I want to thank each and every one of you who shared good wishes on Facebook and otherwise in honor of my July 4th birthDATE. My real birthDAY, however, is this Shabbos Tammuz 19. As is customary among Chabad Chasidim, the Shabbos lunch kiddush will also be a birthday " farbrengen" in honor of my birthday. I fully understand if your schedule does not allow you to attend. Please let me know if you can make it.
As I celebrate my birthday, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the community for your unwavering support and love. May you all be blessed with abundance, joy, and fulfillment in every aspect of your lives. May our bonds grow stronger, and may we continue to uplift and inspire one another on our respective journeys. Together, let us create a future filled with kindness, compassion, and unity. Thank you for being a part of my life and making this birthday truly special.
Rabbi Chaim
Do you know when YOUR Jewish birthday is? Use our Jewish birthday calculator and read more about celebrating birthdays: What is a Jewish Birthday? and related articles there.
A THOUGHT FOR SHABBOS
The Jewish calendar includes several significant fast days, many of which commemorate various tragic events from our history. Among them is the observance of the 17th of Tammuz, that was observed yesterday, Thursday. This day holds great historical significance, as it marks the breaking of the first set of Tablets by Moses and the breaching of the walls of Jerusalem before the destruction of the second Temple. The 17th of Tammuz also marks the beginning of a three-week period of mourning in the Jewish calendar. This period, known as the Three Weeks, extends until the 9th of Av and commemorates the destruction of both the first and second Temples in Jerusalem.
During this solemn period, Jews reflect on the tragedies and hardships endured by our ancestors. It is a time of introspection, as we contemplate the causes that led to these calamities and strive to rectify our actions and relationships. The Three Weeks serve as a reminder of the importance of unity, kindness, and spiritual growth within our community.
While these weeks are filled with solemnity, they also carry a message of hope. They remind us that even in times of despair, there is the potential for redemption and renewal. It is through our collective efforts and dedication to improving ourselves and our world that we can pave the way for a brighter future.
During these three weeks, let us not only remember the past but also use this time to engage in acts of kindness, charity, and self-reflection. May our collective prayers and efforts bring us closer to the day when sadness will be replaced with joy and mourning will transform into celebration, with the coming of Moshiach, now!
Good Shabbos,
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie
UPCOMING EVENTS:
- July 7 All American BBQ July First Fridays Shabbat Dinner www.yjphouston.org/shabbatusa
- July 12-16 CYP Encounter to Mexico City www.chabadyoung.com/mexico, Montauk, NY www.chabadyoung.com/montauk or Los Angeles www.chabadyoung.com/la
- Wed. Aug 2 - The White Party - Tu B'av with Comedian Ami Kozak www.yjphouston.org/kozak. HURRY! Use coupon "flashsale" for $20(!) off!
- August 8-13 National Jewish Retreat, Palm Springs, CA www.jretreat.com
Shabbos Parshas Pinchas
Friday, July 7, 18 Tammuz
Services at 7:30 pm
Candle Lighting at 8:08 pm
RSVP for All American July First Fridays Shabbat Dinner www.yjphouston.org/shabbatusa
Shabbos, July 8, 19 Tammuz
Chassidus at 9:00 am
Services at 10 am
Followed by Shabbos Lunch Kiddush & Farbrengen in honor of Rabbi Chaim's birthday
Study of Rebbe Teachings 6:30 pm
Mincha at 8:05 pm
Pirkei Avot Chapter 6
Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends at 9:06 pm
Living Torah
Sunday, July 9, 20 Tammuz
Shacharis at 8:00 am
Mon.-Fri. July 10-14, 21-25 Tammuz
Shacharis at 6:45 am
Good Shabbos!