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!

On the Rebbe's yahrtzeit, we bring him our prayers. Can we bring yours as well?

Thursday, June 30, 2022 - 6:57 PM

This coming Shabbat, July 2nd, marks the 28th Yahrtzeit of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory. Rabbi Chaim will be in NY joining the many people who will be visiting the Rebbe's grave for prayer in honor of this auspicious occasion, as is customary when we commemorate the Yartzeit of a righteous person. Chanie will be leading this special Shabbat of Inspiration with a special kiddush following services on Shabbos morning.

Throughout our history, the holy resting places of the righteous have served as our spiritual oases. The gravesites of our patriarchs and matriarchs, as well as those of our great sages, are viewed in our tradition as places of prayer and introspection and have provided solace to us for millennia. The Rebbe would frequent the resting place of his father-in-law, the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Joseph Isaac Schneersohn, of righteous memory, where he would stand and pray for hours on behalf of the thousands of people who sent him their requests.

Today, many people visit the Rebbe's resting place—known as the Ohel—each day, and many more send in their requests for prayers and blessings.

It would be an honor and pleasure to pray for you (and your family), as well, at the Rebbe's "Ohel." Please e-mail me by Friday early morning with your name and your mother's name (preferably the Hebrew or Yiddish names), and those of anyone else you would like to be mentioned. You may add a prayer for any specific requests as well.

If you prefer, you may send a prayer request directly to the ohel. To do so Click Here. May all our prayers be fulfilled.

May G-d help us that in the merit of our collective acts of goodness we quickly greet our righteous Moshiach, at which time we will be reunited with our beloved Rebbe and all our loved ones.

On the anniversary of his passing (July 2), let's celebrate the Rebbe's vision. Let's honor his life's mission to bring goodness and kindness into this world. Let's do one more mitzvah, one more good deed, to make this world a better place.

Shabbat Shalom

Rabbi Chanie

UPCOMING EVENTS

Friday, July 1, 7:30 pm - All American BBQ - First Fridays - All American Themed BBQ Shabbat Dinner at YJPHouston - where spirits run high! www.yjphouston.org/bbqshabbat
Shabbos, July 2, 10 am - A Shabbat of Inspiration marking the 28th Yartzeit of The Rebbe - With a special kiddush and farbrengen following services.
Game Night Shabbat (08.05.22) - Game themed Shabbat dinner and interactive games throughout the night.
Thursday, August 11 - Tu B'Av The White Party - Join us for the annual party of the year in summer white cocktail attire for an evening of entertainment and fun on this special holiday of Tu B'Av! Check out these 2019 preCovid photos!
Blood Drive (08.14.22) - Donate blood and save a life as we host a blood drive at Chabad of Uptown! Click here to reserve your spot!
August 18-21 - YJP Encounter with Panama City! An adventurous weekend of nature, soulfulness, and connection with fellow young Jewish professionals. LIMITED SPACE. www.yjphouston.org/panama

Shabbos Gimmel Tammuz, Parshas Korach
Friday, July 1, Tammuz 2
Mincha & Kabbalat Shabbat Services 7:30 pm
Candle Lighting 8:08 pm
RSVP for YJP All-American Shabbat Dinner www.yjphouston.org/bbqshabbat

Shabbos, July 2, Gimmel Tammuz
Chassidus with Ziv at 9 am
Morning Service 10:00 am
Followed by special Gimmel Tammuz Kiddush and Farbrengen sponsored by the Melnik family
Mincha Service 8:05 pm
Ethics of our Fathers Ch. 4
Maariv Havdalla and Shabbos Ends 9:07 pm
Living Torah

Sunday, July 3, Tammuz 4 - Shacharis at 8:00 am
Mon.-Fri.., July 4-8, Tammuz 5-9 - Shacharis at 6:45 am

Good Shabbos!

A scout or spy?

Friday, June 24, 2022 - 12:12 PM

This story is amazing.

