Congregation Agudat Achim
Weekly Announcements
15 April 2021 - 3 Iyar 5781
Parashat Tazria-Metzora
Rabbi Rafi Spitzer -- President Jackie Rowen
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As we observe and celebrate Israel this week, with Yom Hazikaron and Yom Haatzmaut, please join me in offering the Prayer for Israel as found in Siddur Lev Shalem, expressing some of our prayers for Israel and those who live there.
Sovereign of the universe, accept in lovingkindness and with favor our prayers for the State of Israel, her government, and all who dwell within her boundaries and under her authority.
Open our eyes and our hearts to the wonder of Israel, and strengthen our faith in Your power to work redemption in every human soul.
Grant us also the fortitude to keep ever before us those ideals upon which the State of Israel was founded.
Grant courage, wisdom, and strength to those entrusted with guiding Israel’s destiny to do Your will.
Be with those on whose shoulders Israel’s safety depends and defend them from all harm.
Spread over Israel and all the world Your shelter of peace, and may the vision of Your prophet soon be fulfilled: “Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore” (Isaiah 2:4).
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Spitzer
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Message from our President
By now, you should have all received an email from me asking people who would be interested in joining our lay leadership team to contact me. This past year has made it difficult for people who are newly interested to become involved in the operation of our shul, so we decided to reach out to you all. As we move towards the future, we would like our leadership to reflect the diversity of our community and welcome all who would like to get involved.
Shabbat Shalom,
Jackie Rowen
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Birthdays: Bruce Bramley, Ethan Kaufman, Kara Ellenbogen, Kati Illouz, Nathan Weiss, Barbara Hollander,
Wilbur Shapiro, Mery Gross, Aaron Gruenberg, Melvin Wigler
Anniversaries: No anniversaries this week
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Yahrzeits: Joseph Cohen, Morris Goldstein, Theodore Keesal, Martha King, Herman Pasler, Karen Winer,
Ruth Appel, Benjamin Brilliant, Howard Goldner, Mark Moses, Martin Shapiro, Ronald Silver, Rachella Schock, Julius Westheimer, Irving Greenberg, George Weil, Edwin Brown, Sarah Stein
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Mazel tov to the Potik family on the recent Be Mitzvah of Zachary Potik, child of Leon and Karin Potik!
We have learned with great sorrow the passing of Norman Goldstein, father of Seth Goldstein and father-in-law of Laurie Goldstein, on Monday 29 March 2021. Our condolences go out to the Goldstein family.
We have learned with great sorrow the passing of Judge Sandra Feuerstein, sister of congregant Alice Rudnick, on Friday 9 April 2021. Our condolences go out to the Feuerstein and Rudnick families.
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Thank you to the individuals who participated in this past week's Shabbat services :
Yashar koach!
Torah and Haftara Readers: Howie Mittleman, Art Friedson
Daveners/Service Leaders: Steve Schmidt, Dan Mayer, Alexandra Schmidt, Aryeh Korevaar
Service Coordinator/Gabbai: Alexandra Schmidt
COVID-19 Compliance Guarantor/Shamash: Sharon Wohl
Other Participants: Barby Harris, Kati Illouz, Bonnie Cramer, Steve Cramer, Roberta Steiner, Jackie Rowen, Edith Kliman, Barrie Handelman, Mark Handelman, Art Friedson
Contributors to our Security Fund, Attendees…“…those who give funds for heat and light, wine for Kiddush and Havdalah, bread to the wayfarer and charity to the poor, and all those who devotedly involve themselves with the needs of this community… May the Holy Blessed One reward them, remove sickness from them, heal them, and forgive their sins. May God bless them by prospering all their worthy endeavors, and let us say: Amen.”
Would you like to see your name on this list?
Get in touch with Howie Mittleman or Rabbi Spitzer!
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Our evening 7:15p service each night except Tuesday night will be Mincha, rather than Maariv, beginning 5 April. Remaining constant throughout the summer, Friday Mincha and Kabbalat Shabbat will be at 5:30p, on Zoom.
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Shomrei Kehillah Celebration Thank Yous |
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Thank you to all who supported and attended the virtual Shomrei Kehillah Awards Celebration this past Sunday, and another big mazel tov to our honorees, Sylvia z’l and Herb Winer, Anita Merims, Mishka Luft, Howard Wohl, Dara Weingarten, and Eli Feret.
In case you missed it, the link to the celebration is below.
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A Global Celebration of Israel’s
73rd Independence Day
Special Farewell Address by His Excellency Reuven Rivlin, President of Israel
On Thursday, April 15 at 7 PM ET The Jewish Federations of North America, the Jewish Agency for Israel, Keren Hayesod and additional partners will host a one-hour virtual event to mark Israel’s 73rd Independence Day. The event will begin with a farewell address by His Excellency Reuven Rivlin, President of Israel, and include a look back on his legacy as the Jewish State’s 10th President. It will also feature special appearances by Israeli Olympic-gold-medal-hopefuls who are on their way to Tokyo this summer, Jewish athletes from around the world and more!
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Back to basics Learner's Service with Rabbi Spitzer this Shabbat! |
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SJCC Jewish Film with Rabbi Spitzer |
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Get Ready for an
Exciting Evening!
