This week took us to Chicago as Rabbi Chaim participated in the regional conference of the community leaders, the Chabad Shluchim and Shluchos of Illinois. Mission: to train them in Mental Health First Aid the provides and empowers with the life saving tools, learning how to recognize and how to respond to the early or advanced signs and symptoms for mental health challenges. May Hashem give them all the right words and strength to make a positive impact on their communities! We have now a total of at least 257 Shluchim and Shluchos Mental Health First Aiders!
We were lucky as well to visit Levi in his summer Yeshivah in Champaign and to participate with the Siyum on Rambam and farbreng for the boys of the yeshivah.
In the Hayom Yom of 28 Av, the Rebbe teaches that there are two approaches to healing: One is to find whatever has been weakened and damaged by illness, then repair and strengthen it. Another is to find whatever remains viable and healthy, and support and strengthen it. Since it is one body, fortifying one aspect brings healing to all the rest.
So too, the healing of the spirit: One path is to grab the weakness by its horns and fix up your act. Another is to focus your energies on the spiritual resources that are working well. Since it is one soul, when one area is enriched, the rest is elevated with it.
This also applies to repairing whatever is amiss in your world: When you see others are not doing their job, important work is being mishandled and valuable opportunities passed up, it is not a time for anger or despair. It is a time for you to strengthen many times over the good work you are doing in your own sphere.
And since we are all one, the energy you invest in your little corner of the world pays off in every other portion as well.
The three week period between the fast of 17 Tammuz and 9 Av, when we mourn the destruction of the two Holy Temples, is a time for heightened sensitivity towards our fellow Jews.
Of course, loving one another is a mitzvah year-round, not just now. But as humans, we know all too well how imperfect we can be in this regard. That's why during this mourning period for the destruction of the Temples, which our Sages teach was caused by a lack of harmony, we emphasize the importance of Jewish unity.
We must always be willing to extend ourselves and show kindness, even when logically perhaps you may have a reason to dislike the recipient. By ignoring and rising above our differences, we are promised the rebuilding of the Temple with the coming of Moshiach!
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie
UPCOMING EVENTS
- Game Night Shabbat (08.05.22) - Game themed Shabbat dinner and interactive games throughout the night. www.yjphouston.org/gamesshabbat
- Saturday, August 6, 9:00 pm - Tisha B'Av Evening of film, study and reflection - Reading of Megillat Eicha - Book of Lamentation followed by a special film.
- Thursday, August 11 - Tu B'Av The White Party with Illusionist Ilan Smith of South Africa - 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! TICKETS: www.yjphouston.org/ilansmith
- 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
"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 (obligatory festive meal celebrating the fulfillment of a mitzvah) such as a Bris (circumcision), 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 Chazak, Parshas Matos-Maasei
Friday, Rosh Chodesh Menachem Av, July 29, Av 1
Mincha & Kabbalat Shabbat Services 7:30 pm
Candle Lighting 7:59 pm
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
Shabbos, July 30, Av 2
Chassidus at 9 am
Morning Service 10:00 am
Followed by lunch Buffet Kiddush
Mincha Service 8:00 pm
Ethics of our Fathers Ch. 2
Maariv Havdalla and Shabbos Ends 8:55 pm
Living Torah
Sunday, July 31, Av 3 - Shacharis at 8 am
Mon.-Thus., Aug. 1-5, Av 4-8- Shacharis at 6:45 am
Good Shabbos!