Updates

I want to thank each and every one of you who shared good wishes on Facebook and otherwise in honor of my July 4th birthDATE. My real birthDAY, however, is Tammuz 19. As is customary among Chabad Chasidim, I will be making a birthday " farbrengen" (FOR MEN) in honor of my birthday on Monday evening July 22, 19 Tammuz, at my home at 4311 Bettis beginning at about 8 p.m. I fully understand if your schedule does not allow you to attend. Please let me know if you can make it.

Do you know when YOUR Jewish birthday is? Use our Jewish birthday calculator and read more about celebrating birthdays:  What is a Jewish Birthday? and related articles there.

UPCOMING SAVE DATES:

• JULY 21: Fast of 17 Tammuz (observed)
• AUG 2: YJP Houston First Fridays
• AUG 11: Tisha B'Av (observed)
• AUG 15: YJP HOUSTON - The White Party
• AUG 18: Hey Caring Citizens! Do you know how to recognize the onset of or respond to a Mental Health problem? Get certified training on Sunday August 18 at Chabad of Uptown! Mental Health First Aid teaches a 5-step action plan to offer initial help to people showing signs of a mental illness or in a crisis, and connects them with the appropriate professional, peer, social, or self help care. Anyone can take the 8-hour Mental Health First Aid course, but it is ideally designed for adults — teachers, coaches, leaders of faith communities, social workers, and other caring citizens. Special supplement on Opioid Response! For the opioid supplement you must register for the Chabad of Uptown location at http://bit.ly/2Sip9Wc.

PARSHA: The Four Gifts of the Yiddishe Mama

The lesson of Miriam’s well is clear. The Yiddishe mama has a particular role to play in Jewish life. more…

Shabbos Parshas Chukas

Friday, July 12
Mincha & Kabbalat Shabbat Services at 7:30 pm
Candle Lighting at 8:07 pm
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner

Shabbos, July 13
Chassidus at 9:00 am
Services at 10 am
Followed by Shabbos Lunch Kiddush & Farbrengen
Mincha at 8:05 pm
Ethics of of Fathers, Chapter 5
Maariv, Havdalla & Shabbos Ends at 9:05 pm
Living Torah Video Program (15 min.)

Sunday, July 14 - Shacharis at 8:30 am Followed by the the real BLT = Bagels Lox & Tefillin
Monday, July 15 - Shacharis at 6:45 am
Thursday, July 18 - Shacharis at 6:45 am

Have a good Shabbos!

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie

I vividly remember when I was a child standing in the foyer of 770 Eastern Parkway with my family waiting for the Rebbe to pass by on the way to or from synagogue prayer. After waiting for a while, the moment finally came, and the Rebbe emerged. The Rebbe reached into his pocket and started handing out coins for charity to the few kids who were present. To the Rebbe, no person was too small, and no child was overlooked. Every. Single. One. I happily accepted my own coin and quickly shoved this priceless keepsake in my pocket. The Rebbe pointed to the nearby large pushka (charity box) on the wall. I quickly realized that the Rebbe wanted me to give tzedaka and not push off an opportunity even for a moment. As the Rebbe watched, I walked across the less than 10 foot room, that to me at that moment felt like the length of a football field. I performed the mitzvah and dropped the coin in the pushka, immediately.

We have been in NY this week in preparation for the Rebbe's 25 yartzeit this Shabbos, Gimmel Tammuz. It started with a mini conference collaborating with Shluchim emissaries from around the world who work with young professionals and spending time in the nerve center where the Rebbe created a revolution of Jewish engagement, Torah and leadership.

Today, Chanie and I went with the kids for a visit to the Rebbe's office in 770. We handed them each a dollar for charity. I told them the experience when the Rebbe handed me the coin and they placed their own dollar in the very same charity box, immediately.

May we feel the urgency in which to transform the world around us and to succeed in doing so, immediately.

