Updates

Our Chabad of Uptown website got a facelift! Check it out at www.chabaduptown.org!

​Please pray for the safety and return of my prized set of Texas state custom bags containing my precious talis & tefillin (from my bar mitzvah). It was stolen from my car by someone driving a souped up dodge ram 4 door pickup truck without plates, smashing my window, while parked at a store near Westheimer & Fountain View.

Call to action:
1. Put on tefillin in memory of mine. Come by Chabad of Uptown, I'm happy to help you put it on.
2. Check the garbage in your area to see if they G-d forbid tossed these holy articles once they realized the contents are of no value to them.
3. Share this far and wide, maybe someone saw someone sporting these custom bags, there is no other bag like it. It has my email address and phone number embroidered inside each bag.

LADIES! This Wednesday, join Chanie to gear up for the New Year in style for an evening of Torah study and culinary delight! Torah Study: Choose what talks to your soul! Partake in a round-table study session; explore a Jewish New Year topic of your choice.*
Culinary Delight: Enjoy a fast-paced Holiday cook-off competition, featuring: Sara Goldberg, Revital Pour & Tiffany Siegel and  Moderated by Rochel Lazaroff. Finally, learn 'kitchen hacks' for your Holiday table from the renowned Laykie Donin. PLUS sample delicious featured dishes all set up by the talented Tova Events & Flowers!
It all happens Wednesday, September 18 - 18 Elul @ Aishel House Couvert is $15 ($20 at door) RSVP at Chabadhouston.com/ladies *Select study topic on RSVP form.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• SEPT 18: Ladies Sweet Beginnings - An Evening of Torah Study and Culinary Delight for women, hosted by Aishel House in partnership with all Chabad Centers of Houston - www.chabadhouston.com/ladies
• SEPT 22: (AKA Sat. night Sept. 21) Selichot 1:15 am
• SEPT 29: Rosh Hashana followed by the month of holidays! All the information has been posted to chabaduptown.org/services

Shabbos Parshas Ki Seitzei

Friday, September 13
Candle Lighting & MIncha at 7:12 pm
Kabbalat Shabbat Services at 7:30 pm
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner

Shabbos, September 14
Chassidus at 9:00 am
Services at 10 am
Followed by Shabbos Kiddush
Mincha at 7:10 pm
Ethics of of Fathers, Chapter 1 & 2
Maariv, Havdalla & Shabbos Ends at 8:04 pm
Living Torah Video Program (15 min.)

Sunday, Sept. 15 - Shacharis at 8:30 am
Monday, Sept. 16 - Shacharis at 6:45 am
Thursday, Sept. 19 - Shacharis at 6:45 am

Have a good Shabbos!

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie

SEPT 6, TONIGHT: Italian Themed Shabbat -  YJP Houston First Fridays www.yjphouston.org/italy

Sanctification of the Moon: Once a month, as the moon waxes in the sky, we recite a special blessing called  Kiddush Levanah, "the sanctification of the moon," praising the Creator for His wondrous work we call astronomy. Kiddush Levanah is recited after nightfall, usually on Saturday night. The blessing is concluded with songs and dancing, because our nation is likened to the moon—as it waxes and wanes, so have we throughout history. When we bless the moon, we renew our trust that very soon, the light of G‑d's presence will fill all the earth and our people will be redeemed from exile. Though Kiddush Levanah can be recited as early as three days after the moon's rebirth, the kabbalah tells us it is best to wait a full week, till the seventh of the month. Once 15 days have passed, the moon begins to wane once more and the season for saying the blessing has passed. Links: Kiddush Levana: Sanctification of the Moon, Brief Guide to Kiddush Levanah: Thank G‑d for the Moon!

