The three Hebrew words “olam” (world), “shanah” (year), and “nefesh” (soul) found in this week’s Torah portion are a reference to space, time, and life – the three primary elements of the universe. Everything within the world generally falls into one of these categories.
When the high priest — the holiest living person, entered the Holy of Holies — the holiest place on earth, on Yom Kippur — the holiest day of the year, the entire universe was represented.
While this was technically only a once-a-year occurrence, the fact that we are taught about it in the Torah means that it is relevant to us every day, even to a regular person on a regular Tuesday. The message we are being given is that whatever situation we may be in, we must always find and draw out the best– the holiest –in it, for the benefit of the entire universe.
In other words, we have the ability to make every moment of our lives into a Yom Kippur of sorts, where we connect the essence of our soul with G‑d, thereby ensuring that holiness endures at all times.
Good Shabbos!
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie
UPCOMING EVENTS
- Friday, May 3, 7:30 pm - Taco 'Bout Shabbat - May First Fridays Join Young Jewish Professionals for a Taco Shabbat Dinner at YJP Houston - where spirits run high! Friday Night Services: 7:30 PM, Shabbat Candle Lighting 7:42 pm, Shabbat Dinner 8:30PM $18 until Thursday, $25 after Use promo code: advance www.yjphouston.org/tacos
- Saturday, May 25, 9:30 pm - YJP Lag B'omer BBQ - Join YJP Houston for an outdoor evening of Lag Ba'Omer. Experience the mystical insights of this unique not-so-famous Jewish Holiday! Mouthwatering Steaks, Fire pit and s’mores, Open Bar, Music $20 Prepay By Thursday, May 23 (use code: bash) $30 After / at the Door Gain Access: www.YJPHouston.org/bash
- Tuesday-Thursday, June 11-13 - Shavuos www.chabaduptown.org/shavuotschedule
- Tues., June 11, 11:30 pm Shavuos All Night Learn-A-Thon - For over 3000 years Jews have been studying and expounding the wisdom of Torah. This Shavuot, add your voice to this unbroken narrative. Come present your Torah Ideas Worth Sharing.
- Wed. June 12, 11:15 am Shavuos Reading of Ten Commandments & Party followed by 1 pm dairy kiddush & ice cream party! Featuring a fabulous assortment of Ice Cream, cheesecakes, blintzes, pasta and salad.
- Thurs. June 13, 11:45 am approx. - Shavuos Yizkor Memorial Service
NEW COURSES & NEW ONGOING TORAH CLASSES
- Wednesdays, 11 am (begins May 8) - The Tanya - Study the basic book of Chabad philosophy and a classic in terms of applied “intellectual Kabalah”. Its stated aim is to show a path to realizing one's purpose and developing a deeper relationship with G‑d. Attain insights into yourself and the world around you with these fundamental teachings of Kabbalah, exploring and solving the dilemmas of the human soul.
- 4 Wednesdays, May 8, 22, 29, June 5 - CYP Academy: Beyond Rituals - It's not what you know, it's what you do - Reveal the soul of Jewish ritual life and how to make each mitzvah personal, and a way to connect to something beyond ourselves. www.yjphouston.org/beyond
- Thursdays, 8 pm - The Heart of the Prayer Book - In depth look at the prayer book, picking apart the prayer structure and meaning exploring the mechanics and mysticism that comprise Jewish prayer.
- 4 Tuesdays, May 21-June 11, 7:30 pm - JLI: Decisions of Fate - Explore the guiding Jewish values that help inform choices on common medical questions. This course will equip students with the tools to chart a path through four areas of medical ethics: experimental treatments, extending life, pregnancy questions, and caring for a body. Gain an enriching perspective on how the Jewish ethical tradition helps us confidently navigate fateful decisions. Course Syllabus and Registration
- Tuesday, May 28, 12 pm - What Really Happened at Sinai - Monthly Lunch & Learn, this month in preparation for Shavuot. 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
SHABBOS MEVARCHIM IYAR PARSHAS ACHAREI
FRIDAY, MAY 3, 25 NISSAN
Evening Service 7:30 pm
Shabbos Candle Lighting 7:42 pm
Omer Count, At Night 11
RSVP for Taco 'Bout Shabbat - May First Fridays www.yjphouston.org/tacos
SHABBOS, May 4, 26 NISSAN
Shabbos Mevarchim Tehillim at 9:00 am
Morning Service 10:00 am
Shabbos Mevarchim Kiddush and Farbrengen
Mincha at 1:53 pm
Maariv, Havdalla & Shabbos Ends 8:39 pm
Omer Count, At Night 12
Living Torah Video
SUNDAY, MAY 5, 27 NISSAN
Morning Service 8:00 am
MON.-FRI., MAY 6-10, 28 NISSAN-2 IYAR
Morning Service 6:45 am
ROSH CHODESH IYAR, WED. & THURS., MAY 8-9
Shacharis 6:45 am
Followed by monthly breakfast sponsored by the Melnik family
Good Shabbos!