Updates

After a few year hiatus, FCYA, a division of the Friendship Circle of Houston, is being relaunched in partnership with YJP of Houston.  

FCYA programs are social events for young adult and adult participants, together with young Jewish Professional volunteers from across the community. Its an opportunity for members of the community with special needs, to spend quality social time with you, young adults who are interested in making a difference, and are willing to get the hands on experience.

We hope you are as excited about this, and for future events. We are grateful for the Houston Jewish Community Foundation for their partial underwriting of FCYA. 

 Our next 2 events scheduled are:

• BBQ  and Drum Circle
  (indoor and outdoor options)
• Sunday, July 28 - 4pm - 6pm
• Chabad of Uptown 4311 Bettis Drive
   
• Shofar Factory
• Sunday September 22 - 12pm-2pm
• Chabad of Uptown 4311 Bettis Drive

Free for all FCYA participants and volunteers.

> To RSVP Click here <
Any questions email [email protected]

Confirming participation is really important. It will help us confirm that we have enough volunteers for all the attendees.

Looking forward,

The F.C.Y.A. Team
Rabbi Dovid Goldstein
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie Lazaroff
Rabbi Zally Lazarus
Coby Izak, FCYA Chair

When the Torah describes the kindling of the menorah in the Temple, a nuance in the text leads commentators to determine that technically the menorah may be lit by anyone, even a regular (non-Kohen) Israelite. The lesson typically derived from this is that when it comes to lighting up the world, the task can be done by anyone; it is not limited to rabbis and sages.

But an additional nuance in the text teaches us that although the actual kindling may be done by anyone, the preparation of the menorah — filling the oil, twining the wicks, and so on — had to be done exclusively by a Kohen.

What does that mean for us? While everyone can and is encouraged to teach Torah to others, the substance of what is being taught must be grounded and based on legitimate sources. So although teaching is not limited to rabbis, we must always ensure that what we are transmitting to others is based on authentic Torah interpretation.

See below and RSVP for the upcoming monthly Lunch & Learn on the Evolution of Torah until today!

And the more we teach and share legitimate light with others, the brighter the world will become, in preparation for the ultimate kindling of the menorah, in the third Temple. May it happen very soon!

Good Shabbos!

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie

UPCOMING YJP HOUSTON EVENTS

• Friday, July 5, 7:30 pm - All-American BBQ July First Fridays – Join Young Jewish Professionals for All American Themed BBQ Shabbat Dinner at YJP Houston - where spirits run high!  7:30 pm – Friday Night Services, 8:08 pm - Candle Lighting, 8:30 pm – BBQ Shabbat Dinner. $20 until Thursday, $36 after. Use promo code: advance www.yjphouston.org/july4
• 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 CLASSES AND LECTURES

• Shabbos, June 22, July 6, 13, 27, 9 am - Chassidus - Likkutei Torah 
• Wednesdays, June 25, July 2, 30, 11 am - The Tanya
• Wednesdays, June 26, July 3, 8 pm - YJP Dinner, Class & Social
• Thursdays, June 27, July 4, 11, 8 pm - The Heart of the Prayer Book 
• Tuesday, July 2, 12-1:30 pm - Evolution of the Torah: Transmission of Torah from Mt. Sinai until Today - At the monthly Lunch & Learn the community has an opportunity to enjoy an upscale lunch with like minded friends for a spirited class and discussion! RSVP https://forms.gle/szdra5faBYR1FUxh7
• Wednesdays, July 10, 17, 25 - YJP Dinner and Guest Rabbi Lecture Series
  • July 10, 7:30 pm - Rabbi Sholem Vigler, The Heights - How Israel Wins: The Lubavitcher Rebbe's Vision for Achieving Lasting Peace
  • July 17, 7:30 pm - Rabbi Eliezer Lazaroff, Aishel House - Judaism and Medicine: Torah's View on Health and Living
  • July, 24, 7:30 pm - Rabbi Dovid Goldstein, West Houston - Rabbi Goes to Jail: Tales and Lessons Learned from Prison Chaplaincy

To be added to a reminder broadcast list, including status of each class, please reply to this email to subscribe

Mazel tov Elliot and Rachel Levine on the birth of a baby boy, Shimon Yisroel!

