Updates

This week is Shabbos Mevarchim when we bless the new month of Shevat. It is a Chabad custom to recite the entire book of Tehilim before morning prayers, and to conduct farbrengens in the course of the Shabbos.

It is an extra time for prayer when our country is in turmoil in so many ways. Rabbi Chanina, deputy to the kohanim, would say: Pray for the integrity of the government; for were it not for the fear of its authority, a man would swallow his neighbor alive. (Avos 3:2).

It’s OK Not to Have Aspirations

Don’t feel any less worthy because you’re not the next big thing, because in reality you are—by dint of the practical things you do every day. more…

 We share our sincere condolences to Michael Pasternak on the passing of his dear sister Mimi Toubin of Brenham, Texas

SHABBOS MEVARCHIM SHEVAT PARSHAS SHEMOS

Friday, 24 Teves - January 8
Candle Lighting at 5:21 pm
Kabbalat Shabbat at 6:00 pm
Earliest Shema at 6:06 pm

Shabbos, 25 Teves - January 9
Shabbos Mevarchim Tehillim at 8:30 am
Latest Morning Shema at 9:51 am
Shacharis at 10:00 am
Mincha at 5:20 pm
Maariv, Havdalla & Shabbos Ends at 6:18 pm
Living Torah

Sunday, 26 Teves - January 10
Shacharis at 8:30 am

Thursday, Rosh Chodesh Shevat - January 14
Shacharis at 6:45 am
Followed by breakfast in honor of Jonas Pfrenger 

Kicking off 2021 with a bang with a taste of the amazing new Bellaire New York Bagel Shop Bakery! "A bagel without a bottom?!" Levi was amazed to have a real bagel from the new bakery under Mehadrin MKT supervision! A place for everyone to enjoy! And, there are lines out the door!

Some call it two sides of the same bagel, may 2021 bring us revealed blessings and good health for all! Why are we paying attention to the non Jewish new year, you ask?

Once , when Reb Shulem (Sydney) Hecht went into the Rebbe on a Sunday which happened to be January 1st - New Year’s Day. As he enters the Rebbe’s room the Rebbe wishes him “Happy New Year! 

He looks at the Rebbe very dumbfounded that the Rebbe would do so on the non Jewish new year- the Rebbe says to him “I see you’re wondering” and says “Reb Levi Yitzchak Barditchiver would do the same”and based it on a posuk In Tehillim ״ה׳ יספור בכתוב עמים״ translated- HaShem counts by the writings (calendar) of the nations. Happy New Year & a Freilichen Shabbos Chazak!

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie

Your Judaism’s Too Dry? How About Some Wine?

Much of Judaism is a vast, sprawling set of laws that govern what you do. Where’s the G‑dliness, the holiness, in it all? more…

SHABBOS CHAZZAK PARSHAS VAYECHI

Friday, 17 Teves - January 1
Candle Lighting at 5:16 pm
Kabbalat Shabbat at 6:00 pm
Earliest Shema at 6:01 pm

Shabbos, 18 Teves - January 2
Latest Morning Shema at 9:49 am
Shacharis at 10:00 am
Mincha at 5:15 pm
Maariv, Havdalla & Shabbos Ends at 6:14 pm
Living Torah

We hope you have recovered from the miracle of Chanukah, when you planned to only eat one doughnut or latke and you end up eating eight!

Tevet 10 is observed as a day of fasting, mourning and repentance, in remembrance of the siege of Jerusalem. On this date in the year 3336 from Creation (425 BCE), the armies of the Babylonian emperor Nebuchadnezzar laid siege to Jerusalem. Thirty months later -- on Tammuz 17, 3338 -- the city walls were breached, and on 9 Av of that year, the Holy Temple was destroyed. The Jewish people were exiled to Babylonia for 70 years.

It is the shortest fast of the year. We refrain from food (including doughnuts and latkes) and drink from daybreak (in Houston at 5:55 am) to nightfall (5:56 pm), when we break our fast with the Shabbos Kiddush. We add the Selichot and other special supplements to our prayers. More recently, Tevet 10 was chosen to also serve as a "general kaddish day" for the victims of the Holocaust, many of whose day of martyrdom is unknown.

Although fast days are generally not observed if it is on a Friday or Shabbos, besides Yom Kippur, this fast is the only fast that is not rescheduled and observed even when it falls out on a Friday. (Fun fact: Yom Kippur can only fall on Shabbos, not Friday).

Related: Learn about Tevet 10; Essays and Stories on the Holocaust

Next Week: YJP Houston First Fridays of January and 2021! In 2019 you stayed away from negative people, in 2020 you stayed away from positive people. Now with the vaccine we pray for 20021 when it will, please G-d, be positive to be positive.

Why Judah Lost His Cool

A fire ignited within him, an urgent drive that granted neither time nor space to negotiate. He summoned his inner ninja and did the unthinkable: he confronted the prince of Egypt himself and demanded the release of the Jewish boy. There was nothing to discuss—it simply had to happen! more…

SHABBOS PARSHAS VAYIGASH

Friday, Fast of Asara B'Teves - December 25
Fast Begins at 5:55 am
Mincha with Torah Ready and Haftorah at 5 pm
Candle Lighting at 5:11 pm
Kabbalat Shabbat at 5:40 pm
Earliest Shema and Fast Ends at 5:56 pm

Shabbos, Teves 11 - December 26
Latest Morning Shema at 9:47 am
Shacharis at 10:00 am
Mincha at 5:10 pm
Maariv, Havdalla & Shabbos Ends at 6:09 pm
Living Torah

Today is the last day, the eighth of Chanukah, when the menorah is filled with light, all candles burning. Like today's menorah, may we realize our potential today and every day of the year. Absorb the light, reflect the light, refract the light for others.

The eighth day of Chanukah is also known as Zot Chanukah (lit., "this is Chanukah"), after a key phrase in the special Chanukah Torah reading for this day. For the deeper significance, see here.

On last Motzei Shabbos, Saturday night, the third night of Chanukah, YJP Houston found a way to Chanukah, with COVID and all, with a physically distanced evening of individually packaged Chanukah delicacies, music, drinks, and tons of laughter. A Chanukah experience under the stars, on the new YJP Houston outdoor plaza! See the pics here. Featured in JHV here.

The distanced Chanukah Distanced Gelt Hunt was also featured in the JHV.

Why Joseph Framed Benjamin

In order for their descendants to survive the harsh exile, Joseph’s brothers, who were the heads of the tribes of Israel, had to experience the oppression and accusations of the Egyptian monarch. more…

Friday, Teves 3 - December 18
Shabbos Candle Lighting at 5:05 pm
Mincha (with last v'al hanissim) at 5:08 pm
Kabbalat Shabbat at 6:00 pm

Shabbos, Teves 4 - December 19
Chassidus at 9:00 am
Latest Morning Shema at 9:43 am
Shacharis at 10:00 am
Mincha at 5:10 pm
Maariv, Havdalla & Shabbos Ends at 6:05 pm
Living Torah

Sunday, Teves 5 - December 20
Shacharis at 8:30 am
Jumbo Judaica Hey Teves Sale! $10 off one childrens book (with child present), 25% off one adult book (per adult present), 10% off all other books!

VIRTUAL CLASSES
www.chabaduptown.org/liveclass

Tuesday
12:00 pm - Parsha Class

Wednesday
8 PM YJP Class

Thursday
12:00 pm - Kitzur Shulchan Aruch - Jewish Law 
8:00 pm - Chassidus - Derech Mitzvosecha

We have been kicking off Chanukah with some great and safe celebrations for the first night!

• Rabbi Chaim had a great time dancing the spinning dreidel costume with FOX 26 talking about the;
• The Car Menorah Parade was bigger and better then ever (covered by much press) and passed by the;
• Distanced Gelt & Gift Hunt was well attended, while keeping everyone safe! It was wonderful to see everyone spread out over the field with their flashlights and bags to search and find prizes! Thank you Amalya Shandelman Phtogoraphy!

