perhaps Israel had complex faith. On the one hand, complete belief in HaShem, His abilities and saving power, while on the other, grappling with a harsh reality that does not always appear to reflect Divine justice.
I will conclude by noting that while in this incident, Divine justice is clearly and publicly manifested in the salvation of Israel, our faith often demands that we grapple with a difficult reality where great miracles are not so apparent. I wish you strength in that struggle.
I hope to see you soon at a tefilah, children's program, event, or class!
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Ben Kean
ANNOUNCEMENTS
WELLNESS REMINDER Anyone who has symptoms of any illness or is not feeling well is strongly encouraged to stay home, irrespective of vaccination status. Better to miss services than risk spreading COVID or another viral infection.
WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY THIS SHABBAT Please be aware of the Winter Weather Advisory that is in effect in Albany from 8:00 am on Friday until noon on Saturday, with windchills up to 30 to 35 degrees below 0. The dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. Everyone is encourage to take this into account when walking to shul, and those who may be at greater risk are encouraged to remain at home. MINYAN NOTICE In recent weeks, guaranteeing a weekday minyan has been a greater challenge, especially for Mincha/Maariv which is early in the Winter.
In light of this, we ask two things of adult Jewish men: 1) If you are able to attend weekday minyan more frequently (even one day per week), please consider joining. 2) If you think you will be able to join minyan, regularly or occasionally, please sign-up on the weekly sign-up sheet so that we can know whether there will be enough attendees, or if we need to request additional attendees.
Please contact Rabbi Kean to join the minyan WhatsApp group, useful for receiving the sign-up sheet or if you may be available to attend a minyan on short notice.
PARKING NOTICE For security purposes, any time a CBAJ member parks in our parking lot overnight, or the B'nai Shalom parking lotat any time, we request that you display a placard issued from the office. A supply will be left on the shelf in the hallway outside the sanctuary. Please contact office@cbaj.org if more placards are needed.
UPCOMING EVENTS
FEBRUARY SIMCHA KIDDUSH The February Simcha Kiddush is on 2/11/2023 Sponsors are invited to submit their celebratory announcements by NOON on Thursday 2/9/2023. CLICK HEREto complete the online sponsor form or email office@cbaj.org.
The February TOT SHABBAT will be 2/11/2023!
SECURITY COMMITTEE CSS Level 1 Training This class has been postponed until February 12th Please email Ari Fisher for more information or to register for the next CSS Level Training to be rescheduled for February 12th at 3:00 pm.
ACTIVE SHOOTER TRAINING A 1 hour active shooter training class for the general membership has been scheduled, by our Security Committee in partnership with our NYS Trooper liaison, for February 15 at 7:00 pm at CBAJ. Please consider attending this important training.
NEW LECTURE SERIES: TALMUD TOGETHER Tues. February 7th & Thurs. February 16 at 7:00 pm Join Rabbi Ben Kean and Rabbi Greg Weitzman for an evening - or two - of shared learning. Over the course of two evenings, both rabbis will teach their favorite Talmudic texts from their own unique perspectives. The first session will be Tuesday, February 7th, at CBAJ and the second on Thursday, February 16th at Congregation Beth Emeth (100 Academy Rd). Rabbi Greg Weitzman joined CBE as their Co-Senior Rabbi last summer, one year after Rabbi Kean joined CBAJ.
SOFER DAY: MEZUZAH & TEFILIN CHECKING Sunday, February 12, 10 am to 4 pm Rabbi Mendel Serebryanski, Sofer STA"M, will come to CBAJ to check Tefilin and Mezuzot. Reservations are preferred, but we will try to accomodate walk-ins. To make a reservation, fill out this form. (link has been restored) Dedicated in memory of HaRav Chaim Zev Bomzer, z"l, on his 10th yahrtzeit, 28 Shevat, by Rabbi Moshe & Rebbetzin Rochel Bomzer.
**NEW** LUNCH & LEARN for SENIORS * A Theodore Strauss z"l Endowment Fund sponsored program Save the following dates for a new Lunch & Learn series for seniors, taught by Rabbi Kean in the CBAJ social hall. February 28: Four Contemporary Lessons from the Holiday of Purim March 28: Four Myths & Facts About Passover May 9: TBA All sessions will begin at 12:30 pm. Lunch will be catered by 518 Kosher under the supervision of the VHCD, free of charge. All curious minds are welcome.
Youth Programs
NCSY Events FEB 10-12 Winter Regional Shabbaton All Teens grades 8-12 are invited to sign up for Northeast NCSY Winter Regional! This Shabbaton will bring Jewish teens together from across New England & Upstate NY for a weekend of fun, new & old friends, engaging and meaningful programming, & an uplifting Shabbat together in the beautiful Ethan Allen Hotel in Danbury, CT. Saturday night will feature all the attractions at the CT Xtreme Indoor Adventure Park! For more information and to register, go toNCSY's website.
Torah High 2022-2023 CBAJ's Torah High meets Mondays, 7-9 pm and is open to all students in grades 8 - 12. Pizza dinner is served. Registration information available here
Babysitting Babysitting is available for children ages 0-5 every Shabbat morning for 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/restrictions. Children in diapers may participate, but babysitters will not be able to change diapers, so please check on kids in diapers.
Youth Groups Kids in grades k-5 will meet each Shabbat morning at 10-11 am. Groups will be led by our youth director, Yael Gonzalez, and teen youth leaders. For more information about attending, or if your teen wants to work as a youth leader, email office@cbaj.org. Tot Shabbat - the next scheduled Tot Shabbat is February 11th 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.
WEEKLY LEARNING AT CBAJ
WEEKLY CLASSES NACH YOMI - *NEW* 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 -4:55 pm this Shabbat Join our Shabbat AfternoonTALMUD SHIUR in-person, at CBAJ, starting 45 minutes before Shabbat ends. 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
KIDDUSH CONVERSATIONS This year's Topic: "The World of Midrash" Join CBAJ members in discussing a different Midrash every week! Midrash is one of our Tradition's most powerful and ancient tools for understanding the Torah and demonstrating its relevance to later generations, For more information, suggested source material, or the volunteer sign-up page, please click here. If you have any questions, please reach out to Rabbi Kean or Steve Rich. Begins November 19, and will take place following Kiddush.
READING CLASSICAL HEBREW COURSE *New* Beginning after Pesach, on one evening each week students will meet on Zoom for a 90-minute class to learn grammar and vocabulary from the textbook The First Hebrew Primer. The instructor will be Mike Kupferschmid. For more information, please send an email for him to nancylawson10@gmail.com. (The day of the week will be determined by the availability of the students.)
PILLARS LECTURE SERIES Please note change of final installment to February 25th
FEEDBACK REQUESTED The Adult Education Committee wants to hear from you! All ideas about classes, lectures, and other adult education programs of interest should be forwarded to events@cbaj.org
DAILY SERVICES
February 5 - February 10
Shacharit Sunday 8:00 am (Nach Yomi 7:30 am)
Monday - Friday 6:40 am (Nach Yomi 6:10 am)
Mincha/Maariv Sunday - Friday 5:00 pm
Candle lighting Friday 2/10/2023 5:02 pm
MESSAGE FROM LIFE & LEGACY
“The things you do for your self are gone when you are gone, but the things you do for others remain as your legacy.” Kalu Ndukwe Kalu
We are excited and honored to be partnering with 10 other local organizations in the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s LIFE & LEGACY™ program. Please help us pay it forward and leave a legacy for future Capital District Jews. Please speak to Paula Mosher or Ellen Kaplowitz , the Life & Legacy committee chairs about partnering on this crucial initiative to ensure the vitality of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob for the next 200 years.
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
Latest Shema 9:41 am Simcha Kiddush following services
Babysitting 10:00 am
Youth Groups 10:00 am
Shabbat Mincha 12:34 pm
Talmud Class 5:00 pm
Shabbat ends 5:48 pm
Ma'ariv 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 Shabbat morning. Barry Siegel will lead the Kiddush Conversation. KIDDUSH Kiddush is sponsored by CBAJ.
CODONLENCES Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob regrets to inform you of the passing of Dr. Donald Kaner (David ben Zev), father of Vicky O'Brien, who will be sitting shiva in Albany at the following times/locations: Friday, Jan. 27: 9:15-10:15 am at the Shteeble (following the Shteeble's morning services) 10:45 am-12:30 pm at Shabbos House May the family be comforted, and may Donald's memory be a blessing.
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob regrets to inform you of the passing of William Maxwell, Jr., z''l, father of our dear friend and CBAJ member Leah Siegel (and Barry) and grandfather of our dear friend and CBAJ member Deborah Govindan (and Daniel). The funeral details are private.
Leah will sit shiva at her home, 24 Upton Rd Sunday, Jan. 29, 6:00-8:00 pm
May the family be comforted, and may William's memory be for a blessing.
MESSAGE FROM RABBI KEAN
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!
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Ben Kean
ANNOUNCEMENTS
MINYAN NOTICE In recent weeks, guaranteeing a weekday minyan has been a greater challenge, especially for Mincha/Maariv which is early in the Winter.
In light of this, we ask two things of adult Jewish men: 1) If you are able to attend weekday minyan more frequently (even one day per week), please consider joining. 2) If you think you will be able to join minyan, regularly or occasionally, please sign-up on the weekly sign-up sheet so that we can know whether there will be enough attendees, or if we need to request additional attendees.
Please contact Rabbi Kean to join the minyan WhatsApp group, useful for receiving the sign-up sheet or if you may be available to attend a minyan on short notice.
PARKING NOTICE For security purposes, any time a CBAJ member parks in our parking lot overnight, or the B'nai Shalom parking lotat any time, we request that you display a placard issued from the office. A supply will be left on the shelf in the hallway outside the sanctuary. Please contact office@cbaj.org if more placards are needed.
UPCOMING EVENTS
SECURITY COMMITTEE CSS Level 1 Training This class has been postponed until February 12th Please email Ari Fisher for more information or to register for the next CSS Level Training to be rescheduled for February 12th at 3:00 pm.
ACTIVE SHOOTER TRAINING A 1 hour active shooter training class for the general membership has been scheduled, by our Security Committee in partnership with our NYS Trooper liaison, for February 15 at 7:00 pm at CBAJ. Please consider attending this important training.
NEW LECTURE SERIES: TALMUD TOGETHER Tues. February 7th & Thurs. February 16 Join Rabbi Ben Kean and Rabbi Greg Weitzman for an evening - or two - of shared learning. Over the course of two evenings, both rabbis will teach their favorite Talmudic texts from their own unique perspectives. The first session will be Tuesday, February 7th, at CBAJ and the second on Thursday, February 16th at Congregation Beth Emeth (100 Academy Rd). Rabbi Greg Weitzman joined CBE as their Co-Senior Rabbi last summer, one year after Rabbi Kean joined CBAJ.
SOFER DAY: MEZUZAH & TEFILIN CHECKING Sunday, February 12, 10 am to 4 pm Rabbi Mendel Serebryanski, Sofer STA"M, will come to CBAJ to check Tefilin and Mezuzot. Reservations are preferred, but we will try to accomodate walk-ins. To make a reservation, fill out this form. Dedicated in memory of HaRav Chaim Zev Bomzer, z"l, on his 10th yahrtzeit, 28 Shevat, by Rabbi Moshe & Rebbetzin Rochel Bomzer.
Youth Programs
NCSY Events FEB 10-12 Winter Regional Shabbaton All Teens grades 8-12 are invited to sign up for Northeast NCSY Winter Regional! This Shabbaton will bring Jewish teens together from across New England & Upstate NY for a weekend of fun, new & old friends, engaging and meaningful programming, & an uplifting Shabbat together in the beautiful Ethan Allen Hotel in Danbury, CT. Saturday night will feature all the attractions at the CT Xtreme Indoor Adventure Park! For more information and to register, go toNCSY's website.
Torah High 2022-2023 CBAJ's Torah High meets Mondays, 7-9 pm and is open to all students in grades 8 - 12. Pizza dinner is served. Registration information available here
Babysitting Babysitting is available for children ages 0-5 every Shabbat morning for 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/restrictions. Children in diapers may participate, but babysitters will not be able to change diapers, so please check on kids in diapers.
Youth Groups Kids in grades k-5 will meet each Shabbat morning at 10-11 am. Groups will be led by our youth director, Yael Gonzalez, and teen youth leaders. For more information about attending, or if your teen wants to work as a youth leader, email office@cbaj.org. Tot Shabbat - the next scheduled Tot Shabbat is February 11th 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.
WEEKLY LEARNING AT CBAJ
WEEKLY CLASSES NACH YOMI - *NEW* 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 -4:55 pm this Shabbat Join our Shabbat AfternoonTALMUD SHIUR in-person, at CBAJ, starting 45 minutes before Shabbat ends. 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
KIDDUSH CONVERSATIONS This year's Topic: "The World of Midrash" Join CBAJ members in discussing a different Midrash every week! Midrash is one of our Tradition's most powerful and ancient tools for understanding the Torah and demonstrating its relevance to later generations, For more information, suggested source material, or the volunteer sign-up page, please click here. If you have any questions, please reach out to Rabbi Kean or Steve Rich. Begins November 19, and will take place following Kiddush.
READING CLASSICAL HEBREW COURSE *New* Beginning after Pesach, on one evening each week students will meet on Zoom for a 90-minute class to learn grammar and vocabulary from the textbook The First Hebrew Primer. The instructor will be Mike Kupferschmid. For more information, please send an email for him to nancylawson10@gmail.com. (The day of the week will be determined by the availability of the students.)
PILLARS LECTURE SERIES Please note change of final installment to February 25th
FEEDBACK REQUESTED The Adult Education Committee wants to hear from you! All ideas about classes, lectures, and other adult education programs of interest should be forwarded to events@cbaj.org
DAILY SERVICES
January 29 - February 3
Shacharit Sunday 8:00 am (Nach Yomi 7:30 am)
Monday - Friday 6:40 am (Nach Yomi 6:10 am)
Mincha/Maariv Sunday - Friday 4:50 pm
Candle lighting Friday 2/3/2023 4:53 pm
MESSAGE FROM LIFE & LEGACY
“The things you do for your self are gone when you are gone, but the things you do for others remain as your legacy.” Kalu Ndukwe Kalu
We are excited and honored to be partnering with 10 other local organizations in the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s LIFE & LEGACY™ program. Please help us pay it forward and leave a legacy for future Capital District Jews. Please speak to Paula Mosher or Ellen Kaplowitz , the Life & Legacy committee chairs about partnering on this crucial initiative to ensure the vitality of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob for the next 200 years.
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
Latest Shema 9:43 am Simcha Kiddush following services
Babysitting 10:00 am
Youth Groups 10:00 am Tot Shabbat 10:30 am
Shabbat Mincha 12:31 pm
Talmud Class 4:55 pm
Shabbat ends 5:40 pm
Ma'ariv 5:55 pm
TORAH READING Exodus 6:2 - 9:35, Artscroll p. 318 Haftarah: Isaiah 66:1-24, p. 1208
SPEAKER Rabbi Kean will deliver a Dvar Torah Shabbat morning. Steve Rich will lead the Kiddush Conversation, entitled "Did G-d Make Us the Best that He Could?" . SIMCHA KIDDUSH The Simcha Kiddush is prepared by the Simcha Kiddush Committee, chaired by Faye Silton & Marta Koblenz. The sponsors are listed below.
CONDOLENCES Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob regrets to inform you of the passing of Dr. Donald Kaner (David ben Zev), father of Vicky O'Brien. The funeral will take place at Mount Ararat Jewish Cemetery on Long Island (Farmingdale, NY) on Sunday. Shiva details to be announced.
MESSAGE FROM CBAJ BOARD OF DIRECTORS
We would like to announce the Designation of Rabbi Emeritus which has been affirmed by the CBAJ Board of Directors to Rabbi Bomzer. We wish Rabbi Bomzer a hearty Mazal Tov and sincerely thank him for his ongoing dedication to CBAJ and look forward to our continued relationship and his support of CBAJ's Rabbi Kean.
Warmly, Laura Segal, President CBAJ Board of Directors
MESSAGE FROM RABBI KEAN
On behalf of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob, I would like to wish you and your family a restful and meaningful Shabbat.
I join the CBAJ Board of Directors in wishing Rabbi Moshe Bomzer a warm mazal tov on being officially designated as CBAJ's Rabbi Emeritus. On a personal note, I would like to take this moment as an opportunity to express my gratitude to him for the support and council that he has extended to me since the beginning of my tenure.
CBAJ's new Nach Yomi class which meets before weekday Shacharit is completing its first week! It is not too late to join interesting discussion, freshly brewed coffee, and a meaningful and attainable goal to finish all of Nach.
A special welcome to all of the NCSY advisors who are joining us this Shabbat for a wonderful NCSY Albany Chapter Shabbaton! See below for the full schedule of events for teens.
The adult education committee is currently working on several exciting new classes and learning opportunities. Please continue to check back in the coming weeks as they are announced.
I hope to see you soon at a tefilah, children's program, event, or class!
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Ben Kean
SIMCHA KIDDUSH SPONSORS
The January Simcha Kiddush is sponsored by CBAJ, and by the families of our celebrants: Amy Svirsky & Mitch Abolafiain honor of her birthday. Tom Kligerman in honor of the daily minyan. Maureen and Elliot Chester in honor of the birth of their son, Saul Aaron. Rabbi Dr. Moshe & Rebbetzin Rochel Bomzer in celebration of the conferring of the title Rabbi Emeritus to Rabbi Bomzer for his rabbinic service to CBAJ, with special thanks to Rabbi Kean, Laura Segal, Mark Israel, the Executive Committee, and Board of Directors of CBAJ. Nanette and Artie Brenner in honor of Lianna Brenner’s birthday. Jill and Howard Goldberg in honor of Shore and Shajar Goldberg’s marriage on December 28, 2022. Daniela and Vadim Mikhaylov in honor of David Mikhaylov's birthday, Nina Mikhaylova's birthday, and in honor of the 1st wedding anniversary of Daniela and Vadim Mikhaylov.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
MINYAN NOTICE In recent weeks, guaranteeing a weekday minyan has been a greater challenge, especially for Mincha/Maariv which is early in the Winter.
In light of this, we ask two things of adult Jewish men: 1) If you are able to attend weekday minyan more frequently (even one day per week), please consider joining. 2) If you think you will be able to join minyan, regularly or occasionally, please sign-up on the weekly sign-up sheet so that we can know whether there will be enough attendees, or if we need to request additional attendees.
Please contact Rabbi Kean to join the minyan WhatsApp group, useful for receiving the sign-up sheet or if you may be available to attend a minyan on short notice.
PARKING NOTICE For security purposes, any time a CBAJ member parks in our parking lot overnight, or the B'nai Shalom parking lotat any time, we request that you display a placard issued from the office. A supply will be left on the shelf in the hallway outside the sanctuary. Please contact office@cbaj.org if more placards are needed.
UPCOMING EVENTS
SECURITY COMMITTEE CSS Level 1 Training This class has been postponed until February 12th Please email Ari Fisher for more information or to register for the next CSS Level Training to be rescheduled for February 12th at 3:00 pm.
ACTIVE SHOOTER TRAINING A 1 hour active shooter training class for the general membership has been scheduled, by our Security Committee in partnership with our NYS Trooper liaison, for February 15 at 7:00 pm at CBAJ. Please consider attending this important training.
NEW LECTURE SERIES: TALMUD TOGETHER Tues. February 7th & Thurs. February 16 Join Rabbi Ben Kean and Rabbi Greg Weitzman for an evening - or two - of shared learning. Over the course of two evenings, both rabbis will teach their favorite Talmudic texts from their own unique perspectives. The first session will be Tuesday, February 7th, at CBAJ and the second on Thursday, February 16th at Congregation Beth Emeth (100 Academy Rd). Rabbi Greg Weitzman joined CBE as their Co-Senior Rabbi last summer, one year after Rabbi Kean joined CBAJ.
SOFER DAY: MEZUZAH & TEFILIN CHECKING Sunday, February 12, 10 am to 4 pm Rabbi Mendel Serebryanski, Sofer STA"M, will come to CBAJ to check Tefilin and Mezuzot. Reservations are preferred, but we will try to accomodate walk-ins. To make a reservation, fill out this form. Dedicated in memory of HaRav Chaim Zev Bomzer, z"l, on his 10th yahrtzeit, 28 Shevat, by Rabbi Moshe & Rebbetzin Rochel Bomzer.
Youth Programs
NCSY Events NCSY Shabbaton Schedule - This Shabbat! All events to take place at CBAJ unless otherwise noted Friday, Jan. 20th 4:35 PM Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat 6:15 PM Delicious "Heimish" Shabbos Homestyle Dinner 7:30 PM Oneg Featuring Desserts and Stories
Shabbat, Jan. 21st -11:45 AM "The Parsha and Me" Activity with Advisors after morning services @ CBAJ; Grades 6-7 -2:30 PM Shabbos Afternoon Dessert and Hangout @ 197 Holmes Dale 12208; Grades 6-12 -7:00 PM Movie Night @ CBAJ featuring fresh popcorn; Grades 8-12 FEB 10-12 Winter Regional Shabbaton All Teens grades 8-12 are invited to sign up for Northeast NCSY Winter Regional! This Shabbaton will bring Jewish teens together from across New England & Upstate NY for a weekend of fun, new & old friends, engaging and meaningful programming, & an uplifting Shabbat together in the beautiful Ethan Allen Hotel in Danbury, CT. Saturday night will feature all the attractions at the CT Xtreme Indoor Adventure Park! Early Bird Price until Jan 15th For more information and to register, go toNCSY's website.
