ב"ה

Updates

Thoughts, notes and happenings...

Chabad of Uptown and personal diary updates! Please comment on our posts, we would love to hear from you!

Tears for Uvalde in Harris County Court

Friday, May 27, 2022 - 11:31 AM

Sadly, the feeling is all-too familiar.

We stare at the news reports in disbelief, unable to comprehend how a human mind is tortured into wanting to harm innocent school children. We crave a panacea that will soothe the searing pain and unfairness of it all, but all words ring hollow.

And so we cry, we pray, we grieve, and we channel our angst into concrete action to make the world a more loving, safer, and better place for us all.

We find solace in sharing the pain with others, knowing that we are not alone. And we empower one another to create a world where every young person is educated to have a sense of accountability to a Higher Power, to develop their innate morality and kindness.

The same morning of the event in Uvalde, we were invited by Precinct 4 Commissioner R. Jack Cagle's Office to open with an invocation for the May 24th meeting at the Harris County Commissioners Court, with County Judge Lina Hidalgo, Rodney Ellis, Tom Ramsey, Adrian Garcia.

The prayer shared perhaps would set the stage for the day to follow.

Rabbi Chaim shared "the famous Chassidic adage [that] goes 'One must strive that today should be far better than yesterday and that tomorrow should look much better than today.'

"Please G-d, give strength to our elected officials to be cognizant of Your presence and conduct their deliberations accordingly. That they have the ability to elevate the quality of life for everyone in our region and to be an inspiration to us all to make our days count. That we truly care for our peers, for society, our environment and work together to make our world a better place for all.

"May our borderland region serve as a beacon of light, strength and moral courage as we do our part in preparing the world for an era of global peace and tranquility. May this occur speedily in our times." (Video replay and transcript of the complete prayer and requested follow up comments here.)

Join us in praying for the day when G‑d will “wipe away the tears from upon all faces” and peace and harmony will reign.

With wishes for a peaceful and good Shabbos,

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie

Congratulations to our 16th graduating class of Mental Health First Aid! This brings our efforts to 263 total successful graduating students! After a two year break of virtual only, in person courses are back! 9 more members of our community making a difference to be a positive influence and save lives. Thank you Jewish Family Service of Houston for your partnership!

LAG BOMER PHOTOS: We are so sorry that the link to the Lag Bomer photos in last week's email was not active. We know you want to know what happened, so here it is!

Wed. June 1, 8 pm: Shavuos Treats and Eats Cooking Club! Prepare Shavuos garlic knots and other holiday treats while we discuss what's behind the custom of eating dairy products on Shavuot? Is there a connection between the giving of the Torah at Mt Sinai and eating milk products?

SHAVUOS WEEKEND JUNE 3-6: Join us next weekend for an awesome Shavuos, including June First Fridays, Saturday all night learning and Sunday Ten Commandments followed by elaborate dairy Kiddush. We will have the honor to host Lev Yakov and Talia (Lewis) Voskoboynik over the weekend for many talks and Torah classes! Lev Yakov is an experienced Yeshivah educator and Talia is a Texas A&M Graduate with a Masters in Accounting. Thank you Rafi Benjaminov and family for his partial sponsorship in honor of the first yartzeit of his father Amnon ben Tova, obm. Rafi has been so gracious to sponsor part of it, we are looking for some more sponsors to help cover the costs of kiddush, speakers etc. www.chabaduptown.org/donate. You can also use cashapp, venmo or paypal: @chabaduptown
zelle: [email protected].

Mazel tov Lindsay & Alexander Barsky on the birth of a baby boy!