Still not too late to register for the YJP Houston Latkes & Laughter tomorrow night at 8:30 pm! www.yjphouston.org/laugh

Everything Chanukah can be found on our mega-site at ChabadUptown.org/Chanukah

Many more local Houston area Chanukah events at chabadhouston.com/localevents

Do You Feel Like a Hypocrite?

In a surprising twist, we are told that the world we live in comes from that circular, dreamy world. Of course, an average day sure looks ramrod straight, but the true source of energy from which we feed is that magical, circular swirl. more…

SHABBOS CHANUKAH, MEVARCHIM TEVES, PARSHAS VAYEISHEV

Friday, Kislev 25 - December 4
2 light of Chanukah and then Shabbos Candle Lighting at 5:05 pm
Mincha at 5:05 pm
Kabbalat Shabbat at 6:00 pm

Shabbos Mevarchim Teves, Kislev 26 - December 5
Shabbos Mevarchim Tehillim at 8:30 am
Latest Morning Shema at 9:39 am
Shacharis at 10:00 am
Mincha at 5:05 pm
Maariv, Shul 3rd light Menorah, Havdalla & Shabbos Ends at 6:02 pm
Living Torah
At home: Make Havdalla first, then light the third light of Menorah

Chanukah Sunday, Kislev 27 - December 6
Shacharis at 8:30 am

Chanukah Monday-Friday, Kislev 28-Teves 3
Rosh Chodesh on Wednesday
Shacharis at 6:45 am

VIRTUAL CLASSES
www.chabaduptown.org/liveclass

Tuesday
12:00 pm - Parsha Class

Wednesday
8 PM YJP Class

Thursday
12:00 pm - Kitzur Shulchan Aruch - Jewish Law 
8:00 pm - Chassidus - Derech Mitzvosecha

This Motzei Shabbos, Saturday night, at 8:30 pm, please join us for a special virtual program of "A Light On The Path: The teachings of Chassidus illuminate and enhance our personal path to G-d in a practical and meaningful way". Join virtually at www.chabaduptown.org/liveclass

On the 19th of Kislev of the year 5559 from creation (1798), Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi -- a leading disciple of Rabbi DovBer of Mezeritch and the founder of Chabad Chassidism -- was released from his imprisonment in the Peter-Paul fortress in Petersburg, where he was held for 53 days on charges that his teachings threatened the imperial authority of the Czar. More than a personal liberation, this was a watershed event in the history of Chassidism heralding a new era in the revelation of the "inner soul" of Torah, and is celebrated to this day as "The Rosh Hashanah of Chassidism." It is also the the Birthday of his granddaughter Menucha Rochel Slonim (1798-1888) and Yartzeit of his predecessor, the Maggid of Mezritch (1772).  Links: About Kislev 19, Today in Jewish History.

⇒ JTA helped us remind all to celebrate Chanukah on December 10-18, 2020. As quoted in today's JTA syndicated story, appearing in many other papers worldwide: “This year, more than ever, the light of Hanukkah is needed to increase the feeling of the triumph and eradication of evil with goodness, illness with health, sadness with joy,” said Rabbi Chaim Lazaroff, program director for Chabad in Houston, adding that the events this year have been “carefully chosen to adhere to best safety practices possible.” For the complete list of events, www.chabadhouston.com/localevents

⇒Are you ready for Chanukah? Become an Ambassador of Light! Help make sure that every Jewish adult in Houston has a Chanukah menorah and candles. You get a few of our packaged menorahs kits with candles and share it with your friends. Simple as that. Let us know if you are ready and how many menorahs you will need. Click here to sign up!

