Updates

It’s been nearly three weeks since our nation, the Jewish people, has been forever changed.

Three weeks of grief and mourning, of intense prayer and increased mitzvot, of our heroic soldiers and citizens putting themselves in harm's way to protect their brothers and sisters.

If there is one thing that the past three weeks have taught us, it is that we are one people, chosen by G-d, and destined for a higher purpose. Gone are all the superficial differences. We’ve seen Jews from all walks of life rise above the fray and unite in ways that are at once extraordinarily heartbreaking and deeply uplifting.

It is this togetherness, this oneness, this unity, that the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory, repeatedly assured will be the primary vehicle for G-d's blessings of safety and success of our people.

Please remember throughout the coming days and weeks that every single one of our prayers and mitzvot (including our charity) plays a crucial role for the safety and security of our brothers and sisters in Israel! For our existence as a people throughout the millennia is a supra-natural one, dependent entirely on the blessings and protection of our Creator.

With prayerful wishes for the safety of our people everywhere—especially in the Holy Land, healing to the injured, safe return of our hostages, and that Israel’s leaders have the strength and fortitude to follow the Torah’s directives to act decisively for the protection our people.

Shabbat shalom!

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie

Upcoming Events:

• Wednesdays, Oct. 18-Nov 8 | 7:30 pm - CYP Academy 4-Part Course - Meditation From Sinai: Jewish Spirituality: Mindful awareness and Divine spirituality to help you think, feel, and live more deeply.  Join us on our 4-week journey over delectable dinner, connecting with our inner selves, and becoming mindful of the world around us, with the secrets that the Jewish people have had for over 3000 years. COST: $36 Registration Required. Complimentary access for CHAI Club Members, Use Coupon Code “chai”. www.yjphouston.org/meditation
  VOUCHERS: Join CYP Academy and receive $200 credit for each four part course successfully completed towards any CYP Encounter Trip Experience! Come to 3 courses and go to Morocco in June for only $2600 $599!
• 6 Tuesdays, Oct 31st - Dec 5th 2023 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM - JLI: The World of Kabbalah: Discover the core mystical and spiritual teachings of Kabbalah and their relevance to everyday life. You’ll learn to think like a Jewish mystic and gain powerful insights to fuel deeper self-understanding and personal growth. Curious why there’s so much buzz around Kabbalah? Discover it for yourself by attending The World of Kabbalah. Course syllabus and to register click here
• Friday, Nov. 3, 6:30 pm - Israel Shabbat of Unity - Nov. First Fridays - Enjoy an Israeli themed Shabbat dinner with other Young Jewish Professionals, in honor of our Brothers & Sisters in Israel! Bring your friends, ages 21-39 and unite as a community for an evening of Song, Prayer & Strength! www.yjphouston.org/shabbatunity
• Tuesday, Nov. 7, 12-1:30 pm - November Lunch & Learn WAR IN ISRAEL - It is a difficult time for Jewish people. Israel is at war. What can we do to help? How can we deal with the fear and anxiety? RSVP

Mazel tov to Danielle Resh and Noam Fisher on their wedding this weekend!

Shabbos Parshas Lech Lecha

Friday, October 27,  12 Cheshvan
Candle Lighting & Mincha 6:21 pm
Kabbalat Shabbat at 6:30 pm
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner

Shabbos, October 28, 13 Cheshvan
Torah Study - Torah Or at 9 am
Services at 10 am
Followed by Shabbos Lunch Kiddush
Study of Rebbe Teachings 5:15 pm
Mincha at 6:20 pm
Torah Study
Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends at 7:15 pm
Living Torah

Sunday, October 29, 14 Cheshvan
Shacharis at 8:00 am

Monday-Friday, October 29-Nov. 3, 15-19 Cheshvan
Shacharis at 6:45 am

Good Shabbos!

It was inspiring to see the Shul packed last Shabbos, as the community came together to share and inspire one another as we gather as one for hoping and praying for a better world and peace in Eretz Yisroel.

In the wake of the tragic terror attack on Israel last week, we've seen inspiring stories of heroism amidst the darkness. From brave children to dedicated soldiers and selfless civilians, people of all backgrounds displayed remarkable courage. They shielded loved ones, defended their communities, and, in some cases, paid the ultimate price.

For instance, a 9-year-old boy protected his baby sister during the attack, a dispatcher stayed on the line with him throughout, and an army commander confronted terrorists. A grandmother kept her captors occupied offering them cookies and food, soldiers risked their lives for others, and first responders provided aid amidst danger.

