FRIDAY, MARCH 21 6:30 pm Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat/Maariv 7:30 pm Friday Night Dinner (by paid registration only) 8:40 pm First talk by R' Shor: "SEEING THE GOOD IN ONE ANOTHER" The Mishna in Avot Presents us with the mandate to Judge our Fellow Favorably. What are the parameters and practical applications of this sacred principle?
SHABBAT DAY, MARCH 22 9:00 am Shacharit 11:15 am Second Talk by R' Shor: "ONE PEOPLE, ONE HEART - A VISION FOR MEDINAT YISRAEL" We will explore a few powerful teachings from two Chasidic Masters who lived in Tel Aviv as the State of Israel was established. Their beautiful teachings about Jewish Unity give us a vision for the Future of Medinat Yisrael. 12:00 pm Kiddush Luncheon (open to all)
5:45 pm Pre-Mincha shiur by R' Shor: "DIVINE CONNECTIONS - DISCOVERING MEANING IN MITZVOT" We often define mitzvot as commandments or obligations, but does that definition truly capture what mitzvot are truly all about? 6:45 pm Mincha 7:05 pm Seudah Shlishit, featuring Dvar Torah from R' Shor: "THE RELEVANCE OF SHABBAT PARAH IN THE ABSENCE OF THE BEIT HAMIKDASH." 7:42 pm Maariv 7:52 pm Shabbat concludes
SUNDAY, MARCH 23 7:30-9:15 pm GETTING IT RIGHT ON THE SEDER NIGHT Enjoy a delicious BBQ dinner and beverages, learn inspiring ideas to elevate your Pesach Seder. By registrations only. In conjunction with the Vaad HaKashruth of the Capital District and 518 Kosher Catering. See flyer below for details. Deadline to register for the BBQ is Monday, 3/17/2025.
RABBI SAM SHOR'S BIO
Albany native, Rabbi Sam Shor is the Director of Torah Initiatives for OU Israel, where he oversees a vast network of educational initiatives, including Torah classes, tours and experiential educational programming for the Anglo community across Israel. For the past three decades, Rabbi Shor has gained acclaim for his inspirational teaching, his work in adult education and as a mentor for young rabbis across the globe. His weekly column of inspirational Jewish wisdom-Simchat Shmuel appears as a regular feature of OU Israel's popular Torah Tidbits publication with a readership of more than 30,000 people each week. Sam 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, Sam served with distinction as the Director of Judaic Life at the Sidney Albert Albany JCC. Since leaving Albany, Rabbi Sam has maintained a strong connection with the Capital District Jewish community, even following his aliya to Israel in 2009. Rabbi Shor lives with his family in Yerushalayim where he is a popular Torah teacher for the English speaking community.
TUESDAY, MARCH 25
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208