Shabbos Mevarchim Sivan, Chazak, Parshas Bechukosai
Friday, May 27, Iyar 26
Mincha & Kabbalat Shabbat Services 7:30 pm
Candle Lighting 7:57 pm
Omer Count
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner

Shabbos, May 28, Iyar 27
Shabbos Mevarchim Tehillim at 8:30 am
Morning Service 10:00 am
Followed by lunch Kiddush
Mincha Service 7:55 pm
Maariv Havdalla and Shabbos Ends 8:56 pm
Omer Count
Living Torah

Sunday & Monday, May 29-30, Iyar 28-29 - 8:00 am
Tuesday, May 31, Rosh Chodesh Sivan - 6:45 am
Followed by monthly breakfast
Wed.-Fri., June 1-3, 2-4 Sivan - Shacharis at 6:45 am

Shavuot Shabbaton Weekend with Rabbi Lev Yakov and Talia Voskoboynik
Sponsored in part by Rafi Benjaminov & Family in honor of the first yartzeit of his father Amnon ben Tova, a"h
> Mobile Friendly Shavuos RSVP Form <

Friday, June 3
7:30 pm Mincha Services
8:01 pm Shabbat candle lighting
RSVP Required for June First Fridays Shabbos Dinner www.yjphouston.org/talia
Talia: What Getting a Masters Degree Can Teach You About Being a Proud Jew
Talia's Personal Journey in Rediscovering Her True Self

Shabbos, June 4
9:00 pm Chassidus
10:00 am Shacharis
Followed by Lunch Kiddush
8:00 pm Shabbat Afternoon & Evening Holiday Services
AFTER 9:00 pm Light Yom Tov Candles
11:30 pm All Night Learn-A-Thon
Lineup of Torah talks on many Jewish subjects!
Lev Yakov: How To Attain True Emotional and Spiritual Freedom Never Worry Again!
Talia: Is the Torah Still Relevant Today? Keep Living a Life of Inspiration

Sunday, June 5
10:00 am Morning Services
* 11am-1pm Special childrens' service w/ games, activities and more!
11:15 am Reading of Ten Commandments & Party
followed by 1 pm dairy kiddush & ice cream party!
Lev Yakov: From Tennis Star to Yeshiva Student
The Life Changing Story of a Nationally Ranked Tennis Player to A Chabad Rabbi
8:00 pm Mincha & Maariv Holiday Services
After 9:00 pm* Light Yom Tov Candles
* From a pre-existing flame.

Monday, June 6
10:00 am Morning Services
- 11:45 am approx. Yizkor Memorial Service
8:00 pm Mincha Services
9:01 pm Maariv, Havdalla & Yom Tov Ends

> Mobile Friendly Shavuos RSVP Form <

Have a Good Shabbos!

50 years, lag bomer in photos

Friday, May 20, 2022 - 2:17 PM

This week saw two unique Jewish holidays, with important lessons for our lives. 1. Pesach Sheini, the second Passover, is the day that anyone who was unable to offer the Passover sacrifice at the appointed time was given an opportunity to do so a month later. The lesson there is that even when things seem lost, there can always be a second chance to correct the past. 2. Lag Baomer, the day we mark the passing of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, the talmudic sage who introduced the study of Jewish mysticism to the masses. This day reminds us to always study Torah with an eye on the esoteric. Dig past the surface, peel away the layers, and discover the true essence of the universe.

This week we also began the new cycle of the daily study of Rambam! In under five minutes a day you can learn through the 613 mitzvos and know them well! Check out the daily study section at www.chabaduptown.org/dailystudy.

The messages of these dates are eternal and apply even today, in 2022, and will continue being central to Jewish tradition, leading the way to the coming of Moshiach, very soon!

Shabbat shalom,

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie

Always amazing to celebrate simchos with our YJP Houston community! This week we had the opportunity to attend two brisim in less than 18 hours! Mazal tov Dr. Ariel & Tiffany Ourian, it was awesome to be able to be with you in Los Angeles for the bris of Ayden Yeshaya!! We were then able to make it back in Houston in time for the next morning, less than 18 hours later, we for the bris of Adam to Tslil & Oded Tzur! To many more simchos by all!

50 YEARS OF CHABAD: "If one in every three Jews in Houston has taken part, that's still not enough." Rabbi Chaim Lazaroff said. "There is still a high percent that hasn't. Our goal is to inspire you to be a better Jews today than you were yesterday". A complete section B of the Jewish Herald-Voice, put together on their own initiative, contains a 12-page Special Section honoring Chabad in Houston with lots of stories, photos and info. The lead story describes Chabad's 50-year Lone Star journey, here. Thank you to all of the staff at the JHV for all of your efforts for this week's paper and all year round for all you do for the Houston Jewish community!