• Check out this revolutionary new interactive experience featuring the Rebbe's wisdom and teachings. Every Single One explores a number of recurring themes from the Rebbe, highlighting the utmost importance of Every. Single. One. https://everysingleone.ashreinu.appYou can also find it on JEM's Instagram channel at tinyurl.com/y2k3sw3y
• What a wonderful Shabbos we had last week with Rabbi Shlomo Galperin, in preparation for the Rebbe's 25th yartzeit this Shabbos. JHV wrote a wonderful article including some of the many stories he shared over Shabbos. Click >
• Mazel tov to the entire Melnik family on the engagement of Ryan Melnik to Michelle Mizrahi!

TIMELY: 3 Tammuz: The Anniversary of the Passing of the Rebbe—Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of Righteous Memory
Let's make this a day for reflection, learning, prayer, re-commitment and, above all, positive action. more…

PARSHA: Korach and Anarchy

Korach is a figure I can highly identify with. From primary grades on, I never got along too well with authority. more…

Friday, July 5
Mincha & Kabbalat Shabbat Services at 7:30 pm
Candle Lighting at 8:08 pm
RSVP for "Leadership Shabbat" YJP First Fridays Shabbat Dinner

Shabbos, July 6
Chassidus at 9:00 am
Services at 10 am
Followed by Shabbos Lunch Kiddush & Farbrengen
Mincha at 8:10 pm
Ethics of of Fathers, Chapter 4
Maariv, Havdalla & Shabbos Ends at 9:07 pm
Living Torah Video Program (15 min.)

Sunday, July 7 Shacharis at 8:30 am Followed by the the real BLT = Bagels Lox & Tefillin
Monday, July 8 - Shacharis at 6:45 am
Thursday, July 11 - Shacharis at 6:45 am

Have a good Shabbos!

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie

Rivky is off to camp a few hours drive outside of Montreal, in Camp Pardas Chana! Chaya went to Montreal as well to be a staff member in a local day camp. The boys have been brotherly bonding with Mendel home from Yeshivah. Menucha & Bluma started Camp Gan Israel day camp this week along with many other young friends from Uptown. Its been pretty awesome!

Looking forward to sharing a very meaningful Shabbos with y'all on this special weekend with guest Rabbi Shlomo Galperin. Please join us for the Tashkent to Texas Shabbaton! Full schedule below and RSVP at www.chabaduptown.org/shabbaton

The Shabbaton marks the Rebbe's 25th Yartzeit next Shabbos, the third of Tammuz. 

The Rebbe taught us to see the world with positivity. He himself displayed a positivity bias in almost every thing and everyone he encountered. There is a new book  drawing from the Rebbe's teachings called "Positivity Bias", that is truly uplifting that will change the way you think about yourself, others and the world around us. I highly recommend it! You can get it at Amazon here: https://amzn.to/2Njmb6m

We will be visiting NY on this auspicious day, and it would be an honor and pleasure to pray for you (and your family), as well, at the Rebbe's "Ohel." Please e-mail your name and your mother's name (preferably the Hebrew or Yiddish names), and those of anyone else you would like us to mention, we would be glad to have them in mind as well. If there's a specific need you would like for us to pray for, please mention it as well. May all our prayers be fulfilled.

Next Shabbos is also First Fridays for Young Professionals! Join Naomi and Elchonon for a spirited Shabbos dinner, with a July 4th theme, "Leaders of a Great Nation"! Free until Thursday... https://www.yjphouston.org/events/leadershabbat/

PARSHA Ma'apilim: The Little-Known Warriors Who Disregarded Moses

Moses warned that their campaign would be unsuccessful, but they were determined to enter the land. more…

Shabbos Mevarchim Tammuz 
Parshas Shlach 

From Tashkent to Texas Shabbaton Weekened
with Rabbi Shlomo Galperin
A Shabbat of Tribute Marking the 25th Yartzeit of The Lubavitcher Rebbe, zy"a

Friday, June 28
Mincha & Kabbalat Shabbat Services at 7:30 pm
Candle Lighting at 8:08 pm
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner
Topic: From Tashkent to Texas -The Jewish Challenges under communism of yesterday to the reality of Judaism today 

Shabbos, June 29
Shabbos Mevarchim Tehillim at 8:30 am
Services at 10 am
RSVP for Shabbos Mevarchim Lunch Kiddush & Farbrengen
Topic: Judaism in the Russian Underground - Tales of Jewish Life from Behind the Iron Curtain
Mincha at 8:10 pm
Ethics of of Fathers, Chapter 3
Maariv, Havdalla & Shabbos Ends at 9:07 pm
Living Torah Video Program (15 min.)

