Largest Gathering of Women Leaders
I spent the last weekend in NY together with 4000 Chabad rebbetzins. I am guessing that's it's the largest gathering, I do not know if it's a fact.
Either way, while there were many inspirational speakers at the conference, the most inspiring part for me every year is looking around the room and thinking about how each person there represents a different country, state or town. If you count all the Jews that they represent in their area, the collective energy and unity of such a large number of Jewish people is incredible.
From a very young age, I learned from the Lubavitcher Rebbe that women have a special, unique, irreplaceable role in our society. It comes along with a responsibility to step up and be a leader. He would make special talks to the women and explain how vital they are in the task of upholding the Torah. The Chabad women are not relegated to the title of Rabbi's wife, rather they work alongside their husbands, as a partner and co-director. Each one fills their own unique role. The Rebbe wanted the Chabad Rabbis to gather yearly and requested that the Chabad Rebbetzins gather as well, to come together and glean strength to continue our mission.
It wasn't just the woman whose power was recognized. As a child, I would attend gatherings that were especially for children, initiated and led by the Rebbe. He would talk to us children telling us how special we are and how we can fill the world with goodness and kindness. This was unprecedented for a world leader to dedicate hours of their precious time solely to children.
This is why the children are not considered the Rabbi's children, but shluchos (emissaries) in their own right. Hence a gathering for thousands of young shluchos is held every year. To give them strength and to connect them with others in their mission. This year, Bluma and Menucha were part of the young shluchos program.
This is the first year Menucha went. I am so happy for her to have this opportunity as she has been looking forward to the moment when should would be old enough to finally join just like her older sisters. I am proud of how brave she was to go, even though it was first time in such an environment.
Menucha's campers came from locales that sound pretty exotic and diverse; China, South Africa, Saskatchewan, New Mexico, Sint Maarten, Florida, Georgia, Maryland and Washington. This annual gathering is highly anticipated by these girls. It's a special time when they can be together in person. Can you find my daughters in the picture?
Shabbat Shalom,
Chanie
Parshas Mishpatim: Following the events at Mount Sinai, Moses sat down and began to teach the Jewish people the entire Torah. Instead of concentrating on the spiritual or esoteric aspects of the Torah, which seems like an obvious first choice after such a revelation, he began with mostly practical, civil matters. This week’s Torah portion, Mishpatim, contains these laws and, in fact, the word “mishpatim” refers to these civil laws, rather than spiritual ones.
The message is clear: once the Torah was given to the Jews at Mount Sinai, it moved beyond just spirituality and became integrated into the practicalities of daily life. Hence, the Torah should guide our everyday actions in a tangible way.
Of course, the Torah is our spiritual guide, but it also serves as a guide for all aspects of our lives, from how we eat and sleep to how we conduct business . A life guided by the Torah leads to a harmonious existence, making every action a spiritual experience as well.
Parshas Shekalim: This Shabbos is special! We take out a second Torah out for the reading of Parshas Shekalim and will be read by the Bar Mitzvah boy, Yair Ilouz! When the Holy Temple stood in Jerusalem, each Jew contributed an annual half-shekel to the Temple. The 1st of Adar marked the beginning of the collection of the shekalim. In commemoration, the Torah reading of the Shabbat that falls on or before Adar 1 - Rosh Chodesh - is supplemented with the verses (Exodus 30:11-16) that relate G-d's commandment to Moses regarding the first giving of the half-shekel. "Parshat Shekalim" is the first of four special readings added during or immediately before the month of Adar (the other three being "Zachor" (read this year on March 4th), "Parah" (the 11th) and "Hachodesh" (the 18th)). Links: The Shekalim Reading with commentary; Partner; Tzedakah: Charity
Upcoming Events:
- Wednesday, Feb. 22, 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.
- Thursday, Feb. 23 at 8 pm Houston time - Met@Chabad Online Speeddating - Values-based speeddating is the way to go! Sign up now and on Feb. 23 we will email your dating schedule with up to 7 dates per event. Each date will last 8 minutes. www.metatchabad.com/speeddating
- Friday, March 3, 6:30 pm - Noir et Blanc March First Fridays Shabbat Dinner 6:30 pm. Join Young Jewish Professionals, ages 21-39, over Shabbat Dinner. Get in on the theme and dress in black and white! (optional) www.yjphouston.org/noiretblanc
- Monday, March 6, 7 pm - YJP Houston Purim Out of this World - Jewish Professionals in their 20s and 30s for a Megillah Reading at 7 pm followed by Out of this World themed party
- Tuesday, March 7, 5 pm - Community Mad Science Purim Join us for an unforgettable Purim party for the whole family and community, bringing friendship, science and fun together! 5:00 pm Megillah Reading * 5:30 pm Purim Feast & Carnival. 6:00 pm *Up, Up & Away" by Mad Science of Houston
- Wednesday, March 15, 7:30 pm - YJP Houston Oil & Gas Summit and Networking - Bringing together an impressive and powerful group of individuals and Oil & Gas industry Executives.
- May 3-7 Antigua Guatemala Trip - An adventurous weekend of nature, soulfulness, and connection with fellow young Jewish professionals. www.yjphouston.org/guatemala
Mazel tov Yair Ilouz and the entire Karni family on his bar mitzvah this weekend!
Mazel tov Kylan Aaron Spiegel and the entire Speigel family on his bar mitzvah this weekend!
Shabbos Shekalim, Mevarchim Adar, Parshas Mishpatim
Friday, February 17, 26 Shevat
Candle Lighting and Mincha at 5:54 pm
Services at 6:00 pm
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
Shabbos, February 18, 27 Shevat
Shabbos Mevarchim Tehillim at 8:30 am
Services at 10 am
Followed by Shabbos Lunch Kiddush in honor of the Bar Mitzvah of Yair Ilouz
Mincha at 5:55 pm
Torah Study
Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends at 6:49 pm
Living Torah
Sunday, February 19, 28 Shevat
Shacharis at 8:00 am
Mon.-Fri., Feb. 20-24, 29 Shevat-Adar 3
Shacharis at 6:45 am
Rosh Chodesh Adar, Tues.-Wed., Feb 21 & 22
Shacharis at 6:45-8 am
followed by monthly breakfast
Good Shabbos!
