The first mention of a “congregation” comprising 10 people — a minyan — is in this week’s Torah portion, where 10 of the 12 spies Moses sent to scout out of the Land of Canaan are referred to as “an evil congregation.”
While it seems odd that such a central aspect of Jewish life is learned from the tragic event of the spies — who libeled the Holy Land and incited the Jewish people against Hashem’s plan to have them settle there — that is in fact where the message lies.
The immense power that a community has can be harnessed in either direction. We can choose to use our collective strength for selfish purposes, or we can utilize the Divine powers invested in a minyan for a holy purpose.
Like everything else in life, we have the freedom to choose our destiny and the path we follow. The lesson from the painful episode of spies is that our choices can have long-lasting effects, and we must therefore choose wisely. And like every lesson in the Torah, the fact that we are given the choice means that Hashem has faith in us to make the right decision, every time!
Shabbat shalom,
Good Shabbos!
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie
UPCOMING YJP HOUSTON EVENTS
- Friday, July 5, 7:30 pm - All-American BBQ July First Fridays – Join Young Jewish Professionals for All American Themed BBQ Shabbat Dinner at YJP Houston - where spirits run high! 7:30 pm – Friday Night Services, 8:08 pm - Candle Lighting, 8:30 pm – BBQ Shabbat Dinner. $20 until Thursday, $36 after. Use promo code: advance www.yjphouston.org/july4
- 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!
UPCOMING CLASSES AND LECTURES
- Shabbos, July, 6, 13, 27, 9 am - Chassidus - Likkutei Torah (June 29, 9:30 am)
- Wednesdays, June 25, July 2, 30, 11 am - The Tanya
- Wednesdays, June 26, July 3, 8 pm - YJP Dinner, Class & Social
- Thursdays, June 27, July 4, 11, 8 pm - The Heart of the Prayer Book
- Tuesday, July 2, 12-1:30 pm - Evolution of the Torah: Transmission of Torah from Mt. Sinai until Today - 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 https://forms.gle/szdra5faBYR1FUxh7
- Wednesdays, July 10, 17, 25 - YJP Dinner and Guest Rabbi Lecture Series
- July 10, 7:30 pm - Rabbi Sholem Vigler, The Heights - How Israel Wins: The Lubavitcher Rebbe's Vision for Achieving Lasting Peace
- July 17, 7:30 pm - Rabbi Eliezer Lazaroff, Aishel House - Judaism and Medicine: Torah's View on Health and Living
- July, 24, 7:30 pm - Rabbi Dovid Goldstein, West Houston - Rabbi Goes to Jail: Tales and Lessons Learned from Prison Chaplaincy
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SHABBOS MEVARCHIM TAMMUZ PARSHAS SHELACH
FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 22 SIVAN
Mincha & Kabbolas Shabbos 7:30 pm
Shabbos Candle Lighting 8:08 pm
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
SHABBOS, JUNE 29, 23 SIVAN
Chassidus at 9:00 am
Shacharis 10:00 am
Shabbos Kiddush and Farbrengen
Mincha at 2:01 pm
Ethics of our Fathers, Chapter 3
Maariv, Havdalla & Shabbos Ends 9:07 pm
Living Torah Video
SUNDAY, JUNE 30, 24 SIVAN
Shacharis 8:00 am
MON.-FRI,, JULY 1-5, 25-29 SIVAN
Shacharis 6:45 am
Good Shabbos!