Sunday, June 30
Shacharis at 8:30 am Followed by the the real BLT = Bagels Lox & Tefillin

Monday, July 1 - Shacharis at 6:45 am
Thursday, July 4, Rosh Chodesh Tammuz - Shacharis at 8 am, followed by monthly breakfast

Have a good Shabbos!

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie

When you have lemonade, well... sell it!

Texas made nationwide news when the law was signed last week that a child may sell lemonade from a stand on private property. Well, the kids got straight to work and splitting the proceeds with tzedaka raising $122 for Chabad of Uptown! What a mitzvah!

What was most enjoyable was watching total strangers of all walks of life stop and give the kids the time of day.... What a wonderful community we live in.

Guess who is coming home? Mendel! He has completed his three year of study at the "Mesivta" Yeshivah in New Haven. He now graduates to move on to "Beis Midrash" next year! 

Classes are on full steam all week long, check out the schedule of classes at www.chabaduptown.org/classes.

We hope you will join us next Shabbos for the Tashkent to Texas Shabbaton with Chanie's father, Rabbi Shlomo Galperin. www.chabaduptown.org/shabbaton

THANK YOU!! to all those who have stepped up to the plate for the security fund, so we can increase uniformed patrol at Chabad of Uptown! We have about 9 more $850 months to cover a year! To participate to sponsor a whole, half or quarter of a month, visit www.chabaduptown.org/donate and choose security fund.

PARSHA IN 6 MIN. VIDEO: What Are You Worth, Actually?

Extreme humility is sometimes confused with low self-esteem. For Moses, these were as different as day and night. more…

  Shabbos Parshas Bha'alosecha

Friday, June 21
Mincha & Kabbalat Shabbat Services at 7:30 pm
Candle Lighting at 8:07 pm
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner

Shabbos, June 22
Chassidus at 9 am
Services at 10 am
Followed by Shabbos Lunch Kiddush
Mincha at 8:05 pm
Ethics of of Fathers, Chapter 2
Maariv, Havdalla & Shabbos Ends at 9:07 pm
Living Torah

Sunday, June 23- Shacharis at 8:30 am
Monday, June 24  - Shacharis at 6:45 am
Thursday, June 27 - Shacharis at 6:45 am

Friday, June 28-29 - Tashkent to Texas Shabbaton

Have a good Shabbos!

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie

I don't know what to write in this email. Have any ideas?

I cant believe a week has passed by...

We are so proud of Rivky who has graduated 8th grade with honors. As quoted in the Jewish Herald Voice, Rivky understands the importance of mitzvot and compassion. She said, “Focus on the recipient, not yourself.” Read more here.

What a Shavuos!!! First Fridays was over the top with chocolate delights and 50 young professionals enjoying dinner. All night study on Saturday night went until 4:30 am! Thank you to our many presenters! Ten Commandments and dairy delights were overflowing with packed shul and food on Sunday and tears flowed for Yizkor on Monday. Thanks to Chanie there was amazing kiddushim throughout the nonstop weekend with constant overflowing food for overflowing crowds!

The Rebbe's 25th yarzteit is coming up on Gimmel Tammuz, July 6.

In commemoration of this monumental anniversary year:

• We will have special classes at our Wednesday night dinner & socials for Young Professionals on June 19 & 26 studying transformational teaching of the Lubavitcher Rebbe.
• There will be a special community Shabbaton with a special Shabbat dinner and Lunch on June 28-29. Stay tuned for the juicy details.

PARSHA - Sotah: The Biblical Wayward Wife

The sotah episode is a metaphor for any time we stray in our personal relationships or with G‑d. more…

Friday, June 14
Mincha & Kabbalat Shabbat Services at 7:30 pm
Candle Lighting at 8:05 pm
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner

Shabbos, June 15
Chassidus at 9 am
Services at 10 am
Followed by Shabbos Lunch Kiddush
Mincha at 8:05 pm
Ethics of of Fathers, Chapter 1
Maariv, Havdalla & Shabbos Ends at 9:05 pm
Living Torah

Sunday, June 16- Shacharis at 8:30 am
Monday, June 17  - Shacharis at 6:45 am
Thursday, June 20 - Shacharis at 6:45 am

Have a good Shabbos!