Additionally, Diaspora Jews have been tirelessly gathering substantial supplies and raising funds to support the soldiers on the front lines and aid refugees and victims in Israel. We've witnessed a surge in Jewish individuals from diverse backgrounds committing to thousands of mitzvah resolutions. There's a collective effort, with people donning tefillin, Shabbat candles casting their light into the world's darkness, new mezuzahs adorning homes proudly proclaiming their Jewish identity, and even non-kosher Jewish-owned restaurants temporarily adopting kosher practices. This unity within the Jewish community has reached unprecedented strength.

In the story of Noah, when the world was consumed by the Great Flood, Noah and his family were the sole human survivors because Hashem instructed him to build an ark and take refuge within it. Noah didn't sit and wait for God to announce the end of the flood. At the first sign of receding waters, he dispatched birds to assess the habitability of the earth. He demonstrated to Hashem that they were ready to leave the ark and embrace the new world.

Likewise, we are ready. We yearn for an end to the atrocities and the agonizing pain that Jews worldwide are enduring. While Hashem's plan unfolds according to His timetable, every mitzvah we perform today communicates our readiness to hasten the redemption. We may not comprehend the "why," but we do understand the "how" – by dispelling darkness with an outpouring of light and goodness, we demonstrate to God and the world that we are prepared for His timeline to quicken.

This week we also kicked off the newest CYP Academy course, Meditation from Sinai! Great group came together to study mindful awareness and Divine spirituality to help us think, feel, and live more deeply. www.yjphouston.org/meditation. 

What can you do today? Light the Shabbos candles at the correct time and chase away the darkness, in Houston at 6:25 pm! For other locations see www.chabaduptown.org/shabbattimes

May the ultimate illumination and redemption come soon, with the help of every Jew's heroism.

With prayers for our brethren in the Holy Land,

Shabbat shalom,

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie

Upcoming Events:

• Wednesdays, Oct. 18-Nov 8 | 7:30 pm - CYP Academy 4-Part Course - Meditation From Sinai: Jewish Spirituality: Mindful awareness and Divine spirituality to help you think, feel, and live more deeply.  Join us on our 4-week journey over delectable dinner, connecting with our inner selves, and becoming mindful of the world around us, with the secrets that the Jewish people have had for over 3000 years. COST: $36 Registration Required. Complimentary access for CHAI Club Members, Use Coupon Code “chai”. www.yjphouston.org/meditation
  VOUCHERS: Join CYP Academy and receive $200 credit for each four part course successfully completed towards any CYP Encounter Trip Experience! Come to 3 courses and go to Morocco in June for only $2600 $599!
• 6 Tuesdays, Oct 31st - Dec 5th 2023 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM - JLI: The World of Kabbalah: Discover the core mystical and spiritual teachings of Kabbalah and their relevance to everyday life. You’ll learn to think like a Jewish mystic and gain powerful insights to fuel deeper self-understanding and personal growth. Curious why there’s so much buzz around Kabbalah? Discover it for yourself by attending The World of Kabbalah. Course syllabus and to register click here

Mazel tov to Andrew and Elyse Goldstein and family on the bar mitzvah of Chaim Leib (Hank) Goldstein, that will be celebrated this Shabbos!

Mazel tov to Yair Levy and Marielle Cohen and the parents Viviane and Jose Cohen and the entire Cohen and Levy families on their upcoming wedding this week!

Shabbos Parshas Noach

Friday, October 20,  5 Cheshvan
Candle Lighting 6:28 pm
Services at 6:30 pm
Shabbat Dinner in honor of Chaim Leib's Bar Mitzvah

Shabbos, October 21, 6 Cheshvan
Torah Study - Torah Or at 9 am
Services at 10 am
Followed by Shabbos Lunch Kiddush in honor of Chaim Leib (Hank) Goldstein Bar Mitzvah
Study of Rebbe Teachings 5:15 pm
Mincha at 6:25 pm
Seudah Shlishit
Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends at 7:21 pm
Living Torah

Sunday, October 22, 7 Cheshvan
Shacharis at 8:00 am

Monday-Friday, October 23-27, 8-12 Cheshvan
Shacharis at 6:45 am

Good Shabbos!

The updates from Israel are deeply distressing. In this critical time, we all ask: What can I do for Israel? How can I help my brothers and sisters in the Holy Land?

The Torah teaches us (and history has repeatedly demonstrated) that our physical protection is intrinsically connected to our spiritual activism. When we pray or dedicate a good deed to our brothers and sisters in Israel, we create a spiritual defense shield for them that will help them through difficult and dangerous times.

In previous times of challenge, the Rebbe shared specific positive actions that Jews worldwide can take for the benefit of Israel and its people: Pray, light Shabbat candles, wrap tefillin, check your mezuzahs, donate to the relief fund, purchase a letter in the unity Torah, and nurture your faith.

