This week brought us to Aspen... Amidst the picturesque scenery and the warm embrace of the Weisbergs and the local Aspen Chabad JCC, we were reminded of the words, "Mah rabu maasecha Hashem," meaning "How great are Your works, Hashem." Whether exploring the Grottos trail and Ice Cave, hiking the awe-inspiring Maroon Bells, kayaking down the Roaring Fork River fed by snow melt, and soaring to an elevation of 11,200 ft in gondolas, we witnessed the breathtaking beauty of nature, filling us with awe and humility in the presence of the Creator. In a strike of perfect Hashgocha Protis, divine providence, we also bumped into random good friends from Houston, while strolling through town!
We remembered that this week Parsha describes the Jewish people's journey through the desert has 42 encampments. Rather than describe them as mere stops or stations, the Torah refers to them as journeys. This distinction offers valuable insights for our own lives.
A station implies reaching a destination, completing a trip. However, each of the 42 stops our ancestors made was a journey in itself. By embracing the concept of a journey, we recognize that there is always more work to be done. While we may achieve goals along the way, we should never become complacent or satisfied.
Just as the Jews understood that each station was a step towards the ultimate destination of the Land of Israel, we too should maintain the motivation to keep going. We mustn't settle for our daily accomplishments alone, as our true journey in life continues. As we navigate our own paths, let's remain mindful of the broader journey and the work that lies ahead. Together, we can embrace the challenges, celebrate accomplishments, and move closer to our collective destination.
It's essential to remember that our personal journeys will only be fulfilled with the arrival of Moshiach and the rebuilding of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Let us eagerly anticipate that moment, and may it happen swiftly in our times!
Good Shabbos,
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie
UPCOMING EVENTS:
- Wed. Aug 2 - The White Party - Tu B'av with Comedian Ami Kozak www.yjphouston.org/kozak. HURRY expires soon! Use coupon "flashsale" for $20(!) off!
- August 8-13 National Jewish Retreat, Palm Springs, CA www.jretreat.com
Mazel tov Matti and Rachel Minchen and the entire Minchen family on the birth of a baby boy!
Shabbos Mevarchim Av Parshas Matos-Maasei
Friday, July 14, 25 Tammuz
Services at 7:30 pm
Candle Lighting at 8:06
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
Shabbos, July 15, 26 Tammuz
Shabbos Mevarchim Tehillim at 8:30 am
Services at 10 am
Followed by Shabbos Mevarchim Lunch Kiddush & Farbrengen
Study of Rebbe Teachings 6:30 pm
Mincha at 8:00 pm
Pirkei Avot Chapter 1
Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends at 9:04 pm
Living Torah
Sunday, July 16, 27 Tammuz
Shacharis at 8:00 am
Mon., July 17, 28 Tammuz
Shacharis at 6:45 pm
followed by breakfast marking the yartzeit and in memory of Yonatan ben Rafael Halevi Levy, sponsored by the Melnik and Shamooelian families
Tues.-Fri. July 18-21, 29 Tammuz-3 Av
Shacharis at 6:45 am
Wednesday, July 19, Rosh Chodesh Av
Rosh Chodesh Shacharis at 6:45 am
followed by monthly breakfast
Good Shabbos!