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie

Join us this weekend for an amazing array of programming to keep your Shavuos engaged!

Most importantly is to focus on what happens on Sunday at 11:30 am SHARP - the main objective of the holiday: the reenactment of the reading of the Ten Commandments, the entire Jewish nations, men, women and children - even newborn infants - like one body, with one heart!   Our sages relate that when G-d came to give the Torah to the people of Israel, He asked for a guarantee that that they will not forsake it. "The heaven and the earth shall be our guarantors," said the Jews, but G-d replied that "they will not last forever." "Our fathers will guarantee it," said the people, but G-d said that "they are busy." It was only when we promised that "our children will guarantee it" that G-d agreed, "These are excellent guarantors."

This Weekend's Highlights:

• Friday: YJP First Fridays Chocolate Shabbat Dinner
• Saturday:All Night Torah Study
• Sunday:10 Commandments & Ice Cream Party
• Monday: Yizkor
• Complete schedule below and online at www.chabaduptown.org/shavuotschedule

Young and old - all are invited to study Torah with us on Saturday night. Here are some of the topics to choose from for the all night learning! You can add your own at by replying to this email or applying at www.chabaduptown.org/jepshavuot

Nataniel Assayag, Derivatives Trader, Dual Masters of Math and Physics
Topic: Math, Physics and Torah
 
Kirby Chenkin, KirBeBetter Founder
Topic: Health is Torah Wealth

Chanie Lazaroff, Chabad of Uptown, Director
Topic: Ten Life Changing Lessons from the Ten Commandments

Levi Lazaroff, Chabad of Uptown Assistant Rabbi
Topic: The Reasons for Dairy on Shavuos

Ariel J. Ourian, MD, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Houston Methodist Hospital
Topic: Medicine, Healing and Judaism

Nina Pfrenger, Graduate Tomball High School
Topic: Torah Engineering: Building a Home for G-d

Brandon Rumann, Junior of Economics at the Forbes School of Business
Topic: Economic Values from the Torah

Mazel tov Alexander & Lindsey Barsky on their marriage!

We extend condolences to Jane Wyman on the passing of her grandfather, Nachum Nisel ben Lazar in Israel

PARSHA: The Power of Neighbors

Even when the negative influence is right next door you have the ability to resist their blandishments. more…

Shabbos Parshas Bamidbar & Shavuos Weekend

Friday, June 7  
- 7:30 pm Shabbat Services 
- 8:03 pm Light Shabbat Candles
- 8:30 pm YJP Houston First Fridays Chocolate Shabbat Dinner - RSVP

Shabbat, June 8, Erev Shavuos
- 9:00 Chassidus / Kabbala Class
- 10:00 Morning Services
Followed by Kiddush Lunch
- 8:00 pm Shabbat Afternoon & Evening Holiday Services 
- AFTER 9:02 pm* Light Yom Tov Candles
* From a pre-existing flame. 
- 11:30 pm JEPShavuot! All Night Learn-A-Thon |  APPLY TO PRESENT
Lineup of Torah talks by experts on many Jewish subjects! 

Sunday, June 9, First Day Shavuos 
- 10:00 am Morning Services
* 11am-1pm Special childrens' service w/ games, activities and more! 
- 11:30 am Reading of Ten Commandments & Party
followed by 1 pm dairy kiddush & ice cream party! 
- 8:00 pm Mincha & Maariv Holiday Services 
- After 9:02 pm* Light Yom Tov Candles 
* From a pre-existing flame. 

Monday, June 10, Second Day Shavuos 
- 10:00 am Morning Services
- 11:45 am approx. Yizkor Memorial Service 
- 8:00 pm Mincha Services 
- 9:03 pm Maariv, Havdalla & Yom Tov Ends 

Thursday, June 13 - Shacharis at 6:45 am

Have a good Shabbos!