Torah High 2022-2023 CBAJ's Torah High meets Mondays, 7-9 pm and is open to all students in grades 8 - 12. Pizza dinner is served. Registration information available here
Babysitting Babysitting is available for children ages 0-5 every Shabbat morning for 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/restrictions. Children in diapers may participate, but babysitters will not be able to change diapers, so please check on kids in diapers.
Youth Groups Kids in grades k-5 will meet each Shabbat morning at 10-11 am. Groups will be led by our youth director, Yael Gonzalez, and teen youth leaders. For more information about attending, or if your teen wants to work as a youth leader, email office@cbaj.org. 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.
WEEKLY LEARNING AT CBAJ
WEEKLY CLASSES NACH YOMI - *NEW* 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 -4:55 pm this Shabbat Join our Shabbat AfternoonTALMUD SHIUR in-person, at CBAJ, starting 45 minutes before Shabbat ends. 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
FEEDBACK REQUESTED The Adult Education Committee wants to hear from you! All ideas about classes, lectures, and other adult education programs of interest should be forwarded to events@cbaj.org
BOOK CLUB The next CBAJ Book Club is meeting in the CBAJ Zoom Room on January 18th at 8:00 pm to discuss A Journey to the End of the Millennium - A Novel of the Middle Ages by A. B. Yehoshua.
KIDDUSH CONVERSATIONS This year's Topic: "The World of Midrash" Join CBAJ members in discussing a different Midrash every week! Midrash is one of our Tradition's most powerful and ancient tools for understanding the Torah and demonstrating its relevance to later generations, For more information, suggested source material, or the volunteer sign-up page, please click here. If you have any questions, please reach out to Rabbi Kean or Steve Rich. Begins November 19, and will take place following Kiddush.
READING CLASSICAL HEBREW COURSE *New* Beginning after Pesach, on one evening each week students will meet on Zoom for a 90-minute class to learn grammar and vocabulary from the textbook The First Hebrew Primer. The instructor will be Mike Kupferschmid. For more information, please send an email for him to nancylawson10@gmail.com. (The day of the week will be determined by the availability of the students.)
PILLARS LECTURE SERIES Please note change of final installment to February 25th
DAILY SERVICES
January 22 - January 27
Shacharit Sunday 8:00 am (Nach Yomi 7:30 am)
Monday Rosh Chodesh Shevat 6:35 am (Nach Yomi 6:05 am) Tuesday - Friday 6:40 am (Nach Yomi 6:10 am)
Mincha/Maariv Sunday - Friday 4:45 pm
Candle lighting Friday 1/27/2023 4:43 pm
MESSAGE FROM LIFE & LEGACY
“The things you do for your self are gone when you are gone, but the things you do for others remain as your legacy.” Kalu Ndukwe Kalu
We are excited and honored to be partnering with 10 other local organizations in the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s LIFE & LEGACY™ program. Please help us pay it forward and leave a legacy for future Capital District Jews. Please speak to Paula Mosher or Ellen Kaplowitz , the Life & Legacy committee chairs about partnering on this crucial initiative to ensure the vitality of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob for the next 200 years.
COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
POSITIVE PARENTING WITH RABBI ZALMY KUDAN Sunday, January 22, 2023 at the Jewish Federation Golub Center (184 Washington Ave. Ext., Albany). The Jewish Federation of NENY & Maimonides PTA invite you to a parent's night out, for an evening of inspiration. See flyer for details. RSVP to MHDSpta@gmail.com
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 Rabbinic Intern Jack Hartstein will deliver the second of a three-part winter lecture series entitled Pillars. This week's installment: "Torah in the Age of Google." KIDDUSH Kiddush this Shabbat is sponsored by CBAJ.
MESSAGE FROM RABBI KEAN
On behalf of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob, I would like to wish you and your family a restful and meaningful Shabbat.
Given that this Monday is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, I invite you to join me in reflecting on Dr. King's legacy and mission to fight for justice in our nation. I look forward to having the privilege of Dr. King's legacy and its intersection with the ideals of our Torah and tradition with my students at HACD this coming Monday. I encourage you to find a way to honor his legacy in your lives.
I hope to see you soon at a tefilah, children's program, event, or class!
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Ben Kean
ANNOUNCEMENTS
MINYAN NOTICE In recent weeks, guaranteeing a weekday minyan has been a greater challenge, especially for Mincha/Maariv which is early in the Winter.
In light of this, we ask two things of adult Jewish men: 1) If you are able to attend weekday minyan more frequently (even one day per week), please consider joining. 2) If you think you will be able to join minyan, regularly or occasionally, please sign-up on the weekly sign-up sheet so that we can know whether there will be enough attendees, or if we need to request additional attendees.
Please contact Rabbi Kean to join the minyan WhatsApp group, useful for receiving the sign-up sheet or if you may be available to attend a minyan on short notice.
PARKING NOTICE For security purposes, any time a CBAJ member parks in our parking lot overnight, or the B'nai Shalom parking lotat any time, we request that you display a placard issued from the office. A supply will be left on the shelf in the hallway outside the sanctuary. Please contact office@cbaj.org if more placards are needed.
UPCOMING EVENTS
JANUARY SIMCHA KIDDUSH The January Simcha Kiddush is on 1/21/2023 Sponsors are invited to submit their celebratory announcements by 1/19/2023. Click here to complete the online form or email office@cbaj.org. The January TOT SHABBAT will be 1/21/2023!
NEW DAILY LEARNING CLASS The new Daily Learning Class starts this Sunday, 1/15/2023! See the Weekly Learning at CBAJ section below for details SECURITY COMMITTEE: CSS Level 1 Training Please email Ari Fisher for more information or to register for the next CSS Level Training on January 22.
NEW LECTURE SERIES: TALMUD TOGETHER Tues. February 7th & Thurs. February 16 Join Rabbi Ben Kean and Rabbi Greg Weitzman for an evening - or two - of shared learning. Over the course of two evenings, both rabbis will teach their favorite Talmudic texts from their own unique perspectives. The first session will be Tuesday, February 7th, at CBAJ and the second on Thursday, February 16th at Congregation Beth Emeth (100 Academy Rd). Rabbi Greg Weitzman joined CBE as their Co-Senior Rabbi last summer, one year after Rabbi Kean joined CBAJ.
Youth Programs
NCSY Events UPDATED JANUARY SHABBATON JAN 20-21 Albany Chapter Shabbaton Teens in grades 8-12 are invited to join advisors for a thrilling Shabbaton in Albany. Complete details to be announced soon. Contact Rabbinic intern Jack Hartstein for more information.
FEB 10-12 Winter Regional Shabbaton All Teens grades 8-12 are invited to sign up for Northeast NCSY Winter Regional! This Shabbaton will bring Jewish teens together from across New England & Upstate NY for a weekend of fun, new & old friends, engaging and meaningful programming, & an uplifting Shabbat together in the beautiful Ethan Allen Hotel in Danbury, CT. Saturday night will feature all the attractions at the CT Xtreme Indoor Adventure Park! Early Bird Price until Jan 15th For more information and to register, go toNCSY's website.
Torah High 2022-2023 CBAJ's Torah High meets Mondays, 7-9 pm and is open to all students in grades 8 - 12. Pizza dinner is served. Registration information available here
Babysitting Babysitting is available for children ages 0-5 every Shabbat morning for 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/restrictions. Children in diapers may participate, but babysitters will not be able to change diapers, so please check on kids in diapers.
Youth Groups Kids in grades k-5 will meet each Shabbat morning at 10-11 am. Groups will be led by our youth director, Yael Gonzalez, and teen youth leaders. For more information about attending, or if your teen wants to work as a youth leader, email office@cbaj.org. Tot Shabbat For children ages 0-5 and their parents at 10:30 am in classroom 3. The next TOT SHABBAT is January 21, 2023
Please contact Joshua Schulman-Marcus (jschumar@gmail.com) if you would like to be added to the Young Families WhatsApp group.
WEEKLY LEARNING AT CBAJ
WEEKLY CLASSES 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 -4:45 pm this Shabbat Join our Shabbat AfternoonTALMUD SHIUR in-person, at CBAJ, starting 45 minutes before Shabbat ends. We are studying Masechet Makkot.
NACH YOMI - *NEW* Starting Sunday, Jan. 15, 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). join Rabbi Kean in the CBAJ social hall for daily learning sessions.
*CBAJ ZOOM ROOM (weekday classes only) Go to https://zoom.us/join Enter meeting ID: 940 508 9347 | Enter passcode: 613518
BOOK CLUB The next CBAJ Book Club is meeting in the CBAJ Zoom Room on January 18th at 8:00 pm to discuss A Journey to the End of the Millennium - A Novel of the Middle Ages by A. B. Yehoshua.
KIDDUSH CONVERSATIONS This year's Topic: "The World of Midrash" Join CBAJ members in discussing a different Midrash every week! Midrash is one of our Tradition's most powerful and ancient tools for understanding the Torah and demonstrating its relevance to later generations, For more information, suggested source material, or the volunteer sign-up page, please click here. If you have any questions, please reach out to Rabbi Kean or Steve Rich. Begins November 19, and will take place following Kiddush.
PILLARS LECTURE SERIES Please note updated dates for the final two installments.
FEEDBACK REQUESTED The Adult Education Committee wants to hear from you! All ideas about classes, lectures, and other adult education programs of interest should be forwarded to events@cbaj.org
DAILY SERVICES
January 15 - January 20
Shacharit Sunday 8:00 AM Monday - Friday 6:40 am
Mincha/Maariv Sunday - Friday 4:35 pm
Candle lighting Friday 1/20/2023 4:35 pm
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 a Life & Legacy committee member about partnering on this crucial initiative to ensure the vitality of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob for the next 200 years. For more information, contact office@cbaj.org .
COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
JFS-CBAJ Volunteer Partnership CBAJ invites you to volunteer with one of JFS's programs to support seniors and vulnerable individuals in our community. Email Simma Kinderlehrer to learn more.
POSITIVE PARENTING WITH RABBI ZALMY KUDAN Sunday, January 22, 2023 at the Jewish Federation Golub Center (184 Washington Ave. Ext., Albany) The Jewish Federation of NENY & Maimonides PTA invite you to a parent's night out, for an evening of inspiration. See flyer for details. RSVP to MHDSpta@gmail.com
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 Shabbat morning. KIDDUSH Kiddush this Shabbat is sponsored by CBAJ.
MESSAGE FROM RABBI KEAN
On behalf of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob, I would like to wish you and your family a restful and meaningful Shabbat.
This Shabbat, Shabbat Vayechi, has been used by the past several years by the National Association of Chevra Kadisha (NASCK) as an opportunity to encourage communities to discuss end-of-life issues because in this week's parsha, our forefather Jacob models this by expressing his last wishes to Joseph to be buried in Bethlehem, where the other Patriarchs are buried in Me'arat HaMachpelah.
CBAJ is proud to join NASCK in highlighting these important discussions. This year, NASCK's focus is on the importance of Jewish burial, the final act of respect and love that we pay to a person's body and soul.
I encourage you to take advantage of the resources on the NASCK website to explore the importance of Jewish burial and other end of life matters. Consider joining NASCK's workshop on how to have a conversation with a loved one about choosing burial (two slots - one Saturday night, one Sunday afternoon).
Additionally, I welcome conversations about these sensitive yet important matters with anyone looking to discuss them.
I hope to see you soon at a tefilah, children's program, event, or class!
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Ben Kean
NEW CLASS
Starting Sunday, Jan. 15. Time: Every weekday, Sunday through Friday, half an hour before the regular start time for morning services. (7:30 am on Sundays, 6:10 am Monday - Friday.) Location: CBAJ social hall Topic: TBA Options: 1) Nach Yomi with the OU (the OU cycle begins Jan. 20, completes all of Nevi'im and Ketuvim, the latter two components of Tanakh, i.e. Jewish scripture, in just 2 years!) 2) A topic in Halacha (Jewish law) 3) Daily Mishnah Please contact Rabbi Kean if you are interested in joining and if you have a preferred topic.
MINYAN NOTICE
In recent weeks, guaranteeing a weekday minyan has been a greater challenge, especially for Mincha/Maariv which is early in the Winter. Although this week saw some increased participation, guaranteeing a minyan remains a challenge.
In light of this, we ask two things of adult Jewish men: 1) If you are able to attend weekday minyan more frequently (even one day per week), please consider joining. 2) If you think you will be able to join minyan, regularly or occasionally, please sign-up on the weekly sign-up sheet so that we can know whether there will be enough attendees, or if we need to request additional attendees.
Please contact Rabbi Kean to join the minyan WhatsApp group, useful for receiving the sign-up sheet or if you may be available to attend a minyan on short notice.
UPCOMING EVENTS
JANUARY SIMCHA KIDDUSH The January Simcha Kiddush is on 1/21/2023 Sponsors are invited to submit their celebratory announcements by 1/19/2023. Click here to complete the online form or email office@cbaj.org. The January TOT SHABBAT will be 1/21/2023!
SECURITY COMMITTEE: CSS Level 1 Training Please email Ari Fisher for more information or to register for the next CSS Level Training on January 22.
Youth Programs
NCSY JAN 27- 28 Albany-Stamford Shabbaton A joint Shabbaton with Albany and Stamford NCSY chapters, taking place in Stamford. Contact Rabbinic intern Jack Hartstein for more information.
FEB 10-12 Winter Regional Shabbaton For more information or to register, go to NCSY's website.
Torah High 2022-2023 CBAJ's Torah High meets Mondays, 7-9 pm and is open to all students in grades 8 - 12. Pizza dinner is served. Registration information available here
Babysitting Babysitting is available for children ages 0-5 every Shabbat morning for 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/restrictions. Children in diapers may participate, but babysitters will not be able to change diapers, so please check on kids in diapers.
Youth Groups Kids in grades k-5 will meet each Shabbat morning at 10-11 am. Groups will be led by our youth director, Yael Gonzalez, and teen youth leaders. For more information about attending, or if your teen wants to work as a youth leader, email office@cbaj.org. Tot Shabbat For children ages 0-5 and their parents at 10:30 am in classroom 3. The next TOT SHABBAT is January 21, 2023
Please contact Joshua Schulman-Marcus (jschumar@gmail.com) if you would like to be added to the Young Families WhatsApp group.
WEEKLY LEARNING AT CBAJ
WEEKLY CLASSES TORAH & TEA*Thursday mornings, 9:30 - 10:30 AM, in person in the chapel & on Zoom*. Studying Kings 2. * A Theodore Strauss z"l Endowment Fund sponsored program
TALMUD CLASS -4:40 pm this Shabbat Join our Shabbat AfternoonTALMUD SHIUR in-person, at CBAJ, starting 45 minutes before Shabbat ends. 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
BOOK CLUB The next CBAJ Book Club is meeting in the CBAJ Zoom Room on January 18th at 8:00 pm to discuss A Journey to the End of the Millennium - A Novel of the Middle Ages by A. B. Yehoshua.
KIDDUSH CONVERSATIONS This year's Topic: "The World of Midrash" Join CBAJ members in discussing a different Midrash every week! Midrash is one of our Tradition's most powerful and ancient tools for understanding the Torah and demonstrating its relevance to later generations, For more information, suggested source material, or the volunteer sign-up page, please click here. If you have any questions, please reach out to Rabbi Kean or Steve Rich. Begins November 19, and will take place following Kiddush.
PILLARS LECTURE SERIES Please note updated dates for the final two installments.
FEEDBACK REQUESTED The Adult Education Committee wants to hear from you! All ideas about classes, lectures, and other adult education programs of interest should be forwarded to events@cbaj.org
DAILY SERVICES
January 8- January 13
Shacharit Sunday 8:00 AM Monday - Friday 6:40 am
Mincha/Maariv Sunday - Friday 4:25 pm
Candle lighting Friday 1/13/2023 4:26 pm
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 a Life & Legacy committee member about partnering on this crucial initiative to ensure the vitality of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob for the next 200 years. For more information, contact office@cbaj.org .
COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
JFS-CBAJ Volunteer Partnership CBAJ invites you to volunteer with one of JFS's programs to support seniors and vulnerable individuals in our community. Email Simma Kinderlehrer to learn more.
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
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. Rabbi Silton will lead the Kiddush Conversation. KIDDUSH Kiddush this Shabbat is cosponsored by CBAJ and by Elliot and Rina Chester in honor of the Brit Milah of their son, Saul, which took place this morning.
CONDOLENCES We mourn the passing of CBAJ member Selma Symansky z"l who passed away December 22, 2022. May her memory be a blessing.
MESSAGE FROM RABBI KEAN
On behalf of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob, I would like to wish you and your family a restful and meaningful Shabbat.
This Tuesday is the fast of Asarah B'Tevet. The fast begins at 6:13 AM and concludes at 5:09 PM.
I hope to see you soon at a tefilah, children's program, event, or class!
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Ben Kean
MINYAN NOTICE
In recent weeks, guaranteeing a weekday minyan has been a greater challenge, especially for Mincha/Maariv which is early in the Winter.
In light of this, we ask two things of adult Jewish men: 1) If you are able to attend weekday minyan more frequently (even one day per week), please consider joining. 2) If you think you will be able to join minyan, regularly or occasionally, please sign-up on the weekly sign-up sheet so that we can know whether there will be enough attendees, or if we need to request additional attendees.
Please contact Rabbi Kean to join the minyan WhatsApp group, useful for receiving the sign-up sheet or if you may be available to attend a minyan on short notice.
UPCOMING EVENTS
SECURITY COMMITTEE: CSS Level 1 Training Please email Ari Fisher for more information or to register for the next CSS Level Training on January 22.
Youth Programs
NCSY Stay tuned for updates from NCSY!
Torah High 2022-2023 CBAJ's Torah High meets Mondays, 7-9 pm and is open to all students in grades 8 - 12. Pizza dinner is served. Registration information available here
Babysitting Babysitting is available for children ages 0-5 every Shabbat morning for 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/restrictions. Children in diapers may participate, but babysitters will not be able to change diapers, so please check on kids in diapers.
Youth Groups Kids in grades k-5 will meet each Shabbat morning at 10-11 am. Groups will be led by our youth director, Yael Gonzalez, and teen youth leaders. For more information about attending, or if your teen wants to work as a youth leader, email office@cbaj.org. Tot Shabbat For children ages 0-5 and their parents at 10:30 am in classroom 3 - stay tuned for the next Tot Shabbat
Please contact Joshua Schulman-Marcus (jschumar@gmail.com) if you would like to be added to the Young Families WhatsApp group.
WEEKLY LEARNING AT CBAJ
WEEKLY CLASSES TORAH & TEA*Thursday mornings, 9:30 - 10:30 AM, in person in the chapel & on Zoom*. Studying Kings 2. * A Theodore Strauss z"l Endowment Fund sponsored program
TALMUD CLASS -4:35 pm this Shabbat Join our Shabbat AfternoonTALMUD SHIUR in-person, at CBAJ, starting 45 minutes before Shabbat ends. 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
BOOK CLUB The next CBAJ Book Club is meeting in the CBAJ Zoom Room on January 18th at 8:00 pm to discuss A Journey to the End of the Millennium - A Novel of the Middle Ages by A. B. Yehoshua.
KIDDUSH CONVERSATIONS This year's Topic: "The World of Midrash" Join CBAJ members in discussing a different Midrash every week! Midrash is one of our Tradition's most powerful and ancient tools for understanding the Torah and demonstrating its relevance to later generations, For more information, suggested source material, or the volunteer sign-up page, please click here. If you have any questions, please reach out to Rabbi Kean or Steve Rich. Begins November 19, and will take place following Kiddush.
PILLARS LECTURE SERIES
FEEDBACK REQUESTED The Adult Education Committee wants to hear from you! All ideas about classes, lectures, and other adult education programs of interest should be forwarded to events@cbaj.org
Fast of Asarah B'Tevet Begins 6:13 am Concludes 5:09 pm
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 a Life & Legacy committee member about partnering on this crucial initiative to ensure the vitality of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob for the next 200 years. For more information, contact office@cbaj.org .
COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
JFS-CBAJ Volunteer Partnership CBAJ invites you to volunteer with one of JFS's programs to support seniors and vulnerable individuals in our community. Email Simma Kinderlehrer to learn more.
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
Shabbat Chanukah, Rosh Chodesh Tevet, Miketz December 23-24, 2022
Candle Lighting 4:07 pm
Mincha, Kabbalat Shabbat, & Ma'ariv 4:10 pm
Morning Services Shabbat 9:00 am
Latest Shema 9:39 am Kiddush following services
NO BABYSITTING THIS SHABBAT
Youth Groups 10:00 am
Shabbat Mincha 12:18 pm
Talmud Class 4:30 pm
Shabbat ends 5:13 pm
Ma'ariv 5:30 pm
TORAH READING Genesis 41:1-44:17, Artscroll p. 223 Seventh Aliyah: Numbers 28:9-15, p. 890 Maftir: Numbers 7:42-47, p. 768 Haftarah: Zachariah 2:14-4:7, p. 1210
SPEAKER Rabbi Kean will deliver a Dvar Torah Shabbat morning. Mitch Abolafia will lead the Kiddush Conversation. KIDDUSH Kiddush this Shabbat is sponsored by Jill and Howard Goldberg in honor of their son Shore's aufruf.
MAZAL TOV Mazal Tov to our CBAJ members Jill and Howard Goldberg, and their son Shore Goldberg on his aufruf this Shabbat at CBAJ and upcoming marriage to Shajar Gonzalez.
Mazal Tov to CBAJ members Maureen and Elliot Chester on the birth of a baby boy Thursday evening. The Brit Milah is planned for Friday, December 30th.
MESSAGE FROM RABBI KEAN
On behalf of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob, I would like to wish you and your family a restful and meaningful Shabbat.
Shabbat Chanukah is an opportunity to reflect on the relationship between two similar and important mitzvot, lighting candles on Chanukah and lighting candles on Shabbat. Is there a relationship between these two types of fire that we have a sacred obligation to light? Which one of the two is more important than the other?
