our mental health

This weekend is a global Shabbat of inclusion awareness, to address those living with mental health challenges and any disability in our communities. I am honored to have been placed in a position to scale the impact of mental health awareness by becoming a Mental Health First Aid instructor a few years ago for the local Houston community thanks to the encouragement and facilitation of the JFS. The in person limitations of 2020 then allowed MHFA to be taught virtually and I was then able to also reach my Chabad colleagues, Shluchim & Shluchos - the Rabbis and Rebbetzins of Chabad. This past Monday I taught another 30 Rebbetzins with co-instructor Gittel Francis of JFS, bringing the total of 196 Rabbis and Rabbetzins trained in MHFA. Just two weeks ago two of these Rabbis reported literally saving someone from the brink of suicide using this life saving knowledge.

As part of this Shabbos "ShabbatTogether" of inclusion, this Shabbos:

• I will address the subject of inclusion in my sermon.
• There will be a wonderful live event "One Thing I wish You Knew", held online at 7:30 pm as well!

I hope you will join us!

May Hashem bless each and every one of us with the strength and fortitude to include all we know and to ourselves be in a healthy frame of mind, physically and spiritually! Good Shabbos!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• Feb. 18-19, 7:30 pm - ShabbatTogether:  Inclusion begins with listening. That's why this year for ShabbaTTogether, we are focusing on one global program called "One Thing I Wish You Knew" in which participating Chabad centers will invite members from across the mental health and disability communities to share their journeys, struggles, and personal experiences while offering words of hope and understanding to their audiences in a panel or group setting. Join at www.ShabbaTTogether.com
• March 4, 6 pm: First Fridays for March of YJP Houston!
• March 16-17 - Purim: Join us on Wednesday evening and Thursday for Megillah readings and parties for community and young professionals! More details soon!
• March 25 - CTeen Texas Regional Shabbaton: Join teens grades 9-12 from all over Texas for an amazing weekend in College Station near Texas A&M University! Be an early bird and save! www.cteen.com/texasshabbat

"Leave Me Alone!"

Who were the sinners who required Divine forgiveness? more…

Shabbos Parshas Ki Sisa
Friday, February 18, 17 Adar 1
Candle Lighting & Mincha at 5:55 pm
Kabbalat Shabbat Services at 6:00 pm
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner

Shabbos, February 19, 18 Adar 1
Chassidus at 9 am
Services at 10 am
Followed by lunch kiddush 
Mincha at 5:55 pm
Torah Study
Maariv, Havdalla & Shabbos Ends at 6:50 pm
Living Torah

Sunday, Feb. 20, 19 Adar 1 - Shacharis at 8:00 am
Mon-Fri., Feb. 21-25, 20-25 Adar I - Shacharis at 6:45 am

Have a good Shabbos!