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie

We did it then and we will do it now. Receive the Torah live again, for the very first time, at the reenactment of Sinai on Sunday morning of Shavuos! We will spark your soul with spiritualiciousness and delight your palate with dairy deliciousness! www.chabaduptown.org/shavuotparty

A great big thank you to Roni Urunbraev for the amazing photos from our YJP Lag Bomer Jazz & BBQ. Roni is a talented photo artist. Check out his website with beautiful pictures of Israel and consider hiring him for your next event! www.holylandscapeprints.com

• Shabbos dinner this week is sponsored by Guitel Melnik, im memory of her mother Nancy Esther Felsenstein bas Elsa, a"h.
• Shabbos lunch kiddush is sponsored by the Nurko family in honor of Gabriel's bar mitzvah.

Mazel tov Gabriel Nurko on his bar mitzvah this Shabbos!

PARSHA: Ten Women, One Oven

The Torah that we study must become part of us. It must not remain a distinct intellectual entity just sitting in our minds. The teachings must become part of our bloodstream, part of our character. more…

Friday, May 31
Mincha & Kabbalat Shabbat Services at 7:30 pm
Candle Lighting at 7:59 pm
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner in memory of Nancy Esther bas Elsa, a"h.

Shabbos, June 1
Shabbos Mevarchim Tehillim at 8:30 am
Services at 10 am
"Chazak!" conclusion of Book of Vayikra
Followed by Shabbos Mevarchim Lunch Kiddush sponsored in honor the bar mitzvah of Gabriel Nurko!
Mincha at 8:00 pm
Ethics of of Fathers, Chapter 5
Maariv, Havdalla & Shabbos Ends at 8:58 pm
Living Torah

Sunday, June 2- Shacharis at 8:30 am
Monday, June 3  - Shacharis at 6:45 am
Tuesday, June 4, Rosh Chodesh Sivan - Shacharis at 6:45 am followed by monthly breakfast sponsored by the Melnik family
Thursday, June 6 - Shacharis at 6:45 am

Have a good Shabbos!

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie

 June Schedule 

• June 4: Shavuot Mommy & Me - With a Jewish Twist
• June 5: Kabbala of Cheesecake - Dinner & Class
• June 7: Chocolate Shabbat Dinner - First Fridays
• June 8: JEPShavuot - Your Torah Ideas Worth Sharing
• June 9: Ten Commandments Shavuot Ice Cream Party
• June 12, 19 & 26: Wednesday Dinner, Class & Socials
• Photo Gallery: Lag Bomer Jazz & BBQ

June 4: Shavuot Mommy & Me - With a Jewish Twist
A Shavuot workshop for mother and baby from newborn to two years of age. The Mommy & Me program offers a great opportunity to meet other moms, share experiences, discuss child growth and development.  More...

June 5: Kabbala of Cheesecake - Dinner & Class
Make your own and enjoy Strawberry Stuffed Cheesecake while we discuss what's behind the custom of eating dairy products on Shavuot? Is there a connection between the giving of the Torah at Mt Sinai and eating milk products? More...

June 7: Chocolate Shabbat Dinner - First Fridays
Shabbat & Chocolate? Pass the challah please! Join Young Jewish Professionals For a Chocolate Themed Shabbat Dinner at YJP Houston - where spirits run high! More..

June 8: JEPShavuot - Your Torah Ideas Worth Sharing
This Shavuot, add your voice to this unbroken narrative. Come listen and / or present your own Torah Ideas Worth Sharing. More..

June 9: Ten Commandments Shavuot 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. More...

June 12, 19 & 26: Wednesday Dinner, Class & Social
Come discuss, agree, disagree, mingle and network with other young Jewish professionals, singles and couples at series of classes / discussions on contemporary themes! Class, discussion and FREE DINNER! Click here to see the upcoming Wednesday topics.