The Talmud discusses this latter question with respect to a person who only has enough money to buy oil for one candle. Such a person should prioritize lighting Shabbat candles over Chanukah candles.
The reason for this has to do with the respective purposes of each type of candle.
Chanukah candles are meant to illuminate the outside for the purpose of pirsumei nisa-publicizing the miracles of Chanukah. In particular, the endurance of the Jewish people and its commitment to Torah in the face of persecution and pressure to assimilate.
Shabbat candles, by contrast, serve to illuminate the inside, the home, for the purose of shalom bayit-peace within the family or home. Shabbat is meant to be a time of joy within the house and should not be tainted by strife caused by darkness.
The reason Shabbat candles take precedence over Chanukah candles is that the miracle celebrated by the Chanukah candles is only possible with the familial peace symbolized by the Shabbat candles. Jewish survival and continuity is powered by the engine of the Jewish family and home. The home is the building block of the entire Jewish people. We "prioritize" Shabbat candles over Chanukah candles to highlight this key to Jewish survival and continuity.
This is, of course, an important message for the two families CBAJ families celebrating s'machot this week: the Goldberg's, celebrating the upcoming wedding of Shore and Shajar; and the Chester's celebrating the birth of a new son. As they both mark important milestones in building their families, we bless them with the understanding that it is families like theirs that the bedrock of the Jewish people and its future.
I hope to see you soon at a tefilah, children's program, event, or class!
Shabbat Shalom, Chodesh Tov, and Chag Chanukah Same'ach,
Rabbi Ben Kean
UPCOMING EVENTS
SECURITY COMMITTEE: CSS Level 1 Training Please email Ari Fisher for more information or to register for the next CSS Level Training on January 22.
Youth Programs
NCSY UPCOMING Northeast NCSY Shabbatons: December 28-31 National Yarchei Kallah Located in Stamford, CT, contact NCSY for sign-up
Stay tuned for updates from NCSY!
Torah High 2022-2023 CBAJ's Torah High meets Mondays, 7-9 pm and is open to all students in grades 8 - 12. Pizza dinner is served. Registration information available here
Babysitting -THERE WILL BE NO BABYSITTING THIS WEEK Babysitting is available for children ages 0-5 every Shabbat morning for 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/restrictions. Children in diapers may participate, but babysitters will not be able to change diapers, so please check on kids in diapers.
Youth Groups Kids in grades k-5 will meet each Shabbat morning at 10-11 am. Groups will be led by our youth director, Yael Gonzalez, and teen youth leaders. For more information about attending, or if your teen wants to work as a youth leader, email office@cbaj.org. Tot Shabbat For children ages 0-5 and their parents at 10:30 am in classroom 3 - stay tuned for the next Tot Shabbat
Please contact Joshua Schulman-Marcus (jschumar@gmail.com) if you would like to be added to the Young Families WhatsApp group.
WEEKLY LEARNING AT CBAJ
WEEKLY CLASSES TORAH & TEA*Thursday mornings, 9:30 - 10:30 AM, in person in the chapel & on Zoom*. Studying Kings 2. * A Theodore Strauss z"l Endowment Fund sponsored program
TALMUD CLASS -4:30 pm this Shabbat Join our Shabbat AfternoonTALMUD SHIUR in-person, at CBAJ, starting 45 minutes before Shabbat ends. 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
BOOK CLUB The next CBAJ Book Club is meeting in the CBAJ Zoom Room on January 18th at 8:00 pm to discuss A Journey to the End of the Millennium - A Novel of the Middle Ages by A. B. Yehoshua.
KIDDUSH CONVERSATIONS This year's Topic: "The World of Midrash" Join CBAJ members in discussing a different Midrash every week! Midrash is one of our Tradition's most powerful and ancient tools for understanding the Torah and demonstrating its relevance to later generations, For more information, suggested source material, or the volunteer sign-up page, please click here. If you have any questions, please reach out to Rabbi Kean or Steve Rich. Begins November 19, and will take place following Kiddush.
PILLARS LECTURE SERIES
FEEDBACK REQUESTED The Adult Education Committee wants to hear from you! All ideas about classes, lectures, and other adult education programs of interest should be forwarded to events@cbaj.org
DAILY SERVICES
December 25 - December 30
Shacharit Sunday Rosh Choesh Tevet 8:30 am Monday - Friday 6:40 am
Mincha/Maariv Sunday - Friday 4:15 pm
Candle lighting Friday 12/30/2022 4:12 pm
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 a Life & Legacy committee member about partnering on this crucial initiative to ensure the vitality of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob for the next 200 years. For more information, contact office@cbaj.org .
COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
JFS-CBAJ Volunteer Partnership CBAJ invites you to volunteer with one of JFS's programs to support seniors and vulnerable individuals in our community. Email Simma Kinderlehrer to learn more.
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
TORAH READING Genesis 37:1-40:23, Artscroll p. 198 Maftir: Numbers 7:18-23, p. 766 Haftarah: Zachariah 2:14-4:7, p. 1210
SPEAKER Rabbinic Intern Jack Hartstein will deliver the first of a three-part winter lecture series entitled Pillars. This week's installment: "Tefilah in the Age of Amazon." SIMCHA KIDDUSH The Simcha Kiddush is prepared by the Simcha Kiddush Committee. It is sponsored by CBAJ, and by the families of our celebrants:
Stacy and David Cohen in honor of our children Ben & Ilana’s wedding anniversary.
Andrea and Ari Fisher in honor of their first date, December 17, 1982.
Debra Fruchtman and Seth Rigberg in honor of the birthdays of Saffi Rigberg, Ruth Simons, and Debbie Fruchtman.
Gittela and Jonathan Harris in honor of their one-year anniversary as Albany residents and to wish a happy first birthday to Yaakov Eliyahu.
Rabbi and Miriam Kean in honor of Miriam starting a new job locally and in gratitude to everyone who helped along the way.
Paula Mosher in honor of her granddaughter Anna Michal Dietrich’s birthday.
Clara Roth in honor of her birthday.
Amarit and Seth Rosenblum and family in honor of Jack Rosenblum's special birthday; Chananya Rosenblum receiving Yoreh Yoreh semicha; Miriam Kean's new job.
Laura and Zvi Segal in honor of their anniversary, and their daughter Ariella’s, son in law Eli’s, and soon to be daughter in law Allie’s birthdays.
The Weisblatt Family, in honor of the birth of the Weisblatt twins Yair and Noa Weisblatt on November 28th, 2022.
MESSAGE FROM RABBI KEAN
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!
One thing that I have recently been reflecting on about the Capital Distrist Jewish community generally is how fortunate we are to have so many wonderful Jewish events, but that we are "close-knit" enough to all feel that each person's presence has an impact.
Baruch HaShem, we have so many wonderful events this week at CBAJ and in the community at large. This Shabbat at CBAJ we will hear from our Rabbinic Intern Jack Hartstein for the first installment of an exciting three-part lecture series, enjoy a special simcha kiddush to share joyous moments together, and young children and their families are invited to another wonderful Tot Shabbat! Then, I hope that you will join the wider Jewish community at Chanukah on Jay this Sunday!
I hope to see you soon at a tefilah, children's program, event, or class!
Wishing you and your family a happy Chanukah!
Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Ben Kean
UPCOMING EVENTS
CHANUKAH ON JAY
Join CBAJ, Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York, Capital Chabad, and more than 20 local Jewish partners for the 2nd annual community-wide candle lighting and holiday festival--Chanukah on Jay! Sunday December 18th, 2:30 - 4:00 pm Come out and celebrate as we collectively ignite the first night of Chanukah with a grand menorah lighting, dance to Jewish music, taste delicious holiday-themed foods, enjoy crafts and games, and so much more! visit www.chanukahonjay.com.
SECURITY COMMITTEE: CSS Level 1 Training Please email Ari Fisher for more information or to register for the next CSS Level Training on January 22.
Youth Programs
NCSY UPCOMING Northeast NCSY Shabbatons: December 28-31 National Yarchei Kallah Located in Stamford, CT, contact NCSY for sign-up Stay tuned for updates from NCSY!
Torah High 2022-2023 CBAJ's Torah High meets Mondays, 7-9 pm and is open to all students in grades 8 - 12. Pizza dinner is served. Registration information available here
Babysitting Babysitting is available for children ages 0-5 every Shabbat morning for 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/restrictions. Children in diapers may participate, but babysitters will not be able to change diapers, so please check on kids in diapers.
Youth Groups Kids in grades k-5 will meet each Shabbat morning at 10-11 am. Groups will be led by our youth director, Yael Gonzalez, and teen youth leaders. For more information about attending, or if your teen wants to work as a youth leader, email office@cbaj.org. Tot Shabbat -Tot Shabbat this Shabbat ! For children ages 0-5 and their parents - Please join our Tot Shabbat in classroom 3 at 10:30 am
Please contact Joshua Schulman-Marcus (jschumar@gmail.com) if you would like to be added to the Young Families WhatsApp group.
WEEKLY LEARNING AT CBAJ
WEEKLY CLASSES TORAH & TEA*Thursday mornings, 9:30 - 10:30 AM, in person in the chapel & on Zoom*. Studying Kings 2. * A Theodore Strauss z"l Endowment Fund sponsored program
TALMUD CLASS - 4:25 pm this Shabbat Join our Shabbat AfternoonTALMUD SHIUR in-person, at CBAJ, starting 45 minutes before Shabbat ends. 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
BOOK CLUB The next CBAJ Book Club is meeting in the CBAJ Zoom Room on January 18th at 8:00 pm to discuss A Journey to the End of the Millennium - A Novel of the Middle Ages by A. B. Yehoshua.
KIDDUSH CONVERSATIONS This year's Topic: "The World of Midrash" Join CBAJ members in discussing a different Midrash every week! Midrash is one of our Tradition's most powerful and ancient tools for understanding the Torah and demonstrating its relevance to later generations, For more information, suggested source material, or the volunteer sign-up page, please click here. If you have any questions, please reach out to Rabbi Kean or Steve Rich. Begins November 19, and will take place following Kiddush.
PILLARS LECTURE SERIES
FEEDBACK REQUESTED The Adult Education Committee wants to hear from you! All ideas about classes, lectures, and other adult education programs of interest should be forwarded to events@cbaj.org
DAILY SERVICES
December 18 - December 23
Shacharit Sunday 8:00 am Monday - Friday 6:40 am
Mincha/Maariv Sunday - Friday 4:10 pm
Candle lighting Friday 12/23/2022 4:07 pm
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 a Life & Legacy committee member about partnering on this crucial initiative to ensure the vitality of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob for the next 200 years. For more information, contact office@cbaj.org .
COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
JCC Applebaum & Bellin Awards The Sidney Albert Albany Jewish Community Center is accepting applications for their prestigious youth awards, Click here for details.The Applebaum Award is for 12th Grade Jewish Males and Bellin for 12th Grade Jewish Females. All applicable materials must be received by Thursday, December 22, 2022 for consideration JFS-CBAJ Volunteer Partnership CBAJ invites you to volunteer with one of JFS's programs to support seniors and vulnerable individuals in our community. Email Simma Kinderlehrer to learn more.
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
TORAH READING Genesis: 32:4-36:43 Artscroll p. 170 Haftarah: Obadiah 1:1-21, p. 1141
SPEAKER Rabbi Kean will deliver a Dvar Torah Shabbat morning. Simma Kinderlehrer will lead the Kiddush Conversation.
KIDDUSH Kiddush is sponsored by CBAJ.
MESSAGE FROM RABBI KEAN
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!
Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Ben Kean
UPCOMING EVENTS
DECEMBER SIMCHA KIDDUSH The December Simcha Kiddush is on 12/17/2022! Sponsors are invited to submit their celebratory announcements by 12/15/2022. Click here to complete the online form or email office@cbaj.org CHANUKAH ON JAY Join CBAJ, Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York, Capital Chabad, and more than 20 local Jewish partners for the 2nd annual community-wide candle lighting and holiday festival--Chanukah on Jay! Sunday December 18th, 2:30 - 4:00 pm Come out and celebrate as we collectively ignite the first night of Chanukah with a grand menorah lighting, dance to Jewish music, taste delicious holiday-themed foods, enjoy crafts and games, and so much more! visit www.chanukahonjay.com.
Youth Programs
NCSY THIS SHABBAT @ CBAJ: December 9-10 Albany Chapter Shabbaton Join your friends and advisors for a fun Shabbat, group meals, and fun activities! Contact Rav Jack for details.
UPCOMING Northeast NCSY Shabbatons: December 28 - January 1, 2023 NCSY's National Yarchei Kallah, ASPIRE Stamford Hilton, Stamford, CT - spend 5 days delving into your heritage and reuniting with your friends. Contact NCSY for sign-up
The Anne Samson Jerusalem Journey A 4-week opportunity to travel in Israel with your friends and connecting with your Jewish Heritage, July 4 - August 1, 2023. Register atTJJ.JSU.ORG For more information contact Devora Weinstock at weinstockd@ncsy.org
Torah High 2022-2023 CBAJ's Torah High meets Mondays, 7-9 pm and is open to all students in grades 8 - 12. Pizza dinner is served. Registration information available here
Babysitting Babysitting is available for children ages 0-5 every Shabbat morning for 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/restrictions. Children in diapers may participate, but babysitters will not be able to change diapers, so please check on kids in diapers.
Youth Groups Kids in grades k-5 will meet each Shabbat morning at 10-11 am. Groups will be led by our youth director, Yael Gonzalez, and teen youth leaders. For more information about attending, or if your teen wants to work as a youth leader, email office@cbaj.org. Tot Shabbat For children ages 0-5 and their parents - Please join our upcoming Tot Shabbat on December 17 at 10:30 in classroom 3.
Please contact Joshua Schulman-Marcus (jschumar@gmail.com) if you would like to be added to the Young Families WhatsApp group.
WEEKLY LEARNING AT CBAJ
WEEKLY CLASSES TORAH & TEA*Thursday mornings, 9:30 - 10:30 AM, in person in the chapel & on Zoom*. Studying Kings 2. * A Theodore Strauss z"l Endowment Fund sponsored program
TALMUD CLASS - 4:25 pm this Shabbat Join our Shabbat AfternoonTALMUD SHIUR in-person, at CBAJ, starting 45 minutes before Shabbat ends. 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
BOOK CLUB The next CBAJ Book Club is meeting in the CBAJ Zoom Room on January 18th at 8:00 pm to discuss A Journey to the End of the Millennium - A Novel of the Middle Ages by A. B. Yehoshua.
KIDDUSH CONVERSATIONS This year's Topic: "The World of Midrash" Join CBAJ members in discussing a different Midrash every week! Midrash is one of our Tradition's most powerful and ancient tools for understanding the Torah and demonstrating its relevance to later generations, For more information, suggested source material, or the volunteer sign-up page, please click here. If you have any questions, please reach out to Rabbi Kean or Steve Rich. Begins November 19, and will take place following Kiddush.
FEEDBACK REQUESTED The Adult Education Committee wants to hear from you! All ideas about classes, lectures, and other adult education programs of interest should be forwarded to events@cbaj.org
DAILY SERVICES
December 11 - December 16
Shacharit Sunday 8:00 am Monday - Friday 6:40 am
Mincha/Maariv Sunday - Friday 4:10 pm
Candle lighting Friday 12/16/2022 4:04 pm
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 a Life & Legacy committee member about partnering on this crucial initiative to ensure the vitality of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob for the next 200 years. For more information, contact office@cbaj.org .
COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Albany Community Family Learning Rabbi Kean will lead a Family Pre-Chanukah Learning (Parents & Children welcome!) at this Saturday 12/10 at 6:45 pm at Maimonides School (upstairs, in the blue back room) prior to Maimonides Pizza Night.
JCC Applebaum & Bellin Awards The Sidney Albert Albany Jewish Community Center is accepting applications for their prestigious youth awards, Click here for details.The Applebaum Award is for 12th Grade Jewish Males and Bellin for 12th Grade Jewish Females. All applicable materials must be received by Thursday, December 22, 2022 for consideration JFS-CBAJ Volunteer Partnership CBAJ invites you to volunteer with one of JFS's programs to support seniors and vulnerable individuals in our community. Email Simma Kinderlehrer to learn more.
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
SPEAKER We are excited to host Rabbi Drew Kaplan as our guest scholar this Shabbat. Rabbi Kaplan will deliver the morning sermon entitled "Drinking in Genesis: The Importance of Moderation." See below for the full schedule of events. Rabbi Drew Kaplan is the director of Director of Pastoral Care at Cedar Village Senior Living Facility and the founder of JewishDrinking.com, the #1 resource on the Internet for the textual exploration of beverage-consumption in the Jewish tradition.
KIDDUSH LUNCHEON Shabbat Luncheon following services is prepared by the CBAJ Programming Committee. Visiting scholar Rabbi Drew Kaplan will deliver a Text & Tasting entitled Whiskey in Jewish Life Luncheon
Mazal Tov Mazal tov to CBAJ members Laura & Sam Weisblatt on the birth of twins, a son and a daughter on Monday evening, November 28. Mazal tov to older brothers Yishai and Judah and the entire Weisblatt family. The Zeved HaBat (Baby Girl Naming) and Brit Milah will take place on Tuesday morning at 10:00 am at CBAJ. All attendees are requested to wear a face mask. If you or someone in your household has symptoms of an infectious illness, kindly refrain from attending.
MESSAGE FROM RABBI KEAN
On behalf of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob, I would like to wish you and your family a restful and meaningful Shabbat.
I look forward to joining you for a wonderful and engaging Shabbat with Rabbi Drew Kaplan, where we will be enlightened with Rabbi Kaplan’s insights into the intersection between drinking and Halacha, Jewish history, and texts.
A couple of thanks are in order: Rabbi Kaplan, for joining us for Shabbat. Tom Kligerman, for recommending this event and for taking an active role in coordinating the planning of this event. Dina Gottesman, Chana Israel, Amanda Gurock,Rebecca Schwarzmer, and Daniel Reznik for cooking for the kiddush luncheon and preparing the refreshments for Saturday night. The event sponsors: Artie & Nanette Brenner (L'Chaim!), Amy & Ronald Sohn, Tom Kligerman & Lisa Wolfe, Laura & Zvi Segal. The CBAJ staff for all of their work. 518 Kosher Catering and Howard Gross for catering the Friday night dinner.
Please see below for notices regarding volunteering for Kiddush Conversations and a request to register for minyan if you plan to attend.
I hope to see you soon at a tefilah, children's program, event, or class!
Shabbat Shalom & Chodesh Tov, Rabbi Ben Kean
Schedule of Events
Friday Night Dinner followed by post-dinner talk & wine tasting "Blessings on Wine in Judaism" prior registration required babysitting available from 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Shabbat morning sermon "Drinking in Genesis: The Importance of Moderation" Kiddush Luncheon including "Text & Tasting: Whiskey in Jewish Life" Motza'ei Shabbat (Saturday Night) Event: "Text & Tasting: How Beer Became Acceptable for Havdallah" Beer tasting and parve snacks
Please note: CBAJ encourages its members to only drink responsibly. All events with alcohol are optional, following the conclusion of services. No alcohol will be served to anyone under 21.
UPCOMING EVENTS
CHANUKAH ON JAY
Join CBAJ, Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York, Capital Chabad, and more than 20 local Jewish partners for the 2nd annual community-wide candle lighting and holiday festival--Chanukah on Jay! Sunday December 18th, 2:30 - 4:00 pm Come out and celebrate as we collectively ignite the first night of Chanukah with a grand menorah lighting, dance to Jewish music, taste delicious holiday-themed foods, enjoy crafts and games, and so much more! visit www.chanukahonjay.com.
ALBANY NCSY FOOD DRIVE
Albany NCSY is running a food drive for non-perishable goods, benefitting the Shalom Food Pantry. Please bring non-perishable foods to the drop box by the main entrance in the parking lot by Friday, December 9. The parking lot gate can be accessed using open path, at weekday service times, or by appointment (contact office@cbaj.org).
Youth Programs
NCSY UPCOMING Northeast NCSY Shabbatons: December 9-10 Albany Chapter Shabbaton Next Shabbat will the next Albany Chapter NCSY Shabbaton! Full schedule of events to be announced next week.
December 28-31 National Yarchei Kallah Located in Stamford, CT, contact NCSY for sign-up Stay tuned for updates from NCSY!
Torah High 2022-2023 CBAJ's Torah High meets Mondays, 7-9 pm and is open to all students in grades 8 - 12. Pizza dinner is served. Registration information available here
Babysitting Babysitting is available for children ages 0-5 every Shabbat morning for 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/restrictions. Children in diapers may participate, but babysitters will not be able to change diapers, so please check on kids in diapers.
Youth Groups Kids in grades k-5 will meet each Shabbat morning at 10-11 am. Groups will be led by our youth director, Yael Gonzalez, and teen youth leaders. For more information about attending, or if your teen wants to work as a youth leader, email office@cbaj.org. Tot Shabbat For children ages 0-5 and their parents - Please join our upcoming Tot Shabbats on December 17 at 10:30 in classroom 3.
Please contact Joshua Schulman-Marcus (jschumar@gmail.com) if you would like to be added to the Young Families WhatsApp group.
WEEKLY LEARNING AT CBAJ
WEEKLY CLASSES TORAH & TEA*Thursday mornings, 9:30 - 10:30 AM, in person in the chapel & on Zoom*. Studying Kings 2. * A Theodore Strauss z"l Endowment Fund sponsored program
TALMUD CLASS Join our Shabbat AfternoonTALMUD SHIUR in-person, at CBAJ, starting 45 minutes before Shabbat ends. We are studying Masechet Makkot. Class will NOT meet this Shabbat for Scholar-in-Residence
*CBAJ ZOOM ROOM (weekday classes only) Go to https://zoom.us/join Enter meeting ID: 940 508 9347 | Enter passcode: 613518
BOOK CLUB The next CBAJ Book Club is meeting in the CBAJ Zoom Room on January 18th at 8:00 pm to discuss A Journey to the End of the Millennium - A Novel of the Middle Ages by A. B. Yehoshua.
