What an amazing Shavuos weekend, with a packed shul and many amazing talks that wrapped up a very inspiring weekend with hundreds in attendance! Thank you to the Rabbi Lev Yakov and Talia Voskboynik and all the sponsors for making it happen!
Rabbi Chaim made a quick trip last night to celebrate the wedding of the daughter of his study partner from the age of 12, Rabbi Moshe Gourarie. Many call the relationship like one of brothers (from another mother). On the way back the taxi driver was describing how his recent working of the Crown Heights neighborhood has made him take a liking for the "yids". "Wait are you Jewish?". "Of course I am. I guess I need to get a black hat so you would know that". "No, its just you call them the yids like they are some other group, let's call them my fellow yids, my brothers and sisters". "You know, I love that about the Rebbe and Chabad, the love for everyone, all Jews and all of humanity is so amazing". Don't focus on what others are or aren't doing, they focus on how to help each person develop a special connection to G‑d. Of course, we made sure to have him wrapped up with tefillin right there at LGA departures. He sure got a kick out of the Texas style tefillin bags and even took a pic to show his friend.
Not by chance, this is all coming on the heels of Shavuot, when we celebrate receiving the Torah and we had a short week to catch up on the longest reading in the entire Torah, Parshas Naso.
One of the reasons the portion is so long is because it contains a detailed description of the gifts brought by the leaders of the tribes to dedicate the altar in the desert. Twelve tribes and twelve leaders; that takes up a nice chunk of real estate. But here's the thing: All twelve leaders brought the exact same gifts, yet the Torah still details each offering as if it was unique to that individual.
This serves as an important reminder that the service of every Jew is important, even if everyone else is doing the exact same thing. This is especially significant when praying and reciting the exact same words as everyone else. Whether is tefillin, lighting Shabbat candles or davening in Shul, the words and the offerings may be the same, but G‑d still views each one as unique and deserving of special recognition.
Don't focus on what others are or aren't doing, focus on your own special connection to G‑d.
Good Shabbos!
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie
Mazel tov Flavio and Leila Nisenbaum on the birth of a granddaughter!
SAVE THE DATES!
- First Fridays July 1 and August 5, 7:30 pm - Shabbat Dinner with YJP Houston
- Thursday, August 11 - Tu B'Av The White Party - Join us for the annual party of the year in summer white cocktail attire for an evening of entertainment and fun on this special holiday of Tu B'Av! Check out these 2019 preCovid photos!
- August 18-21 - YJP Encounter with Panama City! An adventurous weekend of nature, soulfulness, and connection with fellow young Jewish professionals. LIMITED SPACE. Reply to this email for more info!
Shabbos Parshas Naso
Friday, June 10, Sivan 11
Mincha & Kabbalat Shabbat Services 7:30 pm
Candle Lighting 8:04 pm
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
Shabbos, June 11, Sivan 12
Chassidus at 9 am
Morning Service 10:00 am
Followed by lunch Kiddush
Mincha Service 8:05 pm
Ethics of our Fathers Ch. 1
Maariv Havdalla and Shabbos Ends 9:03 pm
Kiddush Levana
Living Torah
Sunday, June 12, Sivan 13 - Shacharis at 8:00 am
Mon.-Fri.., June 13-17, Sivan 14-18 - Shacharis at 6:45 am
Good Shabbos!