Along with the entire Jewish nation and upright people everywhere, we are pained and saddened by the shocking news of the vicious murder of Rabbi Zvi Kogan, a 28-year-old Chabad rabbi in the United Arab Emirates, by barbaric terrorists. Rabbi Kogan was murdered simply because he was a Jew, a member of the Chosen People, a Jew who cared deeply for his fellow Jews of all walks of life, and for all people.
So what can we do to honor his memory?
Young Rabbi Kogan dedicated his life to bringing kosher food to the Emirates. He was inspired by the call of the Rebbe, who launched the Kosher Campaign 50 years ago to spread kosher awareness and observance. In a video recorded just a few days before his passing, he proudly shared how he is importing foods from all over the world so people can keep kosher no matter where they are.
In the wake of his brutal murder at the hands of terrorists, let’s join Jews all over the world in declaring the coming week a week of kosher—dedicated to increasing awareness of this important mitzvah.
Here’s what that means:
If you don’t yet keep kosher at home, for the next week (and hopefully you will continue beyond), choose one (or some, or all) of the following:
- Eat a kosher meal at least once a day
- Shop and eat only kosher food and kosher meat. We are blessed in Houston with many kosher options as listed here.
- Avoid mixing meat and dairy
- Avoid non-kosher fish, such as shellfish, crab, eel, and other non-kosher seafood (kosher fish is easy to find in most supermarkets)
- If you eat out, choose only kosher restaurants
- Spend a few minutes a day learning about the basics of keeping a kosher kitchen
If you do already keep kosher, perhaps consider upgrading your observance in the areas of pat Yisrael and chalav Yisrael, waiting between meat and milk, or wherever else you believe you have room to improve.
You can also sign up for a new four-part video course dedicated to the basics of keeping kosher.
With broken hearts but unbreakable spirit, we pray to G-d that our mitzvahs bring nachas to the holy soul of Rabbi Zvi ben Alexander Hakohen, and bring comfort to his devastated widow, grieving family, and shocked community.
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie
UPCOMING COURSES EVENTS
- Three Tuesdays, Dec. 3-17 2024 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM - JLI: Nurturing Relationships - Jewish Wisdom for Building Deeper, Richer Connection in All Your Relationships. This course will satisfy most states' continuing education requirements for Medical Doctors, Psychologists, Social Workers, LMFTs, and LMHC/LPCs. - Click for syllabus and to register
- Friday, Dec. 6, 6 pm - Chaya & Shalom Sheva Brachot - Dec. First Fridays Shabbat Dinner www.yjphouston.org/chayashalom
- Two Wednesdays, Dec. 11-18 – 7:30-9:00 pm - CYP Academy: Decisions of Fate - The “Decisions of Fate” four-part journey will be navigating critical choices & ethical Dilemmas with Jewish wisdom. VOUCHERS: Join CYP Academy and receive $200 credit for each four part course successfully completed towards any CYP Encounter Trip Experience including the Encounter Crown Heights, NYC MLK Weekend Jan 17-19, 2025. Register opening week Nov. 4-12 for only $49 plus airfare! www.yjphouston.org/decisions
- Wednesday, Dec. 25, First Night Chanukah - 3:30 pm - Uptown Menorah Lighting - Annual Post Oak Menorah Lighting in cooperation with the Uptown Houston District.
- Friday, Dec. 27, Third Night Chanukah - 5:00 pm - Chanukah Shabbat Dinner - Chanukah Shabbat Dinner Uptown style, where spirits run high! Candle lighting at 5 pm, Shabbat services followed by dinner
- Saturday, Dec. 28, Fourth Night Chanukah - 8:30 pm - Young Jewish Professionals 20s & 30s party in style in "Candy Land", with themed drinks and music, dinner buffet, sufganiyot, and latkes. www.yjphouston.org/candyland
- Thurs.-Sun., Jan. 17-19 - Encounter Crown Heights Shabbaton - Join us as we head to NYC for the Encounter Crown Heights Shabbaton set to take place over MLK Weekend (Jan 17-19)! A weekend like no other, a chance to connect with hundreds Jewish young professionals from around the world and experience an unforgettable weekend in Crown Heights. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity! www.cypshabbat.nyc
SHABBOS MEVARCHIM KISLEV PARSHAS TOLDOS
Fri., Nov. 29, 28 Cheshvan
5:04 pm Light Shabbat Candles & Mincha
6:00 pm Kabbalat Shabbat
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
Shabbos, Nov. 30, 29 Cheshvan
8:00 am Shabbos Mevarchim Tehillim
10:00 am Morning Services
Shabbat Mevarchim Kiddush & Fabrengen in memory and marking the upcoming first yartzeit of Yonah David (Jonas) ben Yaffa, a"h Pfrenger
2:00 pm Mincha
4:30 pm Shabbos Kallah for women and girls honoring Chaya Lazaroff for her upcoming marriage
6:00 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbat Ends
Living Torah Video Magazine
Sunday, Rosh Chodesh Kislev I, Dec. 1, 30 Cheshvan
8:00 am Rosh Chodesh Shacharis
followed by monthly breakfast
Monday, Rosh Chodesh Kislev II, Dec, 2, 1 Kislev
6:45 am Shacharis
followed by monthly breakfast
7:30 pm Yartzeit Memorial for Yonah David (Jonas) ben Yaffa, a"h Pfrenger
followed by Maariv
Wed Dec. 4, 3 Kislev
8 am Shacharis
Thurs. Dec. 5, 4 Kislev
9 am Shacharis
Fri. Dec. 6, 5 Kislev
8 am Shacharis
This week’s portion is called “Chayei Sarah.” Even though it tells the story of Sarah’s passing, the name of the portion means “The Life of Sarah,” because it’s a reminder that a person’s life is defined by the impact they leave behind.
