The period between the holidays of Pesach and Shavuos is known as “Sefiras HaOmer” – literally meaning “counting of the Omer.” Omer is a biblical measurement of grain, and on the second day of Pesach a special offering was brought in the Beis Hamikdash (Temple) consisting of that season’s first grain. Then, 49 days were counted – seven weeks – and on the 50th day, Shavuos was celebrated, marked with a special bread offering brought to the Beis Hamikdash.
Although today we don’t have a Beis Hamikdash and thus there are no Omer offerings, the mitzvah to count the days remains in effect and it takes on unique significance. Just as the first grain needs to undergo several stages of development before it can become edible bread, so does the Jewish soul undergo a period of development during this time.
Every day that we count is another step, and another opportunity, to develop and improve our character traits. We start with inedible grain, and we incrementally work on enhancing our overall character and behavior, until finally – on Shavuos – we become truly refined, to the point that we are ready to receive the Torah, just as our ancestors did on that first Shavuos 3,300 years ago.
As we continue to enhance and improve our character traits, we daven that we merit to perform the mitzvah of counting the Omer in its most ideal way, in the Holy Beis Hamikdash in Jerusalem, with Moshiach. May it be this year!
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
- Sunday, May 26, 11am-1pm - Lag B'Omer Celebration with Dovid Pearlman - Join us in Godwin Park for a Lag BaOmer Celebration with live music, infaltables, mini-parade, raffle & prizes! Produced by Chabad Outreach - More info and raffle: www.chabadoutreach.org/abc
- 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
- 3 Tuesdays, May 21-June 4, 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.
To be added to a reminder broadcast list, including status of each class, please reply to this email to subscribe
Mazel tov to Eliana Benia and Michael Ihilchik on their engagement!
SHABBOS PARSHAS EMOR
FRIDAY, MAY 17, 9 IYAR
Mincha & Kabbolas Shabbos 7:30 pm
Shabbos Candle Lighting 7:51 pm
Omer Count, At Night 25
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
SHABBOS, MAY 18, 10 IYAR
Chassidus at 9 am
Shacharis 10:00 am
Shabbos Kiddush and Farbrengen
Mincha at 1:54 pm
Ethics of our Fathers, Chapter 3
Maariv, Havdalla & Shabbos Ends 8:49 pm
Omer Count, At Night 26
Living Torah Video
SUNDAY, MAY 19, 11 IYAR
Shacharis 8:00 am
MON.-FRI., MAY 20-24, 12-16 IYAR
Shacharis 6:45 am
Good Shabbos!