YJP Houston held an awesome evening on fire, grilling, smoking and firepit in honor of Lag B'Omer! Young professionals experienced the mystical insights of this unique not-so-famous Jewish Holiday with TV personality, celebrity chef, Rabbi Chaim! Including Live award winning Jazz Music, Artisan BBQ, Fire pit and Roasted Marshmallows - Photo Gallery Here

• YJP Houston held an awesome evening on fire, grilling, smoking and firepit in honor of Lag B'Omer! Young professionals experienced the mystical insights of this unique not-so-famous Jewish Holiday with TV personality, celebrity chef, Rabbi Chaim! Including Live award winning Jazz Music, Artisan BBQ, Fire pit and Roasted Marshmallows - Photo Gallery Here
• June 7-10: Shavuot is coming! We have an amazing weekend planned
  • Beginning with First Fridays Chocolate Shabbat
  • JEPShavuot All-Night Torah Learning
  • 10 Commandments & Ice Cream Party / Lunch
  • Yizkor
  • All at www.chabaduptown.org/shavuotschedule

Mazal tov Chanan & Vanessa Wolf on the birth of a baby girl!

PARSHA: Are You Interested in G-d?

G-d treats us as we treat others. more…

Shabbos Parshas Behar

Friday, May 24
Mincha & Kabbalat Shabbat Services at 7:30 pm
Candle Lighting at 7:55 pm
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner

Shabbos, May 25
Chassidus at 9:00
Services at 10 am
Followed by Shabbos Lunch Kiddush sponsored by Bernard Mendoza in honor of his wife Malka and daughter Rachel Devorah's shared birthdays!
Mincha at 7:55 pm
Ethics of of Fathers, Chapter 3
Maariv, Havdalla & Shabbos Ends at 8:54 pm
Living Torah

Sunday, May 26- Shacharis at 8:30 am followed by the real BLT = Bagels, Lox & Tefillin
Monday, May 27  - Shacharis at 8:30 am (Memorial Day)
Thursday, May 30 - Shacharis at 6:45 am

Have a good Shabbos!

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie

• This week is National Police Week. Yesterday, Rabbi Chaim was honored to pray for the Houston Police Department Day of Prayer with prayers for peace for the families of first responders. Short video clip here.
• Wow! What an amazing event with over 130 women from around Houston gathered tonight for an evening of joy and spirit at this Dessert & Discussion!
• May 22: YJP Lag B'omer Jazz & Artisan raBBiq
  Join YJP Houston for an outdoor evening of Lag B'Omer and experience the mystical insights of this unique not-so-famous Jewish Holiday with TV personality, celebrity chef, Rabbi Chaim! Including Live Jazz Music, Artisan BBQ, Fire pit and Roasted Marshmallows More...
• May 23: Community Lag Baomer Celebration & Unity Rally at Godwin Park 4:30-7pm www.lagbaomerinhouston.com
• June 7-10: Shavuot is coming! We have an amazing weekend planned beginning with First Fridays Chocolate Shabbat, JEPShavuot All-Night Torah Learning, 10 Commandments & Ice Cream Party / Lunch & Yizkor - all at www.chabaduptown.org/shavuotschedule

PARSHA: Don’t (Just) Celebrate Your Anniversary

Judaism does not believe in an anniversary as merely a celebration of the past. more…

Shabbos Parshas Emor

Friday, May 17
Mincha & Kabbalat Shabbat Services at 7:30 pm
Candle Lighting at 7:51 pm
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner

Shabbos, May 18
Chassidus at 9:00
Services at 10 am
Followed by Shabbos Lunch Kiddush 
Mincha at 7:50 pm
Ethics of of Fathers, Chapter 3
Maariv, Havdalla & Shabbos Ends at 8:49 pm
Living Torah

Sunday, May 19- Shacharis at 8:30 am followed by the real BLT = Bagels, Lox & Tefillin
Monday, May 20  - Shacharis at 6:45 am
Thursday, May 23 - Shacharis at 6:45 am

Have a good Shabbos!

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie

This week's Parsha, Hashem tells us Kedoshim Tihiyu.... "You shall be holy, for I am holy". To be holy is to differentiate our lives within the world around us. There is a time for dancing and a time for study. There is a time for work and a time for family. Similarly, there is a time for the work week and a time for Shabbos rest. Looking forward to sanctifying the holiness of our time and space, this Shabbos, on an island of peace within time.

