Updates

This Shabbos, the 20th of Av, is the 80th yahrtzeit of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson, father of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory. One of the preeminent talmudic and kabbalistic scholars of his time, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak served with unwavering dedication as the chief rabbi of Dnipropetrovsk, Ukraine, amidst the tumultuous era of the Bolshevik revolution and the oppressive grip of Communism. Despite the relentless persecution that sought to extinguish the flame of Jewish faith and practice, he stood resilient, fortifying Jewish learning and observance not only in his city but throughout the Soviet Union.

Tragically, his steadfast commitment led to his arrest, torture, and exile to a desolate village in Kazakhstan. Yet even as his physical strength waned, his indomitable spirit remained unbroken, shining as a testament to his faith until his untimely passing.

The seeds of his selfless endeavors were tenderly cultivated by his son and disciple, the Rebbe. Operating discreetly from afar, the Rebbe championed the cause of the Jews behind the Iron Curtain. The resurgence of Jewish life in the former Soviet Union stands as a powerful testament to Rabbi Levi Yitzchak’s unwavering dedication and the Rebbe’s tireless efforts.

But the impact of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak’s life and legacy extends far beyond Soviet Jewry. His example teaches us that Judaism can endure and thrive even under the harshest conditions. His life reminds us to hold steadfast to our faith, to stand proud in our Jewish identity, and to persevere in the face of adversity.

His teachings and way of life continue to inspire and guide us, illuminating the path forward for generations to come. May we draw strength from his legacy as we strive to uphold and spread the values he so cherished.

Shabbat shalom,

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie

MAGIC WAS IN THE AIR ✨ YJP Houston celebrated Tu B'Av in style at The White Party with Magical Illusionist Ben Cohen! 🎩 Houston Young Jewish Professionals came together for an unforgettable evening of laughter, networking, and wonder 🤩. Thanks for joining us for this special night of love, magic, and connection! 💕 Check out our photo gallery and relive the memories 📸 

Mazel tov to Arielle Terk & Ziv Mesulati on the occasion of their wedding!

UPCOMING CLASSES AND LECTURES

• Shabbos, 9 am - Chassidus - Likkutei Torah - Kabbala Insights on the Parsha
• Wednesdays, 11 am - The Tanya - Meaning and Purpose of Life
• Wednesdays, 8 pm - YJP Dinner, Class & Social - Contemporary Themes
• Thursdays, 8 pm - The Heart of Prayer-  In-depth unpacking the Siddur

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

SHABBOS CHOF AV PARSHAS EIKEV
FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 19 MENACHEM AV
7:30 pm Mincha & Kabbolas Shabbos
7:36 pm Shabbos Candle Lighting

SHABBOS, AUGUST 24, 20 MENACHEM AV
9:00 am Chassidus
10:00 am Shacharis
Shabbos Lunch Kiddush sponsored by the Mesulati family in honor of the Shabbat Chatan of Ziv & Arielle!
1:59 pm Earliest Mincha
Ethics of our Fathers, Chapter 5
8:29 pm Maariv, Havdalla & Shabbos Ends
Living Torah Video
      
SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 21 MENACHEM AV
8:00 am Shacharis

MON.-FRI,, AUG 26-30, 22-26 MENACHEM AV
Shacharis 6:45 am

Good Shabbos!

The Shema prayer, which makes its first appearance in this week’s Torah portion, has been on the lips of the Jewish people throughout history. As the declaration of our faith in the One G-d, no matter where a Jew finds him or herself, and no matter if they live an outwardly Torah-observant life, deep down every Jew’s soul is always connected to G-d.

So in all situations, in moments of good fortune and less so, the Jewish soul continues to cry out: “Hear, O Israel: The L-rd is our G-d; the L-rd is one.”

The word “one” used in this declaration is spelled with three Hebrew letters: Alef, Chet, Daled. Using the letters’ numerical value, Alef is one, representing the One G-d; Chet is eight, representing the seven supernal heavens and earth; and Daled is four, representing the four directions of the universe.

The message is that the entire universe is all an extension of G-d’s being. Nothing in the world can separate the Jew from our Father in Heaven, and no matter where we are, we know that this is the one thing we have in common with every single other Jew. We are all bound together through the One G-d.

May we merit to see the ultimate revelation of G-d’s unity, with the coming of Moshiach, in our times!

Shabbat shalom,

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie

WHITE PARTY THIS SUNDAY!

• Sunday, August 18, 6 pm - THE WHITE PARTY with Magical Illusionist Ben Cohen - Join Houston Young Jewish Professionals in their 20’s and 30’s for a fun evening of laughter and business networking in your summer white cocktail attire!  All tickets include show, open bar, hors devours & heavy bites. Advanced: $30 (coupon code: advance – Until Aug. 15), At the door: $45 www.yjphouston.org/cohen

UPCOMING CLASSES AND LECTURES

• Shabbos, 9 am - Chassidus - Likkutei Torah - Kabbala Insights on the Parsha
• Wednesdays, 11 am - The Tanya - Meaning and Purpose of Life
• Wednesdays, 8 pm - YJP Dinner, Class & Social - Contemporary Themes
• Thursdays, 8 pm - The Heart of Prayer-  In-depth unpacking the Siddur
• 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

SHABBOS NACHAMU, PARSHAS VESCHANAN
FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 12 MENACHEM AV
7:30 pm Mincha & Kabbolas Shabbos
7:43 pm Shabbos Candle Lighting
RSVP for Shabbos Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner

SHABBOS, AUGUST 17, 13 MENACHEM AV
9:00 am Chassidus
10:00 am Shacharis
Shabbos Lunch Kiddush
1:59 pm Earliest Mincha
Ethics of our Fathers, Chapter 4
8:37 pm Maariv, Havdalla & Shabbos Ends
Living Torah Video
      
SUNDAY, AUGUST 18, 14 MENACHEM AV
8:00 am Shacharis

6:00 pm THE WHTE PARTY WITH BEN COHEN - TUV B'AV
www.yjphouston.org/cohen

MON.-FRI,, AUG 19-23, 15-19 MENACHEM AV
Shacharis 6:45 am

Good Shabbos!

