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Chanukah on Fox, Chron, Friends, Post Oaks - Pics and Vids!

Friday, December 27, 2024 - 2:40 PM

In the long history of the challenges and triumphs of our people, the audacity of the Jewish spirit always stands out. It represents our ability to stand firm, push boundaries, and courageously uphold our values—even when the odds are against us.

In this week’s Torah portion, Yosef exemplifies this trait when he boldly interprets Pharaoh’s dreams, offering not only insight but also unsolicited advice that saved Egypt and elevated him to a position of power. The Maccabees, too, embodied this trait when they defied the Seleucid-Greek empire, refusing to compromise their faith. Their courage restored the sanctity of the Temple and gave us the enduring miracle of Chanukah.

Jewish pride is about more than celebrating our heritage; it’s about living with the audacity to embrace who we are and stand up for what we believe in. In a world that often challenges our identity, our values, and our right to thrive as Jews, we are reminded that we need not stay in our lane or dim our light to fit in. Instead, we step forward with strength and confidence, driven by faith in Hashem and our mission as His people.

Let us draw inspiration from our ancestors’ courage and exhibit our own “chutzpah” in the face of adversity. May our pride in being Jewish illuminate the world, like the menorah that burned miraculously so many centuries ago.

Shabbat shalom & Happy Chanukah,

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie

UPCOMING EVENTS

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 RSVP www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
Saturday, Dec. 28, Fourth Night Chanukah - 8:30 pm - Chanukah in Candy Land - 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
Friday, Jan. 3, 6 pm - First Fridays 2025 Shabbat Dinner - Join Young Jewish Professionals and bring in the new calendar year with new and old friends, ages 21-39, over Shabbat Dinner. $20 until Thursday, $36 after
Use promo code: advance www.yjphouston.org/events/2025
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

UPTOWN CHANUKAH REPORT
👉 FCYA Donuts & Dinner with Friends - Friendship for All - FRIENDSHIP STARTS HERE! on Sunday, YJP Houston volunteers make donuts and have dinner alongside Friendship Circle of Houston Young Adults with special needs for an evening of fun, camaraderie and integration! Check out the photos here.
👉 Fox26Houston News - On Wednesday morning, Rabbi Chaim did the morning news circuit with two shows on Fox26Houston news with DaLaun Dillard & Heather Sullivan. Check out round #1 "How to spell Chanukah, Hanukkah? " and round #2 "A spin on the Chanukah Dreidel"
👉 Light Up Uptown! Post Oak Menorah Lighting - Hundreds gathered for the Annual Post Oak Menorah Lighting in cooperation with the Uptown Houston Houston District featuring a giant menorah lighting, Petting Zoo & Pony Rides, Chanukah Book Trail, Fresh Donuts, Latkes, Gelt and Drinks, Festive Music. Photo Credit: Amalya Shandelman Photography. Check out photos here.
👉 Chanukah Shabbat Dinner - Tonight Featuring the beautiful Menorah and Dreidel Challahs! www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
👉 Candy Land -Sat Night - One more event to go this Saturday night YJP in Candy Land!
👉 Across Houston - Check out the more than 40 Chanukah events including at The Galleria and the Houston Rockets with Chabad across Houston at www.chabadhouston.com/localevents

We extend condolences to Rachel Lishansky and Naomi on the passing of their father and grandfather Yuri ben Solomon Lishansky, in Israel. Rachel is currently in Israel and returns next week.

SHABBOS CHANUKAH, MEVARCHIM TEVES, PARSHAS MIKEITZ
Fri., Dec. 27, 26 Kislev, Third Night Chanukah
5:13 pm Light Chanukah before Shabbat Candles
5:15 pm Mincha
5:30 Torah Study
6:00 pm Kabbalat Shabbat
RSVP for Chanukah Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner

Shabbos, Dec. 28, 27 Kislev
8:00 am Shabbos Mevarchim Tehillim
9:30 am Chassidus
10:00 am Morning Services
Shabbat Mevarchim Kiddush & Farbrengen
5:15 pm Mincha
Torah Study
6:10 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbat Ends
Fourth Night Chanukah
Living Torah Video Magazine
8:30 pm YJP Houston Chanukah in Candy Land!
www.yjphouston.org/candyland

Good Yom Tov!

