Thoughts, notes and happenings...

getting over our enemies

Friday, August 25, 2023 - 2:55 PM

In this week's Torah portion, we encounter a unique depiction of the Jewish nation preparing for battle. Rather than the conventional language of going into battle "with" one's enemies, it describes going into battle "over" them. This choice of words holds a profound lesson - victory in warfare stems from confidence. Right from the outset, we must adopt a mindset of being "over" and in control of our adversaries, even before the actual conflict begins. When we embark on any challenge with the unwavering belief that God will guide us to triumph, that victory becomes an inevitable reality.

Warfare need not always manifest as physical combat with armies and weapons. It also encompasses the inner struggles we all face against our darker inclinations. Life presents us with a perpetual battle to choose what is right, and we must stand firm in this struggle to emerge on the side of righteousness. The Torah imparts to us the wisdom that even when we confront our inner conflicts with a mindset primed for victory, one that firmly believes we are "over" the pull of our baser desires, we will undoubtedly conquer them.

As many of you know, one our favorite mitzvos and Rabbi Chaim's Rabbinic responsibilities includes the advising on the many intricate laws pertaining to the observance of the mitzvah of Mikvah and the overseeing of the Mikvah operations at Chabad Lubavitch Center.

This week, history was made with mikvaos built for first time ever in College Station, with cement being poured under strict Rabbinical supervision. The community Mikvah learning center next door to the Chabad Jewish Student Center at Texas A&M University will introduce future Jewish families and educate thousands about this beautiful Mitzvah.

Just as our Torah portion reminds us that confidence is the key to victory, Rabbi Yossi & Manya Lazaroff's dedication illustrates the power of collective determination within the community. In this significant endeavor, they are ensuring that our heritage and traditions continue to thrive.

May this week's Parsha continue to inspire us all to approach life with the mindset of victory, dedication, and unwavering commitment to our community.

Good Shabbos!

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie

CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS

Wed. Aug. 30. Sept. 6, 13, 27, 8 pm: YJP Dinner, Class & Social
Wed. Aug 30, 8 pm: Met@Chabad Speed Dating metatchabad.com/speeddating
Thurs. Aug. 31, Sept. 7 & 14, 8 pm: Gates of Trust - Conquering Anxiety
Friday, Sept. 1, 7:30 pm: Hawaiian Shabbat for Fire Victims - YJP Sept First Fridays - Enjoy a Hawaiian themed Shabbat dinner with other Young Jewish Professionals, benefiting Maui fire disaster victims! www.yjphouston.org/fireshabbat
Sun., Sept. 10 (AKA Sat. night Sept. 9) 1:15 am - Midnight Selichos Kickoff
Tues., Sept 12, 12-1:30 pm - Lunch & Learn: Heart of Prayer: Explore the Spirit of Prayer in time for the High Holidays - RSVP
Fri.-Sun., Sept 15-17 - Rosh Hashana Services, Dinners and Luncheons - RSVP
Sun-Mon, Sept 24-25 - Yom Kippur Services and Break Fast - RSVP
Fri.-Sun., Sept. 29-Oct. 1 - Sukkos Services & Dinner Under the Stars - RSVP
Tues., Oct. 3, 12-1:30 pm - Lunch & Learn: Spiritual Shelter: Finding Purpose in the Sukkah - RSVP
Wed. Oct 4 - YJP Sukkos Party
Fri.-Sun., Oct. 6-8 - Simchas Torah

JOIN CHABAD OF UPTOWN FOR THE HIGH HOLIDAYS

Chabad of Uptown looks forward to celebrating the holidays with you. Our doors are to the entire Jewish community to daven and to celebrate, regardless of background or affiliation.

For the complete schedule of services, to RSVP for holiday dinners or lunches, visit www.chabaduptown.org/services.

Now is also the time to join or renew your voluntary membership to Chabad. Your partnership allows us to provide free, open and welcoming services to all, for the holidays and year round! www.chabaduptown.org/membership

Mazel tov to Tslil & Oded Tzur on the birth of a baby boy!

Shabbos Parshas Ki Seitzei

Friday, August 25, 8 Elul
Services at 7:30 pm
Candle Lighting at 7:34 pm
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner

Shabbos, August 26, 9 Elul
Chassidus at 9 am
Services at 10 am
Followed by Shabbos Lunch Kiddush & Farbrengen
Study of Rebbe Teachings 6:30 pm
Mincha at 7:30 pm
Pirkei Avot Chapter 1 & 2
Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends at 8:28 pm
Living Torah

Sunday, August 27, 10 Elul
Shacharis at 8:00 am

Mon.-Fri., Aug. 28-Sept 1, 11-15 Elul
Shacharis at 6:45 am

Good Shabbos!

did you hear the shofar?

