The Hebrew name for Egypt is “Mitzrayim,” which shares the same letters as the word “meitzarim,” meaning “borders” or “limitations.”
When the Jewish people were freed from Egypt, in addition to leaving their physical bondage, they also attained spiritual freedom, breaking free from limitations that had hindered their ability to grow spiritually.
Being able to put the past behind you and move forward is the most liberating feeling in the world, and when our ancestors did it after more than two centuries of exile, they empowered us—in all future generations—to do the same.
Our limitations can sometimes be self-imposed, where we convince ourselves that we are unable to perform as Jews are expected to.
But like our ancestors in Egypt, freedom is possible.
The Mishna teaches that a person can never be truly free unless he or she is immersed in Torah study. The amount doesn’t matter; the fact that you are committed to studying Torah leads to a mindset of liberty.
So set aside a few minutes (or more) each day, and begin your path to true freedom.
Freedom can be a work in progress, every day allowing us to reach a new level, until we reach the final destination–the coming of Moshiach, may it be speedily in our times!
Shabbat shalom,
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie
Around Chabad of Uptown & YJP Houston:
The NYC CYP Encounter as reported in the JHV: Young adult Jews represent Houston at Int’l Leadership Convention - Shabbat in Brooklyn fires up emerging Jewish leaders: A group of 23 young Jewish professionals represented Houston in Brooklyn, N.Y., where they participated in a leadership convention Jan. 13-16. The convention attracted upwards of 500 other young adults from 100 communities. Dubbed “Chabad Young Professionals – Encounter,” the event plugged the group into a network of emerging leaders from Jewish communities worldwide. At home in Houston, these enterprising professionals have taken active roles in the local Jewish community. In Brooklyn, they shared lessons they’d learned and took the opportunity to learn from peers. More.... Photo Gallery Here
Bob Ullman escape from Belgium, 1940 - This past Wednesday, YJP Houston recently hosted an evening with Holocaust Survivor Bob Ullman. Bob shared the story of his family's narrow escape from Belgium in 1940, and what being a Jew means to him today. Hosted by YJP Houston, the event of over 80 people of all ages, consisted mainly of young professionals. Bob recalled his vivid memory of the moment his father pulled him inside from the ship's deck. Sailors were dropping anti-submarine depth charges, for fears of the Nazi Navy lurking beneath their surface. Most of the details he told of his escape were told to him and recorded by his older sisters. Stressing that there will probably be no more Holocaust survivors alive in 10 to 15 years from today, he passionately encouraged the young generation to step up and make their voices heard. As the future of the Jewish people, he is relying on them for their efforts in holocaust awareness and Jewish engagement. Every Wednesday evening, YJP Houston powered by Chabad of Uptown, hosts a dinner, class and social on contemporary themes. For the four Wednesdays of February, a four-part course will be offered on Torah's teachings for the Jewish perspective on dating. Those that successfully complete the course, will receive a $200 voucher to any future CYP Encounter trip, including upcoming trips to Poland and Guatemala. Sign up for the course at www.yjphouston.org/dating. Photo Gallery of the event here
Upcoming Events:
- 4 Wednesdays, Starting Feb. 1, 8 pm - The Jewish Dating Course - An intellectually exciting journey into what G-d has to say about love, relationships, marriage, and building an everlasting life together. www.yjphouston.org/dating. Take the course and get a $200 voucher to use towards an upcoming CYP trip to Poland or Guatemala! (We already have a group booked from Houston to Guatemala! Contact us for flight details.)
- Friday, February 3, 6 pm - Sushi Shabbat - Feb. First Fridays - Join Young Jewish Professionals for a 4-Course Shabbat Dinner, including sushi, at YJP Houston – where spirits run high! - RSVP.
- Monday, Feb. 6, 7 pm - Tu B'Shvat Floral Workshop & Social - Join a Tu B'Shevat celebration to create your own floral arrangement under the professional guidance of Mitra from River Oaks Plant House, Gain insight into the relevance of the "New Year for the Trees" and enjoy drinks and Tu B'Shevat themed refreshments $18 per person. Reply to this email to RSVP.
We wish our condolences the entire Kronman Family on the passing of their mother, Miriam Shprintza bas Levi Israel, a"h Mindy Kronman, o.b.m.
We wish our condolences to Hon. Elad Shoshan on the sudden and untimely passing of his mother in Israel, Esther bas Chana (Dahan) Shoshan, o.b.m.
May Hashem comfort the mourners among the mourners of Zion & Jerusalem
Shabbos Parshas Bo
Friday, January 27, 5 Shevat
Candle Lighting andMincha at 5:37 pm
Services at 6:00 pm
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
Shabbos, January 28, 6 Shevat
Chassidus at 9 am
Services at 10 am
Followed by Shabbos Lunch Kiddush
Mincha at 5:35 pm
Torah Study
Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends at 6:33 pm
Sunday, January 29, 7 Shevat
Shacharis at 8:00 am
Mon.-Fri., Jan. 30-Feb. 3, 8-12 Shevat
Shacharis at 6:45 am
Wednesday, Feb 1, Yud Shevat
8 pm - Launch of the four-part Jewish dating course, followed by Yud Shevat Farbrengen. Successfully completed participants receive $200 voucher for any future CYP trip, including Guatemala in May. www.yjphouston.org/dating
Good Shabbos!
The first two plagues wrought upon the Egyptians contain conflicting messages:
