This Shabbos, the 10th of Shevat, is the anniversary of the Rebbe officially accepting the mantle of leadership of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement in 1951, on the first anniversary of his predecessor’s passing in 1950.
Before the Previous Rebbe passed away, he published a 20-chapter Maamar (discourse) titled “Basi Legani” on various esoteric Chassidic concepts, all with practical, down-to-earth applications. It served as a spiritual last will and testament of sorts, guiding his followers in the days and years after his passing.
Every year, on the yahrzeit, the Rebbe would deliver a Maamar of his own, each year elaborating on another chapter of the original Maamar.
The 14th chapter of the Maamar focuses on how Hashem’s presence is the same whether it’s in the most sublime worlds or in the most profane. Hashem is greater than the difference between up and down, and thus it doesn’t make a difference to Hashem where His reach extends. Where Hashem’s presence is felt doesn’t affect His essence, since it is infinitely greater than any divisions.
Of course, from our perspective it does matter. For us it is comforting to know that the same level of G-dliness that exists in the highest of the high, accompanies us throughout our journey in life, even if we end up in less than ideal situations. We remain connected to Hashem’s essence by Him being with us wherever we go.
That also means that despite the darkness that we sometimes experience, G-d is always right there with us, guiding us through challenging times, until we emerge on the other side, to a world of goodness and light. The ultimate experience of this will be with the coming of Moshiach, may it happen speedily, in our times!
Good Shabbos!
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie
A great Shabbos was had in NYC for the annual CYP Encounter Shabbat in NYC!
Young Jewish Professionals Unplug and Recharge at Annual Shabbaton
By the time Matt Ford arrived in Austin, Texas, his life had taken enough turns to be likened to a roller coaster. Ford, who was unaware of any other Jewish families living in his hometown of Waukesha, Wis., describes his upbringing as “extremely secular”; the extent of his Jewish involvement was his family commemorating some Jewish holidays at home. more…
UPCOMING EVENTS
- Wed. Jan. 24, 7:30 pm - Community Fruitcuterie Fruit & Nut Board Workshop - Tu B'shevat Join us for a community Fruitcuterie Fruit & Nut Board Workshop lead by Chanie Lazaroff (as seen on TV!). Make your own Fruitcuterie Board & enjoy Tu B'Shvat Snacks! More info
- Fri. Feb. 2, 6 pm - February First Fridays Join Young Jewish Professionals, ages 21-39, over Shabbat Dinner. www.yjphouston.org
- Wednesdays, Feb. 7-28, 7:30 pm THE DILEMMA - CYP ACADEMY: Relevant and fascinating topics, paired with delectable dinner. Not every debate needs a bottom line. Sometimes, the dialogue itself is everything. Introducing our new course, THE DILEMMA: step in to the study halls of Babylonia, and take an active role in discussions that are thousands of years old, and yet relevant as ever. www.yjphouston.org/dilemma
- Mondays, Begins Feb. 12 - HalachaU Shabbos Melabein and Boneh Bkeilim - In depth course on laws of opening packages and cleaning stains out of clothing on Shabbos. HalachaU is a weekly class that studies Torah in Depth, with an emphasis on modern application. Register here www.chabaduptown.org/6123170
- SAVE THE DATE! March 29-31: CYP Encounter Texas - YJP Houston will host an exciting weekend of soulful connections and enriching encounters, fostering personal and spiritual growth. More & RSVP www.chabadyoung.com/tx
Shabbos Yud Shevat Parshas Bo
Friday, January 19, 9 Shevat
5:30 pm Shabbos Candle Lighting & Mincha
6:00 pm Kabbolas Shabbos
6:45 pm RSVP for Shabbos Dinner
Shabbos, January 20, Yud Shevat
Chassidus 9 am
Services at 10 am
Followed by Yud Shevat Shabbos Lunch Kiddush & Farbrengen
Mincha at 5:30 pm
Seder Niggunim
Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends at 6:27 pm
Living Torah
Good Shabbos!