Because this year is a Jewish leap year, with an extra month of Adar, the holiday of Purim is not celebrated for another month, in Adar II. But that doesn’t mean we don’t get to celebrate this month too.
Today, the 14th of Adar I is marked as Purim Katan, or “miniature Purim.” While we don’t read the megillah or have parties and share gifts of food, the date is still commemorated. It is an opportunity to remind ourselves of the meaning of the holiday of Purim, making the build up to the real thing even more exciting.
Purim famously celebrates the Jewish people’s victory over Haman and the antisemites of the day. They wanted to kill all Jews, and with Queen Esther’s intervention, the Jews were allowed to fight back and stand up to their enemies. With Hashem's help, not only did they succeed in fighting back, but they also established themselves as a power to be reckoned with, eventually leading to the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem.
Mordechai, the leader of the Jewish people at the time, instilled within the Jews a sense of connection. Although they were spiritually deficient at the time, once Haman’s decree became known, Mordechai inspired the Jewish people to reconnect with their faith, reminding them that no matter how far from religion a Jew strays, there is always a path of return. And the miracle is that they listened – the Jews took Mordechai’s words seriously, coming together as a community, ready to do whatever was necessary to maintain their national identity.
Because of Mordechai’s insistence that the Jewish spark is alive within every Jew, circumstances suddenly changed in their favor. Where there had been dread, there was now pride; where there had been sorrow, there was now joy; and where there had been fear, there was now absolute conviction in the righteousness of their cause.
May we continue to live up these ideals even in the most trying times, igniting Jewish pride despite what the world around us may say. And may we merit the ultimate victory, the redemption and the coming of Moshiach, may it be in our times!
Good Shabbos!
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie
UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS
- ONGOING COURSE: HalachaU Cleaning and Building on Shabbos - 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
- Rescheduled: Tues., Feb. 27, 12-1:30 pm - Feb. Lunch & Learn Jewish Approach to Mindfulness & Meditation. 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
- 2 more Tuesdays, Feb 27 & March 5 - JLI: Advice for Life: The Lubavitcher Rebbe's Guidance for Leading a More Purposeful Life - Experience the Rebbe’s exceptional approach to uncovering timeless meaning in everyday questions of health, work, family, fulfillment, struggle, and inner peace. Register
- Sunday, March 10, 9:30am-4pm - Mental Health First Aid Join a skills-based training course that teaches participants about mental health and substance-use issues. CEU credits available. RSVP
- Sunday, March 24, 4 pm - Purim in the Jungle & Drum Circle - Join us for an unforgettable Jungle themed Purim party for the whole family and community, bringing friendship and fun together! www.chabaduptown.org/jungle
UPCOMING YJP HOUSTON EVENTS:
- Wednesday, Feb. 28, 7:30 pm THE DILEMMA - CYP ACADEMY: Making the Right Turn - Relevant and fascinating topics, paired with delectable dinner. Not every debate needs a bottom line. Sometimes, the dialogue itself is everything. 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/dilemma4
- Friday, March 1, 6 pm Moroccan Shabbat First Fridays - Enjoy a Moroccan Themed evening with other Young Jewish Professionals over Shabbat Dinner. Bring your friends, ages 21-39! Friday Night Services: 6:00PM, Shabbat Candle Lighting: 6:03PM, Shabbat Dinner 7:00PM, $18 until Thursday, $25 after. Use promo code: advance www.yjphouston.org/casablanca
- Saturday, March 23, 9:30 pm - YJP, YAD & Jewston Murder Mystery Purim for Young Professionals - An interactive comedy murder mystery dinner professionally produced by the The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Show. Just beware! The killer is hiding somewhere in the room, and you may find yourself as a Prime Suspect! www.yjphouston.org/mysterypurim
- March 29-31: CYP Shabbaton Encounter Texas - YJP Houston will host an exciting weekend of soulful connections and enriching encounters, fostering personal and spiritual growth. Registration includes the full programming, including all meals, classes, group discussions, social mixes, axe throwing, entertainment and volunteering opportunities, from Friday afternoon - Sunday afternoon More & RSVP www.chabadyoung.com/tx
Mazel tov to Ben Sides and Ariella Israel on their engagement
Shabbos Shushan Purim Katan, Parshas Tetzaveh
Friday, Purim Katan, February 23, 14 Adar I
5:59 pm Shabbos Candle Lighting & Mincha
6:00 pm Kabbolas Shabbos
7:00 pm RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
Shabbos, Shushan Purim Katan, February 24, 15 Adar I
9:00 am Chassidus
10:00 am Shacharis Services
Followed by Shabbos Lunch Kiddush & Farbrengen
5:55 pm Mincha
Seder Niggunim
6:53 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends
Living Torah
Sunday, February 25, 16 Adar 1
8:00 am Shacharis
Monday-Friday, February 26-March 1, 17-21 Adar 1
6:45 am Shacharis
Good Shabbos!