This Shabbos we read the fourth in a series of special Torah readings. In preparation for Pesach (yes, it’s around the corner…) we read about the first time the Jews celebrated the holiday, while still in Egypt.
The reading begins with the commandment to establish a Jewish calendar, and only once that’s done can holidays be observed. Instead of Hashem simply telling us when to observe them, He tells us to establish the calendar and determine when the holidays are to be observed.
In doing so, G‑d makes us His partner in Creation. He made the world, but He expects us to keep it going by performing mitzvahs and owning it. Every mitzvah we do, starting with the very first one of keeping holidays on specific dates, is how we connect with G‑d and partner with Him in this special project called Creation.
Of course, the ultimate goal of our partnership with G‑d is to make the world a home where G‑d is comfortable, ready to welcome Moshiach and a time of true perfection, may it be very soon!
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie
This Shabbos has a whole list of special moments:
- Shabbos Mevarchim, we bless the new month of Nissan. We will read the entire tehillim and bless the new month with great fanfare and have a lunch kiddush and farbrengen sponsored in memory of מנחם צבי בן שרה ז״ל by his daughter Chana Benjaminov, Rafi and family.
- Chazak! - We complete the Chumash of Shemos with the combined Parsha of Vayakhel-Pekudei and the customary pronouncement of Chazak with great fanfare!
- Parshas Hachodesh - We take out a second Torah to read this special section that sets the tone for the Jewish calendar.
- 25 Adar is the birthday of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushkah, wife of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. On her first birthday after her passing in 1988, the Rebbe initiated an international birthday campaign, urging people to celebrate their birthdays and utilize the day as a time of introspection and making resolutions involving an increase in good deeds. When is your Jewish birthday?
- Shabbos day is now longer, we will therefore be bringing back the weekly study of the Rebbe's talks, approx. an hour before Mincha.
- Laws of Pesach We will prepare and review the practical laws of Pesach between Mincha & Maariv on Shabbos afternoon.
This week with Chabad
- The Jewish Herald Voice published a report on YJP Houston's volunteering: The power of giving: YJP Houston brings Purim to seniors Purim is a time to come together and celebrate with community. However, for some, participating in Purim festivities can be difficult. This is particularly true for homebound seniors, who may not have the ability to attend community events or participate in traditional Purim activities. That’s where the volunteers of YJP Houston come in. Read more.
- JHV also published Purim photos and brief captions for the Chabad of Uptown megillah reading with the Israel Consul, Livia Link-raviv, the community Purim in the Lab party and YJP Houston Purim out of this World. Click on the links for the photo and report.
- We had an amazing Networking Oil & Gas Summit Wednesday night! YJP Houston produced a business networking event, with a focus on oil and gas, featuring business powerhouses Norman Lazarus and Andy Serotta. The young Jewish professionals had an opportunity to hear from these Jewishly engaged and successful entrepreneurs and network with others to further their own life goals. Check out the photos here.
Pesach is coming, April 5-13! Our Pesach website and seder RSVP is now open! www.chabaduptown.org/pesach2023
- Sell your chametz now! www.chabaduptown.org/chametz
- Order handmade Shmurah matzah www.chabaduptown.org/ordermatzah
- RSVP for the Seder www.chabaduptown.org/sederrsvp
- Complete Pesach candle lighting and service schedule www.chabaduptown.org/pesachschedule
Upcoming Events:
- 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 Josh & Meira Young on the birth of a baby girl, Florence Ruth!
Shabbos Mevarchim Nissan, Chazak & Hachodesh, Parshas Vayakhel-Pekudei
Friday, March 17, 24 Adar
Candle Lighting & Mincha at 7:13 pm
Services at 7:30 pm
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
Shabbos, March 18, 25 Adar
Shabbos Mevarchim Tehillim at 8:30 am
Services at 10 am
Followed by Shabbos Mevarchim Lunch Kiddush & Farbrengen sponsored in memory of מנחם צבי בן שרה ז״ל by his daughter Chana Benjaminov, Rafi and family.
Torah Study of Rebbe's teachings at 6 pm
Mincha at 7:15 pm
Laws of Pesach
Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends at 8:07 pm
Living Torah
Sunday, March 19, 26 Adar
Shacharis at 8:00 am
Mon.-Fri., March 20-24, 27 Adar-2 Nissan
Shacharis at 6:45 am
Thursday, March 23, Rosh Chodesh Nissan Shacharis & monthly breakfast
Good Shabbos!