KIDDUSH CONVERSATIONS This year's Topic: "The World of Midrash" Join CBAJ members in discussing a different Midrash every week! Midrash is one of our Tradition's most powerful and ancient tools for understanding the Torah and demonstrating its relevance to later generations, For more information, suggested source material, or the volunteer sign-up page, please click here. If you have any questions, please reach out to Rabbi Kean or Steve Rich. Begins November 19, and will take place following Kiddush.
FEEDBACK REQUESTED The Adult Education Committee wants to hear from you! All ideas about classes, lectures, and other adult education programs of interest should be forwarded to events@cbaj.org
DAILY SERVICES
December 4 - December 9
Shacharit Sunday 8:00 am Monday - Friday 6:40 am
Mincha/Maariv Sunday - Friday 4:10 pm
Candle lighting Friday 12/9/2022 4:03 pm
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 a Life & Legacy committee member about partnering on this crucial initiative to ensure the vitality of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob for the next 200 years. For more information, contact office@cbaj.org .
COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
MAIMONIDES SCHOOL BAKE SALE - ORDER BY DECEMBER 6 Maimonides 8th grade girls are running a Chanukah bake sale this year, featuring Chanukah themed cupcakes, cookies, and donuts. All baked goods will be prepared in the kitchen at Maimonides School. Click here to order.
WOMEN'S ONLY SELF DEFENCE CLASS The Federation is partnering with Albany DA and Albany PD to offer a women's only self defense class! Mondays, November 21, 28 & December 5 from 5 PM to 9 PM. Three sessions for a lifetime of confidence! This comprehensive, women-only course begins with instruction on risk-reduction, crime prevention, and avoidance and progresses to the basics of hands-on defense training. R.A.D. is not a martial arts program, nor does it require students to be athletes in training to succeed. Mondays, November 21, 28 & December 5 from 5 PM to 9 PM Click here to register
JCC Applebaum & Bellin Awards The Sidney Albert Albany Jewish Community Center is accepting applications for their prestigious youth awards, Click here for details.The Applebaum Award is for 12th Grade Jewish Males and Bellin for 12th Grade Jewish Females. All applicable materials must be received by Thursday, December 22, 2022 for consideration JFS-CBAJ Volunteer Partnership CBAJ invites you to volunteer with one of JFS's programs to support seniors and vulnerable individuals in our community. Email Simma Kinderlehrer to learn more.
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
TORAH READING Genesis: 25:19 - 28:9 Artscroll p.124 Haftarah: 1 Samuel 20:18-42, p. 1207
SPEAKER Rabbi Kean will deliver a Dvar Torah Shabbat morning. Rabbi Bomzer will lead the Kiddush Conversation.
KIDDUSH Kiddush is sponsored by Andrea and Ari Fisher in honor of the engagement of their son Joshua Fisher and Eliana Pransky.
Mazal Tov Mazal Tov to CBAJ members Andrea and Ari Fisher on the engagement of their son Joshua to Eliana Pransky
MESSAGE FROM RABBI KEAN
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 an enjoyable Thanksgiving Holiday.
I hope to see you soon at a tefilah, children's program, event, or class!
Shabbat Shalom & Chodesh Tov, Rabbi Ben Kean
UPCOMING EVENTS
Presented by the CBAJ Programming Committee - December 2 - 3 Rabbi Drew Kaplan is the director of Director of Pastoral Care at Cedar Village Senior Living Facility and the founder of JewishDrinking.com, the #1 resource on the Internet for the textual exploration of beverage-consumption in the Jewish tradition.
Friday Night Dinner followed by post-dinner talk & wine tasting "Blessings on Wine in Judaism" Pre-paid RSVP required no charge for children age 2 & under babysitting available from 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Shabbat morning sermon "Drinking in Genesis: The Importance of Moderation" Kiddush Luncheon including "Text & Tasting: Whiskey in Jewish Life" RSVP requested, no charge
Motza'ei Shabbat (Saturday Night) Event: "Text & Tasting: How Beer Became Acceptable for Havdallah" RSVP requested, no charge Beer tasting and parve snacks
Please note: CBAJ encourages its members to only drink responsibly. All events with alcohol are optional, following the conclusion of services. No alcohol will be served to anyone under 21.
Join CBAJ, Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York, Capital Chabad, and more than 20 local Jewish partners for the 2nd annual community-wide candle lighting and holiday festival--Chanukah on Jay! Sunday December 18th, 2:30 - 4:00 pm Come out and celebrate as we collectively ignite the first night of Chanukah with a grand menorah lighting, dance to Jewish music, taste delicious holiday-themed foods, enjoy crafts and games, and so much more! visit www.chanukahonjay.com.
NCSY UPCOMING Northeast NCSY Shabbatons: December 28-31 National Yarchei Kallah Located in Stamford, CT, contact NCSY for sign-up Stay tuned for updates from NCSY!
Torah High 2022-2023 CBAJ's Torah High meets Mondays, 7-9 pm and is open to all students in grades 8 - 12. Pizza dinner is served. Registration information available here
Babysitting Babysitting is available for children ages 0-5 every Shabbat morning for 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/restrictions. Children in diapers may participate, but babysitters will not be able to change diapers, so please check on kids in diapers.
Youth Groups Kids in grades k-5 will meet each Shabbat morning at 10-11 am. Groups will be led by our youth director, Yael Gonzalez, and teen youth leaders. For more information about attending, or if your teen wants to work as a youth leader, email office@cbaj.org. Tot Shabbat For children ages 0-5 and their parents - Please join our upcoming Tot Shabbats on December 17 at 10:30 in classroom 3.
Please contact Joshua Schulman-Marcus (jschumar@gmail.com) if you would like to be added to the Young Families WhatsApp group.
WEEKLY LEARNING AT CBAJ
WEEKLY CLASSES TORAH & TEA*Thursday mornings, 9:30 - 10:30 AM, in person in the chapel & on Zoom*. Studying Kings 2. TORAH & TEA WILL NOT MEET THIS WEEK (DEC. 1). Torah & Tea will resume Dec. 8. * A Theodore Strauss z"l Foundation sponsored event
TALMUD CLASS Join our Shabbat AfternoonTALMUD SHIUR in-person, at CBAJ, starting 45 minutes before Shabbat ends. We are studying Masechet Makkot. Class is at 4:25pm this Shabbat
*CBAJ ZOOM ROOM (weekday classes only) Go to https://zoom.us/join Enter meeting ID: 940 508 9347 | Enter passcode: 613518
KIDDUSH CONVERSATIONS - RETURNS NOVEMBER 19! This year's Topic: "The World of Midrash" Join CBAJ members in discussing a different Midrash every week! Midrash is one of our Tradition's most powerful and ancient tools for understanding the Torah and demonstrating its relevance to later generations. To volunteer to present, please reach out to Rabbi Kean. Begins November 19, and will take place following Kiddush.
FEEDBACK REQUESTED The Adult Education Committee wants to hear from you! All ideas about classes, lectures, and other adult education programs of interest should be forwarded to events@cbaj.org
DAILY SERVICES
November 27 - December 2
Shacharit Sunday 8:00 am Monday - Friday 6:40 am
Mincha/Maariv Sunday - Friday 4:10 pm
Candle lighting Friday 12/2/2022 4:04 pm
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 a Life & Legacy committee member about partnering on this crucial initiative to ensure the vitality of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob for the next 200 years. For more information, contact office@cbaj.org .
COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
WOMEN'S ONLY SELF DEFENCE CLASS The Federation is partnering with Albany DA and Albany PD to offer a women's only self defense class! Mondays, November 21, 28 & December 5 from 5 PM to 9 PM. Three sessions for a lifetime of confidence! This comprehensive, women-only course begins with instruction on risk-reduction, crime prevention, and avoidance and progresses to the basics of hands-on defense training. R.A.D. is not a martial arts program, nor does it require students to be athletes in training to succeed. Mondays, November 21, 28 & December 5 from 5 PM to 9 PM Click here to register
JCC Applebaum & Bellin Awards The Sidney Albert Albany Jewish Community Center is accepting applications for their prestigious youth awards, Click here for details.The Applebaum Award is for 12th Grade Jewish Males and Bellin for 12th Grade Jewish Females. All applicable materials must be received by Thursday, December 22, 2022 for consideration
JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES NEW: CBAJ is pleased to be a sponsor of this important and timely workshop series from Jewish Family Services: Preparation Age: Plan for the expected and the unexpected. November Workshop details can be viewed HERE. You can register HERE
JFS-CBAJ Volunteer Partnership CBAJ invites you to volunteer with one of JFS's programs to support seniors and vulnerable individuals in our community. Email Simma Kinderlehrer to learn more.
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
SPEAKER Rabbi Kean will deliver a Dvar Torah Shabbat morning.
Rabbi Kean will open this year's Kiddush Conversations with a talk titled, "What is Midrash?"
MAZAL TOV Mazal tov to CBAJ members Mark & Chana Israel and Nina Israel on the engagement of their son and grandson to Shoshie Brickman. Mazal tov to Shoshie's mother, Ellen Brickman, and grandmother, Judy Brickman.
SIMCHA KIDDUSH The Simcha Kiddush & New Members Luncheon this Shabbat is prepared by the Simcha Kiddush Committee and 518Kosher. It is sponsored by CBAJ, and by the families of our celebrants:
Amy Svirsky & Mitch Abolafia in honor of Aliza Joy Abolafia's birthday. Marissa & Eitan Barlaz in celebration of becoming members of CBAJ. Rebbetzin and Rabbi Bomzer in honor of the new members! Stacy & David Cohen in honor of their wedding anniversary and David's birthday. Robert Crystal in honor of the November birthdays of Ken Dymond & Tom Kligerman. Judy & Marty Goldman in honor of their grandson Alex's 8th birthday. Rabbi Tzvi Holt in honor of his birthday. Ellen Brickman, Chana & Mark Israel, and Grandparents Judy Brickman & Nina Israel, in honor of the engagement of Shoshie Brickman and Ami Israel, Mazal Tov! Ellen Kaplowitz & the Kaplowitz family in honor and love of Jack Kaplowitz and his "Special" birthday. Ilana & Rob Kovach in honor of all the new members! Paula Mosher, to give thanks for the miracle of the 15 th birthday of her Denver triplets Madison, Noah & Chloe Mosher. Steve Newman in celebration of his recent release from hospital and improving health. Amarit & Seth Rosenblum in honor of the birthdays of Ayelet, Miri and Nadav Rosenblum. Ben, Tanya, Aviva, Elior and Eitan Schwartz in honor of Fran Schwartz’s birthday. Marcy Stryker in appreciation of those who enable her to say Kaddish.
We also celebrate and welcome all of our new CBAJ Members who have joined during the past year Hope Grenz & Yishai Amsterdamer Marissa & Eitan Barlaz Seri & Sean Ference Esther Ita & Rabbi Tzvi Holt Nancy Worth Kean & Edward Kean Nancy & Mike Kupferschmid John Martino Judith Rickman Eve Rosen David Sevits Netanya & Benjamin Simons Marcy Stryker Laura & Sam Weisblatt Rachel Muratova & Rakhamim Yakobov
MESSAGE FROM RABBI KEAN
On behalf of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob, I would like to wish you and your family a restful and meaningful Shabbat.
It is wonderful to be back at CBAJ after a brief vacation! I join the rest of the congregation in welcoming our new members. It is a wonderful blessing to have each of you as a part of the shul.
I hope to see you soon at a tefilah, children's program, event, or class!
Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Ben Kean
THIS SHABBAT: Albany NCSY Shabbaton
UPCOMING EVENTS
Presented by the CBAJ Programming Committee - December 2 - 3 Rabbi Drew Kaplan is the director of Director of Pastoral Care at Cedar Village Senior Living Facility and the founder of JewishDrinking.com, the #1 resource on the Internet for the textual exploration of beverage-consumption in the Jewish tradition. Friday Night Dinner, followed by post-dinner talk & wine tasting "Blessings on Wine in Judaism" Pre-paid RSVP required Shabbat morning sermon: "Drinking in Genesis: The Importance of Moderation" Kiddush Luncheon, including "Text & Tasting: Whiskey in Jewish Life" RSVP requested, no charge Motza'ei Shabbat (Saturday Night) Event: "Text & Tasting: How Beer Became Acceptable for Havdallah" RSVP requested, no charge Please note: CBAJ encourages its members to only drink responsibly. All events with alcohol are optional, following the conclusion of services. No alcohol will be served to anyone under 21.
Join CBAJ, Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York, Capital Chabad, and more than 20 local Jewish partners for the 2nd annual community-wide candle lighting and holiday festival--Chanukah on Jay! Sunday December 18th, 2:30 - 4:00 pm Come out and celebrate as we collectively ignite the first night of Chanukah with a grand menorah lighting, dance to Jewish music, taste delicious holiday-themed foods, enjoy crafts and games, and so much more! visit www.chanukahonjay.com.
NCSY UPCOMING Northeast NCSY Shabbatons: December 28-31 National Yarchei Kallah Located in Stamford, CT, contact NCSY for sign-up Stay tuned for updates from NCSY!
Torah High 2022-2023 CBAJ's Torah High meets Mondays, 7-9 pm and is open to all students in grades 8 - 12. Pizza dinner is served. Registration information available here
Babysitting Babysitting is available for children ages 0-5 every Shabbat morning for 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/restrictions. Children in diapers may participate, but babysitters will not be able to change diapers, so please check on kids in diapers.
Youth Groups Kids in grades k-5 will meet each Shabbat morning at 10-11 am. Groups will be led by our youth director, Yael Gonzalez, and teen youth leaders. For more information about attending, or if your teen wants to work as a youth leader, email office@cbaj.org. Tot Shabbat For children ages 0-5 and their parents - Please join our upcoming Tot Shabbats on November 19 and December 17 at 10:30 in classroom 3.
Please contact Joshua Schulman-Marcus (jschumar@gmail.com) if you would like to be added to the Young Families WhatsApp group.
WEEKLY LEARNING AT CBAJ
WEEKLY CLASSES TORAH & TEAThursday mornings, 9:30 - 10:30 AM, in person in the chapel & on Zoom*. Studying Kings 2. TALMUD CLASS Join our Shabbat AfternoonTALMUD SHIUR in-person, at CBAJ, starting 45 minutes before Shabbat ends. We are studying Masechet Makkot. Class is at 4:30 pm this Shabbat
*CBAJ ZOOM ROOM (weekday classes only) Go to https://zoom.us/join Enter meeting ID: 940 508 9347 | Enter passcode: 613518
KIDDUSH CONVERSATIONS - RETURNS NOVEMBER 19! This year's Topic: "The World of Midrash" Join CBAJ members in discussing a different Midrash every week! Midrash is one of our Tradition's most powerful and ancient tools for understanding the Torah and demonstrating its relevance to later generations. To volunteer to present, please reach out to Rabbi Kean. Begins November 19, and will take place following Kiddush.
FEEDBACK REQUESTED The Adult Education Committee wants to hear from you! All ideas about classes, lectures, and other adult education programs of interest should be forwarded to events@cbaj.org
DAILY SERVICES
November 20 - 15
Shacharit Sunday 8:00 am Monday - Wednesday 6:40 am
Thursday 8:00 am Happy Thanksgiving!
Friday 6:35 am Rosh Chodesh Kislev
Mincha/Maariv Sunday - Friday 4:15PM
Candle lighting Friday 11/25 4:07 pm
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 a Life & Legacy committee member about partnering on this crucial initiative to ensure the vitality of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob for the next 200 years. For more information, contact office@cbaj.org .
COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
WOMEN'S ONLY SELF DEFENCE CLASS The Federation is partnering with Albany DA and Albany PD to offer a women's only self defense class! Mondays, November 21, 28 & December 5 from 5 PM to 9 PM. Three sessions for a lifetime of confidence! This comprehensive, women-only course begins with instruction on risk-reduction, crime prevention, and avoidance and progresses to the basics of hands-on defense training. R.A.D. is not a martial arts program, nor does it require students to be athletes in training to succeed. Mondays, November 21, 28 & December 5 from 5 PM to 9 PM Click here to register
JCC Applebaum & Bellin Awards The Sidney Albert Albany Jewish Community Center is accepting applications for their prestigious youth awards, Click here for details.The Applebaum Award is for 12th Grade Jewish Males and Bellin for 12th Grade Jewish Females. All applicable materials must be received by Thursday, December 22, 2022 for consideration
JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES NEW: CBAJ is pleased to be a sponsor of this important and timely workshop series from Jewish Family Services: Preparation Age: Plan for the expected and the unexpected. November Workshop details can be viewed HERE. You can register HERE
JFS-CBAJ Volunteer Partnership CBAJ invites you to volunteer with one of JFS's programs to support seniors and vulnerable individuals in our community. Email Simma Kinderlehrer to learn more.
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
Talmud Class No Class this Shabbat Shabbat ends 5:20 pm
Ma'ariv 5:35 pm
TORAH READING Genesis: 18:1 - 22:24 Artscroll p. 78 Haftarah: 2 Kings 4:1-37, p. 1134
SPEAKER Our rabbinic intern, Rav Jack Hartstein, will deliver a Dvar Torah Shabbat morning
KIDDUSH Kiddush is sponsored by Hope Grenz Amsterdamer and Yishai Amsterdamer on the first yahrzeit of Hope's dear father, Eugene Grenz z"l. .
MESSAGE FROM RABBI KEAN
On behalf of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob, I would like to wish you and your family a restful and meaningful Shabbat.
Miriam and I will be away this Shabbat, but we look forward to seeing you upon our return
Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Ben Kean
ANNOUNCEMENTS
NEW SEATING SECTIONS IN SANCTUARY The sanctuary seating has been reconfigured, starting this Shabbat. We have created new mask-only seating sections on both the Women's and Men's sections, in both the front and the back of the Sanctuary. You must wear a mask to sit in any of the designated areas. The rest of the sanctuary has been reconfigured to more closely reflect our setup prior to COVID-19. The purpose of this configuration is to enhance our experience of tefilah as a close community, while also ensuring that COVID-19 precautions
A couple notes about the schedule: 1. We will be changing to early Mincha following Kiddush on Shabbat, starting November 12. (We will also be resuming Kiddush Conversations, see below.) 2. Maariv on Saturday night will take place 15 minutes after Shabbat ends. 3. The Talmud class on Shabbat will continue to be in person at CBAJ, and will begin 45 minutes before Shabbat ends. 4. We will need extra help ensuring a minyan at evening services on weekdays - if you have availability in the late afternoon/early evening, please consider joining us.
UPCOMING EVENTS
SIMCHA KIDDUSHES RETURN!
The November Simcha Kiddush is on 11/19/2022 ! This will also be our New Members Luncheon. Sponsors are invited to submit their celebratory announcements by 11/17/2022. Click here to complete the online form or email office@cbaj.org
TOT SHABBAT The next two Tot Shabbats are scheduled for November 19 and December 17 at 10:30 in classroom 3.
SAVE THE DATE, DECEMBER 2-3 "Bringing L'Chaim's to Life" - A Shabbat with Rabbi Drew Kaplan Presented by the CBAJ Programming Committee Friday Night Dinner, followed by post-dinner talk & wine tasting "Blessings on Wine in Judaism" Pre-paid RSVP required Shabbat morning sermon: "Drinking in Genesis: The Importance of Moderation" Kiddush Luncheon, including "Text & Tasting: Whiskey in Jewish Life" RSVP requested, no charge Motza'ei Shabbat (Saturday Night) Event: "Text & Tasting: How Beer Became Acceptable for Havdallah" Please note: CBAJ encourages its members to only drink responsibly. All events with alcohol are optional, following the conclusion of services. No alcohol will be served to anyone under 21. RSVP details are forthcoming.
Youth Programs
NCSY UPCOMING Northeast NCSY Shabbatons: December 28-31 National Yarchei Kallah Located in Stamford, CT, contact NCSY for sign-up Stay tuned for updates from NCSY!
Torah High 2022-2023 CBAJ's Torah High meets Mondays, 7-9 pm and is open to all students in grades 8 - 12. Pizza dinner is served. Registration information available here
Babysitting Babysitting is available for children ages 0-5 every Shabbat morning for 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/restrictions. Children in diapers may participate, but babysitters will not be able to change diapers, so please check on kids in diapers.
Youth Groups Kids in grades k-5 will meet each Shabbat morning at 10-11 am. Groups will be led by our youth director, Yael Gonzalez, and teen youth leaders. For more information about attending, or if your teen wants to work as a youth leader, email office@cbaj.org. Tot Shabbat For children ages 0-5 and their parents - Please join our upcoming Tot Shabbats on November 19 and December 17 at 10:30 in classroom 3.
Please contact Joshua Schulman-Marcus (jschumar@gmail.com) if you would like to be added to the Young Families WhatsApp group.
WEEKLY LEARNING AT CBAJ
WEEKLY CLASSES TORAH & TEAThursday mornings, 9:30 - 10:30 AM, in person in the chapel & on Zoom*. Studying Kings 2. TALMUD CLASS Join our Shabbat AfternoonTALMUD SHIUR in-person, at CBAJ, starting 45 minutes before Shabbat ends. We are studying Masechet Makkot. No Class this week (Nov. 12)
*CBAJ ZOOM ROOM (weekday classes only) Go to https://zoom.us/join Enter meeting ID: 940 508 9347 | Enter passcode: 613518
KIDDUSH CONVERSATIONS - RETURNS NOVEMBER 19! This year's Topic: "The World of Midrash" Join CBAJ members in discussing a different Midrash every week! Midrash is one of our Tradition's most powerful and ancient tools for understanding the Torah and demonstrating its relevance to later generations. To volunteer to present, please reach out to Rabbi Kean. Begins November 19, and will take place following Kiddush. More details to follow!