Friday, August 18, 2023 - 2:45 PM

Imagine a king leaving the confines of his palace to mingle with his subjects in the fields, meeting them at their level. This captivating imagery holds the essence of the month we've just stepped into - Elul. It's a time when we're granted a remarkable opportunity to draw closer to Hashem, to seek His mercy, and to pave the way for a year filled with blessings.

In the words of Rabbi Schneur Zalman, the Alter Rebbe, the month of Elul is like that extraordinary moment when the king is accessible to all, a time when even the common folk can freely approach to make their requests, and the king responds with generosity and grace. It's a month of heightened spirituality, where Hashem's mercy shines brighter than ever, making our connection with Him all the more meaningful.

As we embark on this journey through Elul, we're given the chance to enhance our relationship with Hashem, to reflect on our actions, and to set our intentions for personal growth. This month is a stepping stone toward the High Holidays, a time of introspection and renewal.

And let us not forget the poignant sound of the daily shofar that accompanies us during this journey, each day of this month of Elul. Just as the shofar's call commands attention, Elul's message beckons us to reflect on our actions, set intentions for growth, and align ourselves with Hashem. The shofar's echoes resonate in our hearts, reminding us that realy change is really possible.

Every day of the year is an opportunity to strengthen our bond with the Divine, but Elul holds a special place in the tapestry of time. The mercy of Hashem is palpable, His presence more accessible, and His response to our efforts more profound. The fields are open, and Hashem waits for us to approach Him, ready to embrace us with blessings for the upcoming year.

Let's use this sacred time to deepen our connection with G-d and set the tone for a year filled with growth and blessings.

Good Shabbos!

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie

AROUND THE HOUSE THIS WEEK

On Sunday and Monday we took a road trip to Dallas to join 23 Shluchim (of the 62) families from across the State of Texas gathered on Sunday for the annual Texas Shluchim Farbrengen, bringing together 95 Shluchim, Shluchos and Young Shluchim. The Texas Shluchim Farbrengen is hosted annually by Chabad Lubavitch of Texas and was held this year with Rabbi Levi and Rishi Gurevitch at Chabad of Southlake, Texas.
On Tuesday Rabbi Chaim then went to NY to celebrate the wedding of his nephew Sholom Ber Lazaroff to Raizel Barber!
On Wednesday, Chanie went NY for Shabbos, to visit and help her mother who had a surgery following an injury from a fall. May Shifra bas Milka Devora have a refuah shleima, a speedy recovery!
On Thursday, Chaya returned from a trip to Israel! Levi is already home from Yeshivah for a short break, Rivky is still in Europe and Mendel is in Israel.
We had a beautiful Rosh Chodesh minyan and breakfast, inccluding hearing the daily Elul shofar for the first time this morning!
Yep, that means this Shabbos, the Rabbi is the chef! Thank you Levi, Alex & Ariel for helping in the kitchen and Bluma and Menucha for the desserts.

SAVE THE HIGH HOLIDAY DATES OF AWE AND JOY

Chabad of Uptown looks forward to celebrating the holidays with you. Our doors are to the entire Jewish community to daven and to celebrate, regardless of background or affiliation.

For the complete schedule of services, to RSVP for holiday dinners or lunches, visit www.chabaduptown.org/services.

Now is also the time to join or renew your voluntary membership to Chabad. Your partnership allows us to provide free, open and welcoming services to all, for the holidays and year round! www.chabaduptown.org/membership

Sun., Sept. 10 (AKA Sat. night Sept. 9) 1:15 am - Midnight Selichos Kickoff
Fri.-Sun., Sept 15-17 - Rosh Hashana Services, Dinners and Luncheons
Sun-Mon, Sept 24-25 - Yom Kippur Services and Break Fast
Fri.-Sun., Sept. 29-Oct. 1 - Sukkos Services & Dinner Under the Stars
Wed. Oct 4 - YJP Sukkos Party
Fri.-Sun., Oct. 6-8 - Simchas Torah

Shabbos Parshas Shoftim

Friday, August 18, Rosh Chodesh Elul
Services at 7:30 pm
Candle Lighting at 7:42 pm
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner

Shabbos, August 19, 2 Elul
Chassidus at 9 am
Services at 10 am
Followed by Shabbos Lunch Kiddush & Farbrengen
Study of Rebbe Teachings 6:30 pm
Mincha at 7:40 pm
Pirkei Avot Chapter 6
Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends at 8:36 pm
Living Torah

Sunday, August 20, 3 Elul
Shacharis at 8:00 am

Mon.-Fri., Aug. 21-25, 4-8 Elul
Shacharis at 6:45 am

Good Shabbos!

mind control happiness

Friday, August 11, 2023 - 2:14 PM

The Jewish pilgrimage festivals, namely Passover, Shavuot, and Sukkot, revolve around the cycles of agriculture. They commence with the first grains in spring and culminate in the autumn with the final harvest.

