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.
KIDDUSH Kiddush this Shabbat is sponsored by Rob and Ilana Kovach in honor of the marriage of their daughter Bina Kovach to Natan Mendelson. Mazal tov to Natan's parents, Robin & Jeff. Kiddush will feature Sheva Brachot.
SEUDAH SHLISHIT Seudah Shlishit this Shabbat is sponsored by CBAJ.
MAZAL TOV Mazal to CBAJ members, Artie & Nanette Brenner, on the bris of their grandson, Ivri Brenner (Ivri ben Mordechai Shmuel HaLevi v'Nofar). Mazal tov to parents, Misha & Nofar Brenner, older borther Netzach, and the entire family.
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 hard to believe that it is already Rosh Chodesh Elul, meaning the Yamim Noraim (High Holidays) are already upon us.
Rav Schneur Zalman of Liadi (1745-1812, author of Tanya and founder of Chabad Chasidut) writes powerfully that the month of Elul is like the time that a king is traveling back to his palace from abroad. When the king is in the fields outside his city, he is more accessible to them than at any other point, when he is in his palace, and visitors must be vetted before meeting the king.
We are therefore meant to see this time as a season of the year when G-d is uniquely accessible to us, when we are called upon to reflect on our lives and recommit ourselves to G-d for the coming year.
We ought to take a hint from our Sefardi brethren, who begin reciting Selichot (midnight penitential prayers) on Rosh Chodesh Elul. (Personally, I think that is a lot harder than not being able to eat kitniyot!)
I hope to see you soon at a tefilah, children's program, event, or class!
Shabbat Shalom & Chodesh Tov,
Rabbi Ben Kean
YOUTH PROGAMS
Torah High and Youth Groups are on hiatus over the summer.
Tot Shabbat Next Tot Shabbat TBD 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. Babysitting -remains available on Shabbat during the summer months 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
NACH YOMI Join Rabbi Kean for studying a chapter of NACH (Nevi'im & Ketuvim, the latter two sections of Jewish scripture) every weekday before Shacharit, Sunday through Friday, half an hour before the regular start time for morning services (7:30 am on Sundays, 6:10 am Monday - Friday) - in the social hall.
TORAH & TEA* Thursday mornings, 9:30 - 10:30 AM on Zoom*. Studying Kings 2. * A Theodore Strauss z"l Endowment Fund sponsored program
TALMUD CLASS - 6:25 pm this Shabbat Join our Shabbat Afternoon TALMUD SHIUR in-person, at CBAJ, starting 1 hour before Mincha. We are studying Masechet Makkot.
*CBAJ ZOOM ROOM (weekday classes only) Go to https://zoom.us/join Enter meeting ID: 940 508 9347 | Enter passcode: 613518
ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMMING
SENIOR LUNCH & LEARN * A Theodore Strauss z"l Endowment Fund sponsored program
The Lunch & Learn for Seniors with Rabbi Kean will resume after the High Holy Days on 10/24. Please contact our events coordinator Beth Liotta Tyler at 518.489.5819 x4 or events@cbaj.org for more information.
COMMUNITY BEIS MIDRASH NIGHT SELECT THURSDAY EVENINGS Jointly presented by CBAJ & the Shteeble
SUMMER SCHEDULE August 31: 8:30 pm at the Shteeble 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 learning available. Summer guided learning topic: Classical Views on Mashiach, with Rabbi Kean For more information, contact: Rabbi Kean, Sean Ference, or Mendy Shepherd.
THE DEE PIRKEI AVOT PROJECT
The Dee Pirkei Avot project disseminates a weekly Pirkei Avot study and discussion sheet in honor of their memory of Lucy, Maia, and Rina, z''l, who were killed in a terrorist attack this year.
"Just as my ancestors planted for me, so to do I plant for my descendants" Talmud, Taanit 23a
We are excited and honored to be partnering with 10 other local organizations in the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s LIFE & LEGACY™ program. Please help us pay it forward and leave a legacy for future Capital District Jews. Please speak to Paula Mosher or Ellen Kaplowitzthe Life & Legacy committee chairs about partnering on this crucial initiative to ensure the vitality of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob for the next 200 years.
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Upcoming JNF-USA Breakfast For Israel Jewish National Fund-USA will host its annual complimentary Breakfast For Israel on September 28th at the Albany Marriott, from 8-9 a.m. All Kosher dietary laws will be observed. CLICK HERE for more details and to register to attend
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
Visitors please e-mail the CBAJ office regarding registering for our services during the ongoing pandemic.
Please review and adhere to our COVID POLICY when planning your visit.
The wearing of masks will be a personal choice. This applies to both services and social activities, such as kiddish.
Fully vaccinated community members are welcome to register as "vaccinated" at this link.
If you feel sick at all, please exercise good judgment and stay home rather than attending services, regardless of vaccine status.
We still request those who are able to help our Minyan status register for weekday and Friday and Shabbat afternoon services, so that we can continue to confirm a Minyan for those times. A registration email is sent weekly.
