This week we entered the month of Tevet, which the Talmud describes as the coldest month of the year, with the only way to keep warm being body heat – i.e., by being in close contact with others and keeping each other warm.
This quality takes on unique significance in a Hakhel year, a year of gathering, when Jews around the world are making efforts to gather at every possible occasion
Whenever Jews come together, we automatically become stronger and warmer. This is true any time Jews gather, but it is especially so when we come together in the spirit of Hakhel – uniting to hear words of Torah and with the purpose of enhancing our collective Jewish life.
So next time you look outside and it feels cold or dark, remember that all you need to do is join or host a Hakhel event, and your soul will become warm and vibrant!
Good Shabbos,
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie
P.S. Check out the report in the JHV of the YJP Houston fire and snow social!
Fast of Asara B'Teves - This Tuesday, Jan. 3 is Teves 10. It is observed as a day of fasting, mourning and repentance, in remembrance of the siege of Jerusalem. We refrain from food and drink from daybreak (in Houston at 5:57 am) to nightfall (6:02 pm), and add the Selichos and other special supplements to our prayers. More recently, Teves 10 was chosen to also serve as a "general kaddish day" for the victims of the Holocaust, many of whose day of martyrdom is unknown. Links: Learn about Tevet 10, Essays and Stories on the Holocaust
Upcoming Events:
- Jan. 6, 6:00 pm - YJP Houston First Fridays 2023 - Bring in 2023 other Young Jewish Professionals over Shabbat Dinner! www.yjphouston.org/shabbat2023
- Jan. 13-15 - ONE WEEK LEFT TO REGISTER! Join our CYP Shabbaton to NYC! 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
Our sincere condolences to Dr. Margaret Spitz-Berman and the entire Berman family on the passing of their husband, father and grandfather, Dr. Louis Berman, Lev ben Yitzchak, o.b.m.
Shabbos Parshas Vayigash
Friday, December 30, 6 Teves
Candle Lighting and Mincha at 5:14 pm
Services at 6:00 pm
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
Shabbos, December 31, 7 Teves
Chassidus at 9 am
Services at 10 am
Followed by Shabbos Lunch Kiddush sposnored by Dr. Jose and Dr. Viviane Cohen
Mincha at 5:15 pm
Torah Study
Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends at 6:12 pm
Kiddush Levana
Sunday, January 1, 8 Teves
Shacharis at 8:00 am
Mon.-Fri., Jan. 2-6, 9-13 Teves
Shacharis at 6:45 am
Tuesday, January 3, Fast of Asara B'Teves
Fast Begins at 5:57 am
Shacharis with Selichos and special Torah Reading at 6:45 am
Mincha with special Torah reading at 5:00 pm
Maariv and Fast Ends at 6:02 pm
Good Shabbos!