Levi's Yeshivah in Monsey went for a hike on Bear Mountain last week. One of his friends brought along tefillin in case they find a Jew who needs to put on tefillin. They asked many, and turned up with no Jewish customers. Finally they encountered an elderly gentleman who shared that he was Jewish but declined to put on tefillin. Not taking no for an answer, Levi's friend explained to him that if he put on tefillin he would be the first to put on tefillin on the mountain that day and would elevate the entire environment. He acquiesced and agreed to get wrapped up. Upon concluding, the teacher walked up and asked the man his name. He said his name is Bill Lang and he was a "karkafta", his first time putting on tefillin in his life! The boys excitedly told him that the boy who helped you put on tefillin, his name is Moshe Lang! Moshe Lang? "My father's name was Moshe Lang"...

The Jewish people were allowed by Hashem to send scouts to check out the land. In our Parsha, Shelach, we are taught how instead of being scouts and checking how to enter the land they became spies to see if they can enter the land. This was their big failure that caused the Jews to have to wander in the desert for 40 years.... If they had only realized that stepping down was not an option, they would have stepped up and not taken no for an answer. Perhaps they could have learned a lesson from Levi's classmates and made the mountains a holy place for Hashem.

May we all succeed in stepping up to the challenge to transform our environment for the good, making it a spiritual home for Hashem to reside.

Shabbat shalom,

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie

P.S. The White Party committee had a very productive meeting this week! This annual event for Jewish Young Professionals in their 20s and 30s is one not to miss! Get ready for some jaw dropping entertainment and business networking in your summer white cocktail attire! Tickets drop July 3! Save the date for Thursday, Aug. 11 at 7:30 pm.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Met at Chabad Virtual Speeddating (06.23.22) - Values based and commitment focused speeddating using advanced AI. www.metatachabad.com/speedating
Friday, July 1, 7:30 pm - All American BBQ - First Fridays - All American Themed BBQ Shabbat Dinner at YJPHouston - where spirits run high! www.yjphouston.org/bbqshabbat
Game Night Shabbat (08.05.22) - Game themed Shabbat dinner and interactive games throughout the night.
Thursday, August 11 - Tu B'Av The White Party - Join us for the annual party of the year in summer white cocktail attire for an evening of entertainment and fun on this special holiday of Tu B'Av! Check out these 2019 preCovid photos!
Blood Drive (08.14.22) - Donate blood and save a life as we host a blood drive at Chabad of Uptown! Click here to reserve your spot!
August 18-21 - YJP Encounter with Panama City! An adventurous weekend of nature, soulfulness, and connection with fellow young Jewish professionals. LIMITED SPACE. www.yjphouston.org/panama

Shabbos Mevarchim Tammuz Parshas Shelach
Friday, June 24, Sivan 24
Mincha & Kabbalat Shabbat Services 7:30 pm
Candle Lighting 8:08 pm
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner

Shabbos, June 25, Sivan 25
Shabbos Mevarchim Tehillim at 8:30 am
Morning Service 10:00 am
Followed by Shabbos Mevarchim Kiddush and Farbrengen
Mincha Service 8:05 pm
Ethics of our Fathers Ch. 3
Maariv Havdalla and Shabbos Ends 9:07 pm
Living Torah

Sunday, June 26, Sivan 27 - Shacharis at 8:00 am
Mon.-Fri.., June 27-July 2, Sivan 28-Tammuz 2 - Shacharis at 6:45 am
Rosh Chodesh Tammuz and monthly breakfasts June 29-30 at 6:45 am

Good Shabbos!

be like Moses

Friday, June 17, 2022 - 2:01 PM

The end of this week’s Torah portion describes Moses’ most admired quality: “He was exceedingly humble, more so than any person on the face of the earth.”

Humility does not mean allowing yourself to be trampled or stepped on; humility does not mean ignoring your capabilities and pretending you don’t have them; and humility is certainly not an excuse to escape responsibility.

