CBAJ Notes Weekly E-mail

Candle Lighting 
6:45 pm
 
Mincha,
Kabbalat Shabbat,
& Ma'ariv
6:45 pm

Morning Services
Shabbat
9:00 am

Latest Shema
10:03 am

Simcha Kiddush 
following services

Babysitting
10:00 am

Youth Groups 
10:00 am

Tot Shabbat 
10:30 am

Talmud Class 
5:35 pm

Shabbat Mincha
6:35 pm

Shabbat Maariv
7:37 pm

Shabbat ends
7:47 pm

TORAH READING
Exodus 35:1 - 38:20, Artscroll p. 516
Maftir: Exodus 30:11-16, 484 
Haftarah: II Kings 12:1 - 17, p. 1213 

SPEAKER
Rabbi Kean will deliver a Dvar Torah Shabbat morning.

​​​​​SIMCHA KIDDUSH & AUF RUF 
This week, Simcha Kiddush is prepared by the Simcha Kiddush Committee, chaired by Faye Silton & Marta Koblenz, and Mark & Chana Israel in honor of the auf ruf of their son, Ami and upcoming marriage to Shoshie Brickman. The Simcha Kiddush sponsors are listed below.​​​​​​​
**Kiddush will be meat with vegetarian options**

MAZAL TOV
Mazal tov to Mark & Chana Israel and Ellen Brickman on the upcoming marriage of their children, Ami and Shoshie. Ami's auf ruf is this Shabbat at CBAJ.

NCSY CHAPTER SHABBATON
Please see below for details of this Shabbat's NCSY Shabbaton!

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.

After a few snowy, quiet weeks, I look forward to a crowded shul this Shabbat for the Simcha Kiddush, Auf Ruf of Ami and Shoshie, Tot Shabbat, and NCSY Shabbaton!

Pesach is fast approaching! Please keep an eye out for communications about CBAJ's plans for Pesach. If there are any questions that you may have about Pesach preparation, please do not hesitate to reach out.

I hope to see you soon at a tefilah, children's program, event, or class! 

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Ben Kean

SIMCHA KIDDUSH SPONSORS

        The March Simcha Kiddush is sponsored by CBAJ,
and by the families of our celebrants:

Joshua Schulman-Marcus and Sandra Sabzevari on their upcoming move to Albany.
Amy and Mitch Abolafia in honor of Jacob Abolafia’s birthday.
Ellen Brickman in honor of Shoshie Brickman's birthday and
Shoshie's and Ami's upcoming marriage.
Stacy and David Cohen in honor of the birthdays of our sons Benjamin and Steven.
Chaim Schaffer and Simma Kinderlehrer in honor of their birthdays.
Paula Mosher in honor of Ellen and Jack Kaplowitz on their safe return from Israel.
Debra Fruchtman and Seth Rigberg in celebration of the birthdays
of Netanya Simons and Johanna Steper.
Ilana and Rob Kovach in celebration of the engagement of
Bina Kovach and Natan Mendelson.
Amarit and Seth Rosenblum in honor of Ezra Rosenblum’s 9th birthday.
Esther Miriam and John Martino in honor of their 1st wedding anniversary.

UPCOMING EVENTS

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.

COMMUNITY-WIDE SHABBAT DINNER - ONE NIGHT. ONE COMMUNITY
CBAJ will be joining in the program and CBAJ's Friday evening services will be moved to the JCC on March 31.
Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York unites with local clergy to offer the first-ever community Shabbat experience at the Albany JCC.
6:00 PM SERVICES
7:00 PM COMMUNITY KIDDUSH & DINNER
Candle lighting is 7:01 PM
Supervised by Vaad Hakashruth of the Capital District
TICKETS:
$10 per adult, $8 per senior (65+), $5 per child (up to age 12; 2 & under free)
Registration is required by Friday, March 24.
All are welcome! REGISTER HERE:  https://jewishfedny.ticketspice.com/community-shabbat

YOUTH PROGAMS 

NCSY Events


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  THIS SHABBAT!
For children ages 0-5 and their parents at 10:30 am in classroom 3.
Please contact Joshua Schulman-Marcus (jschumar@gmail.com) if you would like to be added to the Young Families WhatsApp group. 

Youth Groups  
Kids in grades k-5 will meet each Shabbat morning at 10-11 am.
Groups will be led by our youth director, 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 - 5:55 pm this Shabbat
Join our Shabbat Afternoon TALMUD 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.   

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 by March 13. 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.)

COMMUNITY BEIS MIDRASH NIGHT *New*
ALTERNATING THURSDAYS 8:30-9:30 PM 
Jointly presented by CBAJ & the Shteeble
Next date: Thursday, March 16 Beginner topic: "Sources of the Seder"
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.
For more information, contact: Rabbi Kean, Sean Ference, or Mendy Shepherd.

CBAJ COVID POLICY 

DAILY SERVICES

March 19 - March 24

Shacharit
Sunday 
Day Light Saving Day
8:00 am
(Nach Yomi 7:30 am)

Monday - Wednesday, & Friday
6:40 am
(Nach Yomi 6:10 am) 

Thursday 
6:35 am
(Nach Yomi 6:10 am)

Mincha/Maariv
Monday - Friday
6:55 pm 

Candle Lighting 
Friday 3/24/2023
6:53 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

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 lot at 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

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
 

Candle Lighting 
5:29 pm
 
Mincha,
Kabbalat Shabbat,
& Ma'ariv
5:30 pm

Morning Services
Shabbat
9:00 am

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

UPCOMING EVENTS

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 Afternoon TALMUD 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.

CBAJ COVID POLICY 

DAILY SERVICES

March 5 - March 10

SUNDAY & Wednesday - Friday Shacharit 
Sunday 
8:00 am
(Nach Yomi 7:30 am)
Wednesday - Friday 
6:40 am
(Nach Yomi 6:10 am) 

Mincha/Maariv 
5:35 pm 

Candle Lighting 
Friday 3/10/2023
5:37 pm

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

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 lot at 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




 

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 Muratova L'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 lot at 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 Afternoon TALMUD 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 COVID POLICY 

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! 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

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




 

Candle Lighting 
4:53 pm
 
Mincha,
Kabbalat Shabbat,
& Ma'ariv
4:50 pm

Morning Services
Shabbat
9:00 am

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 lot at 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 HERE to 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 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 - 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 Afternoon TALMUD 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 COVID POLICY 

ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMMING