Updates

We've just returned from a deeply meaningful journey to the Holy Land of Israel, where we spent precious time with our older children, Chaya, Mendel, and Rivky, immersing ourselves in the vibrant spirit of Jerusalem. Our trip coincided with the birth of Rabbi Chaim's nephew, allowing us to participate in the joyous bris ceremony.

While we kept our visit relatively low-key, we felt compelled to visit the Gaza Envelope, including Sderot, Nova Festival, Kfar Azza, and the destroyed cars graveyard at Moshav Tekuma, to bear witness to the hardships faced by the community this year.

On our return journey, we stopped at the Alumim Children's Center in Ashkelon, which provides a safe haven for girls from Zhitomir displaced by the Russia-Ukraine War. We're proud to support this institution through donor-directed funds from Chabad of Uptown.

Our visit also coincided with the fast of 17 Tammuz, which drew us to the Western Wall and Yad Vashem. Though the days were heavy with emotion, we found inspiration in the resilience and pride of the Jewish people.

Fittingly, this week's Torah portion introduces us to the courageous daughters of Zelophehad, who demonstrated unwavering commitment to the Land of Israel. Their legacy echoes through the ages, reminding us of the power of faith and determination.

As the Jewish people neared the end of their 40-year sojourn in the wilderness, the time had come for the future Land of Israel to be divided among the Twelve Tribes. Within each tribe, the sections were apportioned to individual families based on the head of the family.

Zelophehad had passed away young, and had he had sons they would have received his portion of land. But because he only had daughters, it was assumed that his portion would be included in that of his brothers and nothing would remain in his name.

His daughters, however, refused to accept that. They approached Moses and insisted that their father's love for Israel must not be forgotten. And indeed, in their merit a new law was established: any man who dies without sons but does have daughters, the daughters would be the ones to inherit his land.

This was considered revolutionary in those days, but as time progressed it became obvious that the future of the Jewish people and their claim to the land of Israel depended on the insistence of these brave women. Their love for Israel is what drove them to stand up for their rights, and it is what continues to stand as a reminder to the Jewish people's bond with our land.

May we see the realization of this reality very soon, with the return of all Jews to the promised land with the coming of Moshiach!

Shabbat shalom,

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie

UPCOMING YJP HOUSTON EVENTS

• Sunday, July 28, 4-6 pm - FCYA BBQ & Drum Circle - Friendship Circle Young Adults where young professionals and adults with special needs enjoy time together as friends! REGISTER: https://forms.gle/Yutqi6yGistjHLNk6
• Friday, August 2, 7:30 pm - Breakfast for Dinner Shabbat - August First Fridays - Enjoy breakfast for dinner with other Young Jewish Professionals over Shabbat Dinner including Smoked Salmon, Frittata, Spinach Fruit Salad & Granola, Dips, Hearty Chicken & Matzah Ball Soups, Chicken & Waffles, Hamburger Hash, Roasted Veggies, Mimosas, and much more!! www.yjphouston.org/breakfastdinner
• Sunday, August 18, 7 pm - Save the date: THE WHITE PARTY

UPCOMING CLASSES AND LECTURES

• Wednesday, July 31, 11 am - The Tanya
• Wednesday, July 31, 8 pm - YJP Dinner, Class & Social
• Thursday, August 1, 8 pm - The Heart of Prayer
• Tuesday, August 20, 12 pm - Aug. Lunch & Learn - How Israel Wins: The Lubavitcher Rebbe's Vision for Achieving Lasting Peace - 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 

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

Mazel tov to Tamir and Sara Shkargi on the birth of a baby girl!

SHABBOS PARSHAS PINCHAS
FRIDAY, JULY 26, 20 TAMMUZ
Mincha & Kabbolas Shabbos 7:30 pm
Shabbos Candle Lighting 8:00 pm
RSVP for Shabbos Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner

SHABBOS JULY 27, 21 TAMMUZ
Chassidus at 9:00 am
Shacharis 10:00 am
Shabbos Lunch Kiddush sponsored by the Cohen family in honor of their children
Mincha at 2:03 pm
Ethics of our Fathers, Chapter 1
Maariv, Havdalla & Shabbos Ends 9:01 pm
Living Torah Video
      
SUNDAY, JULY 28, 22 TAMMUZ
Shacharis 8:00 am

MON.-FRI,, JULY 29-AUG 2, 23-27 TAMMUZ
Shacharis 6:45 am

Good Shabbos!