It is the time when we have our annual optional Shul membership drive! Services at Chabad are free, where no tickets, membership or affiliation necessary! However, by joining our optional membership, it allows us to afford the freedom of an open door policy and keep our programs going! Your membership includes two reserved seats for services. www.chabaduptown.org/membership.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• SEPT 18: Ladies Sweet Beginnings - An Evening of Torah Study and Culinary Delight for women, hosted by Aishel House in partnership with all Chabad Centers of Houston - www.chabadhouston.com/ladies
• SEPT 22: (AKA Sat. night Sept. 21) Selichot 1:15 am
• SEPT 29: Rosh Hashana followed by the month of holidays! All the information has been posted to chabaduptown.org/services

Thank you Megasystems Security for our recent security upgrades and for donating the paint job on the lounge ceiling that was highly needed!

Mazel tov Dr. Naomi & Elchonon Reizes on the birth of a baby boy!

Parsha: The Human Tree

A look at the various parts of the tree—roots, trunk, branches, leaves, fruit and seeds—and their corresponding elements within the human being more…

Shabbos Parshas Shoftim

Friday, September 6
Candle Lighting & MIncha at 7:20 pm
Kabbalat Shabbat Services at 7:30 pm
RSVP for First Fridays Italian Themed Shabbat Dinner

Shabbos, September 7
Chassidus at 9:00 am
Services at 10 am
Followed by Shabbos Kiddush
Mincha at 7:20 pm
Ethics of of Fathers, Chapter 6
Maariv, Havdalla & Shabbos Ends at 8:13 pm
Kiddush Levana
Living Torah Video Program (15 min.)

Sunday, Sept. 8 - Shacharis at 8:30 am followed by the real BLT = bagels, lox & tefillin
Monday, Sept. 9 - Shacharis at 6:45 am
Thursday, Sept. 12 - Shacharis at 6:45 am

Have a good Shabbos!

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie

Last Shabbat was off the hook with farbrengens rolling until 1 am on Friday night and 5 pm on Shabbos!

Can't believe it has been another week already! Now that Levi is home from camp, the Uptown Lazaroff have been reunited for a Shabbos, together with all of you - the rest of the Uptown family! Please join us!

You should have received this "Shabbos & Festival Candlelighting Times" magnet in the mail for your refrigerator to know that Shabbos and Holiday dates, start and end times. If you did not, please send us your mailing address we will get one right out!

The winds of Elul are blowing! Elul is traditionally a time of introspection and stocktaking -- a time to review one's deeds and spiritual progress over the past year and prepare for the upcoming "Days of Awe" of Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur.

• Beginning this Shabbos, the psalm L'David Hashem Ori (Psalm 27) is recited at the end of the morning and afternoon prayers until Hoshanah Rabbah - a total of 50 days!
• It is a most opportune time for teshuvah, prayer, charity, and increased Ahavat Yisrael in the quest for self-improvement and coming closer to Hashem. 
• The Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi likens the month of Elul to a time when "the king is in the field" and, in contrast to when he is in the royal palace, "everyone who so desires is permitted to meet him, and he receives them all with a cheerful countenance and shows a smiling face to them all."
• On Sunday we also begin the specific Elul customs that include the daily sounding of the shofar as a call to repentance.
• The Baal Shem Tov instituted the custom of reciting three additional chapters of Tehilim each day, from the 1st of Elul until Yom Kippur.
• From the beginning of Elul and throughout the High Holiday season, we include the blessing "May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year" (Leshanah tovah tikateiv veteichateim) in letters and greetings to one another.
• It is the time when we have our annual optional Shul membership drive! Services at Chabad are free, where no tickets, membership or affiliation necessary! However, by joining our optional membership, it allows us to afford the freedom of an open door policy and keep our programs going! Your membership includes two reserved seats for services. www.chabaduptown.org/membership.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• SEPT 6: Italian Shabbat -  YJP Houston First Fridays www.yjphouston.org/italy
• SEPT 18: Ladies Sweet Beginnings - An Evening of Torah Study and Culinary Delight for women, hosted by Aishel House in partnership with all Chabad Centers of Houston - www.chabadhouston.com/ladies
• SEPT 22: (AKA Sat. night Sept. 21) Selichot 1:15 am
• SEPT 29: Rosh Hashana followed by the month of holidays! All the information has been posted to chabaduptown.org/services

Mazel tov Zach & Marissa Savrick on the birth of a baby girl!

