In addition to the regular Torah portion this week, we also read a special portion about the laws of the Red Heifer. Anyone who came into contact with a dead body would have to undergo a ritual purification process before being allowed to enter the Temple. Part of this process included being sprinkled with a mixture of water and ashes of the Red Heifer. (Related Links: The Parah reading with commentary; The Calf's Mother).
Interestingly, those involved in preparing the mixture would themselves become impure. Not the same level of impurity as the person they were purifying, but nonetheless impure.
Becoming impure when helping someone else become pure is somewhat of a dichotomy. But the lesson is clear: sometimes it takes getting a little dirty yourself to help someone else get clean. Helping others takes sacrifice, but the reward at the end is immense.
Being there for others is always rewarding, even if it means giving up some of your own comforts along the way.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie
Purim Report:
- We read the megillah a total of nine times over Purim for young and old!
- The Jewish Herald Voice featured Cory Weinberg's largest gragger on the front page of this week's paper along with a lovely Texas pride article for Thursday, March 9, 2023 By Judy Bluestein Levin: Everything’s bigger - and noisier - in Texas: Houstonian creates World’s largest solo-operation grogger. New Jersey is home to the world’s largest dreidel. New York claims the biggest matzah ball. And now, Houston is home to the world’s largest grogger operated by one person. Complete JHV Article... | Fox 26 News | Chabad.org | Anash.org
- YJP Houston's Purim out of the World gathered Houston's finest Young Professionals to enjoy an outer space themed and amazing moments Purim party, featuring the world's largest single operator gragger, virtual reality, life size lite brite, arcade games, music, food and more! Photos by Hagit Bibi.
- Volunteers of YJPHouston read Megillah and lead Purim parties for Israel Consul to the Southwest Liva Link-Raviv and staff, the homebound, seniors at Anthology Tanglewood and Brookdale Galleria! What a mitzvah! Photos
- Community Purim in the Lab was an unforgettable Purim party for the whole family and community, bringing friendship, science and fun together! Megillah Reading, Purim Feast & Carnival. with a great show by Mad Science of Houston! Kids even got to ride the hovercraft! So cool! Check out these photos by Hagit Bibi
Upcoming Events:
- 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. www.yjphouston.org/oilandgas
- Wednesday & Thursday, April 5-6 - The Uptown Seders - Learn from our ancestors! Gather with new and old friends to experience an authentic Pesach Seder with Uptown Flare! www.chabaduptown.org/seder
- Friday, April 7 - First Fridays - Pesach Edition - What is different this First Fridays from all other First Fridays? It’s Pesach! Join Young Jewish Professionals Pesach Shabbat, of course with crunchy matzah and choice wine / grape juice with Young Jewish Professionals, ages 21-39. www.yjphouston.org/pesachfirstfridays
- Thursday, April 13 - Moshiach Seudah - Mystical Seder Grand Pesach Closing - Enjoy wine and matzah, discuss words of Torah and inspirational stories, sing Chassidic melodies, and find out why this final day of Pesach has a special energy related to the coming of Moshiach. www.chabaduptown.org/3967478
- May 3-7 Antigua Guatemala Trip - An adventurous weekend of nature, soulfulness, and connection with fellow young Jewish professionals. www.yjphouston.org/guatemala
Mazel tov Dr. Sep & Diba Shabani on the birth and Bris of a baby boy, Aharon!
Shabbos Parah, Parshas Ki Sisa
Friday, March 10, 17 Adar
Candle Lighting & Mincha at 6:09 pm
Services at 6:30 pm
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
Shabbos, March 11, 18 Adar
Chassidus at 9 am
Services at 10 am
Followed by Shabbos Lunch Kiddush sponsored by Bonnie Pfrenger marking her mother's yartzeit, Sara bas Yitzchak, obm.
Mincha at 6:10 pm
Torah Study
Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends at 7:03 pm
Living Torah
Changing of the clocks!
Sunday, March 12, 19 Adar
Shacharis at 8:00 am
Mon.-Fri., March 13-17, 20-24 Adar
Shacharis at 6:45 am
Good Shabbos!