SHABBOS PARSHAS BEHAALOSECHA
FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 15 SIVAN
Mincha & Kabbolas Shabbos 7:30 pm
Shabbos Candle Lighting 8:08 pm
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner

SHABBOS, JUNE 22, 16 SIVAN
Chassidus at 9:00 am
Shacharis 10:00 am
Shabbos Kiddush and Farbrengen
Mincha at 2:00 pm
Ethics of our Fathers, Chapter 2
Maariv, Havdalla & Shabbos Ends 9:07 pm
Living Torah Video
      
SUNDAY, JUNE 23, 17 SIVAN
Shacharis 8:00 am

MON.-FRI,, JUNE 24-28, 18-22 SIVAN
Shacharis 6:45 am

Good Shabbos!

What a beautiful Yom Tov with all night Torah study, 10 commandments and decadent dairy buffets!

This week’s Torah portion continues the discussion about the function of the Levite tribe in the Beis Hamikdash (the Temple). In addition to each Levite family having a specific job when it came to taking down and assembling the traveling sanctuary in the desert, the general capacity in which they served was to be available to serve at all times.

Any work done in the Beis Hamikdash had to be done by Levites, and the entire tribe as a whole was dedicated to this general cause. It is for this reason that they were not given a specific portion in the Land of Israel, and instead they depended on the tithes given by their fellow Jews to Hashem, which was in turn transferred to the Levites. Because their lives were entirely dedicated to serving Hashem, their livelihood was provided to them entirely by Hashem.

Although this was specifically for those from the tribe of Levi, there is a lesson for all Jews here too: We can also commit ourselves to serving Hashem in our daily lives, mindfully devoting ourselves to Torah study and mitzvah observance beyond what we may think we are capable of. And by doing so, we too are promised that all our needs will be tended to By Hashem Himself.

The more we commit ourselves to this task, the greater the blessings we receive from Above!

Good Shabbos!

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie

SHABBOS PARSHAS NASO
FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 8 SIVAN
Mincha & Kabbolas Shabbos 7:30 pm
Shabbos Candle Lighting 8:06 pm
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner

SHABBOS, JUNE 15, 9 SIVAN
Chassidus at 9:00 am
Shacharis 10:00 am
Shabbos Kiddush and Farbrengen
Mincha at 1:58 pm
Ethics of our Fathers, Chapter 1
Maariv, Havdalla & Shabbos Ends 9:05 pm
Living Torah Video
      
SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 10 SIVAN
Shacharis 8:00 am

MON.-FRI,, JUNE 17-21, 11-15 SIVAN
Shacharis 6:45 am

Good Shabbos!

To our incredible community!

Of the three holidays that the Torah refers to as pilgrimage holidays, Shavuos can be considered the most important. Although Pesachhas the Seder and Sukkos comes right after the High Holidays, both with their own prominence, Shavuos is the holiday that represents the purpose of it all.

When the Exodus from Egypt took place, Moses stated several times that the goal was for the Jewish people to reach Mount Sinai and receive the Torah from Hashem. This event is commemorated every year on Shavuos, when the Ten Commandments are read from the Torah. We aren’t only marking an event that occurred thousands of years ago, but we are actually reliving those awesome moments of Hashem’s presence descending into the world and instructing us to continue in the paths of our ancestors.

That’s why coming to services on Shavuos is so important for every Jewish person, but it is especially vital for every Jewish child to be present when the Ten Commandments are read. As we re-receive the Torah, we also recommit to our children being the guarantors that Hashem's commandments will continue to be observed.

With our children there, we are assured that our people and our heritage will continue to make waves around the world.

We hope to see you on the Shavuos holiday, especially for this most important part when all women, men and children be present for the reading of the Ten Commandments tomorrow, Wednesday at 11:15 am. RSVP: goo.gl/forms/w7UPvkIwCB. 

With wishes for Kabbolas HaTorah Bsimcha Ubpinimiyus, May you receive the Torah this holiday of Shavuos with joy and internally,

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie

P.S. As usual, we will also be hosting holiday dinners (Tues & Wed night) and lunches (Wed - dairy - & Thursday). Please respond to this email with which meal you would like to join us for. We would love to have you!

