Thought for the week: This week Chabad communities around the world celebrated a holiday known simply as “Yud-Tes Kislev”—the 19th of Kislev, the anniversary of Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi’s release from Czarist prison. Rabbi Schneur Zalman, also known as the Alter Rebbe, referred to his imprisonment as a spiritual challenge to his work of bringing the teachings of Jewish mysticism to the masses, and for a time he actually considered stopping as a result. But then he discovered that not only was it not a reason to stop, but ultimately it is what propelled him to keep growing the Chabad movement, disseminating his teachings further than before. This is similar to what occurred to Joseph, son of Jacob, about whom we read about in this week’s Torah portion. He was sold into slavery, but instead of disappearing and losing his identity, he thrived and grew until he became defacto ruler of Egypt. The same message can be found in Chanukah, which starts this Sunday night. The menorah in the Temple was kindled with pure olive oil. The way the oil is extracted from an olive is by crushing it, destroying the olive. But instead of disappearing, the oil now brings light and warmth to the world around it. So be like an olive—turn your challenges into opportunities for growth and light! Good Shabbos and happy Chanukah! Rabbi Chaim & Chanie P.S. Are you an #ambassadoroflight? Come by Chabad to get a menorah and share one with friend! Together, let's make sure that every Jewish home in Houston is filled with the light of Chanukah! Upcoming Events: Mazel tov Ryan and Michelle Melnik on the birth of a baby daughter, Galit Jaya Melnik! Mazel tov to the entire Melnik and Mizrahi families! Shabbos Parshas Vayeishev Friday, December 16, 22 Kislev Shabbos December 17, 23 Kislev Sunday, December 18, 24 Kislev, Erev Chanukah Mon.-Fri., Dec. 19-23, 25-29 Kislev, Chanukah Days 1-5 Good Shabbos!
Milestone! For the first time ever, Chanie joined in studio to talk about Chanukah on Fox 26 Houston with Melissa Wilson! Check out the replay here! Join us for Chabad of Uptown's Chanukah events this Sunday and Tuesday!
Mincha and Candle Lighting at 5:07 pm
Torah Study
Services at 6:00 pm
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
Sponsored in part by Yonatan & Liora Tzion
Chassidus at 9 am
Services at 10 am
Followed by Shabbos Kiddush sponsored by Rafael Levy marking the yartzeit and in memory of his mother, Regina bas Ruchama
Mincha at 5:05 pm
Torah Study
Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends at 6:04 pm
Living Torah
Shacharis at 8:00 am
COMMUNITY at 4:30 pm: Chanukah in the Snow www.chabaduptown.org/snow
Shacharis at 6:45 am with Hallel and Torah Reading
ב"ה