A humble person is firm in his or her convictions, and promotes them in the most sensitive manner possible. Humble people recognize their G‑d-given capabilities and employ them to benefit others, sharing everything they possess with the world around them. The most effective leaders are, by far, always the most humble. They are not in it for themselves but for the greater good.

Be like Moses and recognize that the world is G‑d’s beautiful tapestry, waiting for us to play our part in revealing its beauty and sharing it with the world. Do a mitzvah, smile, and believe in yourself and also the world around you. That is how we will make a real difference even in the darkest times—may they become bright and shine once again with the coming of Moshiach!

Shabbat shalom,

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie

Mazel tov Ariel Jacobson on his Bar Mitzvah and we look forward to celebrating this Shabbos with the entire family!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Met at Chabad Virtual Speeddating (06.23.22) - Values based and commitment focused speeddating using advanced AI. www.metatachabad.com/speedating
Friday, July 1, 7:30 pm - All American BBQ - First Fridays - All American Themed BBQ Shabbat Dinner at YJPHouston - where spirits run high!
Game Night Shabbat (08.05.22) - Game themed Shabbat dinner and interactive games throughout the night.
Thursday, August 11 - Tu B'Av The White Party - Join us for the annual party of the year in summer white cocktail attire for an evening of entertainment and fun on this special holiday of Tu B'Av! Check out these 2019 preCovid photos!
Blood Drive (08.14.22) - Donate blood and save a life with YJP Houston
August 18-21 - YJP Encounter with Panama City! An adventurous weekend of nature, soulfulness, and connection with fellow young Jewish professionals. LIMITED SPACE. Reply to this email for more info!

Shabbos Parshas Beha'alosecha
Friday, June 17, Sivan 18
Mincha & Kabbalat Shabbat Services 7:30 pm
Candle Lighting 8:06 pm
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner

Shabbos, June 18, Sivan 19
Chassidus at 9 am
Morning Service 10:00 am
Followed by lunch Kiddush in honor of the Bar Mitzvah of Ariel Jacobson!
Mincha Service 8:05 pm
Ethics of our Fathers Ch. 2
Maariv Havdalla and Shabbos Ends 9:06 pm
Living Torah

Sunday, June 19, Sivan 20 - Shacharis at 8:00 am
Mon.-Fri.., June 20-24, Sivan 21-25 - Shacharis at 6:45 am

Good Shabbos!

not a random taxi encounter

Friday, June 10, 2022 - 2:52 PM

What an amazing Shavuos weekend, with a packed shul and many amazing talks that wrapped up a very inspiring weekend with hundreds in attendance! Thank you to the Rabbi Lev Yakov and Talia Voskboynik and all the sponsors for making it happen!

Rabbi Chaim made a quick trip last night to celebrate the wedding of the daughter of his study partner from the age of 12, Rabbi Moshe Gourarie. Many call the relationship like one of brothers (from another mother). On the way back the taxi driver was describing how his recent working of the Crown Heights neighborhood has made him take a liking for the "yids". "Wait are you Jewish?". "Of course I am. I guess I need to get a black hat so you would know that". "No, its just you call them the yids like they are some other group, let's call them my fellow yids, my brothers and sisters". "You know, I love that about the Rebbe and Chabad, the love for everyone, all Jews and all of humanity is so amazing". Don't focus on what others are or aren't doing, they focus on how to help each person develop a special connection to G‑d. Of course, we made sure to have him wrapped up with tefillin right there at LGA departures. He sure got a kick out of the Texas style tefillin bags and even took a pic to show his friend.

Not by chance, this is all coming on the heels of Shavuot, when we celebrate receiving the Torah and we had a short week to catch up on the longest reading in the entire Torah, Parshas Naso.

One of the reasons the portion is so long is because it contains a detailed description of the gifts brought by the leaders of the tribes to dedicate the altar in the desert. Twelve tribes and twelve leaders; that takes up a nice chunk of real estate. But here's the thing: All twelve leaders brought the exact same gifts, yet the Torah still details each offering as if it was unique to that individual.

