This week we start reading the Book of Numbers, “Bamidbar” in Hebrew, the fourth book of the Torah.
The word “bamidbar” means “in the desert,” a reference to where the Jewish people were at the time. But it’s also a reference to the desert-like nature of the Torah: Just as the desert is wide open territory for everyone to take advantage of and make their own, the Torah was given to the Jewish people in order for each and every one of us to make it our own, by delving into it and discovering its beauty and inner secrets.
No one person can claim ownership of the Torah; it belongs to every Jew equally. That’s why this Torah portion is always read the week prior to the holiday of Shavuot, when we celebrate the anniversary of the Jewish people receiving the Torah on Mt. Sinai. It’s also why the Torah was given to the Jews specifically in the desert.
Torah belongs to each and every one of us equally; it is ours and we must continue to proclaim ownership of it, along with every single other Jew around the world.
With wishes for Kabbolas HaTorah Bsimcha Ubpinimiyus, May you receive the Torah this holiday of Shavuos with joy and internally,
Good Shabbos!
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie
DO YOU HAVE AN IDEA WORTH SHARING?
This Shavuot, add your voice to this unbroken narrative. Come present your Torah Ideas Worth Sharing.
11:30 pm-All Night with Light Refreshments and Free Admission
BE A PARTICIPANT
JEPShavuot features a series of ten-minute power talks showcasing important Jewish ideas that change attitudes and lives. These talk are designed to educate, illuminate, challenge and inspire.
BE A PRESENTER
Have a Torah idea worth spreading? Submit your idea and you might be selected to present your 10 minute Torah talk. Reply to this email with your subject!
Shavuos Grand 3D Experience
Join us for an extraordinary journey as we invite the entire family to immerse themselves in the awe-inspiring Shavuos Grand 3D Experience. Prepare to be captivated as children are transported to ancient times after the Ten Commandments are read from the sacred Torah, where they will witness and be amazed by our larger-than-life, interactive Matan Torah experience, featuring a towering Mount Sinai, authentic-sized Luchos, and even a captivating portrayal of Moshe himself. Engage in an enthralling improvisational play, partake in Shavuos-themed games, and prepare for a host of surprises that await you. Don't miss this unforgettable event! Reserve your free spot for Shavuos at www.chabaduptown.org/shavuotschedule.
We extend our condolences to the Turkel family on the passing of Dovid Ber ben Yehudah, David Turkel, o.b.m. step-father of Zac Bodner. The family is sitting shiva with visitation Sunday and Monday at 6 pm at 4018 Tennyson St., Houston, TX 77005
We extend condolences to the family of Brian Weissman, a YJP alum, on his untimely and tragic passing.
Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, 74, Instrumental in Chabad’s Global Expansion
Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, the energetic vice chairman of Merkos L’Inyonei Chinuch, the educational arm of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, passed away after a lengthy illness on Tuesday, June 4 (27 Iyar). He was 74, four days shy of his 75th birthday. Kotlarsky was instrumental in growing Chabad’s global footprint. With an endearing personality and ability to easily connect with others, Kotlarsky encountered thousands of people in his decades of peripatetic travel on behalf of Chabad-Lubavitch, serving alternatively as rabbi, fundraiser and friend. more…
UPCOMING EVENTS
- Friday, June 7, 7:30 pm - Shabbat Italiano - June First Fridays - Join Young Jewish Professionals for an Italian Shabbat Dinner at YJP Houston - where spirits run high! www.yjphouston.org/italy
- Tuesday-Thursday, June 11-13 - Shavuos www.chabaduptown.org/shavuotschedule
- Tues., June 11, 11:30 pm Shavuos All Night - 10 Minute Talks - 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.
- Wed. June 12, 7:30 pm - Drinks + Cheesecake Social | A Legendairy Shavuot Soiree Celebrating the creation of the Jewish Nation! RSVP for free here
- Thurs. June 13, 11:45 am approx. - Shavuos Yizkor Memorial Service
- Sunday, July 28, 4-6 pm - FCYA BBQ & Drum Circle - Friendship Circle Young Adults where young professionals and adults with special need enjoy time together as friends!
SHABBOS PARSHAS BAMIDBAR
FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 1 SIVAN
Mincha & Kabbolas Shabbos 7:30 pm
Shabbos Candle Lighting 8:03 pm
Omer Count, At Night 46
RSVP for First Fridays Italian Shabbat Dinner www.yjphouston.org/italy
SHABBOS, JUNE 8, 2 SIVAN
Chassidus at 9:00 am
Shacharis 10:00 am
Shabbos Kiddush and Farbrengen sponsored by the Lazarus and Goldstein families in honor of the high school graduates, Sofia and Charlotte!
Mincha at 1:57 pm
Ethics of our Fathers, Chapter 6
Maariv, Havdalla & Shabbos Ends 9:02 pm
Omer Count, At Night 47
Living Torah Video
SUNDAY, JUNE 9, 3 SIVAN
Shacharis 8:00 am
MON., JUNE 10, 4 SIVAN
Shacharis 6:45 am
SHAVUOS WITH CHABAD OF UPTOWN
> Mobile Friendly RSVP Form <
TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 5 SIVAN
Evening Holiday Services at 8:00 pm
Light Yom Tov Candles at 8:05 pm
Holiday Dinner after Services - RSVP
All Night Learn-A-Thon at 11:30 pm
Lineup of Torah talks on many Jewish subjects!
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 6 SIVAN
Shacharis 10:00 am
* 11am-1pm Special childrens' service w/ games, activities and more!
11:15 am Reading of Ten Commandments & Party
followed by 1 pm dairy kiddush & ice cream party!
YJP Cheescake Social at 7:30 pm
Mincha & Maariv Holiday Services at 8:00 pm
AFTER 9:04 pm* Light Yom Tov Candles
Holiday Dinner after Services - RSVP
* From a pre-existing flame
THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 7 SIVAN
Chassidus at 9:00 am
Shacharis at 10:00 am
11:45 am approx. Yizkor Memorial Service
Kiddush Lunch after Services
Mincha Services at 8:00 pm
Maariv, Havdalla & Yom Tov Ends at 9:04 pm
FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 8 SIVAN
Shacharis 6:45 am
With wishes for Kabbolas HaTorah Bsimcha Ubpinimiyus, May you receive the Torah this holiday of Shavuos with joy and internally,
Good Shabbos and Good Yom Tov!