Updates

On Wednesday night we celebrated Tu B'shvat with a fruit-tastic twist! The community came together for a fun-filled Fruitcuterie Fruit & Nut Board Workshop led by the talented Chanie Lazaroff. We savored delicious Tu B'Shvat fruits and snacks while creating our own edible masterpieces.

SHABBOS SHIRA - SHABBAT OF SONG
This week's Torah reading contains the "song at the sea" sung by the Children of Israel upon their deliverance from the Egyptians, when the Red Sea split to allow them to pass and then drowned their pursuers. Hence this Shabbat is designated as Shabbat Shirah, "Shabbat of song." Our sages tell us that the birds in the sky joined our ancestors in their singing; for this reason it is customary to put out food for the birds for this Shabbat (to avoid the possibility of transgressing the laws of Shabbat, the food should be put out before Shabbat). Links: Parting of the Red Sea, Miriam: Tambourines of Rebellion

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
After finally being released from Egypt, and after traveling for seven days in the wilderness, the Jewish people suddenly found themselves in a bind once again. They were now being pursued by Pharoah and the Egyptian army, caught at the sea with nowhere to go.

Miraculously, as we know, the sea split, allowing the Jews to cross safely while the Egyptian pursuers drowned in the water.

Once on the other side, Moses and the Jews broke out in song and praise, thanking G-d for all that He had done for them. In this song, they note that this most recent miracle, the splitting of the sea, came in the merit of the children. In fact, when the children saw G-d's presence at the sea, they immediately pointed it out to their elders.

The children were the ones that recognized G-d even in the most dire situation, and it was in their merit that the entire Jewish nation was saved. These same children who were born in Egypt and whose parents feared that they would never experience true Jewish life, were the ones to show their parents how to be better Jews.

This continues to be the case today and throughout history; it is the Jewish children that bring about salvation for all Jews, as in their most innocent state of mind, they see G-d everywhere.

May we all experience the ultimate salvation with the coming of Moshiach today!

Shabbat shalom,

Good Shabbos!

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie

UPCOMING EVENTS

• 6 Tuesdays, Jan 30 - March 5 - New JLI Course: Advice for Life: The Lubavitcher Rebbe's Guidance for Leading a More Purposeful Life - Experience the Rebbe’s exceptional approach to uncovering timeless meaning in everyday questions of health, work, family, fulfillment, struggle, and inner peace. Register
• Fri. Feb. 2, 6 pm - Rabbi Chaim Rolls on Shabbos - Sushi Shabbat February First Fridays Enjoy a four course Shabbat dinner including Rabbi Chaim's Sushi Rolls and his multi-course cooking with other Young Jewish Professionals, ages 21-39. $18 until Thursday, $25 after. Use promo code: advance www.yjphouston.org/rabbichaimrolls
• Wednesdays, Feb. 7-28, 7:30 pm THE DILEMMA - CYP ACADEMY: Relevant and fascinating topics, paired with delectable dinner. Not every debate needs a bottom line. Sometimes, the dialogue itself is everything. Introducing our new course, THE DILEMMA: step in to the study halls of Babylonia, and take an active role in discussions that are thousands of years old, and yet relevant as ever. www.yjphouston.org/dilemma
• Mondays, Begins Feb. 12 - HalachaU Shabbos Melabein and Boneh Bkeilim - In depth course on laws of opening packages and cleaning stains out of clothing on Shabbos. HalachaU is a weekly class that studies Torah in Depth, with an emphasis on modern application. Register here www.chabaduptown.org/6123170
• Tues., Feb. 20, 12-1:30 pm - Feb. Lunch & Learn Jewish Approach to Mindfulness & Meditation. At the monthly Lunch & Learn the community has an opportunity to enjoy an upscale lunch with like minded friends for a spirited class and discussion! RSVP
• SAVE THE DATE! March 29-31: CYP Encounter Texas - YJP Houston will host an exciting weekend of soulful connections and enriching encounters, fostering personal and spiritual growth. More & RSVP www.chabadyoung.com/tx

IN THE FAMILY

• Mazel tov to Guitel and Moshe Melnik on the engagement of their son Dan to Shiffy Carroll in Baltimore! Mazel tov to the entire family!
• We extend condolences to Dara Orbach on the untimely and tragic passing of her brother, Yehudah ben Yaakov, o.b.m.
• We extend condolences to Sherry Harwood and Annette Rosen on the passing of their mother, Thelma Kogut Harwood, Tamar Bas Shlomo, o.b.m.. Thelma would participate in the regular visits we made to Brookdale Galleria.