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Friday, December 4, 6: 00 pm  - YJP Houston Chinese Shabbat First Fridays Partially sponsored by Saba's Grill & Wok - RSVP REQUIRED
• Saturday, December 5, 8:30 pm - A light on the Path - Virtual Program marking Yud Tes-Chof Kislev
• Thursday, December 10 5:30 pm - Distanced Gelt & Gift Hunt - Post Oak Menorah Lighting - RSVP REQUIRED
• Saturday, December 12, 8:30 pm - YJP Houston Latkes & Laughter Comedy Show - Under the Stars - RSVP REQUIRED

SHABBOS, YUD-TES KISLEV, PARSHAS VAYISHLACH

Friday, Kislev 18 - December 4
Candle Lighting & Mincha at 5:04 pm
Kabbalat Shabbat at 6:00 pm
Distanced First Fridays Chinese Shabbat 7:00 pm
www.yjphouston.org/wokshabbat

Shabbos, Yud-Tes Kislev, Rosh Hashana of Chassidus - December 5
Chassidus at 9:00 am
Latest Morning Shema at 9:35 am
Shacharis at 10:00 am
Mincha at 5:05 pm
Maariv (switch to Tal U'matar)
Havdalla & Shabbos Ends at 6:01 pm
Living Torah
A light on the Path - Virtual Program at 8:30 pm

VIRTUAL CLASSES
www.chabaduptown.org/liveclass

Tuesday
12:00 pm - Parsha Class

Wednesday
8 PM YJP Class

Thursday
12:00 pm - Kitzur Shulchan Aruch - Jewish Law 
8:00 pm - Chassidus - Derech Mitzvosecha

 
Where young Jewish professionals connect 
in a sophisticated, welcoming, and relaxed setting 
with a spirited vibe 

Upcoming Events 

HAPPENING NOW: Be an Ambassador of Light!
Are you ready for Chanukah? Become an Ambassador of Light! Help make sure that every Young Jewish Professional in Houston has a Chanukah menorah and candles. You get a few of our packaged menorahs kits with candles and share it with your friends. Simple as that. Let us know if you are ready and how many menorahs you will need. Click here to sign up!

Wednesdays, December 2 & 9 at 8 pm - PreChanukah Distanced Dinner, Class & Social
Topic: Chanukah - What's the light all about? Get a menorah kit and candles for yourself and to share with others! Join us for a two part class!

Friday, Dec 4 at 6 / 7 pm - Chinese Shabbat First Fridays
Join Young Jewish Professionals for Chinese Themed Shabbat Dinner at YJP Houston, physically distanced and individually served, outdoors on the Uptown Plaza! PROUD SPONSOR: Saba’s Grill & Wok Shabbat Candle Lighting: 5:04PM Masked Friday Night Services: 6:00PM Outdoor Shabbat Dinner: 7:00PM. LIMITED SEATING OCCUPANCY. RSVP REQUIRED. Masks required indoors or outdoors within 6 ft outside of your pod www.yjphouston.org/wokshabbat $10 until Thursday, $18 after Use promo code: advance

Thurs. Dec. 10 at 5:30 pm - Distanced Gelt & Gift Hunt - Post Oak Menorah Lighting
In cooperation with the Uptown Houston District. More details on this community event at www.chabaduptown.org/hunt

Sat. Dec. 12 at 8:30 pm - Latkes & Laughter - Chanukah Comedy Show
Join Houston Young Jewish Professionals in their 20s and 30s for a physically distanced evening of individually packaged Chanukah delicacies, music, drinks, and tons of laughter. A Chanukah experience under the stars, on the new YJP Houston outdoor plaza! www.yjphouston.org/laugh

Thank you to all of our donors and our matchers who stepped up to the plate and were instrumental in making "bring it home" end of year campaign successful! May you be blessed with abundant good health, parnassa and success in all you do. For those who did not have a chance yet to do your end of the year donation have no fear:) It’s never too late... www.chabaduptown.org/bringithome for the last 4%.

We also  want to say a special thank you to the chai club supporters! Your monthly donations goes a long way and we truly appreciate it.  Chabad of Uptown and YJP Houston are able to continue changing lives because of YOU!