FEEDBACK REQUESTED The Adult Education Committee wants to hear from you! All ideas about classes, lectures, and other adult education programs of interest should be forwarded to events@cbaj.org
DAILY SERVICES
November 13 - 18
Shacharit Sunday 8:00 am
Monday - Friday 6:40 am
Mincha/Maariv Sunday - Friday 4:20 PM
Candle lighting Friday, Nov. 18 4:12 pm
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 a Life & Legacy committee member about partnering on this crucial initiative to ensure the vitality of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob for the next 200 years. For more information, contact office@cbaj.org .
COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
CBAJ & YAD EVENT - Board Games & BBQ! Friday, November 18, 6:30 PM Bring in Shabbat with YAD! Bring your favorite board games and enjoy a Kosher BBQ dinner catered by NYC's Wandering Que. Dinner will be hosted at the home of YAD members Rabbi Ben and Miriam Kean in Albany. Address available upon RSVP, $35 PP (RSVP is required by Wednesday, November 16) REGISTER HERE: jewishfedny.ticketspice.com/yad-board-games-bbq Please comment with dietary needs when you register or to Shoshie directly: sbrickman@jewishfedny.org or (347) 853-1872. Everyone is welcome and we're here to help support your attendance if needed. Contact Shoshie for more information.
COVID VACCINE CLINIC SPONSORED BY TEMPLE ISRAEL Temple Israel is hosting a COVID and Flu vaccine clinic on November 17, 2022 from 12PM - 5PM. No appointment is necessary. Walk-ins are welcome or you can schedule an appointment and pre-register Click here to view more information
WOMEN'S ONLY SELF DEFENCE CLASS The Federation is partnering with Albany DA and Albany PD to offer a women's only self defense class! Mondays, November 21, 28 & December 5 from 5 PM to 9 PM. Three sessions for a lifetime of confidence! This comprehensive, women-only course begins with instruction on risk-reduction, crime prevention, and avoidance and progresses to the basics of hands-on defense training. R.A.D. is not a martial arts program, nor does it require students to be athletes in training to succeed. Mondays, November 21, 28 & December 5 from 5 PM to 9 PM Click here to register
CHANUKAH ON JAY - Presented by the Capital Region Jewish Community Chanukah on Jay returns Sunday, December 18, 2:30 - 4:00 PM, in front of Schenectady City Hall. Visit chanukakonjay.com for more information and to RSVP
JCC Applebaum & Bellin Awards The Sidney Albert Albany Jewish Community Center is accepting applications for their prestigious youth awards, Click here for details.The Applebaum Award is for 12th Grade Jewish Males and Bellin for 12th Grade Jewish Females. All applicable materials must be received by Thursday, December 22, 2022 for consideration
JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES NEW: CBAJ is pleased to be a sponsor of this important and timely workshop series from Jewish Family Services: Preparation Age: Plan for the expected and the unexpected. November Workshop details can be viewed HERE. You can register HERE
JFS-CBAJ Volunteer Partnership CBAJ invites you to volunteer with one of JFS's programs to support seniors and vulnerable individuals in our community. Email Simma Kinderlehrer to learn more.
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
TORAH READING Genesis: 12:1 - 17:27 Artscroll p. 54 Haftarah: Isaiah 40:27 - 41:16, p. 1133
SPEAKER Rabbi Kean will deliver a Dvar Torah Shabbat morning.
KIDDUSH Kiddush is sponsored by CBAJ. .
MESSAGE FROM RABBI KEAN
On behalf of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob, I would like to wish you and your family a meaningful and restful Shabbat.
First, I would like to thank everyone who joined us in welcoming a beautiful new Torah this past Sunday! It was truly wonderful to share this simcha with so many of you! In particular, my gratitude to all of those who helped make the event possible.
A reminder that this Tuesday, November 8th, is Election Day, and I urge you to make sure that you cast your vote (if you have not done so already). Especially in the digital age with incredibly precise demographics on voting, it is imperative that we make our voices heard.
I trust that you have received my and Laura's message on an anti-Semitic incident last Shabbat. Please know that we are monitoring the situation closely. Additionally, you may have seen that the FBI had announced a credible terror threat to synagogues in New Jersey. We were assured by Federation that this threat was NOT relevant to Albany, and furthermore, the threat has been neutralized. As always, please remember to remain calm and vigilant.
Miriam and I will be away next Shabbat, but we look forward to seeing you when we return!
As the year progresses, we have many new programs and events, and I hope to see you soon!
Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Ben Kean
ANNOUNCEMENTS
NEW SEATING SECTIONS IN SANCTUARY The sanctuary seating has been reconfigured, starting this Shabbat. We have created new mask-only seating sections on both the Women's and Men's sections, in both the front and the back of the Sanctuary. You must wear a mask to sit in any of the designated areas. The rest of the sanctuary has been reconfigured to more closely reflect our setup prior to COVID-19. The purpose of this configuration is to enhance our experience of tefilah as a close community, while also ensuring that COVID-19 precautions
TIME CHANGE Please remember to set your clocks back Saturday night, as daylight saving time ends. A couple notes about the schedule: 1. We will be changing to early Mincha following Kiddush on Shabbat, starting November 12. (We will also be resuming Kiddush Conversations, see below.) 2. Maariv on Saturday night will take place 15 minutes after Shabbat ends. 3. The Talmud class on Shabbat will continue to be in person at CBAJ, and will begin 45 minutes before Shabbat ends. 4. We will need extra help ensuring a minyan at evening services on weekdays - if you have availability in the late afternoon/early evening, please consider joining us.
UPCOMING EVENTS
SIMCHA KIDDUSHES RETURN!
The November Simcha Kiddush is on 11/19/2022 ! This will also be a our New Members Luncheon. Sponsors are invited to submit their celebratory announcements by 11/17/2022. Click here to complete the online form or email office@cbaj.org
SAVE THE DATE, DECEMBER 2-3 "Bringing L'Chaim's to Life" - A Shabbat with Rabbi Drew Kaplan Presented by the CBAJ Programming Committee Friday Night Dinner, followed by post-dinner talk & wine tasting "Blessings on Wine in Judaism" Pre-paid RSVP required Shabbat morning sermon: "Drinking in Genesis: The Importance of Moderation" Kiddush Luncheon, including "Text & Tasting: Whiskey in Jewish Life" RSVP requested, no charge Motza'ei Shabbat (Saturday Night) Event: "Text & Tasting: How Beer Became Acceptable for Havdallah" Please note: CBAJ encourages its members to only drink responsibly. All events with alcohol are optional, following the conclusion of services. No alcohol will be served to anyone under 21. RSVP details are forthcoming.
Youth Programs
NCSY UPCOMING Northeast NCSY Shabbatons: November 4-5 (Lech Lecha): "Hakdama" 8-10th Grade Regional Located in Stamford, CT, contact NCSY with any questions. December 28-31 National Yarchei Kallah Located in Stamford, CT, contact NCSY for sign-up Stay tuned for updates from NCSY!
Torah High 2022-2023 CBAJ's Torah High meets Mondays, 7-9 pm and is open to all students in grades 8 - 12. Pizza dinner is served. Registration information available here
Babysitting Babysitting is available for children ages 0-5 every Shabbat morning for 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/restrictions. Children in diapers may participate, but babysitters will not be able to change diapers, so please check on kids in diapers.
Youth Groups Kids in grades k-5 will meet each Shabbat morning at 10-11 am. Groups will be led by our youth director, Yael Gonzalez, and teen youth leaders. For more information about attending, or if your teen wants to work as a youth leader, email office@cbaj.org. Tot Shabbat For children ages 0-5 and their parents - Please join our upcoming Tot Shabbats on November 19 and December 17 at 10:30 in classroom 3.
Please contact Joshua Schulman-Marcus (jschumar@gmail.com) if you would like to be added to the Young Families WhatsApp group.
WEEKLY LEARNING AT CBAJ
WEEKLY CLASSES TORAH & TEAis back! Thursday mornings, 9:30 - 10:30 AM, in person in the chapel & on Zoom*. Studying Kings 2. TALMUD CLASS Join our Shabbat AfternoonTALMUD SHIUR in-person, at CBAJ, one hour before Shabbat Mincha. We are studying Masechet Makkot. This week (Nov. 5) we will meet at 4:20 pm.
*CBAJ ZOOM ROOM (weekday classes only) Go to https://zoom.us/join Enter meeting ID: 940 508 9347 | Enter passcode: 613518
KIDDUSH CONVERSATIONS - RETURNS NOVEMBER 19! This year's Topic: "The World of Midrash" Join CBAJ members in discussing a different Midrash every week! Midrash is one of our Tradition's most powerful and ancient tools for understanding the Torah and demonstrating its relevance to later generations. To volunteer to present, please reach out to Rabbi Kean. Begins November 19, and will take place following Kiddush. More details to follow!
FEEDBACK REQUESTED The Adult Education Committee wants to hear from you! All ideas about classes, lectures, and other adult education programs of interest should be forwarded to events@cbaj.org
DAILY SERVICES
November 6 - 11
Shacharit NOTE: Daylight Savings Ends Sunday 8:00 am
Monday - Friday 6:40 am
Mincha/Maariv Sunday - Friday 4:25 PM
Candle lighting Friday, Nov. 11 4:18 pm
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 a Life & Legacy committee member about partnering on this crucial initiative to ensure the vitality of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob for the next 200 years. For more information, contact office@cbaj.org .
COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
KRISTALLNACHT INTERFAITH COMMEMORATION The Jewish Federation of NENY and partners invite you to the Kristallnacht Interfaith Commemoration and premiere of the one-time screening of The Rescuers, an inspiring documentary about non-Jewish diplomats who helped save thousands of Jews during the Holocaust, that will take place next Thursday, November 10, at 7:00 p.m., at Page Hall, University at Albany downtown campus. Free and open to the public. JCC Applebaum & Bellin Awards The Sidney Albert Albany Jewish Community Center is accepting applications for their prestigious youth awards, Click here for details.The Applebaum Award is for 12th Grade Jewish Males and Bellin for 12th Grade Jewish Females. All applicable materials must be received by Thursday, December 22, 2022 for consideration
JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES NEW: CBAJ is pleased to be a sponsor of this important and timely workshop series from Jewish Family Services: Preparation Age: Plan for the expected and the unexpected. November Workshop details can be viewed HERE. You can register HERE
JFS-CBAJ Volunteer Partnership CBAJ invites you to volunteer with one of JFS's programs to support seniors and vulnerable individuals in our community. Email Simma Kinderlehrer to learn more.
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
TORAH READING Genesis 6:9 - 11:32, Artscroll p. 30 Haftarah: Isaiah 54:1 - 55:5, p. 1132
SPEAKER We are excited to host Rabbi Sam Shor as our guest scholar this Shabbat. Rabbi Shor will deliver the morning sermon entitled "Noach, Avraham and the Power of Tefila.
Rabbi Shor will also deliver a talk after Kiddush class entitled "From the Depths, A Holy Fire- Commemorating the Yahrtzeit of the Piascezna Rebbe zy''a" and a Seudah Shlishit Talk (approx. 6:30 pm) entitled "As the Waters Recede...The backstory of the Miracle of Chanuka"
An Albany native, Rabbi Shor is the Program Director of the Seymour J. Abrams Orthodox Union Jerusalem World Center, where he oversees a vast network of educational initiatives, including Torah classes, tours and experiential educational programming for the Anglo community.
Rabbi Shor grew up in Albany at CBAJ, served as NCSY Chapter and Regional President, then later as NCSY City Director and Associate Regional Director. Following his work with NCSY, Rabbi Shor served with distinction as the Director of Judaic Life at the Sidney Albert Albany JCC.
KIDDUSH A festive Kiddush will be served, sponsored by Marjorie and Stuart Gang in gratitude for multiple blessings: The 5th birthday of Jacob Samuel Stern, the 3rd birthday of Joseph Mayer Stern, the 1st birthday of Zoe Rose Eller and Marjorie & Stuart's wedding anniversary.
MESSAGE FROM RABBI KEAN
On behalf of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob, I would like to wish you and your family a meaningful and restful Shabbat.
What an exciting weekend we have coming up at CBAJ!
First, I look forward to joining you in learning from Rabbi Sam Shor this Shabbat.
And this Sunday: I look forward to celebrating our Hachnasat Sefer Torah, dedicating the Elliot Menchel Torah for CBAJ, with all of you. Dedicating a new Torah is a truly momentous occasion, and I hope that we can share it with the broader Jewish community here in the Capital District.
I look forward to seeing you soon!
Finally, we note with sadness the fourth anniversary on the Gregorian calendar of the Tree of Life Massacre in Pittsburgh this past week (Oct. 27, Hebrew date 18 Marcheshvan). The Tree of Life Massacre was the deadliest anti-Semitic attack on US soil. We remember the 11 victims, may their memories be for a blessing: Joyce Fienberg Richard Gottfried Rose Mallinger Jerry Rabinowitz Cecil & David Rosenthal Bernice & Sylvan Simon Daniel Stein Melvin Wax Irving Younger
Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Ben Kean
UPCOMING EVENTS
TORAH DEDICATION - SUNDAY OCT. 30
11:00 am - 12:00 pm Children's Program For children up to 5th grade (ages 0-5 with a parent) Meet the Sofer, Rabbi Mendel Serebryanski & learn about safrut; Torah-themed arts & crafts activity with CBAJ youth director Yael Gonzalez Location: CBAJ classrooms
11:15 am - 12:00 pm Optional Donor Letter writing All those who dedicated a part of the Torah are invited to come prior to the beginning of the ceremony to help Rabbi Serebryanski fill in a letter of the Torah. Location: CBAJ lobby 12:00 - 1:00 pm Siyum & Parade Starting in the CBAJ lobby, the final letters will be filled in; a brief ceremony; the Torah will be paraded outside and then to the Aron Kodesh in the Main Sanctuary with great fanfare, music, dancing.
NCSY UPCOMING Northeast NCSY Shabbatons: November 4-5 (Lech Lecha): "Hakdama" 8-10th Grade Regional Located in Stamford, CT, contact NCSY for sign-up December 28-31 National Yarchei Kallah Located in Stamford, CT, contact NCSY for sign-up
Stay tuned for updates from NCSY!
Torah High 2022-2023 CBAJ's Torah High meets Mondays, 7-9 pm and is open to all students in grades 8 - 12. Pizza dinner is served. Registration information available here
Babysitting Babysitting is available for children ages 0-5 every Shabbat morning for 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/restrictions. Children in diapers may participate, but babysitters will not be able to change diapers, so please check on kids in diapers.
Youth Groups Kids in grades k-5 will meet each Shabbat morning at 10-11 am. Groups will be led by our youth director, Yael Gonzalez, and teen youth leaders. For more information about attending, or if your teen wants to work as a youth leader, email office@cbaj.org. Tot Shabbat For children ages 0-5 and their parents - stay tuned for upcoming events!
Please contact Joshua Schulman-Marcus (jschumar@gmail.com) if you would like to be added to the Young Families WhatsApp group.
WEEKLY LEARNING AT CBAJ
WEEKLY CLASSES TORAH & TEAis back! Thursday mornings, 9:30 - 10:30 AM, in person in the chapel & on Zoom*. Studying Kings 2. TALMUD CLASS Join our Shabbat AfternoonTALMUD SHIUR in-person, at CBAJ, one hour before Shabbat Mincha. We are studying Masechet Makkot. This week (Oct. 29) we will meet at 4:30 pm.
*CBAJ ZOOM ROOM (weekday classes only) Go to https://zoom.us/join Enter meeting ID: 940 508 9347 | Enter passcode: 613518
CBAJ BOOK CLUB The Adult Education Committee invites you to join our CBAJBook Club which meets 4 times per year. The current book isEinstein and the Rabbi by Naomi Levy. The Book Club meets in the *CBAJ Zoom Roomand the next meeting is November 2 at 8:00 pm.Contact Simma Kinderlehrer at simmakinder@gmail.com with any questions. FEEDBACK REQUESTED The Adult Education Committee wants to hear from you! All ideas about classes, lectures, and other adult education programs of interest should be forwarded to events@cbaj.org
DAILY SERVICES
October 23 - 28
Shacharit Sunday 8:00 am
Monday - Friday 6:40 am
Mincha/Maariv Sunday - Friday 5:30 PM
Candle lighting Friday, Oct. 28 5:35 pm
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 a Life & Legacy committee member about partnering on this crucial initiative to ensure the vitality of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob for the next 200 years. For more information, contact office@cbaj.org .
COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
JCC Applebaum & Bellin Awards The Sidney Albert Albany Jewish Community Center is accepting applications for their prestigious youth awards, Click here for details.The Applebaum Award is for 12th Grade Jewish Males and Bellin for 12th Grade Jewish Females. All applicable materials must be received by Thursday, December 22, 2022 for consideration
JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES NEW: CBAJ is pleased to be a sponsor of this important and timely workshop series from Jewish Family Services: Preparation Age: Plan for the expected and the unexpected. Workshop details can be viewed HERE. You can register HERE
JFS-CBAJ Volunteer Partnership CBAJ invites you to volunteer with one of JFS's programs to support seniors and vulnerable individuals in our community. Email Simma Kinderlehrer to learn more.
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
TORAH READING Genesis 1:1 - 6:8, Artscroll p. 2 Haftarah: Isaiah 42:5 - 43:10, p. 1130
SPEAKER Ra'anan Schwarzmer will deliver a guest Dvar Torah following Shabbat morning services
Rabbi Kean will deliver a Dvar Torah at Seudah Shlishit
KIDDUSH Kiddush is sponsored by CBAJ
MAZAL TOV Mazal Tov to Nanette & Artie Brenner and family on the engagement of their daughter Camille to Jeremy Wilson.
Mazal Tov to Ari & Andrea Fisher on the engagement of their son Josh to Eliana Pransky.
MESSAGE FROM RABBI KEAN
On behalf of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob, I would like to wish you and your family a meaningful and restful Shabbat.
What a wonderful chagim season this has been! I am still "on cloud nine" on the heels of the last few weeks.
However, now is the part that really counts. As we return to our "regular lives," we must take the spirit and inspiration of the chagim use that to propel us to achieve more and closer to G-d. Our winter calendar of events is quickly filling up, classes will be resuming soon, and I hope that this year can be a year of growth for all of us as a community.
In particular: I look forward to celebrating our Hachnasat Sefer Torah, dedicating a new Torah for CBAJ, with all of you. Dedicating a new Torah is a truly momentous occasion, and I hope that we can share it with the borader Jewish community here in the Capital District.
I look forward to seeing you soon!
Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Ben Kean
UPCOMING EVENTS
DISMANTLING THE SUKKAH - OCT. 23 Volunteers are requested to help dismantle the CBAJ Sukkah and put it away for next year, this Sunday, October 23, following morning services (approximately 8:30 am).
SHABBAT WITH RABBI SAM SHOR - SATURDAY OCT. 29
We are excited to announce that next Shabbat, Rabbi Sam Shor will join CBAJ as our guest scholar.
Rabbi Shor will deliver the following talks: Shabbat morning sermon: "Noach, Avraham and the Power of Tefila." After Kiddush class (12-12:30 pm): "From the Depths, A Holy Fire- Commemorating the Yahrtzeit of the Piascezna Rebbe zy''a" Seudah Shlishit Talk (approx. 6:30 pm): "As the Waters Recede...The backstory of the Miracle of Chanuka"
A festive Kiddush will be served, sponsored by Marjorie and Stuart Gang in gratitude for multiple blessings: The 5th birthday of Jacob Samuel Stern, the 3rd birthday of Joseph Mayer Stern, the 1st birthday of Zoe Rose Eller and Marjorie & Stuart's wedding anniversary.
An Albany native, Rabbi Shor is the Program Director of the Seymour J. Abrams Orthodox Union Jerusalem World Center, where he oversees a vast network of educational initiatives, including Torah classes, tours and experiential educational programming for the Anglo community.
Rabbi Shor grew up in Albany at CBAJ, served as NCSY Chapter and Regional President, then later as NCSY City Director and Associate Regional Director. Following his work with NCSY, Rabbi Shor served with distinction as the Director of Judaic Life at the Sidney Albert Albany JCC.
NCSY UPCOMING Northeast NCSY Shabbatons: November 4-5 (Lech Lecha): "Hakdama" 8-10th Grade Regional Located in Stamford, CT, contact NCSY for sign-up December 28-31 National Yarchei Kallah Located in Stamford, CT, contact NCSY for sign-up
Stay tuned for updates from NCSY!
Torah High 2022-2023 CBAJ's Torah High begins Monday, October 24 at 7 PM! Torah High meets Mondays, 7-9 pm and is open to all students in grades 8 - 12. Pizza dinner is served. Registration information available here
Babysitting Babysitting is available for children ages 0-5 every Shabbat morning for 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/restrictions. Children in diapers may participate, but babysitters will not be able to change diapers, so please check on kids in diapers.
Youth Groups Kids in grades k-5 will meet each Shabbat morning at 10-11 am. Groups will be led by our youth director, Yael Gonzalez, and teen youth leaders. For more information about attending, or if your teen wants to work as a youth leader, email office@cbaj.org. Tot Shabbat For children ages 0-5 and their parents - stay tuned for upcoming events!
Please contact Joshua Schulman-Marcus (jschumar@gmail.com) if you would like to be added to the Young Families WhatsApp group.
