In the previous Torah portion, V'eschanan, we encountered the initial paragraph of the Shema, which encompasses significant mitzvahs such as showing love for Hashem, educating our children, wearing tefillin, and attaching mezuzahs to our doorposts.
In the current week, Parshas Eikev, we have the second paragraph, which revisits many of the concepts from the first one but with several modifications and additions. The expanded version notably includes a portrayal of the impact that mitzvahs have on the world. It assures us that by following Hashem's commandments, our land will prosper, and the physical realm will flourish, whereas neglecting them could lead to adverse consequences, G-d forbid.
While the first paragraph primarily centers around our spiritual endeavors, which undoubtedly serve as a crucial introduction, the second paragraph adds a sense of reality and tangibility. It emphasizes that the ultimate purpose of spirituality lies in intertwining it with the everyday world, profoundly influencing every aspect of Hashem's creation.
Hence, whenever we perform a mitzvah, we fulfill the ultimate objective of creation: transforming this world into a dwelling place for Hashem. The perfection of this mission will be fully realized with the arrival of Moshiach, which we hope will happen swiftly in our times!
Good Shabbos!
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie
THE SOFER IS COMING TO TOWN!
After Tu B'Av, the custom is to increase in Torah study and introspection for the upcoming month of Elul. It is an appropriate time to have one's tefillin and mezuzahs checked by an accredited scribe to ensure that they are in good condition and fit for use.
Once again, expert sofer Rabbi Faitel Lewin will be coming to Houston to check mezuzos and tefillin, from 12 pm, Tuesday, Av 28 (Aug 15), through 2:00 pm Thursday, Rosh Chodesh Elul (Aug. 17) at Chabad Lubavitch Center, 10900 Fondren Road.
You may leave your items as early as that Tuesday morning in the Judaic library, all in one bag, marked clearly with your name and cell number, first come, first served.
▪Tefilin check (regular closing) $80
▪Posul tefilin $25
▪Mezuza check rolled without case $10
▪Mezuzah check rolled in case $14
▪Posul mezuzah $2
According to halacha, mezuzos should be checked twice every seven years. Some have the custom to inspect mezuzos and tefillin annually.
Thank you Belles family for sponsoring this project
UPCOMING EVENTS:
- Friday, August 4 - August First Fridays Shabbat Dinner - Enjoy breakfast for dinner with other Young Jewish Professionals ages 21-39 over Shabbat Dinner including Smoked Salmon, Frittata, Spinach Fruit Salad & Granola, Dips, Hearty Chicken & Matzah Ball Soups, Chicken & Waffles, Hamburger Hash, Roasted Veggies, Mimosas, and much more! - RSVP
- Tuesday, August 8, 12 pm - Lunch & Learn: The Attitude of Gratitude - Integrating happiness into our daily lives - RSVP
- August 9-13 National Jewish Retreat, Palm Springs, CA www.jretreat.com
SAVE THE DATES:
- Fri.-Sun., Sept 15-17 - Rosh Hashana Services, Dinners and Luncheons
- Sun-Mon, Sept 24-25 - Yom Kippur Services and Break Fast
- Fri.-Sun., Sept. 29-Oct. 1 - Sukkos Services & Dinner Under the Stars
- Wed. Oct 4 - YJP Sukkos Party
- Fri.-Sun., Oct. 6-8 - Simchas Torah
This past Wednesday at the White Party with Ami Kozak, Houston Young Jewish Professionals in their 20’s and 30’s came together on Tu B'Av, the holiday of love, for a fun evening of laughter and business networking in summer white cocktail attire! Check out the photos!
Tu B’Av – The Ancient Holiday of Love – There were no greater festivals for Israel than the 15th of Av and Yom Kippur. On these days the daughters of Jerusalem would go out… and dance in the vineyards. And what would they say? “Young man, raise your eyes and see which you select for yourself….” – The Talmud
Mazel tov Michaela Okon on the birth of a baby girl!
Shabbos Parshas Eikev
Friday, August 4, 17 Av
Services at 7:30 pm
Candle Lighting at 7:54 pm
RSVP for First Fridays "Breakfast for Dinner" Shabbat www.yjphouston.org/breakfast4dinner
Shabbos, August 5, 18 Av
Chassidus at 9 am
Services at 10 am
Followed by Shabbos Lunch Kiddush & Farbrengen
Study of Rebbe Teachings 6:30 pm
Mincha at 7:55 pm
Pirkei Avot Chapter 4
Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends at 8:50 pm
Living Torah
Sunday, August 6, 19 Av
Shacharis at 8:00 am
Mon.-Fri., Aug. 7-11, 20-24 Av
Shacharis at 6:45 am
Good Shabbos!