The double Torah portion we read this week, Tazria-Metzora, contains a collection of laws pertaining to purity in Jewish life. Most notable are the laws of tzaraas, Biblical leprosy, which was more a spiritual ailment than a physical malady.
A person who suspected they had tzaraas would present themselves to a Kohen, who would determine if the skin condition was indeed tzaraas, in which case the person was impure for a period of time.
The first part of the Torah portion, Tazria, discusses the laws of determining whether a person has tzaraas. And the second, Metzora, is primarily about the purification process after being diagnosed.
The names of the sections, however, seem mixed up: Tazria (“shall conceive”) refers to birth, which is the opposite of the affliction of tzaraas. And Metzora (“leper”) refers to the person being afflicted rather than the purification process.
The reason for this is to remind us that any affliction a person might face, especially one resulting from a spiritual deficiency such as tzaraas, is always about the resolution at the end. There is birth and growth embedded within the affliction, and the metzora himself holds the keys to purification.
We may not see while in the midst of the suffering itself, but the Torah reminds us that everything has a purpose, even being stuck with tzaraas.
Even if we don’t see it now, with G‑d’s help we will experience it very soon with the coming of Moshiach!
Shabbat shalom,
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie
RAMBAM - This Shabbos, join Jews from around the world in celebrating the completion of the daily study cycle of Maimonides' Mishneh Torah with the Siyum HaRambam. This is the perfect time to start your own daily learning journey, whether you choose to study the daily mitzvah, one chapter or three chapters a day. Let's commit to making Torah study a daily practice and growing in our knowledge and observance of mitzvot. Learn all about the Rambam and find tons of resources to learn the text, audio and video classes to join this special daily study program! www.chabaduptown.org/rambam
ROBOTS - As we speak, there are hundreds of Israeli kids and teens joined by their team leaders, representing 16 teams in the FIRST Robotics Competition in Houston. We got to visit with all of the Israel teams who were very excited to meet a local Chabad Rabbi who came to cheer them on to victory! Shabbat Shalom! See some highlights here
Upcoming Events:
- Wed.-Sun., May 3-7 Antigua Guatemala Trip - An adventurous weekend of nature, soulfulness, and connection with fellow young Jewish professionals. www.yjphouston.org/guatemala
- Fri. May 5, 7:30 pm - Cinco de Shabbat May First Fridays, Pesach Sheni - Enjoy a Mexican Themed evening with other Young Jewish Professionals over Shabbat Dinner. www.yjphouston.org/cinco2023
- Mon. May 8, 8 pm - Lag B'Omer Artisan raBBiQ - Experience the mystical insights of this unique not-so-famous Jewish Holiday, with live music and BBQ with TV chef Rabbi Chaim. www.yjphouston.org/raBBiQ
Shavuot, Thursday-Shabbat, May 25-27:
www.chabaduptown.org/shavuotschedule
- Wed. May 24, 8 pm - Shavuos Treats and Eats Cooking Club! Prepare Shavuos holiday treats while we discuss what's behind the custom of eating dairy products on Shavuos
- Thurs., May 25, 11:30 pm Shavuos All Night Learn-A-Thon
- Fri. May 26, 11:15 am Shavuos Reading of Ten Commandments & Party followed by 1 pm dairy kiddush & ice cream party!
- Sat. May 27 11:45 am approx. - Shavuos Yizkor Memorial Service
Shabbos Rosh Chodesh Iyar Parshas Tazria-Metzora
Friday, April 21, 30 Nissan, Rosh Chodesh Iyar I
Services at 7:30 pm
Candle Lighting at 7:34 pm
Omer Count 17
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner in memory Yitzchak ben Asher Zelig, a"h, the husband of Yocheved Shwarzman and father of Michal Shwarzman Zitvar, yartzeit 4 Iyar.
Shabbos, April 22, 1 Iyar, Rosh Chodesh Iyar II
Chassidus at 9 am
Services at 10 am
Special Rosh Chodesh Hallel, Torah reading and Musaf
Shabbos Rosh Chodesh Kiddush in honor of the Bas Mitzvah
Torah Study of Rebbe's teachings at 6 pm
Mincha at 7:35 pm
Pirkei Avot Chapter 2
Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends at 8:35 pm
Omer Count 18
Living Torah
Sunday, April 23, 2 Iyar
Shacharis at 8:00 am
Followed by breakfast sponsored by Dr. Michael Allon in memory and marking the yartzeit of his father, Yoseph Chaim ben Moshe, a"h
Mon.-Fri. April 24-28, 3-7 Iyar
Shacharis at 6:45 am
Good Shabbos!