The Torah instructs us to celebrate these festivals with great joy and enthusiasm, yet it also emphasizes the importance of caring for the less fortunate. Consequently, along with the various mitzvahs associated with these occasions, the Torah outlines several responsibilities we hold towards our fellow Jews. This is particularly significant as holidays are moments when we might naturally focus on our immediate families and close circles.

True joy during these holidays emerges once we've extended our support to others, ensuring that those with fewer resources can fully partake in the festivities and provide for their families.

Joy was also discussed at this week's Lunch & Learn, as we explored how practicing gratitude, both verbally and in thought, empowers our minds to steer happiness. Gratitude reframes perspectives, fostering lasting joy. As the Zohar says, the word מחשבה (thought) is בשמחה (in happiness)... A transformative lesson we'll carry forward! Thank you to all those who participated and to Chanie for preparing the top notch lunch!

As the prophet Isaiah prophesied, "Zion will be redeemed with justice," underscoring that by caring for those in need, the entire community of Israel will experience redemption, a hope shared for the coming of Moshiach, which we eagerly anticipate.

Good Shabbos!

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie

THE SOFER IS COMING TO TOWN!
After Tu B'Av, the custom is to increase in Torah study and introspection for the upcoming month of Elul. It is an appropriate time to have one's tefillin and mezuzahs checked by an accredited scribe to ensure that they are in good condition and fit for use.

Once again, expert sofer Rabbi Faitel Lewin will be coming to Houston to check mezuzos and tefillin, from 12 pm, Tuesday, Av 28 (Aug 15), through 2:00 pm Thursday, Rosh Chodesh Elul (Aug. 17) at Chabad Lubavitch Center, 10900 Fondren Road.

You may leave your items as early as that Tuesday morning in the Judaic library, all in one bag, marked clearly with your name and cell number, first come, first served.

▪Tefilin check (regular closing) $80
▪Posul tefilin $25
▪Mezuza check rolled without case $10
▪Mezuzah check rolled in case $14
▪Posul mezuzah $2

According to halacha, mezuzos should be checked twice every seven years. Some have the custom to inspect mezuzos and tefillin annually.

Thank you Belles family for sponsoring this project

SAVE THE HIGH HOLIDAY DATES OF AWE AND JOY

Chabad of Uptown looks forward to celebrating the holidays with you. Our doors are to the entire Jewish community to daven and to celebrate, regardless of background or affiliation.

For the complete schedule of services, to RSVP for holiday dinners or lunches, visit www.chabaduptown.org/services.

Now is also the time to join or renew your voluntary membership to Chabad. Your partnership allows us to provide free, open and welcoming services to all, for the holidays and year round! www.chabaduptown.org/membership

Fri.-Sun., Sept 15-17 - Rosh Hashana Services, Dinners and Luncheons
Sun-Mon, Sept 24-25 - Yom Kippur Services and Break Fast
Fri.-Sun., Sept. 29-Oct. 1 - Sukkos Services & Dinner Under the Stars
Wed. Oct 4 - YJP Sukkos Party
Fri.-Sun., Oct. 6-8 - Simchas Torah

Mazel Tov Lior & Eden on their engagement!

Mazel tov Matti and Rachel Minchen and the entire Minchen and Poulen families on the Pidyon Haben of their son, Yehudah Meir!

Condolences to Bracha Gandjian on the passing of her grandfather, Yosef Mordechai Ben Rabi

Shabbos Mevarchim Elul Parshas Reah

Friday, August 11, 24 Av
Services at 7:30 pm
Candle Lighting at 7:48 pm
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner

Shabbos, August 12, 25 Av
Shabbos Mevarchim Tehillim at 8:30 am
Services at 10 am
Followed by Shabbos Mevarchim Lunch Kiddush & Farbrengen
Study of Rebbe Teachings 6:30 pm
Mincha at 7:45 pm
Pirkei Avot Chapter 5
Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends at 8:43 pm
Living Torah

Sunday, August 13, 26 Av
Shacharis at 8:00 am

Mon.-Wed., Aug. 14-18, 27-29 Av
Shacharis at 6:45 am

Tuesday, Aug. 15, Av 28, 12 pm, through. Thursday, Rosh Chodesh Elul, Aug. 17, 2:00 pm
The Sofer is in! At 10900 Fondren Road to check your tefillin and mezuzos!