Shabbos Shira Parshas Beshalach

Friday, January 26, 16 Shevat
5:36 pm Shabbos Candle Lighting & Mincha
6:00 pm Kabbolas Shabbos
6:45 pm RSVP for Shabbos Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner

Shabbos, January 27, 17 Shevat
Chassidus 9 am
Services at 10 am
Special Shira Torah Reading - “Song of the Sea”
Followed by Shabbos Lunch Kiddush & Farbrengen sponsored in part by Elyse & Andrew Goldstein marking the Yartzeit of her father, Chaim Leib ben Shmuel Binyamin, a”h and by Bob Ullman marking the yartzeit and in memory of his sister Yehudit bat Alexander Ziisskind, a"h.
Mincha at 5:35 pm
Seder Niggunim
Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends at 6:32 pm
Living Torah

Good Shabbos!

This Shabbos, the 10th of Shevat, is the anniversary of the Rebbe officially accepting the mantle of leadership of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement in 1951, on the first anniversary of his predecessor’s passing in 1950.

Before the Previous Rebbe passed away, he published a 20-chapter Maamar (discourse) titled “Basi Legani” on various esoteric Chassidic concepts, all with practical, down-to-earth applications. It served as a spiritual last will and testament of sorts, guiding his followers in the days and years after his passing.

Every year, on the yahrzeit, the Rebbe would deliver a Maamar of his own, each year elaborating on another chapter of the original Maamar.

The 14th chapter of the Maamar focuses on how Hashem’s presence is the same whether it’s in the most sublime worlds or in the most profane. Hashem is greater than the difference between up and down, and thus it doesn’t make a difference to Hashem where His reach extends. Where Hashem’s presence is felt doesn’t affect His essence, since it is infinitely greater than any divisions.

Of course, from our perspective it does matter. For us it is comforting to know that the same level of G-dliness that exists in the highest of the high, accompanies us throughout our journey in life, even if we end up in less than ideal situations. We remain connected to Hashem’s essence by Him being with us wherever we go.

That also means that despite the darkness that we sometimes experience, G-d is always right there with us, guiding us through challenging times, until we emerge on the other side, to a world of goodness and light. The ultimate experience of this will be with the coming of Moshiach, may it happen speedily, in our times!

Good Shabbos!

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie

A great Shabbos was had in NYC for the annual CYP Encounter Shabbat in NYC!

Young Jewish Professionals Unplug and Recharge at Annual Shabbaton 
By the time Matt Ford arrived in Austin, Texas, his life had taken enough turns to be likened to a roller coaster. Ford, who was unaware of any other Jewish families living in his hometown of Waukesha, Wis., describes his upbringing as “extremely secular”; the extent of his Jewish involvement was his family commemorating some Jewish holidays at home. more…  

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Wed. Jan. 24, 7:30 pm - Community Fruitcuterie Fruit & Nut Board Workshop - Tu B'shevat Join us for a community Fruitcuterie Fruit & Nut Board Workshop lead by Chanie Lazaroff (as seen on TV!). Make your own Fruitcuterie Board & enjoy Tu B'Shvat Snacks! More info
• Fri. Feb. 2, 6 pm - February First Fridays Join Young Jewish Professionals, ages 21-39, over Shabbat Dinner. www.yjphouston.org
• Wednesdays, Feb. 7-28, 7:30 pm THE DILEMMA - CYP ACADEMY: Relevant and fascinating topics, paired with delectable dinner. Not every debate needs a bottom line. Sometimes, the dialogue itself is everything. Introducing our new course, THE DILEMMA: step in to the study halls of Babylonia, and take an active role in discussions that are thousands of years old, and yet relevant as ever. www.yjphouston.org/dilemma
• Mondays, Begins Feb. 12 - HalachaU Shabbos Melabein and Boneh Bkeilim - In depth course on laws of opening packages and cleaning stains out of clothing on Shabbos. HalachaU is a weekly class that studies Torah in Depth, with an emphasis on modern application. Register here www.chabaduptown.org/6123170
• SAVE THE DATE! March 29-31: CYP Encounter Texas - YJP Houston will host an exciting weekend of soulful connections and enriching encounters, fostering personal and spiritual growth. More & RSVP www.chabadyoung.com/tx