Shabbos Rosh Chodesh Elul, Parshas Re'eh

Friday, August 30
Candle Lighting at 7:29 pm
Mincha & Kabbalat Shabbat Services at 7:30 pm
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner

Shabbos Rosh Chodesh I, August 31
Chassidus at 9:00 am
Services at 10 am
Followed by Shabbos Rosh Chodesh Lunch Kiddush
Mincha at 7:30 pm
Ethics of of Fathers, Chapter 5
Maariv, Havdalla & Shabbos Ends at 8:22 pm
Living Torah Video Program (15 min.)

Sunday, Rosh Chodesh Elul II, Sept. 1 - Shacharis at 8:30 am followed by the monthly Rosh Chodesh breakfast!
Monday, Sept. 2 - Shacharis at 6:45 am
Thursday, Sept. 5 - Shacharis at 6:45 am

Have a good Shabbos!

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie

The theme that emerged from multiple classes this week: "The purpose of life is to always perfect, not to become perfect".

• Mendel came home from camp in upstate Michigan on high energy! One more kid home from a great summer...
• A nice group was trained this past Sunday on Mental Health First Aid. Every time I give one of these courses it solidifies for me how important this subject is, for us to break the stigma, look out for ourselves and for each other. If you missed it, you can still join one of the other ones happening in the Jewish community in the near future.
• JOURNEY OF RETURN! Yes, that's correct, we have a special Shabbos dinner & speaker planned this week, for you! Will you be joining us? Rabbi Green's story is a real treat, one not to be missed. Please RSVP at www.chabaduptown.org/lsd so we can plan accordingly.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• SEPT 6: Italian Shabbat -  YJP Houston First Fridays www.yjphouston.org/italy
• SEPT 18: Ladies Sweet Beginnings - An Evening of Torah Study and Culinary Delight for women, hosted by Aishel House in partnership with all Chabad Centers of Houston - www.chabadhouston.com/ladies
• SEPT 29: Rosh Hashana followed by the month of holidays! All the information has been posted to chabaduptown.org/services

PARSHA: Bread From Earth, Blessings From Heaven

Why on earth do we thank G‑d with a blessing about bread from the heavens? The bread we eat, bread grown from the ground with great investment of toil and time, is categorically different from the manna in the desert, which miraculously descended from the heavens each morning of their 40-year sojourn. more…

 Condolences to Nehemia Reichman on the passing of his wife, Batya Reichman. The funeral is in Israel. 

Shabbos Mevarchim Elul Parshas Eikev 

Friday, August 23
Mincha & Kabbalat Shabbat Services at 7:30 pm
Candle Lighting at 7:36 pm
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner

Rabbi Green will speak during Shabbat dinner, sharing is life journey:
The Butterfly Effect: How LSD, Tefillin, and The Rebbe Changed my Life

Chava Green will speak over dessert, with tips on love:
Relationships Redefined: Three Tools to Meet & Keep the One 

Shabbos, August 24
Shabbos Mevarchim Tehillim at 8:30 am
Services at 10 am
RSVP for Shabbos Mevarchim Lunch Kiddush
Mincha at 7:35 pm
Ethics of of Fathers, Chapter 4
Maariv, Havdalla & Shabbos Ends at 8:30 pm
Living Torah Video Program (15 min.)

Sunday, August 25- Shacharis at 8:30 am followed by the real BLT = Bagels, Lox & Tefillin
Monday, August 26 - Shacharis at 6:45 am
Thursday, August 29 - Shacharis at 6:45 am

Have a good Shabbos!