Friday, December 20, 2024 - 12:53 PM

This week we wrapped up our CYP Academy Decisions of Fate course with a record number of 39 unique students over the course! As the Alter Rebbe teaches - the founder of Chabad and who we celebrate today 19 Kislev - the study of Torah ignites the soul as we connect to a deep part of our own the consciousness and its connection to Hashem.

The 19th of Kislev, the “Rosh Hashanah of Chassidus,” commemorates the 1798 liberation of Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, the first Chabad rebbe, known as the Alter Rebbe, from imprisonment. This event marked not only a personal redemption but a renewal of Chassidic teachings, particularly the Tanya, which the Alter Rebbe authored.

The Tanya provides a comprehensive roadmap for our spiritual lives. It teaches us how to uncover the divine spark within, navigate life’s challenges, and connect to Hashem through love, awe, and joy. Studying Chassidus uplifts our understanding of Torah’s commandments and deepens our relationship with G-d, infusing everyday life with greater meaning and vitality.

This week’s Torah reading, Vayeshev, begins with Yaakov Avinu settling in the land of his forefathers. Commentators explain that Yaaov sought peace after a lifetime of struggle. Yet, his journey into spiritual growth continued. This is also the message of the 19th of Kislev: While we may seek comfort, our purpose lies in constant growth, transforming our challenges into opportunities for deeper connection to Hashem.

The Alter Rebbe taught that Chassidus reveals the soul’s infinite potential. Just as Jacob found strength to persevere, we, too, can find resilience and clarity through Chassidus, especially the Tanya. Let us recommit to its study and integrate its teachings into our daily lives, ensuring that its light illuminates the world around us.

May we all experience personal redemption and the ultimate redemption with Moshiach soon!

Shabbat shalom,

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie

P.S. All YJP ages 21-39 are welcome to join our weekly Dinner, Class & Social and learn some Torah held weekly at Chabad of Uptown. Classes will resume on Jan 15, 2025 as they are on pause for Chanukah and upcoming weddings.

Welcome to our recent Chai Club members, sustaining monthly donors who make the magic happen! Basha Behrman, Susy Brown, Malka Bussman, Geoffrey Kulp, Ziv & Arielle Mesulati! You can also join to make a difference! Choose monthly option at www.chabaduptown.org/donate

CHANUKAH VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Please respond to this email or contact Chanie if you can volunteer to help for the Chanukah event this Wednesday.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Sunday, Dec. 22, 6-7:30 pm - FCYA Dinner & Donuts with Friends - Friendship for All - YJP Houston volunteers make donuts and have dinner alongside Young Adults with special needs for an evening of fun, camaraderie and integration! At 8019 Cnadle Lane. Click here to RSVP
Wednesday, Dec. 25, First Night Chanukah - 3:30 pm - Uptown Menorah Lighting - Annual Post Oak Menorah Lighting in cooperation with the Uptown Houston District giant menorah lighting, Petting Zoo & Pony Rides, Chanukah Book Trail, Fresh Donuts, Latkes, Gelt and Drinks, Festive Music. RSVP required, free admission www.chabaduptown.org/light
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 YUD-TES / CHOF KISLEV PARSHAS VAYEISHEV
Fri., Dec. 20, 19 Kislev
5:09 pm Light Shabbat Candles
5:10 pm Mincha
5:30 Torah Study
6:00 pm Kabbalat Shabbat
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner

Shabbos, Dec. 21, 20 Kislev
9:00 am Chassidus
10:00 am Morning Services
Shabbat Kiddush & Farbrengen in honor Chof Kislev
5:10 pm Mincha
Torah Study
6:06 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbat Ends
Living Torah Video Magazine

Sunday, Dec. 22, 21 Kislev
8:30 am Shacharis

Chanukah - Wednesday, Dec. 25-Jan.2

Light Up Uptown this Chanukah

Friday, December 13, 2024 - 11:55 AM

This week we commemorated the birthday (in 1773) and yahrtzeit (in 1827) of Rabbi DovBer, the second Chabad Rebbe, also known as the Mitteler Rebbe.

