The surprise extreme storm two weeks ago made some noise but didn't impact us at Chabad of Uptown much, but this weeks surprise storm on Tuesday came just in time AFTER the noon lunch and learn class, but put us out of power for 48 miserable hours!
But, Torah must go on!
On Tuesday night, Rabbi Moishe Traxler taught the JLI - The Rohr Jewish Learning Institute current course “Decisions of Fate” at Chabad of Uptown by candle light amid power outage due to surprise severe storms in Houston on Tuesday May 28.
On Wednesday we moved the YJP #CYPAcademy class to CASA Bar and Grill who graciously hosted YJP Houston - Young Jewish Professionals Houston in their private meeting room.
Finally two CenterPoint Energy transformers later, we got our desired power back in time for Thursday night's "Heart of Prayer" class!
Thankfully, Chanie missed it all, as she was at a retreat in Miami for Chabad Rebbetzins working with Chabad Young Professionals International for three days of much needed R&R!
Perhaps this is all connected to this week’s Torah portion that addresses the importance of observing all of G-d’s statutes. If we keep His laws, then Hashem (G-d) promises to provide all our needs: rain, food, protection, and security. We will be safe from wild storms, wild beasts and also from enemies attacking us.
In Israel and around the world, the Jewish people need as much protection and security as possible, always, but especially now. Fortunately we can look to the Torah which tells us how we can ensure our protection and have everything we need — by following Hashem’s laws.
The only problem is, Hashem is spiritual and we are very physical creatures. So how can doing what Hashem wants have an impact on our physical lives? If Hashem is spiritual and sublime, shouldn’t the reward for following His laws also be spiritual?
The answer to that is that when Hashem created the world He didn’t differentiate between spiritual and physical. He brought both elements together, to the point that they can each influence the other. So when we do a mitzvah, it affects the spiritual side of things but also yields practical results — the rewards we receive for doing what Hashem expects of us.
I pray that through all the mitzvos that we do, Hashem will indeed protect all of us, here and in Israel. May we all be safe from harm and have everything that we need!
Good Shabbos!
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie
Lag Ba’Omer vibes still glowing! We had an unforgettable night under the stars with YJP Houston, filled with mouthwatering steaks grilled to perfection, s’mores and warmth by the fire pit, signature cocktails flowing at the open bar and live music by the talented Daniel Gavin, keeping us entertained and energized! Music to keep us grooving and, of course, insightful discussions about the mystical significance of Lag Ba’Omer! Check out our gallery from the event and relive the magic!
UPCOMING EVENTS
- Friday, June 7, 7:30 pm - Shabbat Italiano - June First Fridays - Join Young Jewish Professionals for an Italian Shabbat Dinner at YJP Houston - where spirits run high! www.yjphouston.org/italy
- Tuesday-Thursday, June 11-13 - Shavuos www.chabaduptown.org/shavuotschedule
- Tues., June 11, 11:30 pm Shavuos All Night Learn-A-Thon - For over 3000 years Jews have been studying and expounding the wisdom of Torah. This Shavuot, add your voice to this unbroken narrative. Come present your Torah Ideas Worth Sharing.
- Wed. June 12, 11:15 am Shavuos Reading of Ten Commandments & Party followed by 1 pm dairy kiddush & ice cream party! Featuring a fabulous assortment of Ice Cream, cheesecakes, blintzes, pasta and salad.
- Thurs. June 13, 11:45 am approx. - Shavuos Yizkor Memorial Service
- Sunday, July 28, 4-6 pm - FCYA BBQ & Drum Circle - Friendship Circle Young Adults where young professionals and adults with special need enjoy time together as friends!
UPCOMING COURSES & POP-UP CLASS
- Tuesday, June 4, 7:30 pm - JLI: Decisions of Fate - Explore the guiding Jewish values that help inform choices on common medical questions. This course will equip students with the tools to chart a path through four areas of medical ethics: experimental treatments, extending life, pregnancy questions, and caring for a body. Gain an enriching perspective on how the Jewish ethical tradition helps us confidently navigate fateful decisions. Course Syllabus and Registration
- Wednesday, June 5, 7:30 pm - CYP Academy: Beyond Rituals - It's not what you know, it's what you do - Reveal the soul of Jewish ritual life and how to make each mitzvah personal, and a way to connect to something beyond ourselves. www.yjphouston.org/beyond
ONGOING MAY WEEKLY TORAH CLASSES
- Wednesdays, 11 am - The Tanya - Study the basic book of Chabad philosophy and a classic in terms of applied “intellectual Kabalah”. Its stated aim is to show a path to realizing one's purpose and developing a deeper relationship with G‑d. Attain insights into yourself and the world around you with these fundamental teachings of Kabbalah, exploring and solving the dilemmas of the human soul.
- Thursdays, 8 pm - The Heart of the Prayer Book - In depth look at the prayer book, picking apart the prayer structure and meaning exploring the mechanics and mysticism that comprise Jewish prayer.
- Shabbos, 9 am - Chassidus - Likkutei Torah Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi's (ob"m) Masterworks on the weekly Parsha of Chassidic Philosophy, Torah Or & Likkutei Torah. Every Shabbos morning at 9 am, besides for Shabbos Mevarchim.
To be added to a reminder broadcast list, including status of each class, please reply to this email to subscribe
SHABBOS MEVARCHIM CHAZAK PARSHAS BECHUKOSAI
FRIDAY, MAY 31, 23 IYAR
Mincha & Kabbolas Shabbos 7:30 pm
Shabbos Candle Lighting 8:00 pm
Omer Count, At Night 39
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
SHABBOS, JUNE 1, 24 IYAR
Shabbos Mevarchim Tehillim 8:00 am
Chassidus at 9:30 am
Shacharis 10:00 am
Chazak, completing Chumash Vayikra
Shabbos Mevarchim Kiddush and Farbrengen
Mincha at 1:56 pm
Ethics of our Fathers, Chapter 5
Maariv, Havdalla & Shabbos Ends 8:59 pm
Omer Count, At Night 40
Living Torah Video
SUNDAY, JUNE 2, 25 IYAR
Shacharis 8:00 am
MON.-THURS., JUNE 3-6, 26-29 IYAR
Shacharis 6:45 am
ROSH CHODESH SIVAN, JUNE 7, 1 SIVAN
Shacharis 6:45 am
Followed by monthly Rosh Chodesh breakfast sponsored by the Melnik family!
Good Shabbos!
The students of Rabbi Akiva were all great Torah scholars, devoted to their mentor’s every word. In fact, they were so committed to disseminating Rabbi Akiva’s teachings that they felt that anyone who didn’t see eye-to-eye with them was not deserving of any respect or recognition. This was especially true when it came to Rabbi Akiva’s famous teaching of “‘Love your fellow as yourself’—this is the most important principle in all of Torah.” Anyone who didn’t follow their teacher’s words to the tee was shunned until they came around.
One of the most important mitzvahs in all of Judaism is introduced in this week’s Torah portion: “Love your fellow as yourself.” In fact, this mitzvah is so central to Judaism that the great Rabbi Akiva referred to it as “the greatest principle of the Torah.”