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie

Today is Tu'Bav a joyous day because of the many joyous events which occurred on this day (see "Today in Jewish History"), our sages regarded the 15th of Av to be one of the two most auspicious days on the Jewish calendar (the other being Yom Kippur--Talmud, Taanit 26b). Nevertheless, no special Av 15 observances or celebrations are ordained by Halachah or custom, other than the omission of the tachnun and similar portions from the daily prayers, as is the case with all festive dates.

​YJP Houston's White Party at Chabad of Uptown has made an annual tradition of sponsoring for Young Jewish Professionals a celebration of the day's significance of Love and Rebirth. Young Jewish Professionals in their 20’s and 30’s celebrated Tu B’Av for an evening of art, music, wine and sushi in summer white cocktail attire. Artists Maria Itkin, Debra Gross, Jessica Pfrenger and Roni Urunbaev featured their unique art collection and everyone had a chance participate in an interactive mural "Young Jews Love", allowing the opportunity to become the artist! Thank you to the artists, River Oaks Plant House for the beautiful flowers, Saba's Grill & Wok for the raffle gift, Deedee Hoffer for the desserts, and the committee.

Shabbos Nachamu is the Shabbos after the Ninth of Av called after the opening words of the Haftorah reading. This is the first of the series of readings known as "The Seven of Consolation" read in the seven weeks from the Ninth of Av to Rosh Hashanah.

Sofer to Check Tefillin & Mezuzos: Beginning on the 15th of Av one should increase one's study of Torah, since at this time of the year the nights begin to grow longer and "the night was created for study".  We also begin 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, as in the past 16 years, expert sofer Rabbi Faitel Lewin will be coming to Houston to check mezuzos and tefillin, from 12:00 pm, Tuesday, Av 19 (Aug 20), through 2:00 pm Thursday, Av 21 (Aug. 22) 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. According to halacha, mezuzos should be checked twice every seven years. Some have the custom to inspect mezuzos and tefillin annually.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• AUG 18: 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. http://bit.ly/2Sip9Wc​​​​​​​ 
• ​AUG 23: "LSD & Tefillin Changed my Life" Entire Community welcome to join us for Shabbat dinner, preparing for Elul with Scholars in Residence Rabbi Aharon & Chava Green.  Rabbi Green will speak during Shabbat dinner, sharing is life journey: The Butterfly Effect: How LSD, Tefillin, and The Rebbe Changed my Life. Chava Green will speak over dessert, with tips on love: Relationships Redefined: Three Tools to Meet & Keep the One. Register for Shabbat dinner now at www.chabaduptown.org/lsd
• SEPT 18: Ladies Sweet Beginnings - An Evening of Torah Study and Culinary Delight for women, hosted by Aishel House in partnership with all Chabad Centers of Houston - www.chabadhouston.com/ladies
• SEPT 29: Rosh Hashana followed by the month of holidays! All the information has been posted to chabaduptown.org/services

Shabbos Nachamu Parshas Va'Eschanan

Friday, August 16, 15 Av
Services at 7:30 pm | RSVP for Shabbat Dinner
Candle Lighting at 7:44 pm

Shabbos, August 17, 16 Av
Chassidus at 9:00 am 
Services at 10 am
Followed by Shabbos Kiddush & Farbengen
Mincha at 7:45 pm
Ethics of of Fathers, Chapter 3
Maariv, Havdalla & Shabbos Ends at 8:38 pm
Living Torah Video Program (15 min.)

Sunday, August 18- Shacharis at 8:30 am followed by the real BLT = Bagels, Lox & Tefillin
Monday, August 19 - Shacharis at 6:45 am
Thursday, August 22 - Shacharis at 6:45 am

Have a good Shabbos!

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie

It's a girls house! Chaya is now also home from camp, completing the girls unit of the family while the boys are away at camp...