WEEKLY LEARNING AT CBAJ
WEEKLY CLASSES TORAH & TEAis back! Thursday mornings, 9:30 - 10:30 AM, in person in the chapel & on Zoom*. Studying Kings 2. TALMUD CLASS Join our Shabbat AfternoonTALMUD SHIUR in-person, at CBAJ, one hour before Shabbat Mincha. We are studying Masechet Makkot. This week (Oct. 27) we will meet at 4:40 pm.
*CBAJ ZOOM ROOM (weekday classes only) Go to https://zoom.us/join Enter meeting ID: 940 508 9347 | Enter passcode: 613518
CBAJ BOOK CLUB The Adult Education Committee invites you to join our CBAJBook Club which meets 4 times per year. The current book isEinstein and the Rabbi by Naomi Levy. The Book Club meets in the *CBAJ Zoom Roomand the next meeting is November 2 at 8:00 pm.Contact Simma Kinderlehrer at simmakinder@gmail.com with any questions. FEEDBACK REQUESTED The Adult Education Committee wants to hear from you! All ideas about classes, lectures, and other adult education programs of interest should be forwarded to events@cbaj.org
DAILY SERVICES
October 23 - 28
Shacharit Sunday 8:00 am
Mon., Thurs., Fri. 6:40 am
Tues. & Wed Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan 6:35 am
Mincha/Maariv Sun-Mon, Thurs.- Fri. 5:40 pm
Tues. & Wed Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan 5:45 am
Candle lighting Friday, Oct. 28 5:35 pm
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 a Life & Legacy committee member about partnering on this crucial initiative to ensure the vitality of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob for the next 200 years. For more information, contact office@cbaj.org .
COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
JCC Applebaum & Bellin Awards The Sidney Albert Albany Jewish Community Center is accepting applications for their prestigious youth awards, Click here for details.The Applebaum Award is for 12th Grade Jewish Males and Bellin for 12th Grade Jewish Females. All applicable materials must be received by Thursday, December 22, 2022 for consideration
JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES NEW: CBAJ is pleased to be a sponsor of this important and timely workshop series from Jewish Family Services: Preparation Age: Plan for the expected and the unexpected. Workshop details can be viewed HERE. You can register HERE
JFS-CBAJ Volunteer Partnership CBAJ invites you to volunteer with one of JFS's programs to support seniors and vulnerable individuals in our community. Email Simma Kinderlehrer to learn more.
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
TORAH READING Exodus 33:12 - 34:26, Artscroll Siddur p. 961 Maftir and Haftarah: Numbers 29:26-31; Ezekiel 38:18 - 39:16, p. 973
SPEAKER Rabbi Kean will deliver a Dvar Torah Shabbat morning
KIDDUSH Kiddush is sponsored by CBAJ
MESSAGE FROM RABBI KEAN
On behalf of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob, I would like to wish you and your family a meaningful and restful Shabbat.
I hope that everyone has been having a meaningful and joyous Sukkot. It was wonderful to see so many people at the Sukkah Party yesterday! A special thanks to Rabbi Mendy Mathless, Moishy Kudan, and Alex Schoenbart for everything that they did to help make the event possible.
We are gearing up for a very exciting Simchat Torah hear at CBAJ! We will be joined by Yeshiva University students through YU's annual Torah Tours program (for the first time since 2019), there will be an NCSY "Simchaton" and, of course, our usual festivities are on!
I hope to see you soon at a tefilah, children's program, or social event. Looking forward to a very special Shemini Atzeret, and Simchat Torah!
Thank You! Thank you to the volunteers who helped to set up the CBAJ sukkah!
We will also need volunteers to dismantle the sukkah - date to be determined
SIMCHAT TORAH AT CBAJ - October 17-18 Monday, October 17: Services and dancing at 5:50 PM. Pizza Dinner 8:15 PM. Tuesday, October 18: Services and Dancing - 9:00 AM. Annual Ungerman Family Breakfast & Lunch.
**There will be an NCSY "Simchaton." More details below.
**We are also excited to welcome back Yeshiva University's Torah Tours!
**We invite women to participate in the annual women's layning on Simchat Torah morning. Please contact Amy Svirsky Abolafia (a_s_a@me.com) if you are able and willing to layn this year. If you would like to learn, we will help you! (Please note: attendance at the women's layning is limited to women.)
YOUTH PROGRAMMING
NCSY October 16-18 (Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah): "The Real Joy Simchaton" Albany chapter Shabbaton Sunday, October 16 7pm: Carlos and Gabby’s Simcha Dinner: CBAJ Sukkah (CBAJ Social Hall-if rain) Monday, October 17 4:30pm: Hakafot Pre-Game Show: CBAJ Chapel/Classrooms Tuesday, October 18 3:30: Simcha of Torah Chill (Senior NCSY Grades 8-12): CBAJ Classrooms Games, Chaburas, Desserts Tefilah, Hakafot, and meals (Monday night and Tuesday morning & afternoon)with CBAJ.
UPCOMING Northeast NCSY Shabbatons: November 4-5 (Lech Lecha): "Hakdama" 8-10th Grade Regional Located in Stamford, CT, contact NCSY for sign-up December 28-31 National Yarchei Kallah Located in Stamford, CT, contact NCSY for sign-up
Stay tuned for updates from NCSY!
Torah High 2022-2023 CBAJ's Torah High begins Monday, October 24 at 7 PM! Torah High meets Mondays, 7-9 pm and is open to all students in grades 8 - 12. Pizza dinner is served. Registration information will be sent shortly. Reach out to Rabbi Kean stay in touch about Torah High (if you have not already been in touch).
Babysitting Babysitting is available for children ages 0-5 every Shabbat morning for 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/restrictions. Children in diapers may participate, but babysitters will not be able to change diapers, so please check on kids in diapers.
Youth Groups There will be Youth Programming during Sukkot! Kids in grades k-5 will meet each Shabbat morning at 10-11 am. Groups will be led by our youth director, Yael Gonzalez, and teen youth leaders. For more information about attending, or if your teen wants to work as a youth leader, email office@cbaj.org. Tot Shabbat For children ages 0-5 and their parents - stay tuned for upcoming events!
Please contact Joshua Schulman-Marcus (jschumar@gmail.com) if you would like to be added to the Young Families WhatsApp group.
WEEKLY LEARNING AT CBAJ
WEEKLY CLASSES TORAH & TEA Torah & Tea will be on hiatus until after Simchat Torah.
PARSHAH CLASS The parshah class will be on hiatus until after Simchat Torah. TALMUD CLASS Join our Shabbat AfternoonTALMUD SHIUR in-person, at CBAJ, one hour before Shabbat Mincha. We are studying Masechet Makkot. This week (Oct. 15) we will meet at 4:50 pm.
*CBAJ ZOOM ROOM (weekday classes only) Go to https://zoom.us/join Enter meeting ID: 940 508 9347 | Enter passcode: 613518
CBAJ BOOK CLUB The Adult Education Committee invites you to join our CBAJBook Club which meets 4 times per year. The current book isEinstein and the Rabbi by Naomi Levy. The Book Club meets in the *CBAJ Zoom Roomand the next meeting is November 2 at 8:00 pm.Contact Simma Kinderlehrer at simmakinder@gmail.com with any questions. FEEDBACK REQUESTED The Adult Education Committee wants to hear from you! All ideas about classes, lectures, and other adult education programs of interest should be forwarded to events@cbaj.org
DAILY SERVICES
October 16-21
Sunday Oct. 16 Hoshana Rabah
Shacharit 8:00 am
Candle lighting 5:53 pm
Mincha/Maariv 5:50
Shemini Atzeret/ Simchat Torah Mon., Oct. 17 Shacharit 9:00 am
Mincha/Maariv 5:50 pm With Simchat Torah Hakafot
Candle lighting after 6:52 pm
Tues., Oct. 18 Shacharit 9:00 am
Mincha/Maariv 5:50 pm
Yom Tov Ends 6:51 pm
Weekday Services Wed., Oct. 19- Fri., Oct. 21
Shacharit 6:40 am
Mincha/Maariv 5:50 pm
Candle lighting Fri., Oct. 21 5:45 pm
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 a Life & Legacy committee member about partnering on this crucial initiative to ensure the vitality of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob for the next 200 years. For more information, contact office@cbaj.org .
COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
NEW: JCC Applebaum & Bellin Awards The Sidney Albert Albany Jewish Community Center is accepting applications for their prestigious youth awards, Click here for details.The Applebaum Award is for 12th Grade Jewish Males and Bellin for 12th Grade Jewish Females. All applicable materials must be received by Thursday, December 22, 2022 for consideration
JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES NEW: CBAJ is pleased to be a sponsor of this important and timely workshop series from Jewish Family Services: Preparation Age: Plan for the expected and the unexpected. Workshop details can be viewed HERE. You can register HERE
JFS-CBAJ Volunteer Partnership CBAJ invites you to volunteer with one of JFS's programs to support seniors and vulnerable individuals in our community. Email Simma Kinderlehrer to learn more.
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
TORAH READING Deuteronomy 32:1-52 Artscroll p. 1100 Haftarah: 2 Samuel 22:1-51
SPEAKER Rabbi Kean will deliver a Dvar Torah Shabbat morning
KIDDUSH Kiddush is sponsored by CBAJ
MAZAL TOV Mazal tov to CBAJ High Holy Day Chazzan Eli and Naava Hyman on the birth of a son
CONDOLENCES Join us in offering condolences to our dear friend and CBAJ member Nina Mikhaylova (and Grigory) on the loss of her mother Chana Mishieva (Chana bat Assaf), z''l. Condolences to the entire family, including grandchildren, and CBAJ members Raisa Yashayev (and Aron) and Vadim Mikhaylov (Daniela). Nina will sit shiva in Israel.
May the family be comforted, and may Chana's memory be for a blessing
LULAV AND ETROG PICK-UP Lulav and etrog sets can be picked up at CBAJ in the social hall on Saturday evening, October 8, 7:15 pm to 8:15 pm, and on Sunday morning, October 9, 8:40 am to 10:15 am.
MESSAGE FROM RABBI KEAN
On behalf of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob, I would like to wish you and your family a meaningful and restful Shabbat.
I would like to thanks everybody who shared in a meaningful, uplifting and enjoyable Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur here at CBAJ. It was so wonderful to be able to see the shul bursting and brimming with energy, with a mix of "longtimers" and "newcomers," young and old, and out of town of town guests.
L'shanah haba'ah bi-yerushalayim - May we celebrate together next year in Jerusalem.
An extra measure of gratitude to those who helped in various capacities to make the Yamim Noraim possible: our chazzanim (cantors), lainers, gabbais, greeters, shofar blowers, those who helped run youth programs, prepare and set up kiddush and break fast, those who hosted meals for out of town chazzanim, and everyone else who helped and participated.
I deeply missed all of you who were not able to make it - whether you were out of town, unable to attend for medical issue or any other reason. I hope that you had a nice and meaningful Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
I hope to see you soon at a tefilah, children's program, or social event. Looking forward to a very special Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret, and Simchat Torah!
HELP BUILD THE CBAJ SUKKAH We need volunteers to help build the Sukkah Come ALL ! We plan to finish building the sukkah immediately following morning services (approx. 9:00 am) on Sunday, October 9 (walls and s'chach) - bonus points will be awarded if you can bring a ladder.
Thank you to the volunteers who brought all the pieces down from the attic and to those who set up the frame last Sunday!
We will also need volunteers to dismantle the sukkah - date to be determined SUKKAH PARTY AT CBAJ - October 13
SIMCHAT TORAH AT CBAJ - October 17-18 Monday, October 17: Services and dancing at 5:50 PM. Pizza Dinner 8:15 PM. Tuesday, October 18: Services and Dancing - 9:00 AM. Annual Ungerman Family Breakfast & Lunch. **There will be an NCSY "Simchaton." More details to follow.
**We are also excited to welcome back Yeshiva University's Torah Tours!
**We invite women to participate in the annual women's layning on Simchat Torah morning. Please contact Amy Svirsky Abolafia (a_s_a@me.com) if you are able and willing to layn this year. If you would like to learn, we will help you! (Please note: attendance at the women's layning is limited to women.)
YOUTH PROGRAMMING
NCSY Upcoming Northeast NCSY Shabbatons: October 17-18 (Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah): "The Real Joy Simchaton" Albany chapter Shabbaton November 4-5 (Lech Lecha): "Hakdama" 8-10th Grade Regional Located in Stamford, CT, contact NCSY for sign-up December 28-31 National Yarchei Kallah Located in Stamford, CT, contact NCSY for sign-up
Stay tuned for updates from NCSY!
Torah High 2022-2023 CBAJ's Torah High begins Monday, October 24 at 7 PM! Torah High meets Mondays, 7-9 pm and is open to all students in grades 8 - 12. Pizza dinner is served. Registration information will be sent shortly. Reach out to Rabbi Kean stay in touch about Torah High (if you have not already been in touch).
Babysitting Babysitting is available for children ages 0-5 every Shabbat morning for 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/restrictions. Children in diapers may participate, but babysitters will not be able to change diapers, so please check on kids in diapers.
Youth Groups There will be Youth Programming during Sukkot! Kids in grades k-5 will meet each Shabbat morning at 10-11 am. Groups will be led by our youth director, Yael Gonzalez, and teen youth leaders. For more information about attending, or if your teen wants to work as a youth leader, email office@cbaj.org. Tot Shabbat For children ages 0-5 and their parents - stay tuned for upcoming events!
Please contact Joshua Schulman-Marcus (jschumar@gmail.com) if you would like to be added to the Young Families WhatsApp group.
WEEKLY LEARNING AT CBAJ
WEEKLY CLASSES TORAH & TEA Torah & Tea will be on hiatus until after Simchat Torah.
PARSHAH CLASS The parshah class will be on hiatus until after Simchat Torah. TALMUD CLASS Join our Shabbat AfternoonTALMUD SHIUR in-person, at CBAJ, one hour before Shabbat Mincha. We are studying Masechet Makkot. This week (Oct. 8) we will meet at 5:00 pm.
*CBAJ ZOOM ROOM (weekday classes only) Go to https://zoom.us/join Enter meeting ID: 940 508 9347 | Enter passcode: 613518
CBAJ BOOK CLUB The Adult Education Committee invites you to join our CBAJBook Club which meets 4 times per year. The current book isEinstein and the Rabbi by Naomi Levy. The Book Club meets in the *CBAJ Zoom Roomand the next meeting is November 2 at 8:00 pm.Contact Simma Kinderlehrer at simmakinder@gmail.com with any questions. FEEDBACK REQUESTED The Adult Education Committee wants to hear from you! All ideas about classes, lectures, and other adult education programs of interest should be forwarded to events@cbaj.org
DAILY SERVICES
October 9 - 14
Shacharit Next week
Sunday: 8:00 am Erev Sukkot Monday & Tuesday Sukkot I & II 9:00 am
Wednesday - Friday Chol Hamoed Sukkot 6:30 am
Mincha/Maariv Next week
Sunday - Tuesday Erev Sukkot, Sukkot I & II 6:05 pm
Wednesday - Friday Chol Hamoed Sukkot 6:00 pm
Candle Lighting Next week
Sunday Erev Sukkot 6:29 pm
Monday Sukkot I 7:03 pm
Friday 5:56 pm
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 a Life & Legacy committee member about partnering on this crucial initiative to ensure the vitality of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob for the next 200 years. For more information, contact office@cbaj.org .
COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
New: Blood Drive at Temple Israel Dangerous weather conditions and floodwaters have canceled dozens of blood drives in the areas impacted by Hurricane Ian.Temple Israel is hosting an American Red Cross Blood Drive Friday, October 14th, 11:30 - 3:30. To schedule an appointment go toredcrossblood.org and enter the sponsor code: TEMPLEISRAELALB
NEW: JCC Applebaum & Bellin Awards The Sidney Albert Albany Jewish Community Center is accepting applications for their prestigious youth awards, Click here for details.The Applebaum Award is for 12th Grade Jewish Males and Bellin for 12th Grade Jewish Females. All applicable materials must be received by Thursday, December 22, 2022 for consideration
JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES NEW: CBAJ is pleased to be a sponsor of this important and timely workshop series from Jewish Family Services: Preparation Age: Plan for the expected and the unexpected. Workshop details can be viewed HERE. You can register HERE
JFS-CBAJ Volunteer Partnership CBAJ invites you to volunteer with one of JFS's programs to support seniors and vulnerable individuals in our community. Email Simma Kinderlehrer to learn more.
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
TORAH READING Deuteronomy 31:1-30 Artscroll p. 1094 Haftarah: Hosea 14:2-10; Joel 2:11-27; Micah 7:18-20
SPEAKER Rabbi Kean will deliver a Shabbat Shuva discourse: "L'David Hashem Ori: Confidence and Fear During the High Holy Days."
KIDDUSH Kiddush is sponsored by Paula Mosher in memory of her husband, Paul Mosher z"l, on the anniversary of his passing.
MESSAGE FROM RABBI KEAN
On behalf of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob, I would like to wish you and your family a meaningful and restful Shabbat.
I would like to thanks everybody who shared in a meaningful, uplifting and enjoyable Rosh Hashanah here at CBAJ. It was so wonderful to be able to see the shul bursting and brimming with energy, with a mix of "longtimers" and "newcomers," young and old, and out of town of town guests.
An extra measure of gratitude to those who helped in various capacities to make Rosh Hashanah possible: our chazzanim (cantors), lainers, gabbais, greeters, shofar blowers, those who helped run youth programs, prepare and set up kiddush, those who hosted meals for out of town chazzanim, and everyone else who helped and participated.
I deeply missed all of you who were not able to make it - whether you were out of town, unable to attend for medical issue or any other reason. I hope that you had a nice and meaningful Rosh Hashanah.
I hope to see you soon at a tefilah, children's program, or social event. Looking forward to a very special Yom Kippur.
Shabbat Shalom and Gmar Chatimah Tovah, Rabbi Ben Kean
The Bnos Israel Mikvah plans to open to men on Erev Yom Kippur (10 am to 1 pm on October 4).
Male attendants (ages 18 and up) are requested to ensure that mikvah can open for men's hours. The mikvah WILL NOT open unless attendants are confirmed by Monday at 5:00 pm.
HELP BUILD THE CBAJ SUKKAH We need volunteers to help build the Sukkah Come ALL ! We plan to build the sukkah immediately following morning services (approx. 9:00 am) on Sunday October 2 (setting up the poles) and Sunday, October 9 (walls and s'chach) - bonus points will be awarded if you can bring a ladder.
We will also need volunteers to dismantle the sukkah - date to be determined SIMCHAT TORAH AT CBAJ - October 17-18 Monday, October 17: Services and dancing at 5:50 PM. Pizza Dinner 8:15 PM. Tuesday, October 18: Services and Dancing - 9:00 AM. Annual Ungerman Family Breakfast & Lunch. **There will be an NCSY "Simchaton." More details to follow. **We are also excited to welcome back Yeshiva University's Torah Tours! **We invite women to participate in the annual women's layning on Simchat Torah morning. Please contact Amy Svirsky Abolafia (a_s_a@me.com) if you are able and willing to layn this year. If you would like to learn, we will help you! (Please note: attendance at the women's layning is limited to women.)
YOUTH PROGRAMMING
NCSY Upcoming Northeast NCSY Shabbatons: October 17-18 (Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah): "The Real Joy Simchaton" Albany chapter Shabbaton November 4-5 (Lech Lecha): "Hakdama" 8-10th Grade Regional Located in Stamford, CT, contact NCSY for sign-up December 28-31 National Yarchei Kallah Located in Stamford, CT, contact NCSY for sign-up
Stay tuned for updates from NCSY!
Torah High 2022-2023 CBAJ's Torah High begins Monday, October 24 at 7 PM! Torah High meets Mondays, 7-9 pm and is open to all students in grades 8 - 12. Pizza dinner is served. Registration information will be sent shortly. Reach out to Rabbi Kean stay in touch about Torah High (if you have not already been in touch).
Babysitting Babysitting is available for children ages 0-5 every Shabbat morning for 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/restrictions. Children in diapers may participate, but babysitters will not be able to change diapers, so please check on kids in diapers.
Youth Groups Kids in grades k-5 will meet each Shabbat morning at 10-11 am. Groups will be led by our youth director, Yael Gonzalez, and teen youth leaders. For more information about attending, or if your teen wants to work as a youth leader, email office@cbaj.org.
Groups will run on Yom Kippur, 10:45 am to 12:15 am
Tot Time on Yom Kippur Children ages 0-5 and their parents, are invited for toddler programs, led by Laura Weisblatt, on Yom Kippur11 AM - 12 PM in classroom 3.
Please contact Joshua Schulman-Marcus (jschumar@gmail.com) if you would like to be added to the Young Families WhatsApp group.
WEEKLY LEARNING AT CBAJ
WEEKLY CLASSES TORAH & TEA Torah & Tea will be on hiatus until after Simchat Torah.
PARSHAH CLASS The parshah class will be on hiatus until after Simchat Torah. TALMUD CLASS Join our Shabbat AfternoonTALMUD SHIUR in-person, at CBAJ, one hour before Shabbat Mincha. We are studying Masechet Makkot. This week (Oct. 1) we will meet at 5:15 pm.