Now is the time to act. If one deed is powerful, many deeds have an even greater impact.

On Wednesday night it was wonderful to come together as a community to daven for Israel! Our tefillos and actions count! 

We need all hands on deck for the spiritual brigade! Please join us tonight for a special evening together, a community candle lighting and Shabbat dinner in solidarity with Israel. Of all weeks, we encourage you to come to shul and join us to light the Shabbos candles and uplifting services. To RSVP for Shabbat dinner, click www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner

With prayers for our brothers and sisters in the holy land,

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie

P.S. Now more than ever, we need to study Torah! We have two dynamic upcoming courses to learn the Jewish approach to meditation (YJP) & kabbala (Community).

• In light of the situation, we delayed the CYP Academy Meditation from Sinai 4-part course by one week. to Oct. 18. If you are a YJP, you don't want to miss this opportunity!
• The general community is encouraged to join JLI's newest 6-part course on Tuesday, The World of Kabbalah. 
• More details in the upcoming events below!

Chabad of Israel had launched a war room to coordinate all efforts across Israel. Currently, over 10,000 Chabad rabbis and rebbetzins and volunteers are spending nights and days, doing all they can for the people of Israel.

Key priorities include:

• Bereaved Families: With so many victims, families often feel alone. Every family is visited by Chabad personnel, to be there for them in their darkest moments.
• Hostages: In towns and cities across Israel, Chabad representatives provide support, food, and whatever families of hostages and missing persons may need.
• The Injured: In every hospital, dedicated Chabad Houses provide for the spiritual and emotional needs of those injured. This will continue through the long road to recovery.
• The IDF: Chabad teams visit IDF bases on the frontlines and in the heartland, bringing hot meals, hygiene products, mitzvah opportunities, and cheer to support our brave troops.
• The South: In Sderot, Ofakim, Ashkelon and other towns in Israel’s south which have been hard bit by the infiltrators and continued missile barrages, Chabad teams are reaching out to residents, dispensing welfare checks, mental counseling, material and spiritual support for all, especially the homebound.

And they need your help! All donations go directly to Chabad of Israel's central “war room,” which is coordinating the efforts and providing the support and funds to make it all possible.

CLICK HERE FOR FRONT LINE NEWS UPDATES AND TO DONATE

Upcoming Events:

• Friday night, Oct. 13, 6:15 pm www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
  6:15 pm Candle Lighting, 6:35 pm Shabbat Service, 7:45 pm Community Shabbat dinner
• Wednesdays, Oct. 18-Nov 8 | 7:30 pm - CYP Academy 4-Part Course - Meditation From Sinai: Jewish Spirituality: Mindful awareness and Divine spirituality to help you think, feel, and live more deeply.  Join us on our 4-week journey over delectable dinner, connecting with our inner selves, and becoming mindful of the world around us, with the secrets that the Jewish people have had for over 3000 years. COST: $36 Registration Required. Complimentary access for CHAI Club Members, Use Coupon Code “chai”. www.yjphouston.org/meditation
  VOUCHERS: Join CYP Academy and receive $200 credit for each four part course successfully completed towards any CYP Encounter Trip Experience! Come to 3 courses and go to Morocco in June for only $2600 $599!
• 6 Tuesdays, Oct 31st - Dec 5th 2023 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM - JLI: The World of Kabbalah: Discover the core mystical and spiritual teachings of Kabbalah and their relevance to everyday life. You’ll learn to think like a Jewish mystic and gain powerful insights to fuel deeper self-understanding and personal growth. Curious why there’s so much buzz around Kabbalah? Discover it for yourself by attending The World of Kabbalah. Course syllabus and to​​​​​​​ register click here​​​​​​​

Shabbos Mevarchim Parshas Bereishis

Friday, October 13,  28 Elul
Community Candle Lighting Ceremony 6:15 pm
Services at 6:35 pm
Candle Lighting at 6:35 pm
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner

Shabbos, October 14, 29 Elul
Shabbos Mevarchim Tehillim at 8:30 am
Services at 10 am
Followed by Shabbos Mevarchim Lunch Kiddush & Farbrengen
Study of Rebbe Teachings 5:30 pm
Mincha at 6:30 pm
Torah Study
Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends at 7:28 pm
Living Torah

Sunday, Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan, October 15, 30 Tishrei
Shacharis at 8:00 am
Followed by monthly Rosh Chodesh breakfast

Monday, Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan, October 16, 1 Cheshvan
Shacharis at 6:45 am
Followed by monthly Rosh Chodesh breakfast

Tuesday-Friday, October 17-20, 2-5 Cheshvan
Shacharis at 6:45 am

Good Shabbos!