One of his distinguishing traits was his ability to elaborate at great lengths on topics of Chassidic philosophy. He penned many voluminous manuscripts and would deliver long talks, leaving listeners spellbound by his every word. If his finger were to be cut, it was said, instead of blood a gush of Chassidism would emerge. It was the very essence of his being.

In this week’s Torah reading, Vayishlach, we read about Yaakov's unwavering commitment to his mission, balancing his spiritual endeavors with his physical responsibilities. His preparation for his encounter with his brother Esav — prayer, strategic planning, and gifts—reflects the harmonious blending of divine service with worldly engagement.

The Mitteler Rebbe exemplified this balance in his own life. His tireless efforts to teach and explain Chassidic philosophy were rooted in a deep awareness of every Jew’s essential and unbreakable connection to Torah. Just as Yaakov wrestled with an angel and emerged victorious, symbolizing the eternal strength of the Jewish soul, so does the Mitteler Rebbe’s legacy inspire us to reveal the inner depths of our connection to G-d and His Torah.

May we be inspired to strengthen our bond with Torah and mitzvos, tapping into the essence of who we are—a people intrinsically connected to Hashem through His wisdom, revealed in the teachings of Torah and Chassidism.

Shabbat shalom,

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie

Mazel tov to Baruch and Shani Shkertzi on birth of a baby girl!

UPCOMING COURSES & EVENTS

Wednesdays, Dec. 18 – 7:30-9:00 pm - CYP Academy: Decisions of Fate - A Body's Dignity Can I donate my body to science? Cremate a loved one's body? Can an autopsy be performed? www.yjphouston.org/decisions4
Wednesday, Dec. 25, First Night Chanukah - 3:30 pm - Uptown Menorah Lighting - Annual Post Oak Menorah Lighting in cooperation with the Uptown Houston District giant menorah lighting, Petting Zoo & Pony Rides, Chanukah Book Trail, Fresh Donuts, Latkes, Gelt and Drinks, Festive Music. RSVP required, free admission www.chabaduptown.org/light
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 PARSHAS VAYISHLACH
Fri., Dec. 13, 12 Kislev
5:06 pm Light Shabbat Candles
5:05 pm Mincha
5:30 Torah Study
6:00 pm Kabbalat Shabbat
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner

Shabbos, Dec. 14, 13 Kislev
9:00 am Chassidus
10:00 am Morning Services
Shabbat Kiddush sponsored by Alex Wolansky in honor of his new life chapter and the Benjaminov Family marking the yartzeit of Margalit Rachel bat Adina a"h on 15 Kislev and Tuvia bat Rachel a"h on 17 Kislev
5:00 pm Mincha
Torah Study
6:03 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbat Ends
Living Torah Video Magazine

Sunday, Dec. 15, 14 Kislev
8:30 am Shacharis

Gateway to Heaven - Mazel tov!

Friday, December 6, 2024 - 1:16 PM

Judaism teaches us that believing in a higher power is at the heart of our faith. Our daily prayers, ideally recited with a minyan, can happen anywhere – at home, work, or even on a bus. While we often associate prayer with spiritual requests, we're encouraged to include our everyday needs as well. Prayer is more than just words; it's a chance to connect with the Infinite, the source of all existence.

This lesson is beautifully illustrated in the life of our patriarch Yaakov Avinu, as described in this week's Torah reading. Fleeing from his brother Esav, Yaakov finds himself at the holiest site on earth – Mount Moriah, later known as the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. After a divine dream, Yaakov awakens and exclaims, "This is the Gateway to Heaven." Yet, instead of praying for spiritual growth or wisdom, he prays for basic needs like food, shelter, and clothing. Why? Because Hashem's presence isn't limited to the spiritual realm. His infinity means He's present in every aspect of our lives, not just the sacred moments.

Hashem desires our connection in all areas, even the mundane. This powerful message resonates deeply, especially after last week's Conference of Chabad-Lubavitch Emissaries. Chabad rabbis from around the world gathered to strengthen our mission, which is founded on the teaching that bringing Hashem into every aspect of life reveals His true essence.