Shabbos Yud Shevat Parshas Bo

Friday, January 19, 9 Shevat
5:30 pm Shabbos Candle Lighting & Mincha
6:00 pm Kabbolas Shabbos
6:45 pm RSVP for Shabbos Dinner 

Shabbos, January 20, Yud Shevat
Chassidus 9 am
Services at 10 am
Followed by Yud Shevat Shabbos Lunch Kiddush & Farbrengen
Mincha at 5:30 pm
Seder Niggunim
Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends at 6:27 pm
Living Torah

Good Shabbos!

Shabbat Shalom from the largest International summit for young Jewish professionals in the world!

This week, YJPHouston is proud to have representatives at the Chabad Young Professionals International Summit In Crown Heights, where 600 young Jews from around the world are gathering for an immersive weekend of learning, inspiration and connection at Chabad World Headquarters in NY.

Taking place at the epicenter of the Chabad movement, our YPs will have the opportunity to attend timely workshops on essential topics, experience the robust Jewish life of Crown Heights, and glean lessons from the powerful teachings of The Rebbe.

With all that is happening in the world today, gatherings like these are a critical way for us to connect with the global Jewish community and remind ourselves, Am Yisroel Chai, that the Jewish people are alive!

We are proud to be one of the 263 Chabad Young Professional communities serving the next generation of proud Jews around the world. 

Wishing you a wonderful Shabbos!

Good Shabbos!

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie

THOUGHT FOR  THE WEEK - PARSHAS VA'EIRA

In this week’s Torah portion we read about seven of the 10 plagues that G-d brought upon the Egyptians. Moses warns Pharaoh that if he doesn’t allow the Jewish people to leave immediately, G-d will unleash His mighty hand and wreak havoc in Egypt. And as we know, Pharaoh did not heed the warnings, allowing for the series of 10 plagues to commence.

The purpose of the plagues was more than simply punitive. It wasn’t just to exact revenge against the Egyptians. The primary purpose of the plagues was to make G-d’s name known, but not just to the Egyptians. G-d wanted the Jewish people themselves to be aware of His powers. After having spent two centuries enslaved in Egypt, many of the Jewish people had lost their way and began behaving like their oppressors. So the goal of the plagues was to awaken all Jews, especially those who had strayed, and bring them back into the fold before they would receive the Torah at Mt. Sinai.

As in those days, today too we must look at everything that happens in this world as a message to us in our relationship with G-d. Even those events that seem only tangentially related to the Jewish people also have a message for us. We are encouraged to take heed and learn from everything that we witness. We must also not become complacent and assume that G-d is punishing our enemies on our behalf simply in order to punish them – the message for us is that we must become reinspired and reconnected to our heritage.

The more we take this to heart, the stronger our bond to Torah becomes, and the closer we will come to witnessing the ultimate revelation of G-dliness, with the coming of Moshiach!

SAVE THE DATE!

• March 29-31 - CYP Encounter Texas - YJP Houston will host an exciting weekend of soulful connections and enriching encounters, fostering personal and spiritual growth. More & RSVP

Shabbos Parshas Va'eira

Friday, January 12, 2 shevat
5:24 pm Shabbos Candle Lighting & Mincha
6:00 pm Kabbolas Shabbos
7:00 PM Shabbos dinner 

Shabbos, January 13, 3 shevat
Chassidus 9 am
Services at 10 am
Followed by Shabbos Lunch Kiddush & Farbrengen sponsored by the Tzions
Mincha at 5:25 pm
Seder Niggunim
Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends at 6:21 pm
Living Torah

Good Shabbos!

Where do dreams come from and do they really mean anything?

