One of the most important mitzvahs in all of Judaism is introduced in this week’s Torah portion: “Love your fellow as yourself.” In fact, this mitzvah is so central to Judaism that the great Rabbi Akiva referred to it as “the greatest principle of the Torah.”
It’s easy to see how mitzvahs that guide us in our relationship with our fellow humans are dependent on the principle of mutual love. But what about the mitzvahs that are about our relationship with Hashem, such as learning Torah, keeping kosher, Shabbat, daily prayers, and so on?
The explanation is that when we put ourselves in a frame of mind that we are all equal before Hashem, that enables us to prosper in all areas of Torah and Judaism. When we recognize that, when we are able to set our differences aside and instead focus on how we are all really part of a single “body” of Jews, that helps us grow our relationship with Hashem.
That’s why Jewish unity is so central to Judaism. It’s not just that we’re there for each other, but by standing united with one another, we include Hashem in this relationship too, ensuring that the Jewish nation will continue to thrive and prosper despite those who wish us harm.
Couple that with learning Torah with your closest friends, and you have connections with our fellows, Hashem and His Torah! This week we had a great kickoff of two new classes, on Tanya and Beyond Rituals, listed below. We hope you join us!
May we merit to experience the ultimate Jewish unity, which we will see in its most perfected form with the coming of Moshiach, may it be very soon!
Good Shabbos!
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie
UPCOMING EVENTS
- 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
UPCOMING COURSES & POP-UP CLASS
- 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
- 3 Wednesdays, May 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
- 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
ONGOING MAY WEEKLY TORAH CLASSES
- Wednesdays, 11 am - 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.
- 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.
- Shabbos, 9 am - Chassidus - Likkutei Torah Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi's (ob"m) Masterworks on the weekly Parsha of Chassidic Philosophy, Torah Or & Likkutei Torah. Every Shabbos morning at 9 am, besides for Shabbos Mevarchim.
SHABBOS PARSHAS KEDOSHIM
FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2 IYAR
Mincha & Kabbolas Shabbos 7:30 pm
Shabbos Candle Lighting 7:47 pm
Omer Count, At Night 18
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
SHABBOS, MAY 11, 3 IYAR
Chassidus at 9 am
Shacharis 10:00 am
Shabbos Kiddush and Farbrengen Alan Waich in memory and marking the first yartzeit of his father, Yosef Aholeab Ben Emely, a"h
Mincha at 1:53 pm
Maariv, Havdalla & Shabbos Ends 8:44 pm
Omer Count, At Night 19
Living Torah Video
SUNDAY, MAY 12, 4 IYAR
Shacharis 8:00 am
MON.-FRI., MAY 13-17, 5-9 IYAR
Shacharis 6:45 am
Good Shabbos!