This Shabbat is called Shabbat Chazon, Shabbat of Vision. It is the opening words of the day's haftara, which is the third of the series of readings known as "The Three of Rebuke." On this Shabbat, say the Chassidic masters, we are granted a vision of the Third Temple; we may not see it with our physical eyes, but our souls see it, and are empowered to break free of our present state of galus and bring about the Redemption and the rebuilding of the Beis Hamikdash! Links: The Holy Temple: an Anthology, Shabbat of Vision, About the "Three of Rebuke", www.thethreeweeks.com

Because of the holiness of Shabbat, the Tisha Bav fast, mourning the destruction of the Temple and the exile of Israel, is postponed to after Shabbat. The fast begins Saturday at sunset, and continues through Sunday, Av 10, till nightfall. See full schedule below. See "Laws and Customs" for tomorrow, Av 10, for the particular observances of the fast day. Links: Mitzvah Minute: Tisha b'Av, Laws of Tishah B'Av.

On Motzei Shabbat, join us for an evening of film, study and personal reflection. ABOUT THE FILM "UNSETTLED" & TISHA B'AV: This day is when we traditionally mourn the destruction of the Temple and all the subsequent tragedies to befall the Jewish people. In recent history we witnessed Israel's disengagement from Gaza. It all began with the closing of the Kissufim crossing when on August 14, 9 Av, of 2005 and the Gaza Strip became officially closed for entrance by Israelis. During the Gaza withdrawal, three young Israelis will be forced from their homes, two soldiers will be sent to evict them, and one activist will try to help her country avoid a war. UNSETTLED is the story of a generation on the front lines of a nation's battle against itself.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• AUG 15: YJP HOUSTON - The White Party - www.yjphouston.org/white
  Join Houston Young Jewish Professionals in their 20’s and 30’s for an evening of art, music, wine and sushi in your summer white cocktail attire! Celebrate Tu B’Av with YJP Houston, where artists Maria Itkin, Debra Gross, Jessica Pfrenger and Roni Urunbaev will feature their unique art collection and participate in an interactive mural, allowing you the opportunity to become the artist!
• AUG 18: Mental Health First Aid http://bit.ly/2Sip9Wc.
  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.
• AUG 23-24: "LSD & Tefillin Changed my Life" Entire Community welcome to join us for Shabbat dinner, preparing for Elul with Scholars in Residence Rabbi Aharon & Chava Green.  Register for Shabbat dinner now at www.chabaduptown.org/lsd

Mazel tov Jessie and Miriam Izak on the birth a baby girl!

PARSHA: The Vacuum of Choice

On whose initiative were the spies sent? The way the story is told in Numbers 13, it was by divine command. But when Moses recounts these events 40 years later, he tells the people of Israel that it was their idea. The contradiction describes a watershed in the history of freedom of choice. more…

Shabbos Chazon Parshas Devarim

Friday, August 9, 8 Av
Services at 7:30 pm | RSVP for Shabbat Dinner
Candle Lighting at 7:50 pm

Shabbos, August 10, 9 Av
Chassidus at 9:00 am 
Services at 10 am
Followed by Shabbos Kiddush & Farbengen
Refrain from general Torah study at 1:26 pm
Early Mincha at 2:01 pm
No Pirkei Avos, No Egg & Ash
Fast begins at 8:07 pm
Shabbos ends 8:45 pm
Say Baruch Hamavdil bein Kodesh L'Chol
Change out of leather shoes, leave on Shabbos clothes
Maariv & Havdalla Candle 9:00 pm
Megilat Eicha - Book of Lamentations 9:15 pm
Followed by a moving documentary film, "Unsettled"

Sunday, August 11, 10 Av - Tisha B'av (Observed)
Ritual wash (negel vasser) only to knuckles
8:30 am Shacharis with Torah Reading
No Talis & Tefillin by Shacharis
9:30 am Kinos - Lamentations
1:26 pm Midday - Resume sitting normally
7:15 pm Mincha – Talis, Tefillin, Krias HaTorah
8:32 pm Maariv, Havdalla (on wine only) & Fast Ends
Kiddush Levanah
Refrain from meat and wine tonight. All other mourning practices cease.