Tickets go up tomorrow!

www.yjphouston.org/cohen

YJP Houston Presents the White Party

with Magical Illusionist Ben Cohen of NYC!

Join Houston Young Jewish Professionals in their 20’s and 30’s for a fun evening of magic and business networking in your summer white cocktail attire!

> TICKETS <

Advanced: $30 (coupon code: advance)
At the door: $45
Sponsorship Opportunities available

All tickets include show, open bar, hors devours & heavy bites.

Advanced RSVP is highly encouraged.

About Ben:  Ben Cohen has been performing for audiences across the United States and abroad for over 24 years. He has worked together with David Copperfield, has consulted for AGT and Penn & Teller fool us.

Judaism is all about joy, but our people have known much sorrow too.

Tisha B’av—the 9th of Av—the day both Holy Temples were destroyed, is an annual day of national Jewish mourning. Observed with a 24-hour fast, (this year, starting Monday evening, August 12, at sunset, 8:05 pm in Houston), over the years it has become a day on which we mark many other tragedies our people have endured, and the prayers we recite commemorate some of those historic calamities.

Our mourning has a purpose. We don’t fast and cry only because things are so bad, but because it provides us with an opportunity for introspection. We meditate on the reason for the tragedy, and more importantly we look towards the future when there will be no more tragedy and contemplate what we can do to bring about that change.

Looking at the current predicament of the Jewish people, especially our brothers and sisters in the Holy Land in the wake of October 7, we also cry. We cry for the victims of the terror attacks, we cry for the hostages, and we cry for the soldiers who are putting their lives on the line for the safety of their people.

But we also know that the crying and the mourning is temporary. Our cries will certainly be heard by Hashem, and it will lead us to better times. Our eyes are focused towards a time when there will be no more sorrow, a time when all Jews will only have reason to celebrate with true joy. And so, we demand of Hashem to make that happen sooner because we have no tears left to cry.

We demand an end to the tragedies, which will come with the Ultimate Redemption, ushered in by our righteous Moshiach!

Shabbat shalom,

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Monday, August 12, 8:30 pm - Tisha B'Av Maariv and Eicha (Lamentations) followed by Film & Discussion
• Sunday, August 18, 7 pm - THE WHITE PARTY with Magical Illusionist Ben Cohen - Join Houston Young Jewish Professionals in their 20’s and 30’s for a fun evening of laughter and business networking in your summer white cocktail attire!  All tickets include show, open bar, hors devours & heavy bites. Advanced: $30 (coupon code: advance – Until Aug. 15), At the door: $45 www.yjphouston.org/cohen

UPCOMING CLASSES AND LECTURES

• Shabbos, 9 am - Chassidus - Likkutei Torah - Kabbala Insights on the Parsha
• Wednesdays, 11 am - The Tanya - Meaning and Purpose of Life
• Wednesdays, 8 pm - YJP Dinner, Class & Social - Contemporary Themes
• Thursdays, 8 pm - The Heart of Prayer-  In-depth unpacking the Siddur
• 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

SHABBOS CHAZON, PARSHAS BAMIDBAR
FRIDAY, AUGUST 9, 5 MENACHEM AV
7:30 pm Mincha & Kabbolas Shabbos
7:50 pm Shabbos Candle Lighting
RSVP for Shabbos Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner

SHABBOS, AUGUST 10, 6 MENACHEM AV
9:00 am Chassidus
10:00 am Shacharis
Shabbos Lunch Kiddush
2:01 pm Earliest Mincha
Ethics of our Fathers, Chapter 3
8:44 pm Maariv, Havdalla & Shabbos Ends
Living Torah Video
      
SUNDAY, AUGUST 11, 7 MENACHEM AV
8:00 am Shacharis

MON., EREV TISHA B'AV, AUG. 12, 8 MENACHEM AV
6:45 am Shacharis
1:26 pm Refrain from general Torah Study
Seudah Hamafsekes, egg dipped in ashes.
8:05 pm Fast Begins
Refrain from eating and drinking, bathing, wearing of leather footwear, and marital relations
8:30 pm Maariv
8:45 pm Eichah Reading (Lamentations) followed by
9:15 pm Film and discussion - Film will be shown in HD

TUES., TISHA B'AV, AUG. 13, 9 MENACHEM AV
Ritual wash (negel vasser) only to knuckles
6:45 am Shacharis with Torah Reading
No Tallis and Tefillin at Shacharis
7:45 am Kinos - Lamentations
1:26 pm Midday - Resume sitting normally
7:15 pm Mincha – Talis, Tefillin, Krias HaTorah
8:29 pm Maariv, Havdalla & Fast Ends
Ritual wash hands fully
Kiddush Levanah
Nine day mourning practices continue through tomorrow Wednesday, 1:26 pm

WED.-FRI,, AUG 14-16, 10-12 MENACHEM AV
Shacharis 6:45 am

Good Shabbos!