*CBAJ ZOOM ROOM (weekday classes only) Go to https://zoom.us/join Enter meeting ID: 940 508 9347 | Enter passcode: 613518
CBAJ BOOK CLUB The Adult Education Committee invites you to join our CBAJBook Club which meets 4 times per year. The current book isEinstein and the Rabbi by Naomi Levy. The Book Club meets in the *CBAJ Zoom Roomand the next meeting is November 2 at 8:00 pm.Contact Simma Kinderlehrer at simmakinder@gmail.com with any questions. FEEDBACK REQUESTED The Adult Education Committee wants to hear from you! All ideas about classes, lectures, and other adult education programs of interest should be forwarded to events@cbaj.org
DAILY SERVICES
October 2 - 7
Shacharit Next week
Sunday: 8:00 am Selichot & Shacharit Monday 6:20 am Selichot & Shacharit
Tuesday Erev Yom Kippur 6:30 am Wednesday Yom Kippur 8:30 am with Yizkor
Thursday & Friday 6:40 am
Mincha/Maariv Next week
Sunday & Monday 6:15 pm
Tuesday Erev Yom Kippur 3:30 pm Mincha 6:15 Kol Nidre
Wednesday Yom Kippur 4:30 pm
Thursday & Friday 6:15 pm
Candle Lighting Next week
Tuesday Erev Yom Kippur 6:29 pm
Friday, Sept. 30 6:20 pm
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 a Life & Legacy committee member about partnering on this crucial initiative to ensure the vitality of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob for the next 200 years. For more information, contact office@cbaj.org .
COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
NEW: COMMUNITY WIDE EVENTS | FROM THE JEWISH FEDERATION Apple Picking, Sunday October 2, 1:30 - 3:30 at Bowman Orchards (147 Sugarhill Rd. Rexford, NY). Join the Jewish Community to pick apples, schmooze, and enjoy all the orchard has to offer, including special crafts for kids. Register at JEWISHFEDNY.ORG/APPLE-PICKING by Thursday, 9/29.
JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES NEW: JFS staff is available for those who have experienced the loss of a loved one. They are offering a 6-week virtual support group starting in late July. Registration details: https://jfsneny.org/groups/or call 518.482.8856 JFS experienced clinicians provide in-person and remote telehealth appointments. They also accept a range of insurance plans. Groups are held via Zoom or over the phone.
JFS-CBAJ Volunteer Partnership CBAJ invites you to volunteer with one of JFS's programs to support seniors and vulnerable individuals in our community. Email Simma Kinderlehrer to learn more.
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
TORAH READING Deut: 29:9 - 31:30 Artscroll p. 1086 Haftarah: Isaiah 61:10 - 63:9, p. 1202
SPEAKER Rabbi Kean will deliver a Dvar Torah on Shabbat morning.
Rabbi Yitzchok Isaac Yagod (rabbinic administrator of the Vaad HaKashrus of Eastern Canada and Maine) will deliver a Dvar Torah at Seudah Shlishit.
KIDDUSH Kiddush is sponsored by Sheryl and Aron Cepler in honor of their daughter Annie Cepler's birth and first time in shul - Annie turned 1 year old in May.
MESSAGE FROM RABBI KEAN
On behalf of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob, I would like to wish you and your family a meaningful and restful Shabbat.
Here at CBAJ, preparations for the coming year are well underway! Continue to check your emails from CBAJ as more programs and events are in the works.
I hope to see you soon at a tefilah, children's program, or social event!
Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Ben Kean
ROSH HOSHANAH SCHEDULE Sunday, September 25, Rosh Hashanah Eve Selichot and Shacharit - 8:00 AM Candle Lighting - 6:29 PM Evening Services - 6:30 PM
Monday, September 26, Rosh Hashanah I Morning Services - 8:15 AM Youth Groups 10:45 AM - 12:15 AM Tot Shabbat 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Community Tashlich at Buckingham Pond - 5:00 PM Evening Services - 6:30 PM Candle Lighting After - 7:28 PM
Tuesday, September 27, Rosh Hashanah II Indoor Morning Services - 8:15 AM Youth Groups 10:45 AM - 12:15 AM Evening Services - 6:25 PM Yom Tov ends - 7:26 PM
HALACHIC NOTICE - PRUZBUL
Because this year is Shemitah (the Sabbatical year), all loans that a Jew has against another Jew are canceled when the current year ends. As such, one may not request repayment of such a loan after Rosh Hashanah. In order to circumvent this, one must do a pruzbul.
To learn more about pruzbul, click here. To download a pruzbul to complete, click here.
Please deal with this promptly, as it may take some time to complete. Rabbi Kean is available to assist you with this if needed.
HELP BUILD THE CBAJ SUKKAH We need volunteers to help build the Sukkah Come ALL ! We plan to build the sukkah immediately following morning services (approx. 9:00 am) on Sunday October 2 (setting up the poles) and Sunday, October 9 (walls and s'chach) - bonus points will be awarded if you can bring a ladder.
We will also need volunteers to dismantle the sukkah - date to be determined
SIMCHAT TORAH We invite women to participate in the annual women's layning on Simchat Torah morning. Please contact Amy Svirsky Abolafia (a_s_a@me.com) if you are able and willing to layn this year. If you would like to learn, we will help you! (Please note: attendance at the women's layning is limited to women. SIMCHAT TORAH AT CBAJ - October 17-18 Monday, October 17: Services and dancing at 5:50 PM. Pizza Dinner 8:15 PM. Tuesday, October 18: Services and Dancing - 9:00 AM. Annual Ungerman Family Breakfast & Lunch. On Shemini Atzeret & Simchat Torah, there will be an NCSY "Simchaton." More details to follow. We are also excited to welcome back Yeshiva University's Torah Tours!
YOUTH PROGRAMMING
NCSY Upcoming Northeast NCSY Shabbatons: October 17-18 (Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah): "The Real Joy Simchaton" Albany chapter Shabbaton November 4-5 (Lech Lecha): "Hakdama" 8-10th Grade Regional Located in Stamford, CT, contact NCSY for sign-up December 28-31 National Yarchei Kallah Located in Stamford, CT, contact NCSY for sign-up
Stay tuned for updates from NCSY!
Torah High 2022-2023 CBAJ's Torah High begins Monday, October 24 at 7 PM! Torah High meets Mondays, 7-9 pm and is open to all students in grades 8 - 12. Pizza dinner is served. Registration information will be sent shortly. Reach out to Rabbi Kean stay in touch about Torah High (if you have not already been in touch).
Babysitting Babysitting is available for children ages 0-5 every Shabbat morning for 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/restrictions. Children in diapers may participate, but babysitters will not be able to change diapers, so please check on kids in diapers.
Youth Groups Kids in grades k-5 will meet each Shabbat morning at 10-11 am. Groups will be led by our youth director, Yael Gonzalez, and teen youth leaders. For more information about attending, or if your teen wants to work as a youth leader, email office@cbaj.org.
Groups will run both days of Rosh Hashanah and on Yom Kippur, 10:45 am to 12:15 am
Tot Time on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur Children ages 0-5 and their parents, are invited for toddler programs, led by Laura Weisblatt, on Rosh Hashanah Day 1 & Yom Kippur11 AM - 12 PM in classroom 3.
Please contact Joshua Schulman-Marcus (jschumar@gmail.com) if you would like to be added to the Young Families WhatsApp group.
WEEKLY LEARNING AT CBAJ
WEEKLY CLASSES TORAH & TEA Torah & Tea will be on hiatus until after Simchat Torah.
PARSHAH CLASS The parshah class will be on hiatus until after Simchat Torah. TALMUD CLASS Join our Shabbat AfternoonTALMUD SHIUR in-person, at CBAJ, one hour before Shabbat Mincha. We are studying Masechet Makkot. We will NOT meet this week (Sept. 24)
*CBAJ ZOOM ROOM (weekday classes only) Go to https://zoom.us/join Enter meeting ID: 940 508 9347 | Enter passcode: 613518
CBAJ BOOK CLUB The Adult Education Committee invites you to join our CBAJBook Club which meets 4 times per year. The current book isEinstein and the Rabbi by Naomi Levy. The Book Club meets in the *CBAJ Zoom Roomand the next meeting is November 2 at 8:00 pm.Contact Simma Kinderlehrer at simmakinder@gmail.com with any questions. FEEDBACK REQUESTED The Adult Education Committee wants to hear from you! All ideas about classes, lectures, and other adult education programs of interest should be forwarded to events@cbaj.org
DAILY SERVICES
September 25 - 30
Shacharit Next week: Sunday: 8:00 am Selichot & Shacharit Monday & Tuesday Rosh Hoshanna 8:15 am
Wednesday 6:20 am Selichot & Shacharit Fast of Gedalia Fast begins at 5:37 am Thursday & Friday Selichot & Shacharit 6:20 am
Mincha/Maariv Next week: Sunday Rosh Hashannah Eve 6:30 pm
Monday & Tuesday Rosh Hashannah 6:25 pm
Wednesday 6:20 pm Fast of Gedalia Fast ends 7:13pm
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 a Life & Legacy committee member about partnering on this crucial initiative to ensure the vitality of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob for the next 200 years. For more information, contact office@cbaj.org .
COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
NEW: COMMUNITY WIDE EVENTS | FROM THE JEWISH FEDERATION Apple Picking, Sunday October 2, 1:30 - 3:30 at Bowman Orchards (147 Sugarhill Rd. Rexford, NY). Join the Jewish Community to pick apples, schmooze, and enjoy all the orchard has to offer, including special crafts for kids. Register at JEWISHFEDNY.ORG/APPLE-PICKING by Thursday, 9/29.
OPERATION SCHOOL SUPPLIES | SHALOM FOOD PANTRY PROJECT Operation School Supplies is a project sponsored by the Shalom Food Pantry to ensure that every child goes to school with a full backpack of new supplies. If you are in need of assistance and would like help with school supplies for your childplease click here to complete and submit an online form. If you would like to partner with us today and sponsor a full backpack and a smile on a child's face please click here to donate.
JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES NEW: JFS staff is available for those who have experienced the loss of a loved one. They are offering a 6-week virtual support group starting in late July. Registration details: https://jfsneny.org/groups/or call 518.482.8856 JFS experienced clinicians provide in-person and remote telehealth appointments. They also accept a range of insurance plans. Groups are held via Zoom or over the phone.
JFS-CBAJ Volunteer Partnership CBAJ invites you to volunteer with one of JFS's programs to support seniors and vulnerable individuals in our community. Email Simma Kinderlehrer to learn more.
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
TORAH READING Deuteronomy 26:1 - 29:8 Artscroll p. 1068 Haftarah: Isaiah 60:1-22, p. 1201
SPEAKER R' Jack will deliver a Dvar Torah Shabbat morning.
KIDDUSH Kiddush is sponsored by CBAJ
UNVEILING CEREMONY ANNOUNCEMENT CBAJ member Sylvia Solomon invites relatives and friends to gather at Congregation Beth-Abraham Jacob Cemetery on Western Avenue Sunday, September 18th at 12:30 pm, for an unveiling ceremony for her late husband Michael Solomon z"l.
CONDOLENCES Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob regrets to inform you of the passing of Ethel Marilyn ("Lynn") Reich, (Miriam bat Baruch Pinchas v'Ester Malka), z''l, wife of the late Howard Reich, z"l; sister of Francine ("Julia") Helfman (Joel); mother of our dear friend and CBAJ member, Stacy Cohen (David) and Barbara Becker (Mark ob"m); grandmother of Benjamin Cohen (llana) and Steven Cohen (and fiancée Bethanne Goldman).
Stacy will sit shiva as follows: Stacy will be available for visits 2:00-5:30 pm, every day from Sunday (Sept. 18) through Wednesday (Sept. 21), at the Cohen home, 1458 Valencia Rd Niskayuna, NY 12309.
There will be Mincha & early Maariv at 5:30 PM at the Cohen home on Sunday (Sept. 18) and Wednesday (Sept. 21).
On Monday (Sept. 19) and Tuesday (Sept. 20), Stacy will join CBAJ's minyan for Mincha & Maariv at 6:40 pm.
May the family be comforted, and may Ethel's memory be for a blessing.
MESSAGE FROM RABBI KEAN
On behalf of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob, I would like to wish you and your family a meaningful and restful Shabbat.
Here at CBAJ, preparations for the coming year are well underway! Continue to check your emails from CBAJ as more programs and events are in the works.
We extend a warm, Albany welcome to all of the 11th and 12th graders here for Northeast NCSY's Ha'Atid Shabbaton! We are so excited to have you join us this Shabbat.
I hope to see you soon at a tefilah, children's program, or social event!
This past Sunday, we commemorated the 21st anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks, in which 2,996 innocent civilians lost their lives. We continue to stand with the families of those who perished. May their memory forever be for a blessing.
Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Ben Kean
INTRODUCING YAEL GONZALEZ: OUR NEW YOUTH DIRECTOR
We are excited to announce that Yael Gonzalez will serve as CBAJ's youth director for the 2022-2023 school year!
Groups for kids in grades kindergarten through 5th grade will resume this week, led by Yael.
Yael was highly active in Upstate NCSY at CBAJ when she was in high school, and will also serve as an NCSY advisor. Yael is very excited to be working with CBAJ youth this year.
EVENTS THIS SHABBAT & WEEKEND
SELICHOT CONCERT - Saturday, September 17 9:00 pm in the Main Sanctuary, featuring the band Bows and Bellows (led by Laura Melnicoff & Josh Sussman). Welcome the High Holy Days Season! Friday, September 16th -Sunday September 18th All Northeast NCSYers in 11th-12th will be at CBAJ this weekend for the year's opening shabbaton
APPLE PICKING - September 18 Meet up for Apple Picking at Indian Ladder Farms - 2:30 PM come out & meet Beth; CBAJ's new Programming Coordinator
HALACHIC NOTICE - PRUZBUL
Because this year is Shemitah (the Sabbatical year), all loans that a Jew has against another Jew are canceled when the current year ends. As such, one may not request repayment of such a loan after Rosh HaShanah. In order to circumvent this, one must do a pruzbul.
To learn more about pruzbul, click here. To download a pruzbul to complete, click here.
Please deal with this promptly, as it may take some time to complete. Rabbi Kean is available to assist you with this if needed.
SIMCHAT TORAH AT CBAJ - October 17-18 Monday, October 17: Services and dancing at 5:50 PM. Pizza Dinner 8:15 PM. Tuesday, October 18: Services and Dancing - 9:00 AM. Annual Ungerman Family Breakfast & Lunch.
Torah High 2022-2023 CBAJ is holding a Torah High Open House Monday, Sept. 19, 7:00 - 9:00 PM for any students in grades 8 - 12. Pizza dinner will be served. Please email Rabbi Kean to RSVP, rabbi@cbaj.org
YOUTH PROGRAMMING
NCSY Friday, September 16th -Sunday September 18th All Northeast NCSYers in 11th-12th are invited to join the year's opening shabbaton hosted in Albany! CLICK HERE to register with Northeast NCSY directly.
Torah High 2022-2023 CBAJ is holding a Torah High Open House Monday, Sept. 19, 7:00 - 9:00 PMfor any students in grades 8 - 12. Pizza dinner will be served. Please email Rabbi Kean to RSVP, rabbi@cbaj.org
Babysitting Babysitting is available for children ages 0-5 every Shabbat morning for 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/restrictions. Children in diapers may participate, but babysitters will not be able to change diapers, so please check on kids in diapers.
Youth Groups Youth groups for children grades k-5 will be led by Yael Gonzalez!
Tot Shabbat Stay tuned for the next Tot Shabbat. Please contact Joshua Schulman-Marcus (jschumar@gmail.com) if you would like to be added to the Young Families WhatsApp group.
WEEKLY LEARNING AT CBAJ
WEEKLY CLASSES TORAH & TEA Torah & Tea will be on hiatus until after Simchat Torah.
PARSHAH CLASS The parshah class will be on hiatus until after Simchat Torah. TALMUD CLASS Join our Shabbat AfternoonTALMUD SHIUR in-person, at CBAJ, one hour before Shabbat Mincha. We are studying Masechet Makkot. This week, we will begin at 5:40 pm
*CBAJ ZOOM ROOM (weekday classes only) Go to https://zoom.us/join Enter meeting ID: 940 508 9347 | Enter passcode: 613518
CBAJ BOOK CLUB The Adult Education Committee invites you to join our CBAJBook Club which meets 4 times per year. The current book isEinstein and the Rabbi by Naomi Levy. The Book Club meets in the *CBAJ Zoom Roomand the next meeting is November 2 at 8:00 pm.Contact Simma Kinderlehrer at simmakinder@gmail.com with any questions. FEEDBACK REQUESTED The Adult Education Committee wants to hear from you! All ideas about classes, lectures, and other adult education programs of interest should be forwarded to events@cbaj.org
DAILY SERVICES
September 18 - 23
Shacharit Sunday: 8:00 am Monday - Friday Selichot & Shacharit 6:40 am
Mincha/Maariv Sunday - Friday 6:40 pm
Candle Lighting Next week: Friday, September 23: 6:33 pm
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 a Life & Legacy committee member about partnering on this crucial initiative to ensure the vitality of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob for the next 200 years. For more information, contact office@cbaj.org .
COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
NEW: COMMUNITY WIDE EVENTS | FROM THE JEWISH FEDERATION The Jewish Federation of NENY invites the community to 2 upcoming events: A Conversation with ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt on Wednesday, September 21, at 7:30 p.m. in person at the GE Theater at Proctors and Austria: Facing Its Past for a Better on Monday, September 19, 1 PM, in person at Jewish Federation (Zoom option available). Registrations are requested. Both events are free/complimentary and open to the community.
OPERATION SCHOOL SUPPLIES | SHALOM FOOD PANTRY PROJECT Operation School Supplies is a project sponsored by the Shalom Food Pantry to ensure that every child goes to school with a full backpack of new supplies. If you are in need of assistance and would like help with school supplies for your childplease click here to complete and submit an online form. If you would like to partner with us today and sponsor a full backpack and a smile on a child's face please click here to donate.
JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES NEW: JFS staff is available for those who have experienced the loss of a loved one. They are offering a 6-week virtual support group starting in late July. Registration details: https://jfsneny.org/groups/or call 518.482.8856 JFS experienced clinicians provide in-person and remote telehealth appointments. They also accept a range of insurance plans. Groups are held via Zoom or over the phone.
JFS-CBAJ Volunteer Partnership CBAJ invites you to volunteer with one of JFS's programs to support seniors and vulnerable individuals in our community. Email Simma Kinderlehrer to learn more.
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
TORAH READING Deuteronomy 21:20 Artscroll p. 1046 Haftarah: Isaiah 54: 14-55:5, p. 1201,1199
SPEAKER Rabbi Kean will deliver a Dvar Torah Shabbat morning.
KIDDUSH Kiddush is sponsored by CBAJ
UNVEILING CEREMONY ANNOUNCEMENT CBAJ member Sylvia Solomon invites relatives and friends to gather at Congregation Beth-Abraham Jacob Cemetery on Westen Avenue Sunday, September 18th at 12:30 pm, for an unveiling ceremony for her late husband Michael Solomon z"l.
MESSAGE FROM RABBI KEAN
On behalf of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob, I would like to wish you and your family a meaningful and restful Shabbat.
Here at CBAJ, preparations for the coming year are well underway! continue to check your emails from CBAJ as more programs and events are in the works.
I hope to see you soon at tefilah, a youth program, or a social event!
Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Ben Kean
HALACHIC NOTICE - PRUZBUL
Because this year is Shemitah (the Sabbatical year), all loans that a Jew has against another Jew are canceled when the current year ends. As such, one may not request repayment of such a loan after Rosh HaShanah. In order to circumvent this, one must do a pruzbul.
To learn more about pruzbul, click here. To download a pruzbul to complete, click here.
Please deal with this promptly, as it may take some time to complete. Rabbi Kean is available to assist you with this if needed.
SELICHOT CONCERT - September 17 9:00 pm in the Main Sanctuary, featuring the bandBows and Bellows (led by Laura Melnicoff & Josh Sussman). Welcome the High Holy Days Season!
APPLE PICKING - September 18 Meet up for Apple Picking at Indian Ladder Farms - 2:30 PM
SIMCHAT TORAH AT CBAJ - October 17-18 Monday, October 17: Services and dancing at 5:50 PM. Pizza Dinner 8:15 PM. Tuesday, October 18: Services and Dancing - 9:00 AM. Annual Ungerman Family Breakfast & Lunch.
YOUTH PROGRAMMING
NCSY Friday, September 16th -Sunday September 18th All Northeast NCSYers in 11th-12th are invited to join the year's opening shabbaton hosted in Albany! CLICK HERE to register with Northeast NCSY directly.
Torah High 2022-2023 CBAJ is holding a Torah High Open House Monday, Sept. 19, 7:00 - 9:00 PMfor any students in grades 8 - 12. Pizza dinner will be served. Please email Rabbi Kean to RSVP, rabbi@cbaj.org
Babysitting Babysitting is available for children ages 0-5 every Shabbat morning for 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/restrictions. Children in diapers may participate, but babysitters will not be able to change diapers, so please check on kids in diapers.
Youth Groups Youth groups for children grades k-5 will resume September 17. Stay tuned for news about our new Youth Director!
Tot Shabbat Stay tuned for the next Tot Shabbat. Please contact Joshua Schulman-Marcus (jschumar@gmail.com) if you would like to be added to the Young Families WhatsApp group.
WEEKLY LEARNING AT CBAJ
WEEKLY CLASSES TORAH & TEA Thursday mornings, 9:30 - 10:30 AM, in person in the chapel & on Zoom*. Studying Kings 2.
PARSHAH CLASS The parshah class will be on hiatus until after the Simchat Torah. TALMUD CLASS Join our Shabbat AfternoonTALMUD SHIUR in-person, at CBAJ, one hour before Shabbat Mincha. We are studying Masechet Makkot. This week, we will begin at 5:50 pm
*CBAJ ZOOM ROOM (weekday classes only) Go to https://zoom.us/join Enter meeting ID: 940 508 9347 | Enter passcode: 613518
CBAJ BOOK CLUB The Adult Education Committee invites you to join our CBAJBook Club which meets 4 times per year. The current book isEinstein and the Rabbi by Naomi Levy. The Book Club meets in the *CBAJ Zoom Roomand the next meeting is November 2 at 8:00 pm.Contact Simma Kinderlehrer at simmakinder@gmail.com with any questions. FEEDBACK REQUESTED The Adult Education Committee wants to hear from you! All ideas about classes, lectures, and other adult education programs of interest should be forwarded to events@cbaj.org
DAILY SERVICES
September 11 - 16
Shacharit Sunday: 8:00 am Monday - Friday: 6:45 am
Mincha/Maariv: Sunday - Friday: 6:50 pm
Candle Lighting Next week: Friday, September 16: 6:45 pm
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 a Life & Legacy committee member about partnering on this crucial initiative to ensure the vitality of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob for the next 200 years. For more information, contact office@cbaj.org .
COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
NEW: COMMUNITY WIDE EVENTS | FROM THE JEWISH FEDERATION The Jewish Federation of NENY invites the community to 2 upcoming events: A Conversation with ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt on Wednesday, September 21, at 7:30 p.m. in person at the GE Theater at Proctors and Austria: Facing Its Past for a Better on Monday, September 19, 1 PM, in person at Jewish Federation (Zoom option available). Registrations are requested. Both events are free/complimentary and open to the community.
OPERATION SCHOOL SUPPLIES | SHALOM FOOD PANTRY PROJECT Operation School Supplies is a project sponsored by the Shalom Food Pantry to ensure that every child goes to school with a full backpack of new supplies. If you are in need of assistance and would like help with school supplies for your childplease click here to complete and submit an online form. If you would like to partner with us today and sponsor a full backpack and a smile on a child's face please click here to donate.
JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES NEW: JFS staff is available for those who have experienced the loss of a loved one. They are offering a 6-week virtual support group starting in late July. Registration details: https://jfsneny.org/groups/or call 518.482.8856 JFS experienced clinicians provide in-person and remote telehealth appointments. They also accept a range of insurance plans. Groups are held via Zoom or over the phone.
JFS-CBAJ Volunteer Partnership CBAJ invites you to volunteer with one of JFS's programs to support seniors and vulnerable individuals in our community. Email Simma Kinderlehrer to learn more.
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
TORAH READING Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9, Artscroll p. 1024 Haftarah: Isaiah 51:12-52:12, p. 1199
SPEAKER Rabbi Kean will deliver a Dvar Torah Shabbat morning.
R' Jack will deliver a Dvar Torah at Seudah Shlishit.
KIDDUSH Kiddush is sponsored by CBAJ
MAZAL TOV Mazal tov to CBAJ members Daniel Ari & Deborah Govindan on the bar mitzvah of Yehoshua Avraham Jellett Costa (Shua) this past Sunday. Mazal tov to CBAJ members Barry & Leah Siegel. In honor of Shua's Bar Mitzvah, Daniel and Shua will be called for an Aliyah this Shabbat at CBAJ.
Shabbat Babysitting Starting THIS SHABBAT, CBAJ will have babysitting 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. Babysitting will take place in Classroom 3. A few key points:
*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/restrictions. * Children in diapers may participate, but babysitters will not be able to change diapers, so please check on kids in diapers.) Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur Babysitting For babysitting on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, pre-registration is required. Click here to register.
Lulav and Etrog Click here to order your Lulav and Etrog. Orders are due September 28.
MESSAGE FROM RABBI KEAN
On behalf of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob, I would like to wish you and your family a meaningful and restful Shabbat.
Here at CBAJ, preparations for the coming year are well underway! As you can see from this week's Shabbat notes, we are already beginning to put new events on the calendar. Please continue to check your emails from CBAJ as more programs and events are in the works.
This week will be R' Jack's first Shabbat at CBAJ as rabbinic intern. He is looking forward to seeing everyone after a summer away!
I hope to see you soon at tefilah, a youth program, or a social event!
Please contact Joshua Schulman-Marcus (jschumar@gmail.com) if you would like to be added to the Young Families WhatsApp group.
NCSY THIS SHABBAT: Albany NCSY Kick-off Event! Join your friends and Rav Jack this Shabbat, September 3rd after kiddush (approximately 12:00 pm) for the 2022-2023 Albany NCSY kick-off event!
SAVE THE DATE: Ha'Atid Shabbaton for 11th-12th graders Friday, September 16th - Sunday September 18th (12pm) All Northeast NCSYers in 11th-12th are invited to join the year's opening shabbaton hosted in Albany! See Northeast NCSY's website to register or learn more!
Torah High Open House Monday, September 19, will the Open House for Torah High 2022-2023! Stay tuned for details. Contact Rabbi Kean to stay in touch about Torah High.
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. 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/restrictions. Children in diapers may participate, but babysitters will not be able to change diapers, so please check on kids in diapers.
Tot Shabbat Stay tuned for the next Tot Shabbat.
Youth Groups CBAJ will announce its new youth director soon. Youth groups for children grades k-5 will resume September 17.
WEEKLY LEARNING AT CBAJ
WEEKLY CLASSES TORAH & TEA Thursday mornings, 9:30 - 10:30 AM, in person in the chapel & on Zoom*. Studying Kings 2.
PARSHAH CLASS The parshah class will be on hiatus until after the Simchat Torah. TALMUD CLASS Join our Shabbat AfternoonTALMUD SHIUR in-person, at CBAJ, one hour before Shabbat Mincha. We are studying Masechet Makkot. This week, we will begin at 6:15 pm
*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 Adult Education committee invites you to join our CBAJBook Club which meets 4 times per year. The current book is The Secret Chord by Geraldine Brooks. The Book Club meets in the *CBAJ Zoom Roomand the next meeting is November 2 at 8:00 pm. The next book selection will be announced soon. Contact Simma Kinderlehrer at simmakinder@gmail.com with any questions. FEEDBACK REQUESTED The Adult Education Committee wants to hear from you! All ideas about classes, lectures, and other adult education programs of interest should be forwarded to Seanan Herrick at office@cbaj.org.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Selichot Concert - September 17 9:00 pm in the Main Sanctuary, featuring the band Bows and Bellows (led by Laura Melnicoff & Josh Sussman). Welcome the High Holday Days Season!
Simchat Torah at CBAJ - October 17-18 Monday, October 17: Services and dancing at 5:50 PM. Pizza Dinner 8:15 PM. Tuesday, October 18: Services and Daning - 9:00 AM. Annual Ungerman Family Breakfast & Lunch.
DAILY SERVICES
September 4 - 9
Shacharit Sunday: 8:00 am Monday - Friday: 6:45 am
Mincha/Maariv: Sunday - Friday: 7:00 pm
Candle Lighting Next week: Friday, September 9: 6:58 pm
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 a Life & Legacy committee member about partnering on this crucial initiative to ensure the vitality of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob for the next 200 years. For more information, contact office@cbaj.org .
COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
NEW: OPERATION SCHOOL SUPPLIES | SHALOM FOOD PANTRY PROJECT Operation School Supplies is a project sponsored by the Shalom Food Pantry to ensure that every child goes to school with a full backpack of new supplies. If you are in need of assistance and would like help with school supplies for your childplease click here to complete and submit an online form. If you would like to partner with us today and sponsor a full backpack and a smile on a child's face please click here to donate.
JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES NEW: JFS staff is available for those who have experienced the loss of a loved one. They are offering a 6-week virtual support group starting in late July. Registration details: https://jfsneny.org/groups/or call 518.482.8856
JFS experienced clinicians provide in-person and remote telehealth appointments. They also accept a range of insurance plans. Click here for more information. JFS has launched their Spring 2022 schedulefor a variety of support groups for all ages, facilitated by JFS clinical staff. Groups are held via Zoom or over the phone.
JFS-CBAJ Volunteer Partnership CBAJ invites you to volunteer with one of JFS's programs to support seniors and vulnerable individuals in our community. Email Simma Kinderlehrer to learn more.
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
TORAH READING Deuteronomy 11:26-16:17, Artscroll p. 998 Maftir: Numbers 28:9-15, p. 890 Haftarah: Isaiah 66:1-24, p. 1208
SPEAKER Rabbi Kean will deliver a Dvar Torah Shabbat morning.
KIDDUSH Kiddush is sponsored by CBAJ
MAZAL TOV Mazal tov to CBAJ members Daniel Ari & Deborah Govindan on the bar mitzvah of Yehoshua Avraham (Shua), which will take place this Sunday. Mazal tov to CBAJ members Barry & Leah Siegel.
Mazal tov to CBAJ members (and past president) Drew and Stephanie Kugler on the marriage their son Joshua Kugler to Danielle Nachbar, which will take place this Sunday in Honey Brook, PA.
On behalf of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob, I would like to wish you and your family a meaningful and restful Shabbat.
This Shabbat is Rosh Chodesh Elul, which means that Rosh HaShanah is only one month away! This means that it is time for each of us to begin preparing our hearts and minds for the new Jewish year and Day of Judgment.
Here at CBAJ, preparations for the coming year are well underway! As you can see from this week's Shabbat notes, we are already beginning put new events on the calendar. Please continue to check your emails from CBAJ as more programs and events are in the works.
I hope to see you soon at tefilah, a youth program, or a social event!
NEW RABBINIC INTERN - Welcome Rav Jack! Jack Hartstein, originally from Scarsdale, NY, is thrilled to be entering his third year involved with the Albany and CBAJ community this time as Rabbinic Intern!
Rav Jack is currently pursuing his Rabbinic Ordination (Semicha) at the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS at Yeshiva University), where he takes a variety of classes in Jewish Law, public speaking, and contemporary issues in the Rabbinate. He is also a participant in the joint RIETS-FERKAUF Graduate School of Psychology program in Mental Health Counseling.
Rav Jack loves to listen to and write music, go for runs, sing, dance, act, and learn Jewish philosophy and mysticism.
He finds it important to encourage Jews of all ages to think deeply about their unique Jewish heritage and introduce ways in which God and His holy Torah an be integrated into one’s life in a concrete and authentic way.
Rav Jack is so excited to continue to share the joy and light of Jewish life with the CBAJ family and is looking forward to being a friendly source of comfort, strength and guidance to all.
WEEKLY LEARNING AT CBAJ
WEEKLY CLASSES TORAH & TEA Thursday mornings, 9:30 - 10:30 AM, in person in the chapel & on Zoom*. Studying Kings 2.
PARSHAH CLASS The parshah class will be on hiatus until after the Simchat Torah. TALMUD CLASS Join our Shabbat AfternoonTALMUD SHIUR in-person, at CBAJ, one hour before Shabbat Mincha. We are studying Masechet Makkot. This week, we will begin at 6:15 pm
*CBAJ ZOOM ROOM Go to https://zoom.us/join Enter meeting ID: 940 508 9347 | Enter passcode: 613518
ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMMING
CBAJ BOOK CLUB The Adult Education committee invites you to join our CBAJBook Club which meets 4 times per year. The current book is The Secret Chord by Geraldine Brooks. The Book Club meets in the *CBAJ Zoom Roomand the next meeting is November 2 at 8:00 pm. The next book selection will be announced soon. Contact Simma Kinderlehrer at simmakinder@gmail.com with any questions. FEEDBACK REQUESTED The Adult Education Committee wants to hear from you! All ideas about classes, lectures, and other adult education programs of interest should be forwarded to Seanan Herrick at office@cbaj.org.
YOUTH PROGRAMMING
Please contact Joshua Schulman-Marcus (jschumar@gmail.com) if you would like to be added to the Young Families WhatsApp group.
NCSY SAVE THE DATE: Albany NCSY Kick-off Event! Join your friends and Rav Jack next Shabbat, September 3rd after kiddush (approximately 12:00 pm) for the 2022-2023 Albany NCSY kick-off event!
SAVE THE DATE: Ha'Atid Shabbaton for 11th-12th graders Friday, September 16th - Sunday September 18th (12pm) All Northeast NCSYers in 11th-12th are invited to join the year's opening shabbaton hosted in Albany! See Northeast NCSY's website to register or learn more!
TORAH HIGH Open House Monday, September 19, will the Open House for Torah High 2022-2023! Stay tuned for details. Contact Rabbi Kean to stay in touch about Torah High.
Youth Groups and Mishna Club All other Youth Programming are on a hiatus for the summer.
DAILY SERVICES
August 28 - September 2
Shacharit Sunday: 8:00 am Rosh Chodesh Elul Monday - Friday: 6:45 am
Candle Lighting Next week: Friday, September 2: 7:10 pm
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 a Life & Legacy committee member about partnering on this crucial initiative to ensure the vitality of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob for the next 200 years. For more information, contact office@cbaj.org .
COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
NEW: OPERATION SCHOOL SUPPLIES | SHALOM FOOD PANTRY PROJECT Operation School Supplies is a project sponsored by the Shalom Food Pantry to ensure that every child goes to school with a full backpack of new supplies. If you are in need of assistance and would like help with school supplies for your childplease click here to complete and submit an online form. If you would like to partner with us today and sponsor a full backpack and a smile on a child's face please click here to donate.
JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES NEW: JFS staff is available for those who have experienced the loss of a loved one. They are offering a 6-week virtual support group starting in late July. Registration details: https://jfsneny.org/groups/or call 518.482.8856
JFS experienced clinicians provide in-person and remote telehealth appointments. They also accept a range of insurance plans. Click here for more information. JFS has launched their Spring 2022 schedulefor a variety of support groups for all ages, facilitated by JFS clinical staff. Groups are held via Zoom or over the phone.
JFS-CBAJ Volunteer Partnership CBAJ invites you to volunteer with one of JFS's programs to support seniors and vulnerable individuals in our community. Email Simma Kinderlehrer to learn more.
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
TORAH READING Deuteronomy 7:12-11:25, Artscroll p. 980 Haftarah: Isaiah 49:14-51:3, p. 1197 SPEAKER Rabbi Kean will deliver a Dvar Torah Shabbat morning. KIDDUSH Kiddush is sponsored by CBAJ
WEEKLY CLASSES TORAH & TEA Thursday mornings, 9:30 - 10:30 AM, in person in the chapel & on Zoom*. Studying Kings 2.
PARSHAH CLASS The parshah class will be on hiatus until after the Simchat Torah. TALMUD CLASS Join our Shabbat AfternoonTALMUD SHIUR in-person, at CBAJ, one hour before Shabbat Mincha. We are studying Masechet Makkot. This week, we will begin at 6:25 pm
*CBAJ ZOOM ROOM Go to https://zoom.us/join Enter meeting ID: 940 508 9347 | Enter passcode: 613518
ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMMING
CBAJ BOOK CLUB The Adult Education committee invites you to join our CBAJBook Club which meets 4 times per year. The current book is The Secret Chord by Geraldine Brooks. The Book Club meets in the *CBAJ Zoom Roomand the next meeting is November 2 at 8:00 pm. The next book selection will be announced soon. Contact Simma Kinderlehrer at simmakinder@gmail.com with any questions. FEEDBACK REQUESTED The Adult Education Committee wants to hear from you! All ideas about classes, lectures, and other adult education programs of interest should be forwarded to Seanan Herrick at office@cbaj.org.
YOUTH PROGRAMMING
Tot Shabbat For children ages 0-5 and their parents the next Tot Shabbats is August 27th at 10:15 AM. Please contact Joshua Schulman-Marcus (jschumar@gmail.com) if you would like to be added to the Young Families WhatsApp group.
Youth Groups, Torah High, Mishna Club, NCSY Events All other Youth Programming will be on a hiatus for the summer.
DAILY SERVICES
August 21 - August 26
Shacharit Sunday: 8:00 am Monday - Friday: 6:45 am
Mincha/Maariv: Sunday - Thursday: 7:25 pm
Candle Lighting Next week: Friday, August 26: 7:22 pm
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 a Life & Legacy committee member about partnering on this crucial initiative to ensure the vitality of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob for the next 200 years. For more information, contact office@cbaj.org .
COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
NEW: OPERATION SCHOOL SUPPLIES | SHALOM FOOD PANTRY PROJECT Operation School Supplies is a project sponsored by the Shalom Food Pantry to ensure that every child goes to school with a full backpack of new supplies. If you are in need of assistance and would like help with school supplies for your childplease click here to complete and submit an online form. If you would like to partner with us today and sponsor a full backpack and a smile on a child's face please click here to donate.
JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES NEW: JFS staff is available for those who have experienced the loss of a loved one. They are offering a 6-week virtual support group starting in late July. Registration details: https://jfsneny.org/groups/or call 518.482.8856
JFS experienced clinicians provide in-person and remote telehealth appointments. They also accept a range of insurance plans. Click here for more information. JFS has launched their Spring 2022 schedulefor a variety of support groups for all ages, facilitated by JFS clinical staff. Groups are held via Zoom or over the phone.
JFS-CBAJ Volunteer Partnership CBAJ invites you to volunteer with one of JFS's programs to support seniors and vulnerable individuals in our community. Email Simma Kinderlehrer to learn more.
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
TORAH READING Deuteronomy 3:23-7:11, Artscroll p. 958 Haftarah: Isaiah 40:1-26, p. 1196 SPEAKER Rabbi Kean will deliver a Dvar Torah Shabbat morning. KIDDUSH Kiddush is sponsored by Sylvia Solomon in memory of her late husband Michael Solomon z"l on his first yahrzeit.
MAZAL TOV Mazal tov to Rabbi Moshe & Rebbetzin Rochel Bomzer and the entire Bomzer family on the dedication of a Sefer Torah to Camp HASC in memory of Rabbi Chaim Zev and Rebbetzin Leona Bomzer, ZT''L (Rabbi Bomzer's parents). This Sunday is the presentation of the Torah's mantle, with the dedication of the Torah to follow next year.
Mazal tov to Rabbi Paul & Faye Silton on the engagement of their grandson Ariel Yair Kahan to Tamar Levine this week. Mazal tov to parents David & Michal Kahan of Teaneck, NJ and Josh & Kira Levine of the Five Towns, NY.
(Belated) Mazal tov to Rabbi Paul & Faye Silton on the marriage of their grandson Ezra Moshe Silton to Tali Safran this past May. Mazal tov to parents Dr Akiva & Dr Sharon Silton of Chashmonaim, Israel, and Natan & Aliza Safran of Raanana.
CONDOLENCES Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob mourns with two families in our community for the loss of their beloved family members:
Elaine Haber (Elka Tzivia bas Adel Motel), z''l, of Deerfield Beach, FL, sister of our dear friend and CBAJ member, Bruce Cohen (and Ellen). The funeral took place at Mount Hebron Cemetery (Flushing, NY) on Monday, August 1.
Edward Cohen (Isser Shraga ben Zev), z''l, brother of our dear friend and community member Ian Cohen. Ian will be sitting shiva at his residence, 255 Patroon Creek Blvd, Apt. 1308: Mincha & Maariv: Sunday: 6:15 pm (visitation to follow) To be let into the apartment, call 518-453-3537.
May the families be comforted, and may Elaine's memory and Edward's memory be a blessing.
WEEKLY CLASSES TORAH & TEA Thursday mornings, 9:30 - 10:30 AM, in person in the chapel & on Zoom*. Studying Kings 2.
PARSHAH CLASS The parshah class will be on hiatus until after the Simchat Torah. TALMUD CLASS Join our Shabbat AfternoonTALMUD SHIUR in-person, at CBAJ, one hour before Shabbat Mincha. We are studying Masechet Makkot. This week, we will begin at 6:40 pm
*CBAJ ZOOM ROOM Go to https://zoom.us/join Enter meeting ID: 940 508 9347 | Enter passcode: 613518
ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMMING
CBAJ BOOK CLUB The Adult Education committee invites you to join our CBAJBook Club which meets 4 times per year. The current book is The Secret Chord by Geraldine Brooks. The Book Club meets in the *CBAJ Zoom Room and the next meeting is August 18 at 8:00 pm. We will be selecting our next date at this meeting. Contact Simma Kinderlehrer at simmakinder@gmail.com with any questions. FEEDBACK REQUESTED The Adult Education Committee wants to hear from you! All ideas about classes, lectures, and other adult education programs of interest should be forwarded to Seanan Herrick at office@cbaj.org.
YOUTH PROGRAMMING
Tot Shabbat For children ages 0-5 and their parents the next Tot Shabbats is August 27th at 10:15 AM. Please contact Joshua Schulman-Marcus (jschumar@gmail.com) if you would like to be added to the Young Families WhatsApp group.
Youth Groups, Torah High, Mishna Club, NCSY Events All other Youth Programming will be on a hiatus for the summer.
DAILY SERVICES
August 14 - August 19
Shacharit Sunday: 8:00 am Monday - Friday: 6:45 am
Mincha/Maariv: Sunday - Thursday: 7:35 pm
Candle Lighting Next week: Friday, August 19: 7:33 pm
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 a Life & Legacy committee member about partnering on this crucial initiative to ensure the vitality of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob for the next 200 years. For more information, contact office@cbaj.org .
COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
NEW: OPERATION SCHOOL SUPPLIES | SHALOM FOOD PANTRY PROJECT Operation School Supplies is a project sponsored by the Shalom Food Pantry to ensure that every child goes to school with a full backpack of new supplies. If you are in need of assistance and would like help with school supplies for your childplease click here to complete and submit an online form. If you would like to partner with us today and sponsor a full backpack and a smile on a child's face please click here to donate.
JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES NEW: JFS staff is available for those who have experienced the loss of a loved one. They are offering a 6-week virtual support group starting in late July. Registration details: https://jfsneny.org/groups/or call 518.482.8856
JFS experienced clinicians provide in-person and remote telehealth appointments. They also accept a range of insurance plans. Click here for more information. JFS has launched their Spring 2022 schedulefor a variety of support groups for all ages, facilitated by JFS clinical staff. Groups are held via Zoom or over the phone.
JFS-CBAJ Volunteer Partnership CBAJ invites you to volunteer with one of JFS's programs to support seniors and vulnerable individuals in our community. Email Simma Kinderlehrer to learn more.
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