⇒ The Post Oak Menorah is UP! Check it out as you drive by the Sofa Park on San Felipe on the same side and just west of Whole Foods!

⇒ Celebrate Chanukah on December 10-18, 2020. Families are encouraged to celebrate Chanukah at the level that you can do so, safely. If there is one thing to stress this year it would be that one can perform and celebrate Chanukah completely by lighting the Chanukah menorah each night of the eight nights, and it can be without a party or gathering. All you need are candles, setup in a menorah or in an acceptable configuration and you have performed the mitzvah of Chanukah! Usually the practice is to gather together to celebrate "Brov Am Hadras Melech", in multitudes it brings greater beauty to the King. However, this year many will have to forgo that possibility in order to keep themselves, their families and the community safe. It would be perfectly acceptable according to Jewish law to not gather in groups, but to be sure to keep the main mitzvah of lighting the menorah.

⇒Are you ready for Chanukah? Become an Ambassador of Light! Help make sure that every Jewish adult in Houston has a Chanukah menorah and candles. You get a few of our packaged menorahs kits with candles and share it with your friends. Simple as that. Let us know if you are ready and how many menorahs you will need. Click here to sign up!

UPCOMING PHYSICALLY DISTANCED OUTDOOR EVENTS

• Friday, December 4, 6: 00 pm  - YJP Houston Chinese Shabbat First Fridays Partially sponsored by Saba's Grill & Wok
• Thursday, December 10 5:30 pm - Distanced Gelt & Gift Hunt - Post Oak Menorah Lighting
• Saturday, December 12, 8:30 pm - YJP Houston Latkes & Laughter Comedy Show - Under the Stars

The Answer Is “No.” Would You Like to Know Now or Later?

If Jacob saw that Leah was the one with the blessing of children, why did that not command more of his attention? more…

SHABBOS PARSHAS VAYEITZEI

Friday, Kislev 11 - November 27
Candle Lighting & Mincha at 5:04 pm
Kabbalat Shabbat at 6:00 pm

Shabbos, Kislev 12 - November 28
Chassidus at 9:00 am
Latest Morning Shema at 9:31 am
Shacharis at 10:00 am
Mincha at 5:05 pm
Maariv, Havdalla & Shabbos Ends at 6:00 pm
Living Torah

VIRTUAL CLASSES
www.chabaduptown.org/liveclass

Tuesday
12:00 pm - Parsha Class

Wednesday
8 PM YJP Class

Thursday
12:00 pm - Kitzur Shulchan Aruch - Jewish Law 
8:00 pm - Chassidus - Derech Mitzvosecha

Bringing. It. Home.

On Monday-Tuesday, look out for a special online event to give you the opportunity to bring you home. Chabad of Uptown and YJP Houston have been bringing Judaism home since March and has not skipped a beat. Now is your chance to participate in the journey to help bring us all on sure footing for the financial end-of-year home stretch!

PHYSICALLY DISTANCED OUTDOOR CHANUKAH EVENTS!

• Thursday, December 10 5:30 pm - Distanced Gelt & Gift Hunt - Post Oak Menorah Lighting
• Saturday, December 12, 8:30 pm - YJP Houston Latkes & Laughter Comedy Show - Under the Stars

The Challenge of Being an Isaac
Isaac uncovers the wells that his father Abraham had dug, an act that appears to be a fundamental part of his divine service more…

SHABBOS PARSHAS TOLDOS

Friday, Kislev 4 - November 20
Candle Lighting & Mincha at 5:06 pm
Kabbalat Shabbat at 6:00 pm

Shabbos, Kislev 5 - November 21
Chassidus at 9:00 am
Latest Morning Shema at 9:27 am
Shacharis at 10:00 am
Mincha at 5:05 pm
Maariv, Havdalla & Shabbos Ends at 6:01 pm
Living Torah

VIRTUAL CLASSES
www.chabaduptown.org/liveclass

Tuesday
12:00 pm - Parsha Class

Wednesday
8 PM YJP Class

Thursday
12:00 pm - Kitzur Shulchan Aruch - Jewish Law 
8:00 pm - Chassidus - Derech Mitzvosecha

For the first time ever, the Kinus is online. At least I got my badge, bag and brownie.... 