The Sixth Chabad Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, of righteous memory, was released from Stalinist prison in Soviet Russia 97 years ago this week. His “crime” was his engaging in “counter-revolutionary” activities; namely establishing and maintaining an underground Jewish infrastructure – schools, yeshivas, mikvahs, and more.

After spending nearly a month in custody, and after a series of miraculous near-death episodes, the Soviets caved to the Rebbe's defiance, as well as to international pressure, and set him free.

Throughout his ordeal, he did not budge an inch in anything that jeopardized his principles. Even at the train station, when he was about to be exiled, he declared publicly: “Only our bodies, not our souls, were sent into exile.”

His message was clear: No matter what they do to us, Jewish commitment to Torah’s ideals will never wane. Our souls are far superior to anything the world throws at us, and that is the secret to Jewish survival. Where they focus on hurting our bodies, our focus always remains on the soul – the unbreakable Jewish spirit that has been the essence of our existence from day one.

We pray that very soon, the soul will fully overpower the forces of evil, when we experience the true and ultimate redemption, with the coming of Moshiach!

Shabbat shalom,

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie

LAWS AND CUSTOMS

Tuesday Fast Day  - This Tuesday is the Fast of Tammuz 17, devoted to mourning the breaching of Jerusalem's walls and the other tragic events that occurred on this day (see "Today in Jewish History") and repenting and rectifying their causes. We refrain from all food and drink from "daybreak" (about an hour before sunrise, depending on location) until nightfall. Special prayers and Torah readings are added to the day's services. Complete schedule below.

"Three Weeks" Begin - The 17th of Tammuz also marks the beginning of The Three Weeks period of mourning which culminates on the 9th of Av, commemorating the conquest of Jerusalem, the destruction of the Holy Temple and the dispersion of the Jewish people. Weddings and other joyful events are not held during this period; like mourners, we do not cut our hair, and various pleasurable activities are limited or proscribed. (Consult the Code of Jewish Law (Shulchan Aruch) or a qualified rabbi regarding specific proscriptions). The Lubavitcher Rebbe urged that the Three Weeks should be a time of increased giving of charity and Torah study (in keeping with the verse (Isaiah 1:27), "Zion shall be redeemed by law, and her returnees by charity"), particularly the study of those portions of Torah that deal with the laws and the deeper significance of the Holy Temple. Links: TheThreeWeeks.com, Some Laws and Customs of the Three Weeks, About Holy Temple

UPCOMING YJP HOUSTON EVENTS

• Sunday, July 28, 4-6 pm - FCYA BBQ & Drum Circle - Friendship Circle Young Adults where young professionals and adults with special needs enjoy time together as friends! REGISTER: https://forms.gle/Yutqi6yGistjHLNk6
• Sunday, August 18, 7 pm - Save the date: THE WHITE PARTY

UPCOMING CLASSES AND LECTURES

• Wednesday, July, 24, 7:30 pm - Rabbi Dovid Goldstein, West Houston - Rabbi Goes to Jail: Tales and Lessons Learned from Prison Chaplaincy
• Wednesday, July 30, 11 am - The Tanya

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

SHABBOS PARSHAS BALAK
FRIDAY, JULY 19, 13 TAMMUZ
Mincha & Kabbolas Shabbos 7:30 pm
Shabbos Candle Lighting 8:04 pm
RSVP for Shabbos Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner

SHABBOS JULY 20, 14 TAMMUZ
Chassidus at 9:00 am
Shacharis 10:00 am
Shabbos Lunch Kiddush
Mincha at 2:03 pm
Ethics of our Fathers, Chapter 6
Maariv, Havdalla & Shabbos Ends 9:01 pm
Living Torah Video
      
SUNDAY, JULY 21, 15 TAMMUZ
Shacharis 8:00 am

MON.-FRI,, JULY 22-26, 16-20 TAMMUZ
Shacharis 6:45 am

FAST OF 17 TAMMUZ - TUES., JULY 23, 17 TAMMUZ
Fast Begins 5:11 am
Shacharis at 6:45 am
Mincha at 7:45 pm
Maariv & Fast Ends at 8:47 pm

Good Shabbos!

Just want to jump on quickly before Shabbat to share the great news that Chabad of Uptown had powered restored once again! Shabbos will continue as scheduled!

Chabad Lubavitch Center on Fondren also had power restored, BH. We pray for the rest of the community to get their power back real soon!

Good Shabbos!

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter & YouTube @youngchabad!

