It's not by chance that on that very day was Yud Shevat. when we commemorated the anniversary of the Rebbe officially accepting the mantle of leadership of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, on the first anniversary of his predecessor’s passing. Before the Previous Rebbe passed away, he published a 20-chapter discourse titled “Basi Legani” on various esoteric Chassidic concepts, all with practical, down-to-earth applications. It served as a last will and testament of sorts, guiding his followers in the days and years after his passing. Every year, on the yahrtzeit of Yud Shevat, the Rebbe would deliver a discourse of his own, each year elaborating on another chapter of the original discourse. The 13th chapter of the discourse focuses on how far G‑d’s presence extends. Knowing that G‑d is everywhere, even in the lowest and most inferior parts of the universe, enables those who end up there—by choice or not—to still connect to a higher plane and extract themselves from their current circumstances. No matter where we find ourselves, we are always part of G‑d’s people and are therefore in constant connection with Him. As a result, we can always focus on enhancing our Judaism regardless of what the world around us looks like. In our relationships as well, the key for dating towards a successful marriage is the ability to reach to a transcendental connection where the couple becomes fused as one. Doing so will prepare us and the entire world for the coming of Moshiach, may it happen speedily, in our times! Make the world a brighter place and light Shabbat candles today (in Houston at 5:43 pm). Shabbat shalom, Rabbi Chaim & Chanie Jewish Laws & Customs: Shabbat Shira - Shabbat of Song - This week's Torah reading contains the "song at the sea" sung by the Children of Israel upon their deliverance from the Egyptians, when the Red Sea split to allow them to pass and then drowned their pursuers. Hence this Shabbat is designated as Shabbat Shirah, "Shabbat of song." Our sages tell us that the birds in the sky joined our ancestors in their singing; for this reason it is customary to put out food for the birds for this Shabbat (to avoid the possibility of transgressing the laws of Shabbat, the food should be put out before Shabbat). Links: Parting of the Red Sea, Miriam: Tambourines of Rebellion New Year for Trees - Today is Tu B'Shevat which marks the beginning of a "New Year for Trees." This is the season in which the earliest-blooming trees in the Land of Israel emerge from their winter sleep and begin a new fruit-bearing cycle. Legally, the "New Year for Trees" relates to the various tithes that must be separated from produce grown in the Holy Land. We mark the day by eating fruit, particularly from the "Seven Kinds" that are singled out by the Torah in its praise of the bounty of the Holy Land (wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives and dates). On this day we remember that "Man is a tree of the field" (Deuteronomy 20:19) and reflect on the lessons we can derive from our botanical analogue. Tachnun is omitted from the prayer services on Tu B'Shevat. Link: Learn About Tu B'Shevat. Upcoming Events: Shabbos Shira Parshas Beshalach Friday, February 3, 12 Shevat Shabbos, February 4, 13 Shevat Sunday, February 5, 14 Shevat Mon.-Fri., Feb. 6-10, 15-19 Shevat Monday, Feb 6, Tu B'Shevat Good Shabbos!
This past Wednesday we kicked off the CYP Academy Jewish dating course with a wonderful and empowered group of students. If you are between the ages of 21-39 and want to dive deep into Torah's view on Jewish dating, it's not too late to join!
Candle Lighting and Mincha at 5:43 pm
Services at 6:00 pm
RSVP for Sushi Shabbat Dinner - Feb First Fridays. www,yjphouston.org/sushi
Chassidus at 9 am
Services at 10 am
Followed by Shabbos Lunch Kiddush
Mincha at 5:45 pm
Torah Study
Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends at 6:39 pm
Kiddush Levana
Shacharis at 8:00 am
Shacharis at 6:45 am
8 pm - Tu B'Shvat Floral Workshop presented by River Oaks Plant House www.chabaduptown.org/floral
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