P.P.S. By popular demand, the YJP cheesecake 🍰 social on Wednesday 7:30 pm will also include a Shavuot Torah reading of Ten Commandments! (Reading is for all ages) 

Tuesday Night, June 11, 11:30 pm - Shavuot - 10 Minute Torah Talks!
This Shavuot, add your voice to this unbroken narrative. Come listen to and present your own Torah Ideas Worth Sharing. 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. RSVP for free here!

Shavuos Grand 3D Experience
Join us for an extraordinary journey as we invite the entire family to immerse themselves in the awe-inspiring Shavuos Grand 3D Experience. Prepare to be captivated as children are transported to ancient times after the Ten Commandments are read from the sacred Torah, where they will witness and be amazed by our larger-than-life, interactive Matan Torah experience, featuring a towering Mount Sinai, authentic-sized Luchos, and even a captivating portrayal of Moshe himself. Engage in an enthralling improvisational play, partake in Shavuos-themed games, and prepare for a host of surprises that await you. Don't miss this unforgettable event! 

Wed. June 12, 7:30 pm - Drinks + Cheesecake Social | A Legendairy Shavuot Soiree
Celebrating the creation of the Jewish Nation! RSVP for free here
By popular demand, the YJP cheesecake social will also include a Shavuot Torah reading of Ten Commandments! (Reading is for all ages)

Guide | Story | Insights | Kids | Recipes | Multimedia

Shavuot Programs, Service & Candle Lighting Schedule
Open Door Policy. No membership required.

> Mobile Friendly RSVP Form <

Tuesday, June 11
8:00 pm Evening Holiday Services 
8:05  pm Light Yom Tov Candles (Blessings)
Holiday Dinner after Services - RSVP
11:30 pm All Night Learn-A-Thon
Lineup of Torah talks on many Jewish subjects! 

Wednesday, June 12
10:00 am Morning Services (Shacharit)
* 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!
7:30 pm YJP Cheescake Social
8:00 pm Mincha & Maariv Holiday Services
AFTER 9:04 pm* Light Yom Tov Candles (Blessings)
Holiday Dinner after Services - RSVP
* From a pre-existing flame.

Thursday, June 13
9:00 am Chassidus
10:00 am Morning Services (Shacharit)
11:45 am approx. Yizkor Memorial Service
Kiddush Lunch after Services
8:00 pm Mincha Services
9:04 pm Maariv, Havdalla & Yom Tov Ends

> Mobile Friendly RSVP Form <

Guide | Story | Insights | Kids | Recipes | Multimedia

This week we start reading the Book of Numbers, “Bamidbar” in Hebrew, the fourth book of the Torah.

The word “bamidbar” means “in the desert,” a reference to where the Jewish people were at the time. But it’s also a reference to the desert-like nature of the Torah: Just as the desert is wide open territory for everyone to take advantage of and make their own, the Torah was given to the Jewish people in order for each and every one of us to make it our own, by delving into it and discovering its beauty and inner secrets.

No one person can claim ownership of the Torah; it belongs to every Jew equally. That’s why this Torah portion is always read the week prior to the holiday of Shavuot, when we celebrate the anniversary of the Jewish people receiving the Torah on Mt. Sinai. It’s also why the Torah was given to the Jews specifically in the desert.

Torah belongs to each and every one of us equally; it is ours and we must continue to proclaim ownership of it, along with every single other Jew around the world.

With wishes for Kabbolas HaTorah Bsimcha Ubpinimiyus, May you receive the Torah this holiday of Shavuos with joy and internally,

Good Shabbos!

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie

DO YOU HAVE AN IDEA WORTH SHARING?
This Shavuot, add your voice to this unbroken narrative. Come present your Torah Ideas Worth Sharing.
11:30 pm-All Night with Light Refreshments and Free Admission
BE A PARTICIPANT
JEPShavuot features a series of ten-minute power talks showcasing important Jewish ideas that change attitudes and lives. These talk are designed to educate, illuminate, challenge and inspire.
BE A PRESENTER
Have a Torah idea worth spreading? Submit your idea and you might be selected to present your 10 minute Torah talk. Reply to this email with your subject!