Join me on Sunday at 12:00 pm (CT) for the mega event! www.chabaduptown.org/kinus. 5,000 Chabad-Lubavitch emissaries and their partners and admirers from across the globe will celebrate the first-ever all-virtual International Conference of Chabad-Lubavitch Emissaries.

Despite the pandemic Chabad has added more than 100 new couples to its ranks as shluchim, including Rabbi Menny & Peri Raichik of the Chabad Israeli Center of Houston, Rabbi Shmuli & Mindy Ceitlin of Torah Day School and Rabbi Mendy & Rikki Hertz of South Austin. 

Read more about the Hertz family here 

The Half-Shekel of Marriage

What a seemingly negligible detail of the marriage of Isaac and Rebecca tells us about the nature of marriage between man and woman, and the nature of the marriage between man and G‑d we call “life.” more…

SAVE THE DATES FOR PHYSICALLY DISTANCED OUTDOOR CHANUKAH EVENTS!

• Thursday, December 10 5:30 pm - Distanced Gelt & Gift Hunt - Post Oak Menorah Lighting
• Saturday, December 12, 8:30 pm - YJP Houston Latkes & Laughter Comedy Show - Under the Stars

Mazel tov Bayla & Jeffrey Gross on the occasion their marriage!

SHABBOS MEVARCHIM KISLEV, PARSHAS CHAYEI SARAH

Friday, Cheshvan 26 - November 13
Candle Lighting & Mincha at 5:09 pm
Kabbalat Shabbat at 6:00 pm

Shabbos Mevarchim Kislev, Cheshvan 27 - November 14
Shabbos Mevarchim Tehillim 8:30 am
Latest Morning Shema at 9:24 am
Shacharis at 10:00 am
Mincha at 5:10 pm
Maariv, Havdalla & Shabbos Ends at 6:04 pm
Living Torah

VIRTUAL CLASSES
www.chabaduptown.org/liveclass

Tuesday
12:00 pm - Parsha Class

Wednesday
8 PM YJP Class

Thursday
12:00 pm - Kitzur Shulchan Aruch - Jewish Law 
8:00 pm - Chassidus - Derech Mitzvosecha

We are in a rhythms of the regular weekly grind of life. Avrohom taught us to never be complacent and always push ourselves to reach further and accomplish more today than yesterday and tomorrow plan for an improvement from today. He doesn't stand back and wait until everything falls into place, but tries his best to influence the best outcome for his environment. He always reached out to those whose ideology was diametrically opposed to his own, and even advocated on behalf of the wicked Sodom and Gomorrah to save their lives. Yet, he knew when to let go and realize that it was now out of his control and no matter how he tried it was now in the hands of Hashem. As the famous saying goes, may we have the strength to accept the things we cannot change; courage to change the things we can; and have the wisdom to know the difference. 

RSVP TONIGHT TO $AVE FOR TOMORROW: YJP Houston First Fridays on the Plaza Join Young Jewish Professionals, ages 21-39, over a physically distanced and individually served outdoor Shabbat Dinner on the Uptown Plaza. Shabbat Candle Lighting: 5:13PM Masked Friday Night Services: 6:00PM Outdoor Shabbat Dinner: 7:00PM. LIMITED SEATING OCCUPANCY. RSVP REQUIRED. Masks required indoors or outdoors within 6 ft outside of your pod www.yjphouston.org/plazashabbat $18 until Thursday, $25 after Use promo code: advance

SHABBOS PARSHAS VAYEIRA

Friday, Cheshvan 19 - November 6
Candle Lighting & Mincha at 5:13 pm
Kabbalat Shabbat at 6:00 pm

