Dancing and crying

Dancing and crying. Yesterday we heard the news from Israel as we prepared and then celebrated Lag Baomer with a wonderful group of young professionals. We were grateful for the beautiful weather and rain holding back, enjoying good times, BBQ and smoked brisket. However, it was with hard emotions to celebrate as more details of the horrible tragedy in Meron were filtering in, where the main celebrations of Lag Ba'omer are celebrated each year at the burial place of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai. As Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai himself asked that his passing be one of celebration of life, we pushed ourselves to celebrate in spite of it. The Jewish people stand with resolve, to never let anything get us down. 

Please light Shabbos candles today (in Houston at 7:40 pm) in memory of those passed and in merit of those who need a speedy recovery. Please join us today at 6 pm, as we celebrate and pray together in honor of Lag B'omer, info below.

In Berachos 9a, our Sages comment:"Rabbi Shimon is worthy enough to rely on in a time of difficulty." Beyond the simple meaning the statement the Rebbe would repeatedly say that we should extend its meaning to our era of exile. Even though when we are beset by the hardships of Galus, we should rely on Rabbi Shimon to get us to redemption. May it be today. Have a good Shabbos!

Fri. April 30, 6 pm - Community Lag Ba'Omer Shabbos Shots & Hors D'oeuvres - www.chabaduptown.org/lagshabbat Pre-Shabbat Community Get Together with Eats and Drinks

Save the Date for Other Upcoming Events:

• Fri. May 7, 7:30 pm - YJP Cinco de Mayo Shabbat -  www.yjphouston.org/cinco
• Sun. May 16, 11:45 pm - All Night Shavuot Torah Study
• Mon., May 17, 11:15 am - Shavuot Ten Commandments Torah Reading
• Fri. May 28, 7:30 pm - 40+ Shabbat Dinner Social - www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatsocial

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Mazel tov to Andres Van Dam and Michelle Banaim on their engagement and to the entire Van Dam and Benaim families!

Mazel tov to Shmuel & Hava Rottman on the birth baby girl!

SHABBOS PARSHAS EMOR
Friday, Lag Baomer, 18 Iyar - April 30
Community Lag Ba'omer Shabbos Shots & Hors Devours at 6 pm
Evening Services at 7:30 pm
Light Shabbat candles at 7:40 pm
Omer Count

Shabbos, 19 Iyar - May 1
Chassidus at 9 am
Shacharis at 10:00 am
Kiddush sponsored by Shmuel & Hava Rottman in honor of birth of their baby girl
Mincha at 7:40 pm
Ethics of Our Fathers, Ch. 4
Maariv, Omer Count, Havdalla & Shabbos Ends at 8:37 pm
Living Torah