​Shavuos Grand 3D Experience
Join us for an extraordinary journey as we invite the entire family to immerse themselves in the awe-inspiring Shavuos Grand 3D Experience. Prepare to be captivated as children are transported to ancient times after the Ten Commandments are read from the sacred Torah, where they will witness and be amazed by our larger-than-life, interactive Matan Torah experience, featuring a towering Mount Sinai, authentic-sized Luchos, and even a captivating portrayal of Moshe himself. Engage in an enthralling improvisational play, partake in Shavuos-themed games, and prepare for a host of surprises that await you. Don't miss this unforgettable event! Reserve your free spot for Shavuos at www.chabaduptown.org/shavuotschedule.

We extend our condolences to the Turkel family on the passing of Dovid Ber ben Yehudah, David Turkel, o.b.m. step-father of Zac Bodner. The family is sitting shiva with visitation Sunday and Monday at 6 pm at 4018 Tennyson St., Houston, TX 77005

We extend condolences to the family of Brian Weissman, a YJP alum, on his untimely and tragic passing.

Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, 74, Instrumental in Chabad’s Global Expansion
Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, the energetic vice chairman of Merkos L’Inyonei Chinuch, the educational arm of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, passed away after a lengthy illness on Tuesday, June 4 (27 Iyar). He was 74, four days shy of his 75th birthday. Kotlarsky was instrumental in growing Chabad’s global footprint. With an endearing personality and ability to easily connect with others, Kotlarsky encountered thousands of people in his decades of peripatetic travel on behalf of Chabad-Lubavitch, serving alternatively as rabbi, fundraiser and friend. more…

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 - 10 Minute Talks - 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.
  • Wed. June 12, 7:30 pm - Drinks + Cheesecake Social | A Legendairy Shavuot Soiree Celebrating the creation of the Jewish Nation! RSVP for free here
  • 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!

SHABBOS PARSHAS BAMIDBAR
FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 1 SIVAN
Mincha & Kabbolas Shabbos 7:30 pm
Shabbos Candle Lighting 8:03 pm
Omer Count, At Night 46
RSVP for First Fridays Italian Shabbat Dinner www.yjphouston.org/italy

SHABBOS, JUNE 8, 2 SIVAN
Chassidus at 9:00 am
Shacharis 10:00 am
Shabbos Kiddush and Farbrengen sponsored by the Lazarus and Goldstein families in honor of the high school graduates, Sofia and Charlotte!
Mincha at 1:57 pm
Ethics of our Fathers, Chapter 6
Maariv, Havdalla & Shabbos Ends 9:02 pm
Omer Count, At Night 47
Living Torah Video
      
SUNDAY, JUNE 9, 3 SIVAN
Shacharis 8:00 am

MON., JUNE 10, 4 SIVAN
Shacharis 6:45 am

SHAVUOS WITH CHABAD OF UPTOWN
> Mobile Friendly RSVP Form <
TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 5 SIVAN
Evening Holiday Services at 8:00 pm
Light Yom Tov Candles at 8:05 pm
Holiday Dinner after Services - RSVP
All Night Learn-A-Thon at 11:30 pm
Lineup of Torah talks on many Jewish subjects! 

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 6 SIVAN
Shacharis 10:00 am
* 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!
YJP Cheescake Social at 7:30 pm
Mincha & Maariv Holiday Services at 8:00 pm
AFTER 9:04 pm* Light Yom Tov Candles
Holiday Dinner after Services - RSVP
* From a pre-existing flame

THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 7 SIVAN
Chassidus at 9:00 am
Shacharis at 10:00 am
11:45 am approx. Yizkor Memorial Service
Kiddush Lunch after Services
Mincha Services at 8:00 pm
Maariv, Havdalla & Yom Tov Ends at 9:04 pm

FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 8 SIVAN
Shacharis 6:45 am

With wishes for Kabbolas HaTorah Bsimcha Ubpinimiyus, May you receive the Torah this holiday of Shavuos with joy and internally,

Good Shabbos and Good Yom Tov!