This serves as an important reminder that the service of every Jew is important, even if everyone else is doing the exact same thing. This is especially significant when praying and reciting the exact same words as everyone else. Whether is tefillin, lighting Shabbat candles or davening in Shul, the words and the offerings may be the same, but G‑d still views each one as unique and deserving of special recognition.

Don't focus on what others are or aren't doing, focus on your own special connection to G‑d.

Good Shabbos!

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie

Mazel tov Flavio and Leila Nisenbaum on the birth of a granddaughter!

SAVE THE DATES!

First Fridays July 1 and August 5, 7:30 pm - Shabbat Dinner with YJP Houston
Thursday, August 11 - Tu B'Av The White Party - Join us for the annual party of the year in summer white cocktail attire for an evening of entertainment and fun on this special holiday of Tu B'Av! Check out these 2019 preCovid photos!
August 18-21 - YJP Encounter with Panama City! An adventurous weekend of nature, soulfulness, and connection with fellow young Jewish professionals. LIMITED SPACE. Reply to this email for more info!

Shabbos Parshas Naso
Friday, June 10, Sivan 11
Mincha & Kabbalat Shabbat Services 7:30 pm
Candle Lighting 8:04 pm
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner

Shabbos, June 11, Sivan 12
Chassidus at 9 am
Morning Service 10:00 am
Followed by lunch Kiddush
Mincha Service 8:05 pm
Ethics of our Fathers Ch. 1
Maariv Havdalla and Shabbos Ends 9:03 pm
Kiddush Levana
Living Torah

Sunday, June 12, Sivan 13 - Shacharis at 8:00 am
Mon.-Fri.., June 13-17, Sivan 14-18 - Shacharis at 6:45 am

Good Shabbos!

Shavuot weekend to remember!

Friday, June 3, 2022 - 10:14 AM

The holiday of Shavuot marks the giving of the Torah at Mt. Sinai. Although that event technically occurred 3,334 years ago, we don't simply commemorate it as a historical event.

Each year, when we stand in the synagogue listening to the Ten Commandments being read on Shavuot, we recommit to living a life according to G‑d's Will. We commit to being a light unto the nations, with the goal of making the world a better and more G‑dly place.

Today more than ever, the world needs the Torah’s light and guidance to help us navigate the darkness that all too often rears its evil head.

Teaching our children about their G-dly essence, the importance of being there for others, and training them to be selfless rather than self-absorbed is how we can ensure a brighter future for all of mankind.

Shabbat shalom and chag same'ach!

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie

This past Sunday and Monday, the 50th anniversary of Chabad Lubavitch of Texas was celebrated with a Farbrengen gathering of close to 200 men, women and children, of the Texas Shluchim families. The Shluchim (emissaries), representing the 58 couples – 116 community leaders – and their families, serve 37 branches around Texas, each comprising multiple organizations and programs. Chabad of Texas was founded with the arrival of Rabbi Shimon & Chiena Lazaroff on 25 Iyar, 5732 / May 9 1972 as one of the 71 new institutions established that year for the Rebbe's 70th birthday. Check out the highlight photos here

SHAVUOS WEEKEND JUNE 3-6: Join us this weekend for an awesome Shavuos, including tonight's YJP 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.

We thank our partial sponsors:

Rafi Benjaminov and family in honor of the first yartzeit of his father Amnon ben Tova, obm.
Andrew & Elyse Goldstein in memory of her mother, Shandl Miriam bas Esther, a"h

We are still 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].