**********************************
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie
Chabad Lubavitch Center
10900 Fondren Road, Houston, TX 77096
713-777-2000 | [email protected]
 www.chabadtexas.org | www.chabadhouston.com
 
Chabad of Uptown
4311 Bettis Drive, Houston, TX 77027
713-419-3960 | www.chabaduptown.org
YJP Houston Headquarters | www.yjphouston.org 
***********************************

On Fri, Jul 12, 2024 at 12:55 PM Rabbi Chaim and Chanie <[email protected]> wrote:

It has been quite a week, with many of you still without power. We are hoping that you and your loved ones are safe and sound and that those without power should get it returned ASAP. Although, we had power return shortly after the storm, as of this writing we lost power at 11:19 am and still without power over an hour later .We are praying it comes back on soon and everything will continue as planned.

Many of the Chabad institutions have been affected with the Fondren headquarters, West Houston and The Woodlands still operating on contingency operations without power as well, helping their communities in so many ways!

However, please know where are here for you! The show must go on, with so many relying on us and Shabbos packages are being packed and produced with the gas power appliances we have. This is only of the many things Chabad is doing across the city. You can support and participate in the relief efforts by giving generously here.

Break from the chaos, for a Torah thought for the week:

An interesting turn of phrase at the end of this week’s Torah portion offers us a fascinating insight into the relationship between Jewish leaders and their followers. When the Jewish people’s 40-year journey through the desert is coming to a conclusion, Moses sends messengers to the Amorite king, Sichon, requesting permission to pass though his land on their way to the Promised Land.

But instead of saying that Moses sent the messengers, the Torah states that “Israel sent messengers,” implying that it was a communal mission. The commentators note that since it was Moses who actually sent them on their mission, it would have been more appropriate to attribute the mission to him rather than to all of Israel.

This leads Rashi, the foremost Torah commentator, to proclaim: “Moses is Israel, and Israel is Moses, to teach you that the leader of the generation is equal to the entire generation, because the leader is everything.”

True leaders know that they represent nothing but the people they lead, and in turn, the followers recognize this devotion in their leader and do everything in their might to follow his lead.

In our generation, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, whose 30th yahrtzeit we observed this past week, embodied this very notion of being a devoted leader to his flock. The Rebbe stood for Jewish unity, Jewish pride, and most importantly – the demand for every Jew’s commitment to Jewish life. Like Moses before him, the Rebbe devoted his entire life to the betterment of the entire Jewish nation.

May we draw inspiration from the life of the Rebbe, the Moses of our times, recognizing that our efforts to bring others closer to G‑d and His Torah can truly make a lasting impact on our communities and beyond.

Shabbat shalom,

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie

UPCOMING YJP HOUSTON EVENTS

• 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!
• Sunday, August 18, 7 pm - Save the date: THE WHITE PARTY

UPCOMING CLASSES AND LECTURES

• Shabbos, July, 13, 27, 9 am - Chassidus - Likkutei Torah
• Wednesdays, July 17, 24 - YJP Dinner and Guest Rabbi Lecture Series
  • 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
• Wednesday, July 30, 11 am - The Tanya

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

SHABBOS PARSHAS CHUKAS
FRIDAY, JULY 12, 6 TAMMUZ
Mincha & Kabbolas Shabbos 7:30 pm
Shabbos Candle Lighting 8:07 pm
RSVP for Shabbos Dinner

SHABBOS JULY 13, 7 TAMMUZ
Chassidus at 9:00 am
Shacharis 10:00 am
Shabbos Kiddush and Farbrengen sponsored by the Kamman family, commemorating the Rebbe's yartzeit
Mincha at 2:03 pm
Ethics of our Fathers, Chapter 5
Maariv, Havdalla & Shabbos Ends 9:04 pm
Living Torah Video
      
SUNDAY, JULY 14, 8 TAMMUZ
Shacharis 8:00 am

MON.-FRI,, JULY 15-19, 9-13 TAMMUZ
Shacharis 6:45 am

Good Shabbos!

DONATE NOW

B''H 

As Hurricane Berryl ravaged our beloved Houston, the local Jewish community faces a dire situation. With power outages, severe flooding, and the impending Shabbat approaching, we desperately need your help.

Our Chabad Houses, often a beacon of hope and support, are now struggling to maintain basic services. Many families are without electricity, some homes are flooded, and the safety of our neighborhoods is uncertain. Despite these challenges, we are determined to provide shelter, sustenance, and a sense of normalcy to those who need it most.

One of our greatest concerns is the welfare of children whose homes are not safe or habitable at this time. We are trying to keep these vulnerable youngsters safe by offering them refuge at our day camps, operating without on-site power at alternative locations. 