LAG BOMER IN PHOTOS: This Wednesday we had an awesome outdoor evening of Lag B’Omer with fellow young professionals performing their musical talents over artisan BBQ, spiked ice cream and roasted marshmallows. Thank you to our sponsors Joel and Debra Ruby!

SHAVUOS JUNE 3-6: Save the date for an awesome Shavuos weekend, including June First Fridays, Saturday all night learning and Sunday Ten Commandments followed by elaborate dairy Kiddush. . We will have the honor to host Lev Yakov and Talia (Lewis) Voskoboynik over the weekend for many talks and Torah classes! Lev Yakov is an experienced Yeshivah educator and Talia is a Texas A&M Graduate with a Masters in Accounting. Thank you Rafi Benjaminov and family for his sponsorship in honor of the first yartzeit of his father Amnon ben Tiva, obm

JLI course, Beyond Right - The Values that Shape Judaism's Civil Code! Its not too late to join the current ongoing course on Tuesday evenings 7:30- 9 pm at Chabad of Uptown, Lawyers get 9 CLE credits. Sign up here!

MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID: This is your last chance to sign up for the Mental Health First Aid course this Sunday, May 22, at Chabad of Uptown! Mental Health First Aid is a skills-based training course that teaches participants about mental health and substance-use issues. CEU credits available. Sign up here.

Shabbos Parshas Behar
Friday, May 20, Iyar 19
Mincha & Kabbalat Shabbat Services 7:30 pm
Candle Lighting 7:53 pm
Omer Count
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner

Shabbos, May 21, Iyar 20
Chassidus at 9 am
Morning Service 10:00 am
Followed by lunch Kiddush
Mincha Service 7:50 pm
Maariv Havdalla and Shabbos Ends 8:51 pm
Omer Count
Living Torah

Sunday, May 22, Iyar 21 - 8:00 am
Monday-Friday, May 23-27, 22-26 Iyar- Shacharis at 6:45 am

Have a Good Shabbos!

beyond tolerating school, improving mental health

Friday, May 13, 2022 - 10:58 AM

They say that only 20% of students actually succeed and enjoy school. 20% are failing miserably and 60% are just plain tolerating it and are tolerated. Is there a way we can change that?

This week’s Torah portion opens with a reminder that in order to ensure Jewish continuity, there must be proper education. And in order for the education to be successful, it has to be more than just texts and indoctrination; adults and teachers must serve as living examples for their children and students and display a love for them where they are at.

Hillel says, "Be of the disciples of Aaron [the Kohen], loving peace and pursuing peace, loving the creatures and bringing them closer to Torah."

The context in our Parsha of this reminder is regarding the Kohanim, the priests who served in the Temple. They are required to follow a strict set of rules pertaining to ritual purity, and they must also ensure that their children learn these laws and are prepared to follow them once they come of age. They accomplished this by displaying a love for Hashem and most importantly love for one's fellow.

The same goes for the Jewish people as a whole, who are referred to as “a kingdom of priests.” By adhering to the Torah’s practices, the children grow up seeing how important sustaining Jewish tradition is. And thus, we are guaranteed Jewish continuity.

Shabbat shalom,

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie

Next Sunday, May 22, you have the opportunity to become Mental Health First Aid certified. MHFA is a skills-based training course that teaches participants about mental health and substance use conditions. The course is valued at $150, is sponsored and free - and includes lunch! Did you register yet? There is some prework that needs to be done, so please register ASAP! https://bit.ly/3yEN2zE The in person and main part part 9:30 am - 4 pm at Chabad of Uptown.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

May 18 - Lag B'Omer YJP Got Talent - An outdoor evening of Lag B’Omer with fellow young professionals performing their musical talents! Jamming session lead by Gal Litani! RSVP REQUIRED - $25 At door. Coupon $18 "Advance" - Expires May 16 - RSVP HERE
May 22 - Mental Health First Aid Course - We are pleased to host our first hybrid, online / in-person Mental Health First Aid since covid! Mental Health First Aid is a skills-based training course that teaches participants about mental health and substance use conditions. CEU credit available. REGISTER HERE

Mazel tov Ariel & Tiffany Ourian on the birth of a baby boy!
Mazel tov Oded and Tslil Tzur on the birth of a baby boy!