JEPShavuot - Torah Ideas Worth SpreadingFor 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

Saturday Night, June 4, 2022
11:30 pm-All Night
Light Refreshments | Free Admission

שיעורים בעברית
סודות שבועות בפרשת המספרים - במדבר
זיו מסילתי

דבר קטן אמת
עומר נחמיה

אוצרות מתנת חינם
רפי בנימיניוו

Why the Torah was Given in a Desert
Bluma Lazaroff, TDS 5th Grade

Location, Location, Location: Where you are matters!
Bonnie Pfrenger, Commercial Realtor

Happy anniversary- time to reconnect and reflect
Chanie Lazaroff, Chabad of Uptown

Honor and dishonor: Who are we really honoring?
Jessica Pfrenger, Premed Student

How To Attain True Emotional and Spiritual Freedom Never Worry Again!
Lev Yakov Voskoboynik, Yeshivah Educator & Mentor

The Story of Rus
Menucha Lazaroff, TDS 2nd Grade

The Engineering of the Jewish Body
Nina Pfrenger, TAMU Mechanical Engineering Student

Social Learning: Is Big Brother Watching? Torah Perspective for Privacy in Modern Society
Rabbi Chaim Lazaroff, Chabad of Uptown

The Utterances for an Eternity
Sara Matar, Judicial Law Clerk

The Art of Listening
Solomon Berezin, Holistic Health Coach

Is the Torah Still Relevant Today? Keep Living a Life of Inspiration
Talia Voskoboynik, TAMU Graduate, Masters in Accounting

Shavuos Secrets of the Parshah of Numbers - Bamidbar
Ziv Mesilaty, Personal Trainer

Shabbos Parshas Bamidbar and Shavuos
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, Sivan 4
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, Sivan 5
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
Many more talks as listed on www.chabaduptown.org/shavuotschedule

Sunday, June 5, Sivan 6
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, Sivan 7
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!

YJP Houston June Newsletter - Shavuot, First Fridays and Photos

Wednesday, June 1, 2022 - 2:10 PM

Where young Jewish professionals connect
in a sophisticated, welcoming, and relaxed setting
with a spirited vibe

June Events

Wednesdays, 8:00 pm - Dinner, Class & Social
Wednesday In Person Classes are Back! Weekly Contemporary Jewish Classes for Young Professionals Come discuss, agree, disagree, mingle and network with other young Jewish professionals, singles and couples at series of classes / discussions on contemporary themes! Class, discussion and FREE DINNER!

TONIGHT: Wednesday, June 1, 8 pm Shavuot Treats & Eats Cooking Club
Make your Shavuot Garlic Knots and other 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 - RSVP

Friday, June 3, 7:30 pm - Talia's Journey - June First Fridays
Kick off the Shavuot weekend with an evening with other Young Jewish Professionals over Shabbat Dinner and guest speaker Texas A&M Graduate Talia Lewis Voskoboynik! Services at 7:30 pm Shabbat Candle Lighting: 8:01, Shabbat Dinner 8:30 PM, $18 until Thursday, $25 after Use promo code: advance RSVP HERE.

Saturday Night, June 4, 11:30 pm - Shavuot - All Night Torah Study
This Shavuot, add your voice to this unbroken narrative. Come listen to and you like you can event present your own Torah Ideas Worth Sharing
Check out the growing list of talks here! RSVP for free here.

10 Commandments & Shavuot Dairy Buffet Lunch & Ice Cream Party
Hear the 10 Commandments followed by a Delicious Dairy lunch! Featuring a fabulous assortment of Ice Cream, cheesecakes, blintzes, pasta and salad Non Dairy and Gluten Free Options Served. Guest Speaker Rabbi Lev Yakov: FROM TENNIS STAR TO YESHIVA STUDENT, The Life Changing Story of a Nationally Ranked Tennis Player to A Chabad Rabbi. RSVP for free here!

Lag B'omer Jamming Night in Photos!
In May, YJP Houston gathered for 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. Check out the photo gallery here!

SAVE THE AUGUST DATES!
Thursday, August 11 - Tu B'Av The White Party
Join us for the annual party of the year in summer white cocktail attire for an evening of entertainment and fun on this special holiday of Tu B'Av! Check out these 2019 preCovid photos!

August 18-21 - YJP Encounter with Panama City!
An adventurous weekend of nature, soulfulness, and connection with fellow young Jewish professionals. LIMITED SPACE. Reply to this email for more info!

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