As costs are mounting, please join us in this effort to rebuild, restore, and uplift. Your generosity will directly impact lives and help us navigate through this challenging time with strength and resilience.

NEEDS: 

• Alternative trips and locations for camps.
• Keep Mikvahs operational. 
• Replace lost perishables.
• Recoup damages not covered by insurance.
• Community cooling centers with Kosher snacks & meals. 
• Backup generators. 
• Shabbos Packages.

Chabad Centers of Houston

We've got power and a cool spot for you to relax! Feel free to drop by either Thursday or Friday at your convenience to grab a cup of coffee, a bite to eat, and enjoy some air-conditioned comfort.

Additionally, we'd like to extend an invitation to join us for Shabbos dinner or lunch. Let us know if you can make it!

Also, if anyone is interested in volunteering to help out, please reach out to Chanie directly at 713-419-3962. We appreciate your support!

Looking forward to seeing you soon.

Best regards,
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie

This Tuesday is the 3rd of Tammuz is the yahrtzeit of the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory. On this day 30 years ago, the world received the news of the Rebbe's passing with sadness and disbelief.

So much has been written and said about Chabad’s tremendous growth over the last three decades despite the physical absence of a leader. But as the Rebbe insisted when his father-in-law, the previous Rebbe, passed away in 1950: the life of a Rebbe is far greater than the limitations of a physical body — the Rebbe lives on through the work of his emissaries around the world, and the incredible wealth of written and spoken teachings he left us. The more we do what the Rebbe instructed us, the more we live with the Rebbe on a regular basis. In fact this past week we saw the opening of a brand new sprawling Chabad educational campus for the current and future education of the Jewish community in Houston. (Read all about it in this week's JHV, front page)

Next week, upwards of 50,000 people from all walks of life are expected to visit the Rebbe’s gravesite for his yahrtzeit, many with no obvious connection to Chabad.

We will be there as well. It will be our honor to bring letters and blessing requests on behalf of you and your family by replying to this email. While writing the letter or email, remember to include the Hebrew names of the people you are asking requests for, as well as their mother's Hebrew name. It is also customary to commit to add one more Mitzvah, as a merit to receive G-d's blessings.

The Rebbe touched everyone. And when the Rebbe touched a person, he usually expected that person to in turn reach out to someone else, keeping Judaism alive one step and one person at a time, until, as the Rebbe emphasized countless times, we achieve the ultimate goal of making the world a better and kinder place for all humankind, which will become a reality with the coming Moshiach, may it happen in our times.

Shabbat shalom,

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie

Mazel tov to Daniel and Shady Alfi on the birth of a baby girl!
Mazel tov to Cory and Natalya Glass on the birth of a baby boy!

IN THE NEWS
Spiritual Growth: Chabad Lubavitch welcomes exciting new educational campus - Close to 100 community members gathered with great anticipation on a sunny Monday morning in Southwest Houston to welcome the latest addition to the Chabad family. Read more...

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!
• Sunday, August 18, 7 pm - Save the date: THE WHITE PARTY

UPCOMING CLASSES AND LECTURES

• Shabbos, July, 6, 13, 27, 9 am - Chassidus - Likkutei Torah
• Wednesdays, July 10, 17, 24 - 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
• Thursday, July 11, 8 pm - The Heart of the Prayer Book 
• Wednesday, July 30, 11 am - The Tanya

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

SHABBOS ROSH CHODESH TAMMUZ PARSHAS KORACH
FRIDAY, JULY 5, 29 SIVAN
Mincha & Kabbolas Shabbos 7:30 pm
Shabbos Candle Lighting 8:08 pm
RSVP for All-American First Fridays Shabbat Dinner www.yjphouston.org/july4

SHABBOS ROSH CHODESH TAMMUZ, JULY 6, 30 SIVAN
Chassidus at 9:00 am
Shacharis 10:00 am
Shabbos Rosh Chodesh Kiddush and Farbrengen
Mincha at 2:02 pm
Ethics of our Fathers, Chapter 4
Maariv, Havdalla & Shabbos Ends 9:06 pm
Living Torah Video
      
SUNDAY, ROSH CHODESH TAMMUZ JULY 7, 1 TAMMUZ
Shacharis 8:00 am
Followed by Rosh Chodesh breakfast sponsored by Uri in memory of his mother's yartzeit Marusia bas Yosef, a"h

MON.-FRI,, JULY 8-12, 2-6 TAMMUZ
Shacharis 6:45 am

Good Shabbos!