Shabbos, Cheshvan 20 - November 7
Chassidus on the Plaza at 9 am
Latest Morning Shema at 9:21 am
Shacharis at 10:00 am
Kiddush sponsored by Jose & Viviane Cohen in honor of their new grandson
Mincha at 5:15 pm
Maariv, Havdalla & Shabbos Ends at 6:07 pm
Living Torah

Sunday, Cheshvan 21, November 8
Shacharis at 8:30 am
      
VIRTUAL & DISTANCED IN-PERSON CLASSES
www.chabaduptown.org/liveclass

Tuesday
12:00 pm - Parsha Class

Wednesday
8 PM YJP CLASS & DINNER

Thursday
12:00 pm - Kitzur Shulchan Aruch - Jewish Law 
8:00 pm - Chassidus - Derech Mitzvosecha

Today my daughter shared with me a new song she found "Lech Lecha" by Joey Newcomb. She is always trying to find songs that match the Parsha to play when they are doing a Parsha project with her class. The chorus is catchy and rings true, "sometimes, you gotta leave the past behind".

It's a great song, but perhaps we can peel away some of what may seem is happening on the surface. Chassidus digs into the subject a little deeper.

With doing so, we can answer another timely question many have been asking me. How do you deal with people you strongly disagree with?

Avrohom leads a life filled with dealing with antagonists and those who represent complete opposites of his strong self-developed beliefs. Not just his community, but also with his family, and those he loves most. How did he deal with it? How does he survive it? Can his love for his family, community and humanity synch up with his life priorities and love for Hashem?

On the surface, the narrative of our Parsha Lech Lecha, it seems he is often running away from them.

First we start with "Lech Lecha" itself. Hashem tells him to pack up your bags and leave your birthplace and those who trouble you and make a new life for yourself - he seems to be leaving his past behind.

Later, once again, he gets rid of the people he has trouble with. He tells his nephew Lot, let's separate, you go left and I go right or if you go right and I will go left. It sounds like a total separation. We don't see things the same way, your right is my left while my left is your right. We simply just don't get each other.

Yet, Rashi completely changes our literal understanding of the verse and says that Avrohom was really saying "where you will be, I will not distance myself from you and I will be for you as a shield and helper". Indeed, Rashi points out that, in the end Lot needed Avrohom to rescue him from captivity.

Avrohom engaged with everyone, even though he lived a completely different lifestyle and choices than those he may have encountered. Yet, he made sure that they had common ground. Yes, we may have completely different positions on the issue, yet, at least we feel passionately about the same issue.

So the next time you feel the urge to "unfriend" someone, consider this: sometimes, just like Avrohom, you do need to "Lech Lecha" and leave your (personal) past behind. Yet, Chassidus teaches us that it is not erasing your troubled past, but transcending it.

Concurrently, we can also be like Avrohom, and love and respect each other. We all care for our environment, country, religion, health, family, education and Israel. We may have different ways of getting there and totally disagree with the friend or loved one's point of view. But, let's learn from the physical embrace, and perhaps paraphrasing from Avrohom's expression, where my right is your left and your left is my right. 

With wishes for a peaceful weekend and Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Chaim