Especially as Houstonians we can utilize our prayer or daily actions to further make the infinite tangible by inviting Hashem into every moment. As the Rebbe once said to Israel's President Shazar in private meeting joined by Rabbi Shimon Lazaroff, that even Houston, Texas - – the city where NASA's space exploration program is headquartered – is a "Gateway to Heaven"! (more on this encounter below)

By Hashgacha Pratis this same week of this parsha's "Gateway to Heaven" story, our family celebrated a beautiful connection between two "Gateways to Heaven" – Houston and Jerusalem – as our dear daughter Chaya married Shalom Burkis under the chupa. May their union be blessed with love, joy, and a deep connection to the Infinite.

Shabbat shalom,

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie

P.S. At the wedding we distributed a memento of favorite songs written or popularized by Rabbi Shimon Lazaroff. You can view the PDF and hear recording of selected songs here.

THE GATEWAY TO HEAVEN
As recorded in December 2008 "Here's My Story" by JEM

In 1973, after I had been in Houston for about a year-and-a-half, I was informed that Zalman Shazar, who had just finished serving as president of Israel, would be passing through town on his way to Mexico. He had a three-hour layover at the airport, and the Jewish Federation wanted the local community leaders to come to greet him.

Since I always checked with the Rebbe on things like this, I called his secretariat in New York, and was told that I should go and remind Mr. Shazar, who had Chabad roots, that this very day on the Hebrew calendar is Gimmel Tammuz – the third day of the Hebrew month of Tammuz – when the Previous Rebbe was freed from Soviet prison. Now this date was at that time not as important in the Chabad calendar as Yud Beis Tammuz – the twelfth day of Tammuz – when the Previous Rebbe returned from exile and was able to rejoin his community, yet I remembered the Rebbe once explaining that Gimmel Tammuz ranks higher as the day the Previous Rebbe’s life was saved. (Years later, this date became even more significant to me because the Rebbe passed away on Gimmel Tammuz.)

So this is what I did. When I arrived, the airport reception room was packed, as everyone who was anyone in Houston was present. Yet, in the crowd, Mr. Shazar made a beeline for me. He identified me from my dress as a Chabad chasid and, addressing me in Yiddish, asked, “How is the Rebbe?”

He invited me to sit next to him, and we began to talk. As instructed, I reminded him that today is Gimmel Tammuz, and I pulled out a bottle of vodka and two little cups so that we could make a L’chaim in honor of the day. At that he got very emotional, raised the cup and said, “L’chaim! To the Rebbe’s health!”

He then told me that on the way back from his trip to Mexico, he would be passing through New York, and he asked me to please arrange a meeting with the Rebbe, which I did.

He had an audience with the Rebbe a week later, during the celebrations of Yud Beis Tammuz, and I also came. During their meeting, I was distinguished as “the young man from Houston” (I was then thirty years old), and the Rebbe quipped to Mr. Shazar that “Houston is the gateway to heaven,” referring to the fact that the Kennedy space center, NASA’s primary launch center is located there. It was a very special occasion.

UPCOMING COURSES & EVENTS

Friday, Dec. 6, 6 pm - Chaya & Shalom Sheva Brachot - Dec. First Fridays Shabbat Dinner www.yjphouston.org/chayashalom
Two Tuesdays, Dec. 10 & 17, 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
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 PARSHAS VAYEITZEI
Fri., Dec. 6, 5 Kislev
5:04 pm Light Shabbat Candles
5:05 pm Mincha
5:30 Torah Study
6:00 pm Kabbalat Shabbat
RSVP for Sheva Brachot Shabbat First Fridays Dinnerwww.yjphouston.org/chayashalom

Shabbos, Dec. 7, 6 Kislev
9:00 am Chassidus
10:00 am Morning Services
Shabbat Kiddush & Community Sheva Brachot for Chaya and Shalom
5:00 pm Mincha
Torah Study
6:01 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbat Ends
Living Torah Video Magazine

Sunday, Dec. 8, 7 Kislev
8:30 am Shacharis

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