Kicking up the passion - PHOTOS

The first two plagues wrought upon the Egyptians contain conflicting messages:

The first, when all the water in Egypt turned into blood, represents the need to transform coldness into passion and excitement. The second plague, frogs, sent the opposite message, since the frogs, which are cold-blooded creatures, went so far as to sacrifice themselves by jumping into the Egyptians’ ovens, implying a cooling down of passion and excitement.

The plagues were not just punishments for the Egyptian tormentors, but also messages for us.

The different messages represented by these two plagues depend on the target. When focusing on a lack of passion in Judaism, the change needs to come in the form of blood–warmth and enthusiasm. But when there is passion for the wrong things–for worldly matters rather than for holiness–then the focus should be on lowering the temperature.

By striking this balance we bring absolute perfection to the world, leading to the ultimate perfection we hope and pray for every day—the coming of Moshiach!

Shabbat shalom,

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie

Last weekend we lead the Houston delegation of 23 young professionals to NYC, joining hundreds from around North America for the fourth annual Encounter Shabbaton of the Crown Heights section of Brooklyn. Guided tours of the Crown Heights section of Brooklyn included a visit to a hand made shmurah Matzah bakery, mikvah, kosher wine tasting, wig maker, Sofer (ritual scribe), 770 World Headquarters and Aguch Library. Shabbat concluded with a musical Havdalah service and acoustic opener by top 10 smash hit song writer Alex Clare and a concert with the popular Zusha Band at Sony Hall. Houston, and the many groups from Texas, definitely made their mark! Check out the story by Chabad.org/news, "Hundreds of Young Adults Find Jewish Inspiration at Chabad Gathering in New York"... more....

Check out some pictures here!

Upcoming Events:

• Wed. Jan. 25, 8 pm - My Story: An Evening with Holocaust Survivor Bob Ullman - Hear Bob's story of his family's narrow escape of 26 people from Belgium in 1940 and what a being a Jew means to him today. Produced by YJP Houston, by popular demand the evening is open to the community of all ages. www.yjphouston.org/bob RSVP "BOB STORY" via TXT: 7134193960
• 4 Wednesdays, Starting Feb. 1, 8 pm - The Jewish Dating Course - An intellectually exciting journey into what G-d has to say about love, relationships, marriage, and building an everlasting life together. www.yjphouston.org/dating. Take the course and get a $200 voucher to use towards an upcoming CYP trip to Poland or Guatemala! (We already have a group booked from Houston to Guatemala! PM for flight details.)
• Friday, February 3, 6 pm - February First Fridays - Join Young Jewish Professionals, ages 21-39, over the signature YJP Houston Shabbat Dinner. RSVP

Shabbos Mevarchim Shevar Parshas Va'eria

Friday, January 20, 27 Teves
Candle Lighting and Mincha at 5:31 pm
Services at 6:00 pm
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner

Shabbos, January 21, 28 Teves
Shabbos Mevarchim Tehillim 8:30 am
Services at 10 am
Followed by Shabbos Mevarchim Lunch Kiddush & Fabrengen celebrating the Hebrew birthday of Jonas Pfrenger
Mincha at 5:30 pm
Torah Study
Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends at  6:28 pm

Sunday, January 22, 29 Teves
Shacharis at 8:00 am

Mon., Jan. 23, Rosh Chodesh Shevat
Shacharis at 6:45 am
Followed by monthly Rosh Chodesh breakfast

Tues.-Fri., Jan. 24-27, 2-5 Shevat
Shacharis at 6:45 am

Good Shabbos!