Shabbos Parshas Emor
Friday, May 13, Iyar 12
Mincha & Kabbalat Shabbat Services 7:30 pm
Candle Lighting 7:49 pm
Omer Count

Shabbos, May 14, Iyar 13
Chassidus at 9 am
Morning Service 10:00 am
Followed by lunch Kiddush
Mincha Service 7:50 pm
Maariv Havdalla and Shabbos Ends 8:46 pm
Omer Count
Living Torah

Sunday, May 15, Iyar 14 - 8:00 am
Monday-Friday, May 16-20, 15-19 Iyar- Shacharis at 6:45 am

Wed, May 18, 8 pm - Lag B'omer YJP Got Talent www.yjphouston.org/talent

Have a Good Shabbos!

to be holy

Friday, May 6, 2022 - 12:33 PM

It has been a busy week of travel celebrating the Bar Mitzvah of Rabbi Chaim's nephew, Eliezer Rivkin in Morristown and the first time another nephew Zalman Lazaroff of the medical center Chabad put on tefillin at the Ohel. It was very meaningful and a moment of holy serenity to spend time together as family and visit the ohel.

The name of this week’s Torah portion is Kedsohim, which literally means “holy,” as G‑d tells the Jewish people that they are obligated to always be holy.

Holiness can mean different things depending on the context, and here it means that G‑d wants us to be different, to stand out and live differently from everyone around us. Another term sometimes used in the Torah for this is hevdel, “separation,” implying that we are to keep ourselves separate and behave differently.

These words might sound familiar, as at their root they are associated with the ceremonies we use to usher Shabbat in and out. We begin Shabbat with kiddush and we conclude it with havdalah — leaving the holy day sandwiched between these two rituals.

Shabbat is a day that stands out among the rest of the week, and it must therefore be highlighted by special rituals at its beginning and end.

And just like Shabbat, the Jewish people must also be highlighted, in the way we act and in the way we treat the world around us.

With prayers for the coming of Moshiach very soon and Good Shabbos,

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie

Torah Day School of Houston is hiring! Let me know if you or someone you know wants to join the TDS family, and I will put you / them in touch with the right person!

Office manager (starting immediately).
Front Desk Receptionist (starting in June)
Elementary teachers (For 2022-2023 school year)

UPCOMING EVENTS:

May 6 - YJP Cinco de Shabbat - May First Fridays www.yjphouston.org/cinco2022
May 11-15 - YJP Encounter with Antigua Guatemala! An adventurous weekend of nature, soulfulness, and connection with fellow young Jewish professionals. LIMITED SPACE. CLICK FOR MORE INFO & TO APPLY
May 13-15 - Shabbat in the Heights A spirited Shabbos experience in the nerve center of the Chabad Lubavitch Movement. More info and to register using invitation code ChabadUptown shabbatintheheights.com
May 17 - Lag B'Omer YJP Got Talent - An outdoor evening of Lag B’Omer with fellow young professionals performing their musical talents! Jamming session lead by Gal Litani! RSVP REQUIRED - $25 At door. Coupon $18 "Advance" - Expires May 16 - RSVP HERE
May 22 - Mental Health First Aid Course - We are pleased to host our first hybrid, online / in-person Mental Health First Aid since covid! Mental Health First Aid is a skills-based training course that teaches participants about mental health and substance use conditions. CEU credit available. REGISTER HERE

Shabbos Parshas Kedoshim
Friday, May 6, Iyar 5
Mincha & Kabbalat Shabbat Services 7:30 pm
Candle Lighting 7:44 pm
Omer Count

Shabbos, May 7, Iyar 6
Chassidus at 9 am
Morning Service 10:00 am
Followed by lunch Kiddush
Mincha Service 7:45 pm
Maariv Havdalla and Shabbos Ends 8:41 pm
Omer Count
Living Torah

Sunday, May 8, Iyar 7 - 8:00 am
Monday-Friday, May 9-13, 8-12 Iyar- Shacharis at 6:45 am

Have a Good Shabbos!

Looking for older posts? See the sidebar for the Archive.