We would love to have you join us for Purim! On Sunday, we will have a "Purim in the Jungle" a spirited community and family friendly event for young and old! Megillah Reading, vibrant Purim Feast and experience a professionally-led Interactive Drum Circle, lively music, and L'Chaim for adults, all while dressed in costume for an extra treat. Please RSVP now so we can know to expect you! See complete schedule of events below!
As the holiday of Purim approaches, this Shabbos we begin reading a series of four special Torah portions, in addition to the regular weekly reading.
This week’s extra reading is called Shekalim, and is about the annual collection of half-shekel coins that every Jew was expected to donate to the Temple’s operating fund.
The original donation was meant to be an atonement for the sin of the golden calf. When the original commandment was given to the Jewish people, Moshe Rabbeinu was unsure how this small donation would help correct the severity of the sin. To answer that, Hashem showed Moshe a coin made of fire, saying: “This is what they should give.” Meaning, when their donation is exactly like this — fired up with enthusiasm — then forgiveness and atonement will be automatic.
The same goes for any mitzvah that we do. We can choose to either go about it by rote without any excitement, doing just enough to get by and consider it done, or we can do it enthusiastically. Obviously the correct way to do a mitzvah is with excitement and enthusiasm. A fired up mitzvah infinitely outweighs doing a mitzvah without any vigor.
And the more mitzvahs we do enthusiastically, the more we reveal our bond with G-d, until the ultimate revelation — the coming of Moshiach and the return of all Jews to the Holy Land!
Good Shabbos!
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie
UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS
- 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
- Tuesday, April 2, 12-1:30 pm - Pesach 15 Steps to Freedom - Lunch & Learn - 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
UPCOMING YJP HOUSTON EVENTS:
- 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 Omer & Elisheva Nehemia on the birth of a baby girl!
Shabbos Shekalim, Mevarchim Rosh Chodesh Adar II, Parshas Vayakhel
Friday, March 8, 28 Adar I
6:08 pm Shabbos Candle Lighting
6:15 pm Mincha
6:30 pm Kabbolas Shabbos
7:30 pm RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
Shabbos, March 9, 29 Adar I
8:30 am Shabbos Mevarchim Tehillim
10:00 am Shacharis Services
Followed by Shabbos Mevarchim Lunch Kiddush & Farbrengen
6:05 pm Mincha
Seder Niggunim
7:02 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends
Living Torah
CHANGE THE CLOCKS!
Sunday, Rosh Chodesh Adar II, March 10, 30 Adar 1
8:00 am Shacharis
Followed by monthly breakfast sponsored by the Melnik family
Monday, Rosh Chodesh Adar II, March 11, 1 Adar II
6:45 am Shacharis
Tuesday-Friday, March 11-15, 24-28 Adar 1
6:45 am Shacharis
Good Shabbos!