This Shabbos, we come together to mark a momentous anniversary on the Chabad calendar. On the 12th of Tammuz in 1927, a defining event took place in the history of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement. The previous Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, was released from imprisonment in the Soviet Union after being arrested and tried in absentia for his “counter revolutionary” activities, namely his insistence on continuing to support Jewish education and schools, which had been banned and shut down by the communist regime.
This day holds immense significance as it symbolizes the perseverance of the Jewish people, the continuity of our faith, and the triumph of hope in the face of adversity. The government saw the Rebbe's dedication to supporting underground Jewish schools as a threat to their ideals, resulting in the imprisonment, exile, and even execution of many teachers and rabbis who were committed to preserving our traditions and heritage.
Miraculously, through international pressure and the resilience of the Jewish community, the Rebbe's exile was short-lived, and on the 12th of Tammuz, he was granted freedom. His escape from exile wasn't just a personal victory; it was a profound moment that impacted the entire Jewish nation. As we look back on this historical event, we can now see that the liberation experienced then has had a lasting impact on Judaism worldwide and for generations to come.
The same oppressive regime that imprisoned and exiled the previous Lubavitcher Rebbe also affected our own family. Rabbi Chaim's grandfather and great grandfather were arrested, persecuted and killed in Russia. Chanie's own father Rabbi Shlomo Galperin was among the courageous Russian Chassidim who remained trapped behind the iron curtain in the Soviet Union for many years and endured years of separation and uncertainty. It is a testament to the strength of their faith and determination that he was finally granted the ability to escape to freedom and leave Russia in 1971. As we commemorate the Rebbe's release on this day, we also celebrate the triumph of our family's journey to freedom, cherishing the personal connection this day holds for Chanie and her family as well.
Today, every Chabad House and all the activities of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement around the world stand as a testament to the miracles of that day. It showcases the indomitable strength of the Jewish people and the unwavering commitment of our revered leaders, from the previous Rebbe to our current Rebbe, who have ensured that every Jewish child has the opportunity to receive an education imbued with the spirit of our holy Torah.
As we celebrate this significant anniversary, let us remember the importance of perseverance, unity, and the enduring power of faith. Together, we continue to thrive and pass on the traditions of our ancestors. May we persevere until the day of true and ultimate liberation with the coming of Moshiach.
Good Shabbos,
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie
Mazel tov to Omri Shafran and Anat Friedman and the entire family on the bar mitzvah of Eyal Shafran! It was a very meaningful moment shared at the Kotel as we celebrated his Bar Mitzvah together!
Rabbi Chaim also used the opportunity to visit the Alumim Youth Village from Zhitomir Ukraine now located in Ashkelon after a harrowing escape and evacuation on Feb. 24, 2022 through the Carpathian Mountains, Romania and landing in Israel on March 6, 2022.
Of course, it was was wonderful to visit our son Mendel, his brother Shmuly, Hayley and family and nephew Menachem & Shterna, all in Jerusalem. For a little fun, Mendel & Rabbi took a plunge with the longest zip-line in Israel spanning 600 meters across over Paradise Valley, 120 meters up in the air, over a spectacular ravine looking over the Judean Hills.
Wonderful kickoff of the new pop-up lunch and learn class yesterday! Stay tuned for future opportunities! If you have a topic you would like to learn about, please do let us know and we will try to cover it in a future class.
Last chance for the discounted registration for the JLI retreat! We have our tickets booked and are happy to share the itinerary with you! Visit jretreat.com for all the details and use coupon code "uptownjuly4" for our 10% discount. (CYP Academy graduates have special sponsored vouchers, private message to get those details).
We share condolences to Tali Bublil and family on the passing of her father in Israel, Zehavi (Broyde) Bar, a"h.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
- July 7 All American BBQ July First Fridays Shabbat Dinner www.yjphouston.org/shabbatusa
- July 12-16 CYP Encounter to Mexico City www.chabadyoung.com/mexico or Montauk, NY www.chabadyoung.com/montauk
- Wed. Aug 2 - The White Party - Tu B'av
- August 8-13 National Jewish Retreat, Palm Springs, CA www.jretreat.com
Shabbos Parshas Chukas-Balak
Friday, June 30, 11 Tammuz
Services at 7:30 pm
Candle Lighting at 8:08 pm
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
Shabbos, July 1, 12 Tammuz
Chassidus at 9:00 am
Services at 10 am
Followed by Shabbos Lunch Kiddush & Farbrengen
Study of Rebbe Teachings 6:30 pm
Mincha at 8:08 pm
Pirkei Avot Chapter 5
Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends at 9:07 pm
Living Torah
Sunday, July 2, 13 Tammuz
Shacharis at 8:00 am
Mon.-Fri. July 3-7, 14-18 Tammuz
Shacharis at 6:45 am
Thursday, July 6, Fast of 17 Tammuz
Fast Begins at 4:58 am
Shacharis at 6:45 am
with Selichos & Fast of 17 Tammuz Torah Reading
Mincha at 8 pm
with special Torah Reading & Haftorah
Maariv & Fast Ends at 8:54 pm
Good Shabbos & Easy Fast!
NEW LUNCH & LEARN