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More Adult Education Offerings |
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Click the buttons below to read information on each upcoming event! |
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Click here for a schedule of classes for the Elementary Grades.
Click here for a calendar for the school year.
Click here for a single page calendar of the year.
School Lag B'omer
Campground Celebration program
Thursday, 29 April, 4:30p
In Person!
Click here to see the solo email that went out yesterday
for more details.
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Jews who influence sports today
IMPORTANT DATE AND TIME CHANGE!
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Our one shot class has changed to 21 April at 7:00p It still will be on the topic will be The Jews who influence sports today. By this point most of us have heard of the great Jews who influenced sports in the past like Sandy Koufax, Hank Greenberg, Mark Spitz, Dick Savitt and Marshall Goldberg. But what about the Jewish Athletes of today? Join us on April 18 to find out.
Open to 6th - 12th grade
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Excellent Mitzvah Opportunity for you and your children! |
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Parashat Hashavua Class with Rabbi Spitzer
Next Class 20 April
Rabbi Spitzer teaches a class on the weekly Torah portion on Tuesdays from 12:30p – 1:30p on Zoom. The link is on the CAA Online Programming Google Doc. If you are interested in exploring the weekly Parashah, please attend. All are welcome. Rabbi Spitzer invites you to call or email with your comments or thoughts..
L'chu N'ran'nah Shabbat morning spiritual seeking 9-9:45a
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Iyyun Tefilah/ Learner's Service: 17 Apr, 19 Jun
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Musical Psukei Dzimra: 15 May
Adult Hebrew Classes with Zipporah Harris
Please become part of this group of learners!
Next series of classes; April 20, 27; and May 4, 11, 25
6:00-7:00 PM on Zoom
$10 per class, payable directly to Zipporah
Open to New and Returning Students!
Born in Israel, Zipporah is an experienced teacher who has taught Hebrew at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels for over 30 years. The class covers reading, writing, and conversation. Please become part of this group of learners! Classes. If you are interested in joining, write to Zipporah at morahtova1@aol.com.
Back to the Basics: Introduction to Prayer Book Hebrew for Adults, taught by Rabbi Spitzer
Sundays 9:30-10:30am
Join Rabbi Spitzer and the Adult Education Committee as we present an introductory course for Prayerbook (liturgical) Hebrew. Registration for this course is now closed. Class dates for registered students 18, 25 Apr; 2, 9, 23, 30 May; 6, 13 June (all Sundays, 9:30 am – 10:30 am)
CAA Healthy Living Group
Every Wednesday on Zoom at 10a.
CAA Book Club
Meets on the Second Wednesday of each month, at 12:00p Next Meeting 12 May
CAA Men’s Club Torah Study
Meets twice monthly on Sundays at 7:40p; Next Meeting 11 April
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Links to Religious Services |
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Siddur Supplement
Until further notice, we are using the full Siddur Sim Shalom during weekday and Shabbat services. This version has both Shabbat and Weekday prayer services (whereas the "Slim Shalom," which only contains Shabbat services are typically used in the sanctuary). Rabbi Spitzer has made the following four prayers accessible.
We would like to make everyone’s experience of the service at home as barrier-free as possible so please get in touch with us if there are other things that we can do to increase ease of access.
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New Mi Sheberach List
Prayers for Healing
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We are starting a new list for April/May/June.
Use the button below to add someone to the list.
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Cantors, Controversy, & Compassion: Searching for God in Musical Complexity
DATE: APR 15, 2021 - APR 15, 2021
TIME: 7:30 P.M.
An online discussion with Cantor Matthew Austerklein
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Young Families Storytime with Leslea Newman
Sunday, April 18 | 4:00 PM
Join NextDor and PJ Library for a young families virtual Storytime featuring Leslea Newman. This will be an opportunity for young families to meet and listen to an award-winning story and engage in a discussion with a published PJ Library author.
The story will be Welcoming Elijah. Families are encouraged to have their PJ library copy with them to follow along.
Use the button below to Register.
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The Interfaith Community of Schenectady will host its monthly dialogue program via Zoom on
Wednesday, April 21 at 7 pm.
Free and open to the public, the event will feature well-known Schenectady artist, poet and Hamilton Hill coordinator
Miki Conn, who will discuss her new book Integrating Delmar, a Story of Friendship.
In April 2011, Conn received IFC's Stamper Community
Service Award.
by noon, April 20.
The Zoom link will be send the day of the program
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Beyond the Huppah: Creating the Jewish Marriage you Want
The program begins April 21st. All are welcome, including LGBTQ+ and interfaith couples.
What: A six-session virtual program that will provide tools to solidify a strong partnership and explore different ways of creating a Jewish home. Facilitated by Rabbi Elizabeth Bonney Cohen and Matt Boney Cohen of BASE Boston.
Topics will include: Communication and Couplehood, Decision-Making, Money, Sexuality, Jewish Ritual, and Building a Jewish Family.
When: Wednesday evenings, 7:30-9:00 PM ET in the comfort of your living room! Since our program moved to zoom, we’ve had couples from all over North America join this program. Wherever you find yourself in the world, you are warmly welcome.
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