The seasons have changed, our daylight hours have become increasingly shorter, and the nights have become longer and colder. It is hard to believe that a month and a half has passed since the horrific Simchat Torah massacre on October 7th. Israel is at war, and our hostages have still not returned.
We are now in the Jewish month of Kislev, the month when we celebrate the victory and power of light. Though it is such a dark month outside, it is also a month of miracles and a time when the glow of the candle shines its brightest. As the blackness lingers outdoors, we need to create greater brightness within.
Throughout the history of the Jewish people, many nations have tried to destroy us and snuff out our light. But we remain here today, still shining the light of Divine morality, spreading the beautiful teachings of the Torah, and performing mitzvot.
This week, we read more about our third patriarch, Yaakov Avinu. The name Yaakov is made up of a yud, which is the smallest letter and refers to the essence of Hashem, and eikev, which means “heel,” the lowest part of the body. The mission of the Jewish people is to bring the light of Hashem into even the lowest and darkest reaches of our world.
It’s an awesome undertaking, but light prevails, even over the most intense darkness.
As in the days of our past, may this month usher in great miracles for our nation.
With prayers for the security of the land of Israel, the safety of our brave soldiers, and the immediate return of all our hostages,
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie
Upcoming Events:
- 7 Mondays, 7:30 pm - Laws of Cooking / Bishul on Shabbos - Inaugural Class of HalachaU - HalachaU is a weekly class (for all adult ages) that studies Torah law in Depth, with an emphasis on modern application. Register here - www.chabaduptown.org/6123170
- 2 more Tuesdays, Nov. 21 - Dec 5th 2023 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM - JLI: The World of Kabbalah - Course syllabus and to register click here.
- Friday, December 1, 6 pm: YJP Souper Shabbat - Dec. First Fridays: Enjoy a variety of hearty soups, salads and more with other Young Jewish Professionals over Shabbat Dinner. www.yjphouston.org/souper
- Thursday, Dec. 7, First Night of Chanukah, 6:30 pm - Post Oak Menorah Lighting in cooperation with the Uptown Houston District - Uptown Park Park, Corner of Post Oak Blvd and Uptown Park Blvd
- Saturday, Dec. 9, Third Night of Chanukah, 8:30 pm - YJP Houston Chanukah at the Chocolate Factory Light up Chanukah in style with Young Jewish Professionals 20s & 30s at the "Chocolate Factory"! Enjoy themed drinks, festive music, delectable treats and eats, sufganiyot, and latkes www.yjphouston.org/chocofactory
- Jan 12-14, 2024 - CYP Shabbat in NYC! - The CYP Shabbat Experience - Meet the People. Explore the Sites. Feel the Energy. Immerse yourself in an unforgettable Shabbat weekend alongside an all-star lineup and hundreds of young professionals from around the world. Register by Nov. 15 and save $200! Including accommodations, meals and local transportation with group www.cypshabbat.nyc
Shabbos Parshas Vayeitzei
Friday, November 24, 11 Kislev
Candle Lighting & Mincha 5:05 pm
Kabbalat Shabbat at 6:00 pm
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
Shabbos, November 25, 12 Kislev
Chassidus at 9am
Services at 10 am
Followed by Shabbos Lunch Kiddush sponsored in part by Sharon & Peter Loftspring in honor their daughter Elana
Mincha at 5:05 pm
Seder Niggunim
Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends at 6:01 pm
Living Torah
Sunday, November 26, 13 Kislev
Shacharis at 8:00 am - at the Melnik Shiva
Monday-Friday, Nov. 27-Dec. 1, 14-18 Kislev
Shacharis at 6:45 am
Good Shabbos!