Thurs. & Fri., Aug. 17-18, Rosh Chodesh Elul I & II
Shacharis at 6:45 am
Followed by monthly Rosh Chodesh breakfast

Good Shabbos!

gratitude lunch Tuesday, white party PICS!

Friday, August 4, 2023 - 1:42 PM

In the previous Torah portion, V'eschanan, we encountered the initial paragraph of the Shema, which encompasses significant mitzvahs such as showing love for Hashem, educating our children, wearing tefillin, and attaching mezuzahs to our doorposts.

In the current week, Parshas Eikev, we have the second paragraph, which revisits many of the concepts from the first one but with several modifications and additions. The expanded version notably includes a portrayal of the impact that mitzvahs have on the world. It assures us that by following Hashem's commandments, our land will prosper, and the physical realm will flourish, whereas neglecting them could lead to adverse consequences, G-d forbid.

While the first paragraph primarily centers around our spiritual endeavors, which undoubtedly serve as a crucial introduction, the second paragraph adds a sense of reality and tangibility. It emphasizes that the ultimate purpose of spirituality lies in intertwining it with the everyday world, profoundly influencing every aspect of Hashem's creation.

Hence, whenever we perform a mitzvah, we fulfill the ultimate objective of creation: transforming this world into a dwelling place for Hashem. The perfection of this mission will be fully realized with the arrival of Moshiach, which we hope will happen swiftly in our times!

Good Shabbos!

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie

THE SOFER IS COMING TO TOWN!
After Tu B'Av, the custom is to increase in Torah study and introspection for the upcoming month of Elul. It is an appropriate time to have one's tefillin and mezuzahs checked by an accredited scribe to ensure that they are in good condition and fit for use.

Once again, expert sofer Rabbi Faitel Lewin will be coming to Houston to check mezuzos and tefillin, from 12 pm, Tuesday, Av 28 (Aug 15), through 2:00 pm Thursday, Rosh Chodesh Elul (Aug. 17) at Chabad Lubavitch Center, 10900 Fondren Road.

You may leave your items as early as that Tuesday morning in the Judaic library, all in one bag, marked clearly with your name and cell number, first come, first served.

▪Tefilin check (regular closing) $80
▪Posul tefilin $25
▪Mezuza check rolled without case $10
▪Mezuzah check rolled in case $14
▪Posul mezuzah $2

According to halacha, mezuzos should be checked twice every seven years. Some have the custom to inspect mezuzos and tefillin annually.

Thank you Belles family for sponsoring this project

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Friday, August 4 - August First Fridays Shabbat Dinner - Enjoy breakfast for dinner with other Young Jewish Professionals ages 21-39 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! - RSVP
Tuesday, August 8, 12 pm - Lunch & Learn: The Attitude of Gratitude - Integrating happiness into our daily lives - RSVP
August 9-13 National Jewish Retreat, Palm Springs, CA www.jretreat.com

SAVE THE DATES:

Fri.-Sun., Sept 15-17 - Rosh Hashana Services, Dinners and Luncheons
Sun-Mon, Sept 24-25 - Yom Kippur Services and Break Fast
Fri.-Sun., Sept. 29-Oct. 1 - Sukkos Services & Dinner Under the Stars
Wed. Oct 4 - YJP Sukkos Party
Fri.-Sun., Oct. 6-8 - Simchas Torah

This past Wednesday at the White Party with Ami Kozak, Houston Young Jewish Professionals in their 20’s and 30’s came together on Tu B'Av, the holiday of love, for a fun evening of laughter and business networking in summer white cocktail attire! Check out the photos!

Tu B’Av – The Ancient Holiday of Love – There were no greater festivals for Israel than the 15th of Av and Yom Kippur. On these days the daughters of Jerusalem would go out… and dance in the vineyards. And what would they say? “Young man, raise your eyes and see which you select for yourself….” – The Talmud

Mazel tov Michaela Okon on the birth of a baby girl!

Shabbos Parshas Eikev

Friday, August 4, 17 Av
Services at 7:30 pm
Candle Lighting at 7:54 pm
RSVP for First Fridays "Breakfast for Dinner" Shabbat www.yjphouston.org/breakfast4dinner

Shabbos, August 5, 18 Av
Chassidus at 9 am
Services at 10 am
Followed by Shabbos Lunch Kiddush & Farbrengen
Study of Rebbe Teachings 6:30 pm
Mincha at 7:55 pm
Pirkei Avot Chapter 4
Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends at 8:50 pm
Living Torah

Sunday, August 6, 19 Av
Shacharis at 8:00 am

Mon.-Fri., Aug. 7-11, 20-24 Av
Shacharis at 6:45 am

Good Shabbos!