• May 16 for Ladies! Join the next Dessert & Discussion, this time at The Shul of Bellaire on Thursday, May 16 at 7-9 pm. This time the theme is Personal Stories of Love, Joy & Strength, featuring Sandra Finkelman, Ali Katz and Amy Lerman. Followed by breakout study groups Topic Title: 'A Secret Your Soul Wants you to Know'. Get tickets now - click here!
• May 22: Lag B'omer Jazz & Artisan raBBiQ
  Join YJP Houston for an outdoor evening of Lag B'Omer and experience the mystical insights of this unique not-so-famous Jewish Holiday with TV personality, celebrity chef, Rabbi Chaim! Including Live Jazz Music, Artisan BBQ, Fire pit and Roasted Marshmallows More...

Shabbos Parshas Kedoshim

Friday, May 10
Mincha & Kabbalat Shabbat Services at 7:30 pm
Candle Lighting at 7:46 pm
Friday night dinner sponsored by Yocheved Shwarzman marking the 5 Iyar yartzeit and in memory of Yitzchak ben Asher Zelig, a"h

Shabbos, May 11
Chassidus at 9:00
Services at 10 am
Followed by Shabbos Lunch Kiddush 
Mincha at 7:45 pm
Ethics of of Fathers, Chapter 2
Maariv, Havdalla & Shabbos Ends at 8:44 pm
Living Torah

Sunday, May 12- Shacharis at 8:30 am followed by the real BLT = Bagels, Lox & Tefillin followed by a pidyon haben
Monday, May 13  - Shacharis at 6:45 am
Thursday, May 16 - Shacharis at 6:45 am

Have a good Shabbos!

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie

It has been a tough week, tumbling in from the blissful Pesach island into a turbulent week. First reports of the events in Poway, CA on the last day of Pesach was hard to digest.

We also got word that Chanie's grandmother, Bubbie Fox, passed away on Shabbat afternoon, the 8th day of Passover, at age 93. May her memory be a blessing. Our children loved her very much and cherish their fond memories with her.

Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein emerged swinging, defiant and an inspiration as a national hero for his personal self sacrifice and his call for Jews everywhere to stand strong and tall. 

On Monday, the Houston community truly came together for a unity event! A huge crowd gathered at the ERJCC to say we stand in solidarity with Chabad of Poway. All those present joined Rabbi Goldstein's call to increase in good deeds and affixed their label to a banner that read "Houston Stands with Poway" that was filled, rolled and hung in front of Chabad of Poway the very next day! Read about the event in the Jewish Herald Voice.

To add your own mitzvah pledge for the banner, write your intentions on an adhesive label and mail to Chabad of Poway, 16934 Chabad Way, Poway, CA 92064.

The root of the problem stems from education. We need to rethink how our youth in this country are being educated in our schools. See my interview here with Channel 2 NBC. A solution to this may be to revisit how seriously our youth are taking the Moment of Silence in our schools. Listen to this very interesting podcast on the subject. Hear about the Rebbe's vision for a moment of silence, from the Rebbe himself here. Rabbi Goldstein spoke about it today at the Day of Prayer event on the White House Lawn.

Please join the national #ShareShabbat campaign and make an effort to fill every shul to capacity this Shabbat. Any Shul. Of course, Chabad of Uptown's doors are open for you to come and daven. Let's display our pride and not let anyone get us down.

Young Professionals are invited to join us tomorrow night for Shabbat dinner after services, Cinco de Mayo Shabbat!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• This Sunday you have the special opportunity to get trained in Mental Health First Aid at Chabad of Uptown. The fee and lunch is paid for - all you need to do is participate! You can still register for the course online: http://bit.ly/2Sip9Wc 
• Ladies! Join the next Dessert & Discussion, this time at The Shul of Bellaire on Thursday, May 16 at 7-9 pm. This time the theme is Personal Stories of Love, Joy & Strength, featuring Sandra Finkelman, Ali Katz and Amy Lerman. Followed by breakout study groups Topic Title: 'A Secret Your Soul Wants you to Know'. Get tickets now - click here!

