do or don't do? - PHOTOS

The first two of the Ten Commandments, which the Jewish people heard at Mt. Sinai, were “I am the L‑rd your G‑d” and “You shall have no gods other than Me.”

These two commandments encompassed all mitzvahs that would eventually be given to the Jewish nation. “I am the L‑rd your G‑d” contained within it all 248 positive mitzvahs, and “You shall have no gods other than Me” represented all 365 negative mitzvahs.

Positive mitzvahs are the things G‑d wants us to do and negative commandments are things He wants us to avoid. But the common denominator between all commandments is that they are ways to connect to G‑d.

In a way, the negative mitzvahs present a much easier opportunity to have this connection, since you don’t have to go out of your way to do anything in order to fulfill them. Your relationship with G‑d can be constantly enhanced simply by not doing the things he forbids.

The more mitzvahs we do—both positive and negative, the greater our connection to G‑d will be, leading to the greatest connection of all, the ultimate Redemption with the coming of Moshiach!

Shabbat shalom,

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie

Thank you to River Oaks Plant House for presenting and co-sponsoring the community Tu B'Shvat Floral Workshop! Floral Designer Mitra lead the workshop and each participant got to make their own floral bouquet & enjoy Tu B'Shvat Snacks! Check out all the beautiful photos here!

Upcoming Events:

• 2 Wednesdays, Feb. 15, 22, 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. 
• Thursday, Feb. 23 at 8 pm Houston time - Met@Chabad Online Speeddating  - Values-based speeddating is the way to go! Sign up now and on Feb. 23  we will email your dating schedule with up to 7 dates per event. Each date will last 8 minutes. www.metatchabad.com/speeddating
• Monday, March 6, 7 pm -  YJP Houston Purim Out of this World - Jewish Professionals in their 20s and 30s for a Megillah Reading at 7 pm followed by Out of this World themed party
• Tuesday, March 7, 5 pm - Community Mad Science Purim Join us for an unforgettable Purim party for the whole family and community, bringing friendship, science and fun together! 5:00 pm Megillah Reading * 5:30 pm Purim Feast & Carnival. 6:00 pm *Up, Up & Away" by Mad Science of Houston
• Wednesday, March 15, 7:30 pm - YJP Houston Oil & Gas Summit and Networking - Bringing together an impressive and powerful group of individuals and Oil & Gas industry Executives. 
• May 3-7 Antigua Guatemala Trip - An adventurous weekend of nature, soulfulness, and connection with fellow young Jewish professionals.  www.yjphouston.org/guatemala

Shabbos Parshas Yisro

Friday, February 10, 19 Shevat
Candle Lighting and Mincha at 5:49 pm
Services at 6:00 pm
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner

Shabbos, February 11, 20 Shevat
Chassidus at 9 am
Services at 10 am
Reading of Ten Commandments
Followed by Shabbos Lunch Kiddush
Mincha at 5:45 pm
Torah Study
Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends at 6:44 pm
Living Torah

Sunday, February 12, 21 Shevat
Shacharis at 8:00 am

Mon.-Fri., Feb. 13-17, 22-26 Shevat
Shacharis at 6:45 am

Good Shabbos!