Don't miss this month's Lunch and Learn when we will discuss what Medicine, Torah and Jewish Mysticism (Kabbala) has to say about dreams. The spirited discussion will be lead by Rabbi Chaim and Sleep Disorders Specialist & Neurologist, Dr. Jerald Simmons!

At the monthly Lunch & Learn the community has an opportunity to enjoy an upscale lunch with like minded friends for a spirited class and discussion! RSVP

Today, the 24th of Tevet, we mark the yahrtzeit of the Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, founder of the Chabad movement.

The Alter Rebbe was fleeing the invading French armies of Napoleon Bonaparte, when he succumbed to the harsh Russian winter. Many Jewish leaders at the time sided with Napoleon in his war against the Russian Empire, believing that the French enlightenment would bring improved living conditions for the Jews of Russia. The Alter Rebbe, however, stood firm in his position that enlightenment would be the catalyst of assimilation, and he threw his wholehearted support behind the Czar. Thus, he was forced to flee as the French army approached.

The battle for the survival of the Jewish spirit has been ongoing for centuries. Going back to when our ancestors were enslaved in Egypt, our sages teach that the Exodus came about due to the merit of the Jewish people not losing their identity. They maintained their Jewish names, language, and clothing. Despite having sunken to the lowest levels of impurity in Egypt, they still stood out as Hashem’s chosen people.

Today too, as antisemitism continues to rear its ugly head, we must remember that the survival of the Jewish people will not come as a result of us hiding our Jewish identities. On the contrary, the prouder we stand as Jews, and the more visible we make our Jewishness, the stronger we become as a people. And a strong nation cannot be diluted or assimilated into anything else. That is the true meaning of Am Yisrael Chai: the Jewish nation will endure all that is thrown at us, and we will overcome!

Good Shabbos!

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie

UPCOMING

• Friday, Jan 5, 6 pm - Hot & Spicy Shabbat - Jan., 2024 First Fridays - Bring in the first Shabbat of 2024 with a hot & spicy themed with other Young Jewish Professionals over Shabbat Dinner. Shabbat Candle Lighting: 5:18PM, Friday Night Services: 6:00PM, Shabbat Dinner 6:45PM. RSVP
• Tuesday, Jan 9, 12 pm - Kabbala of Dreams - Monthly Lunch & Learn - Where do dreams come from and do they really mean anything? What Medicine, Torah and Jewish Mysticism (Kabbala) has to say about dreams lead by Rabbi Chaim and Sleep Disorders Specialist & Neurologist, Dr. Jerald Simmons! It's sure to be a spirited discussion!. At the monthly Lunch & Learn the community has an opportunity to enjoy an upscale lunch with like minded friends for a spirited class and discussion! RSVP
• Jan 12-14, 2024 - CYP Shabbat in NYC! - The CYP Shabbat Experience - Meet the People. Explore the Sites. Feel the Energy. Immerse yourself in an unforgettable Shabbat weekend alongside an all-star lineup and hundreds of young professionals from around the world. Register by Dec. 17 and save $100! Including accommodations, meals and local transportation with group www.cypshabbat.nyc
• March 29-31 - CYP Encounter Texas - YJP Houston will host an exciting weekend of soulful connections and enriching encounters, fostering personal and spiritual growth. More & RSVP

Shabbos Mevarchim Shevat Parshas Shemos

Friday, January 5, 24 Teves
5:18 pm Shabbos Candle Lighting & Mincha
6:00 pm Kabbolas Shabbos
RSVP for Hot & Spicy - Jan. First Fridays Shabbat Dinner RSVP
Sponsored in part by the Pfrenger family in honor of Yona Dovid Ben Yaffa, Jonas' upcoming birthday on 29 Teves

Shabbos, January 6, 25 Teves
Shabbos Mevarchim Tehillim at 8:30 am
Services at 10 am
Followed by Shabbos Lunch Kiddush & Farbrengen 
Mincha at 5:15 pm
Seder Niggunim
Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends at 6:16 pm
Living Torah

Sunday, January 7, 26 Teves
Shacharis at 8 am

Monday-Friday, January 8-12, 27 Teves-2 Shevat
Shacharis at 6:45 am

Thursday, Jan 11, Rosh Chodesh Shevat
Shacharis at 6:45 am followed by monthly breakfast

Good Shabbos!