Let's reflect on the ancient practice of the Jubilee, a remarkable occurrence that took place every 50 years in ancient Israel. This special event, which was observed when all Jews lived in Israel and the Sanhedrin governed in Jerusalem, held great significance.
During the Jubilee, any land that had been sold in the previous half century would return to its original owner. Essentially, there were no permanent sales of land in Israel; rather, it was like a long-term lease. This remarkable system served as a powerful reminder that ultimately, everything belongs to G‑d. He alone determines the true ownership of all things.
While we no longer practice the Jubilee in our present time, its underlying message remains relevant. It is vital for us to regularly remind ourselves that everything in this world ultimately belongs to G‑d. He has entrusted us with the responsibility of caring for His creation. In this divine trust, we must play our part in nurturing and safeguarding G‑d's world.
May we fulfill our duty as caretakers of His creation and strive to make this world a better place.
Wishing you a peaceful and restful Shabbat!
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie
We had an incredible adventure in Antigua, Guatemala with YJP Houston! Here are some highlights:
- Camping Overnight: Witnessing the eruptions of Volcano Fuego was mind-blowing! The fiery lava shooting up into the night sky left us in awe. 🌋🔥
- Shabbos at @chabadantigua: We spent a peaceful and spiritual Shabbos together, connecting with fellow travelers and the local Chabad Rabbi & Rebbetzin. It was a beautiful experience. 🕯️🌙
- ATV Tour: We went on an exciting ATV tour of a coffee plantation. Riding through lush greenery and learning about coffee cultivation was an unforgettable experience. ☕🍃
- Exploring Mayan Villages: The vibrant markets and rich culture of the Mayan villages fascinated us. 🏺🌺
- Brewery Adventure: Riding ATVs through the mountains, we visited a beer brewery with breathtaking scenery. It was the perfect blend of adventure and natural beauty. 🍻🏔️
- CYP Encounter Trip: Many participants used vouchers from attending CYP Academy courses. It was amazing to bond and create memories together. 🙌💫 See below for another opportunity to join a CYP Academy course and our incredible YJP Houston adventures!
The Lag B'Omer Jazz and BBQ event was a sizzling success! We enjoyed TV Chef Rabbi Chaim's smoked meat, chimichurri chicken, burger sliders, and s'mores. With an open bar, live music, and inspiring Torah wisdom, it was an unforgettable night of good vibes around the fire. Photos by @hagit_bibi_photography
Upcoming Events:
- Wednesdays, May 17, 24, 31 & June 7 – 8-9 pm - CYP ACADEMY: Art of Communication The “Art of Communication” four-part course takes you on an intellectually exciting journey contrasting Jewish thought with scientific discovery to unearth the essence of communication and how to utilize its powers to better ourselves, our relationships, and all of society. www.yjphouston.org/communicate.
VOUCHERS: Join CYP Academy and receive $200 credit for each four part course successfully completed towards any past or future CYP Encounter Trip Experience such the JLI Retreat! - 🍦 Shavuot, Thursday-Shabbat, May 25-27 🧈: www.chabaduptown.org/shavuotschedule
- Thurs., May 25, 11:30 pm Shavuos All Night Learn-A-Thon - For over 3000 years Jews have been studying and expounding the wisdom of Torah. This Shavuot, add your voice to this unbroken narrative. Come present your Torah Ideas Worth Sharing.
- Fri. May 26, 11:15 am Shavuos Reading of Ten Commandments & Party followed by 1 pm dairy kiddush & ice cream party! Featuring a fabulous assortment of Ice Cream, cheesecakes, blintzes, pasta and salad.
- Sat. May 27 11:45 am approx. - Shavuos Yizkor Memorial Service
- Fri., June 2, 7:30 pm - Israel Shabbat - June First Fridays Enjoy authentic Israeli cuisine with other Young Jewish Professionals over Shabbat Dinner including chummus, falafel, shwarma, and salads galore! www.yjphouston.org/israel
The Chabad of Uptown & YJP Houston community share their deepest condolences to
- Alan Waich on the passing of his father in Venezuela Joseph Aholeab Ben Meir, a"h
- Zecharia and Tova Cohen on the passing of his mother in Israel, Koreen bat Lilian, a"h
- Ariella Belote on the passing of her grandfather in NJ, Eliezer Ben Pinchas Shlomo HaLevi (Leon Belote), OBM.
May we know of only simchos from now on!
Shabbos Chazak Parshas Behar-Bechukosai
Friday, May 12, 21 Iyar
Services at 7:30 pm
Candle Lighting at 7:48 pm
Omer Count 37
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
Shabbos, May 13, 22 Iyar
Chassidus at 9 am
Services at 10 am
Chazak completion of Book of Vayikra
Shabbos Lunch Kiddush sponsored in part by David & Wendy Goldman marking the yartzeit and in memory of his father, Chaim ben Shmuel, a"h
Mincha at 7:45 pm
Pirkei Avot Chapter 5
Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends at 8:45 pm
Omer Count 38
Living Torah
Sunday, May 14, 23 Iyar
Shacharis at 8:00 am
Mon.-Fri. May 15-19, 24-28 Iyar
Shacharis at 6:45 am
Good Shabbos!