THIS WEEK

• TUESDAY: JLI Course - Secrets of the Bible A lush garden...a snake...forbidden fruit...temptation...the sin of knowledge...shame...mortality...
  What is really going on? Revisit six seemingly absurd stories you likely remember from Hebrew school. Uncover their hidden themes and eye-opening insights into the mysteries of life.  6 Tuesdays, Nov 3rd - Dec 8th 2020 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM. Class will be given in person with appropriate social distancing and by Zoom. As we are in unusual times, this will all depend on the numbers of registering students. For video trailer, more info and to register click here
• WEDNESDAY: YJP Houston Dreamers Group Art Exhibition A tour of the current exhibition at Lara Rathe Fine Art Gallery in River Oaks District
  Dreamers presents a group of artists, masters of this subconscious realm, who have turned their dreams into a mine for artistic inspiration. Whether beautiful or challenging, their works of art speak of alternate realities, where lines do not need a beginning nor an ending. We will meet at and tour the gallery (located on the center square, near valet) . After the tour we will walk next door to YJP Houston Hdqtrs for an outdoor dinner on the new plaza. RSVP required to Chanie via text 713-419-3960
• FRIDAY: YJP Houston First Fridays on the Plaza Join Young Jewish Professionals, ages 21-39, over a physically distanced and individually served outdoor Shabbat Dinner on the Uptown Plaza. Shabbat Candle Lighting: 5:13PM Masked Friday Night Services: 6:00PM Outdoor Shabbat Dinner: 7:00PM. LIMITED SEATING OCCUPANCY. RSVP REQUIRED. Masks required indoors or outdoors within 6 ft outside of your pod www.yjphouston.org/plazashabbat $18 until Thursday, $25 after Use promo code: advance

Shabbos kiddush this week is sponsored by Steven and Sandra Finkelman in honor of their daughter, Marissa.

SHABBOS PARSHAS LECH LECHA

Friday, Cheshvan 12 - October 30
Candle Lighting at 6:18 pm
Mincha and Kabbalat Shabbat at 6:20 pm
Evening Shema after 7:01 pm

Shabbos, Cheshvan 13 - October 31
Chassidus on the Plaza at 9 am
Shacharis at 10:00 am
Latest Morning Shema at 10:18 am
Mincha at 6:20 pm
Maariv, Havdalla & Shabbos Ends at 7:12 pm
Living Torah

CHANGE YOUR CLOCKS!

Sunday, Cheshvan 14, November 1
Shacharis at 8:30 am
      
VIRTUAL & DISTANCED IN-PERSON CLASSES
www.chabaduptown.org/liveclass

Tuesday
12:00 pm - Parsha Class

Wednesday
8 PM YJP ART EXHIBIT, CLASS & DINNER

Thursday
12:00 pm - Kitzur Shulchan Aruch - Jewish Law 
8:00 pm - Chassidus - Derech Mitzvosecha

Where young Jewish professionals connect 
in a sophisticated, welcoming, and relaxed setting 
with a spirited vibe 

Upcoming Events 

Wednesday, October 28, 8 pm - Young Abraham The Movie
Join together to watch this powerful animated film that touches on the core values and lessons of monotheism followed by meaningful group conversation and commentary. RSVP required to Chanie via text 713-419-3962

Wednesday, November 4 - Dreamers Group Art Exhibition
A tour of the cuurent exhibition at Lara Rathe Fine Art Gallery in River Oaks District
Dreamers presents a group of artists, masters of this subconscious realm, who have turned their dreams into a mine for artistic inspiration. Whether beautiful or challenging, their works of art speak of alternate realities, where lines do not need a beginning nor an ending. We will meet at the gallery (located on the center square, near valet) . After the tour we will walk next door to YJP Houston Hdqtrs for an outdoor dinner on the new plaza. RSVP required to Chanie via text 713-419-3962

Friday, Nov 6 - First Fridays on The Plaza
Join Young Jewish Professionals, ages 21-39, over a physically distanced and individually served outdoor Shabbat Dinner on the Uptown Plaza. Shabbat Candle Lighting: 5:13PM Masked Friday Night Services: 6:00PM Outdoor Shabbat Dinner: 7:00PM. LIMITED SEATING OCCUPANCY. RSVP REQUIRED. Masks required indoors or outdoors within 6 ft outside of your pod www.yjphouston.org/plazashabbat $18 until Thursday, $25 after Use promo code: advance

Pave the Way for the YJP Houston Plaza!
The beautiful outdoor place has paved the way to make a large outdoor space for outdoor services and programs as listed above for increased capacity and safety, keeping to the health guidelines at this time. We are all dedicated to serving our community - and now your support will help build a bright Jewish future, together. It is not too late to help fund this important cause! www.chabaduptown.org/pavetheway