We rejoice in the release of some of the hostages in recent days, but our hearts remain heavy for those still in captivity and the innocent lives brutally taken.
As we continue to pray for the release of all the hostages and an end to the horrors, we are reminded of the words of Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, the Alter Rebbe, founder of the Chabad movement. Upon his release from his own captivity, where he was imprisoned on trumped-up charges that he was supporting the Russian Czar’s enemies (when in fact he was sending money to the Jews living in Israel, then under Ottoman rule), he wrote the following:
“On Tuesday, the 19th of Kislev, G-d did wonders in the world … When I read the verse [in Psalms 55] ‘He redeemed my soul with peace,’ before I even began the following verse, I was released in peace.”
A peaceful end to the hostilities doesn’t mean that things go back to the way they were. Living under constant threat of attack is not peace. Peace means that the threats have been completely eliminated and that we move on to a state of total tranquility.
So as we mark the anniversary of the Alter Rebbe’s release from prison — and the subsequent dissemination of the light of Torah to even further reaches than prior to his imprisonment — we pray that the world will experience true peace. Not just where things go back to the way they were, but the ultimate era of peace, with the Final Redemption and the coming of Moshiach.
May it be today!
Please join us for a special Shabbos this weekend and Farbrengen on Shabbos afternoon marking this special date of Yud Tes Kislev!
Good Yom Tov and Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie
Upcoming Events:
- 6 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
- 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 - Glow Chanukah Post Oak Menorah Lighting in cooperation with the Uptown Houston District - Light to Unite with Israel at The Park at Uptown Park Park, Corner of 610 W Loop South & Post Oak Blvd, 1121 Uptown Park Blvd www.chabaduptown.org/glow
- 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
- Tuesday, Dec. 12, 12-1:30 pm - Chanukah Lunch & Learn - A Lesson for Daily Jewish Living - RSVP
- Friday, Dec. 10, 6 pm - Chanukah Shabbat Dinner - Chanukah Shabbat Dinner Uptown style, where spirits run high! Candle lighting at 5 pm, Shabbat services followed by dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
- 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 Yud-Tes Kislev Parshas Vayishlach
Friday, December 1, 18 Kislev
Candle Lighting & Mincha 5:04 pm
Kabbalat Shabbat at 6:00 pm
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
Shabbos, December 2, Yud-Tes Kislev
Chassidus at 9am
Services at 10 am
Followed by special Shabbos Lunch Kiddush & Farbrengen in honor of Yud Tes Kislev sponsored by Rafael Levy in memory and marking the yartzeit of his mother, Regina bas Ruchama, a"h
Mincha at 5:00 pm
Seder Niggunim
Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends at 6:00 pm
Living Torah
Sunday, December 3, 20 Kislev
Shacharis at 8:00 am
Monday-Friday, Dec. 4-8, 20-25 Kislev
Shacharis at 6:45 am
Thursday Dec. 7, Erev Chanukah - First Light
Earliest time to light the Menorah - 5:22 pm
Glow Chanukah Post Oak Menorah Lighting - Unite to Light for Israel
in cooperation with the Uptown Houston District
www.chabaduptown.org/glow
GOOD SHABBOS & GOOD YOM TOV!
MAY YOU BE INSCRIBED AND SEALED
FOR A GOOD YEAR IN THE STUDY OF CHASSIDUS
AND THE WAYS OF CHASSIDUS