A scout or spy?

This story is amazing.

Levi's Yeshivah in Monsey went for a hike on Bear Mountain last week. One of his friends brought along tefillin in case they find a Jew who needs to put on tefillin. They asked many, and turned up with no Jewish customers. Finally they encountered an elderly gentleman who shared that he was Jewish but declined to put on tefillin. Not taking no for an answer, Levi's friend explained to him that if he put on tefillin he would be the first to put on tefillin on the mountain that day and would elevate the entire environment. He acquiesced and agreed to get wrapped up. Upon concluding, the teacher walked up and asked the man his name. He said his name is Bill Lang and he was a "karkafta", his first time putting on tefillin in his life! The boys excitedly told him that the boy who helped you put on tefillin, his name is Moshe Lang! Moshe Lang? "My father's name was Moshe Lang"...

The Jewish people were allowed by Hashem to send scouts to check out the land. In our Parsha, Shelach, we are taught how instead of being scouts and checking how to enter the land they became spies to see if they can enter the land. This was their big failure that caused the Jews to have to wander in the desert for 40 years.... If they had only realized that stepping down was not an option, they would have stepped up and not taken no for an answer. Perhaps they could have learned a lesson from Levi's classmates and made the mountains a holy place for Hashem. 

May we all succeed in stepping up to the challenge to transform our environment for the good, making it a spiritual home for Hashem to reside.

Shabbat shalom,

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie

P.S. The White Party committee had a very productive meeting this week! This annual event for Jewish Young Professionals in their 20s and 30s is one not to miss! Get ready for some jaw dropping entertainment and business networking in your summer white cocktail attire! Tickets drop July 3! Save the date for Thursday, Aug. 11 at 7:30 pm.

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Met at Chabad Virtual Speeddating (06.23.22) - Values based and commitment focused speeddating using advanced AI. www.metatachabad.com/speedating
• Friday, July 1, 7:30 pm - All American BBQ - First Fridays - All American Themed BBQ Shabbat Dinner at YJPHouston - where spirits run high! www.yjphouston.org/bbqshabbat
• Game Night Shabbat (08.05.22) - Game themed Shabbat dinner and interactive games throughout the night.
• 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!
• Blood Drive (08.14.22) - Donate blood and save a life as we host a blood drive at Chabad of Uptown! Click here to reserve your spot!
• August 18-21  - YJP Encounter with Panama City!  An adventurous weekend of nature, soulfulness, and connection with fellow young Jewish professionals. LIMITED SPACE. www.yjphouston.org/panama

Shabbos Mevarchim Tammuz Parshas Shelach
Friday, June 24, Sivan 24
Mincha & Kabbalat Shabbat Services 7:30 pm
Candle Lighting 8:08 pm
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner

Shabbos, June 25, Sivan 25
Shabbos Mevarchim Tehillim at 8:30 am
Morning Service 10:00 am
Followed by Shabbos Mevarchim Kiddush and Farbrengen
Mincha Service 8:05 pm
Ethics of our Fathers Ch. 3
Maariv Havdalla and Shabbos Ends 9:07 pm
Living Torah

Sunday, June 26, Sivan 27 - Shacharis at 8:00 am
Mon.-Fri.., June 27-July 2, Sivan 28-Tammuz 2 - Shacharis at 6:45 am
Rosh Chodesh Tammuz and monthly breakfasts June 29-30 at 6:45 am

Good Shabbos!