We wish our condolences to Eileen Elfezouaty on the passing of her mother in Chicago on Erev Pesach.
We wish our condolences to Chanie on the passing of her grandmother on the last day of Pesach.

Shabbos Mevarchim Iyar, Parshas Acharei

Friday, May 3
Mincha & Kabbalat Shabbat Services at 7:30 pm
Candle Lighting at 7:42 pm
RSVP for Cinco de Mayo Shabbat - YJP First Fridays Dinner. Free today, costs tomorrow.

Shabbos, May 4
Shabbos Mevarchim Tehillim at 8:30
Services at 10 am
Followed by Shabbos Mevarchim Shabbos Lunch Kiddush & Farbrengen sponsored by Maurice Purcell in honor of Bob Epstein's 96th birthday
Mincha at 7:40 pm
Ethics of of Fathers, Chapter 1
Maariv, Havdalla & Shabbos Ends at 8:39 pm
Living Torah

Sunday, Rosh Chodesh Iyar I, May 4- Shacharis at 8:00 am followed by the real BLT = Bagels, Lox & Tefillin
Monday, Rosh Chodesh Iyar II, May 5  - Shacharis at 6:45 am
Thursday, May 9 - Shacharis at 6:45 am

Have a good Shabbos!

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie

APRIL 25: Hey Kids! Win a 7 speed mountain bike at the Jewish Children's Passover Rally at Main Event, Thursday 10:30 am!

APRIL 25-27: Just when you thought you had seen it all! The final days of Passover, emphasizes an even higher Freedom! The final day, this Shabbos, is dedicated to our imminent and final redemption. 

Here are the highlights:

• We make an Eruv Tavshilin so we can cook on Friday for Shabbos
• We stay up all night learning Torah on Thursday night
• We read the celebratory "Song of the Sea" on Friday morning
• We recite yizkor for departed loved ones on Shabbos morning
• We have a "Feast of Moshiach" on Shabbos afternoon

APRIL 27: Hey Community! Following the custom of the Baal Shem Tov, founder of Chassidism, Passover concludes with a "Feast of Moshiach." This festive meal complete with Matzah and, yes, four cups of wine, begins before sunset. It is the perfect way to spiritually take leave of Passover and open our consciousness to the coming redemption.

Oh, and have a laugh watching Sally MacDonald from FOX26 call Rabbi out on his "silver" Seder Plate and learn the reason for the "custom" of a high heel at the seder! 

MAY 3: Hey YJPs! YJP Houston brings the Chametz back with First Friday of May - Cinco de Shabbat on May 3! Masterminded crafted menu by the one and only Ian Zlotnik with "The ciIANco de Shabbat Menu": Fajitas, Guacamole, Cilantro rice, Salsa, Chicken tortilla soup, Grilled corn, Bean Salsa, Churros, Non dairy flan & Margaritas! RSVP

MAY 5: Hey Caring Citizens! Do you know how to recognize the onset of or respond to a Mental Health problem? Get certified training on May 5 at Chabad of Uptown! Mental Health First Aid teaches a 5-step action plan to offer initial help to people showing signs of a mental illness or in a crisis, and connects them with the appropriate professional, peer, social, or self help care. Anyone can take the 8-hour Mental Health First Aid course, but it is ideally designed for adults — teachers, coaches, leaders of faith communities, social workers, and other caring citizens. Special supplement on Opioid Response! For the opioid supplement you must register for the Chabad of Uptown location at http://bit.ly/2Sip9Wc.

MAY 10-12: Hey Teens! Join CTeen chapter from Across Texas for a Shabbaton on Campus! Register before May 1 and save $10 on registration! https://www.cteen.com/texas

We wish our heartfelt condolences to Benny (& Valerie) and Sharon Katz on the passing of their father Yehudah (Yuri) Katsobashvili in Israel.

We are elated to wish a great big Texas sized and Uptown hearted Mazel tov to Michael Pasternak and Maxine Epstein on their engagement!

Have a Good Yom Tov,

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie

Last Days of Pesach Schedule

Wednesday, April 24 | Day 5
Maariv & Omer Count            8:30 pm
Class in Talmud Sotah Pg. 4