Throughout his life, our forefather Jacob encountered some of the first anti-Jewish sentiment in history, and in his case it was literally family: his brother Esau and his father-in-law Laban. Both wished him harm, but neither succeeded.
Esau wanted to kill Jacob and Laban wanted to swindle him out of his rightful earnings. Jacob overcame their adversity because he refused to play their game. He did not allow his survival to hinge on putting others down and pointing fingers. Instead of blaming others for his problems, he focused on being the most successful servant of G‑d he could be.
We inherited this spirit from our forefather, and with each passing generation the Jewish people get better at it. As a nation, we have had good times and better times. And there have been times of terrible suffering. Yet even when things look bleak and we feel—rightfully—that the entire world is against us, giving up is not in our DNA. Jacob didn’t do it, and we certainly won't.
Shabbat shalom,
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie
Message from Chanie:
Thank you to all the ladies who came out to celebrate my birthday! It was a beautiful Hakhel fabrengen of women from across the community.... May Hashem bless each and every one of you with good health, prosperity, happiness, serenity, nachas and fulfillment, physically, emotionally and spiritually!
Rabbi Asher and Henya Federman are the shluchim/Chabad emissaries in St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands. They have dedicated their lives to their beautiful community.
Henya was in a terrible accident and their baby did not make it. She is the mother of thank G-d, 13 children, and the Rebbetzin of her loving community.
Please take on a mitzvah in her honor, let’s storm the heavens!
We need Moshiach. There's a special website to share the mitzvot being done in Henya's merit.
https://onemitzvah.org/mitzvahforhenya
Upcoming Events:
- Fri. Dec. 2, 6 pm - Chinese Shabbat Dec. First Fridayswww.yjphouston.org/chinese
- Sat, Dec 3, 8:00 pm Chanukah Book Trail at Market Square Park in cooperation with the Houston Downtown Management District, 301 Milam St, Houston, TX 77002 - Walk the 18-step book trail - a visual & audio walking experience bringing the Chanukah story to life! Enjoy Chanukah music, crafts and prizes!
- Wednesday Dec. 7, 8 pm - YJP Houston CYP Academy: Stop Chasing Happiness - An intellectually exciting journey into your own mind and psyche. Relevant and fascinating topics, paired with delectable dinner. - Click here to register.
- Wed. Dec. 14, 8 pm: YJP Houston PreChanukah - Launch party for Hakhel year of "Ambassadors of Light" project! Get a menorah kit and candles for yourself and to share with others! Graduation ceremony of the CYP Academy Happiness course.
- Sun. Dec. 18, 4:30 pm - Chanukah in the Snow - Community Hakhel Post Oak Menorah Lighting www.chabaduptown.org/snow
- Tues. Dec. 20, 7:30 pm - Chanukah Fire & Snow - Young Jewish Professionals 20s & 30s party in style around the fire in snow (yes, SNOW) with gelt s'mores, hot cocoa, drinks and music. Dinner Buffet, Sufganiyot & Latkes www.yjphouston.org/snow
- Jan. 13-15 - Join our CYP Shabbaton to NYC! Amazing News!!! As we have hit a Hakhel sized group you can now use coupon code "YJPHouston" for the half price $200 rate, a $200 savings! Can not be used in conjunction with the $50 "refer a friend" promotion. www.cypshabbat.nyc
Shabbos Parshas Vayeitzei
Friday, December 2, 8 Kislev
Mincha and Candle Lighting at 5:04 pm
Torah Study
Services at 6:00 pm
RSVP for Chinese Dec. First Fridays Shabbat Dinner www.yjphouston.org/chinese
Shabbos December 3, Tes Kislev
Chassidus at 9 am
Services at 10 am
Followed by Shabbos Kiddush
Mincha at 5:05 pm
Torah Study
Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends at 6:00 pm
Living Torah
Sunday, December 4, Yud Kislev
Shacharis at 8:00 am
Mon.-Fri., Dec. 5-9, 11-15 Kislev
Shacharis at 6:45 am
Good Shabbos!