Monday, August 12, Av 11 - Shacharis at 6:45 am
Thursday, August 15, Av 14 - Shacharis at 6:45 am
YJP Houston The White Party at 7 pm www.yjphouston.org/white

Today, the "Nine Days" Begin. "When Av begins, we diminish [our] rejoicing" (Talmud, Taanit 26b). On the 1st of Av, "The Three Weeks" mourning period over the destruction of the Holy Temple--which began 13 days earlier on Tammuz 17--enters an intensified stage. During "The Nine Days" from Av 1st to the Ninth of Av, a heightened degree of mourning is observed, including abstention from meat and wine, music, bathing for pleasure, and other joyous and enjoyable activities. (The particular mourning customs vary from community to community, so consult a competent Halachic authority for details).

Consumption of meat and wine is permitted on Shabbat, or at a Seudat Mitzvah such as a Bris, or a "Siyum" celebrating the completion of a course of Torah study (i.e., a complete Talmudic tractate). The Lubavitcher Rebbe initiated the custom of conducting or participating in a Siyum on each of the Nine Days (even if one does not avail oneself of the dispensation to eat meat).

Citing the verse (Isaiah 1:27) "Zion shall be redeemed with mishpat [Torah] and its returnees with Tzedakah," the Rebbe urged that we increase in Torah study (particularly the study of the laws of the Holy Temple) and charity during this period.

Links: When and (How) to be Sad, www.thethreeweeks.com

• Shabbos dinner sponsored by Alan Miller marking the yartzeit and in memory of his great grandfather Shraga Yehudah ben Yehoshua Aharon, of blessed memory.
• Shabbos Lunch Kiddush sponsored by Yocheved Shwarzman in marking the yartzeit and in memory her mother, Shayna Tzivia bas Batsheva, of blessed memory.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• AUG 2: YJP Houston University Themed First Fridays Shabbat Dinner - www.yjphouston.org/univshabbat
• AUG 10-11: Tisha B'Av (observed) - Evening of Film  & Reflection - UNSETTLED: There is no enemy 
• AUG 15: YJP HOUSTON - The White Party - www.yjphouston.org/white
• AUG 18: Mental Health First Aid http://bit.ly/2Sip9Wc.
• AUG 23-24: "LSD & Tefillin Changed my Life" Community Shabbat dinner-Scholars in Residence Rabbi Aharon & Chava Green- Sponsorship Available 

Shabbos Parshas Matos-Maasei

Friday, August 2, Rosh Chodesh Menachem Av
Mincha & Kabbalat Shabbat Services at 7:30 pm
Candle Lighting at 7:56 pm
RSVP for "First Fridays" University Themed Shabbat Dinner

Shabbos, August 3
Shabbos Mevarchim Tehillim at 8:30 am
Services at 10 am
Followed by Shabbos Lunch Kiddush
Mincha at 7:55 pm
Ethics of of Fathers, Chapter 2
Maariv, Havdalla & Shabbos Ends at 8:52 pm
Living Torah Video Program (15 min.)

Sunday, August 4- Shacharis at 8:30 am followed by the real BLT = Bagels, Lox & Tefillin
Monday, August 5 - Shacharis at 6:45 am
Thursday, August 8 - Shacharis at 6:45 am

Have a good Shabbos!

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie

Kids are all unsettled! Rivky is settled in at home from camp near Montreal! Mendel settling in to be a learning counselor in camp in Kalkaska, Michigan! Levi leaves on Sunday to camp in Parksville, NY! Chaya is enjoying being a counselor in a Montreal day camp! Bluma and Menucha are enjoying the local Gan Yisroel day camp!

Hope y'all are having a wonderful summer as well...

