Where do dreams come from and do they really mean anything?
Don't miss this month's Lunch and Learn when we will discuss what Medicine, Torah and Jewish Mysticism (Kabbala) has to say about dreams. The spirited discussion will be lead by Rabbi Chaim and Sleep Disorders Specialist & Neurologist, Dr. Jerald Simmons!
At the monthly Lunch & Learn the community has an opportunity to enjoy an upscale lunch with like minded friends for a spirited class and discussion! RSVP
Today, the 24th of Tevet, we mark the yahrtzeit of the Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, founder of the Chabad movement.
The Alter Rebbe was fleeing the invading French armies of Napoleon Bonaparte, when he succumbed to the harsh Russian winter. Many Jewish leaders at the time sided with Napoleon in his war against the Russian Empire, believing that the French enlightenment would bring improved living conditions for the Jews of Russia. The Alter Rebbe, however, stood firm in his position that enlightenment would be the catalyst of assimilation, and he threw his wholehearted support behind the Czar. Thus, he was forced to flee as the French army approached.
The battle for the survival of the Jewish spirit has been ongoing for centuries. Going back to when our ancestors were enslaved in Egypt, our sages teach that the Exodus came about due to the merit of the Jewish people not losing their identity. They maintained their Jewish names, language, and clothing. Despite having sunken to the lowest levels of impurity in Egypt, they still stood out as Hashem’s chosen people.
Today too, as antisemitism continues to rear its ugly head, we must remember that the survival of the Jewish people will not come as a result of us hiding our Jewish identities. On the contrary, the prouder we stand as Jews, and the more visible we make our Jewishness, the stronger we become as a people. And a strong nation cannot be diluted or assimilated into anything else. That is the true meaning of Am Yisrael Chai: the Jewish nation will endure all that is thrown at us, and we will overcome!
Good Shabbos!
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie
UPCOMING
- Friday, Jan 5, 6 pm - Hot & Spicy Shabbat - Jan., 2024 First Fridays - Bring in the first Shabbat of 2024 with a hot & spicy themed with other Young Jewish Professionals over Shabbat Dinner. Shabbat Candle Lighting: 5:18PM, Friday Night Services: 6:00PM, Shabbat Dinner 6:45PM. RSVP
- Tuesday, Jan 9, 12 pm - Kabbala of Dreams - Monthly Lunch & Learn - Where do dreams come from and do they really mean anything? What Medicine, Torah and Jewish Mysticism (Kabbala) has to say about dreams lead by Rabbi Chaim and Sleep Disorders Specialist & Neurologist, Dr. Jerald Simmons! It's sure to be a spirited discussion!. At the monthly Lunch & Learn the community has an opportunity to enjoy an upscale lunch with like minded friends for a spirited class and discussion! RSVP
- 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 Dec. 17 and save $100! Including accommodations, meals and local transportation with group www.cypshabbat.nyc
- 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
Shabbos Mevarchim Shevat Parshas Shemos
Friday, January 5, 24 Teves
5:18 pm Shabbos Candle Lighting & Mincha
6:00 pm Kabbolas Shabbos
RSVP for Hot & Spicy - Jan. First Fridays Shabbat Dinner RSVP
Sponsored in part by the Pfrenger family in honor of Yona Dovid Ben Yaffa, Jonas' upcoming birthday on 29 Teves
Shabbos, January 6, 25 Teves
Shabbos Mevarchim Tehillim at 8:30 am
Services at 10 am
Followed by Shabbos Lunch Kiddush & Farbrengen
Mincha at 5:15 pm
Seder Niggunim
Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends at 6:16 pm
Living Torah
Sunday, January 7, 26 Teves
Shacharis at 8 am
Monday-Friday, January 8-12, 27 Teves-2 Shevat
Shacharis at 6:45 am
Thursday, Jan 11, Rosh Chodesh Shevat
Shacharis at 6:45 am followed by monthly breakfast
Good Shabbos!