"The Three Weeks" : During the Three Weeks, from 17th of Tamuz to the 9th of Av, we commemorate 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. (The particular mourning customs vary from community to community, so consult a competent halachic authority for details.)

Citing the verse (Isaiah 1:27) "Zion shall be redeemed with mishpat [Torah] and its returnees with tzedakah," the Rebbe urged that we increase in Torah study (particularly the study of the laws of the Holy Temple) and charity during this period.

Links: The Three Weeks

Leadership in Times of Darkness

If Pinchas was rewarded with the gift of his children inheriting his priesthood, why did Moses not merit the same reward? After all, Moses turned G‑d’s wrath away from the children of Israel numerous times! more…

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• AUG 2: YJP Houston University Themed First Fridays Shabbat Dinner - www.yjphouston.org/univshabbat
• AUG 10-11: Tisha B'Av (observed) - Evening of Film  & Reflection - UNSETTLED: There is no enemy 
• AUG 15: YJP HOUSTON - The White Party - www.yjphouston.org/white
• AUG 18: Mental Health First Aid http://bit.ly/2Sip9Wc.
• AUG 23-24: Community Shabbat dinner-Scholars in Residence Rabbi Aharon & Chava Green- Sponsorship Available 

Shabbos Mevarchim Parshas Pinchas

Friday, July 26
Mincha & Kabbalat Shabbat Services at 7:30 pm
Candle Lighting at 8:01 pm
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner

Shabbos, July 27
Shabbos Mevarchim Tehillim at 8:30 am
Services at 10 am
Followed by Shabbos Mevarchim Lunch Kiddush & Farbrengen
Mincha at 8:00 pm
Ethics of of Fathers, Chapter 1
Maariv, Havdalla & Shabbos Ends at 8:57 pm
Living Torah Video Program (15 min.)

Sunday, July 28 - Shacharis at 8:30 am followed by the real BLT = Bagels, Lox & Tefillin
Monday, July 29 - Shacharis at 6:45 am
Thursday, August 1 - Shacharis at 6:45 am
Friday, August 2 - Rosh Chodesh Menachem Av - Shacharis at 6:45 am, followed by monthly breakfast

Have a good Shabbos!

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie

Hope everyone is having a wonderful summer.  The Three Weeks of Mourning observances begins this Shabbos 17 Tammuz-9 Av, including not taking haircuts. Reminder that tomorrow is a good time to freshen up that hair... www.chabaduptown.org/3weeks. The Fast of 17 Tammuz is observed on Sunday, complete schedule below.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• AUG 2: YJP Houston University Themed First Fridays Shabbat Dinner - www.yjphouston.org/univshabbat
• AUG 10-11: Tisha B'Av (observed) - Evening of Film  & Reflection
• AUG 15: YJP HOUSTON - The White Party - www.yjphouston.org/white
• AUG 18: Mental Health First Aid http://bit.ly/2Sip9Wc.
• AUG 23-24: Scholars in Residence Rabbi Aharon & Chava Green

The Private Eye

The private unit of a married couple is so holy that it is the foundation of the family and it leads to the coming of Moshiach. more…

Shabbos Parshas Balak

Friday, July 19
Mincha & Kabbalat Shabbat Services at 7:30 pm
Candle Lighting at 8:04 pm
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner

Shabbos, July 20
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 6
Maariv, Havdalla & Shabbos Ends at 9:01 pm
Living Torah Video Program (15 min.)
Three Weeks Observances Begins

Sunday, Observance of Fast of 17 Tammuz, July 21
Fast Begins 5:08 am
Shacharis with Fast Day Torah Reading at 8:30 am
Mincha with Fast Day Torah Reading at 7:55 pm
Maariv and Fast Ends at 8:48 pm

Monday, July 22 - Shacharis at 6:45 am
Thursday, July 25 - Shacharis at 6:45 am

Have a good Shabbos!

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie

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