We've just returned from a deeply meaningful journey to the Holy Land of Israel, where we spent precious time with our older children, Chaya, Mendel, and Rivky, immersing ourselves in the vibrant spirit of Jerusalem. Our trip coincided with the birth of Rabbi Chaim's nephew, allowing us to participate in the joyous bris ceremony.
While we kept our visit relatively low-key, we felt compelled to visit the Gaza Envelope, including Sderot, Nova Festival, Kfar Azza, and the destroyed cars graveyard at Moshav Tekuma, to bear witness to the hardships faced by the community this year.
On our return journey, we stopped at the Alumim Children's Center in Ashkelon, which provides a safe haven for girls from Zhitomir displaced by the Russia-Ukraine War. We're proud to support this institution through donor-directed funds from Chabad of Uptown.
Our visit also coincided with the fast of 17 Tammuz, which drew us to the Western Wall and Yad Vashem. Though the days were heavy with emotion, we found inspiration in the resilience and pride of the Jewish people.
Fittingly, this week's Torah portion introduces us to the courageous daughters of Zelophehad, who demonstrated unwavering commitment to the Land of Israel. Their legacy echoes through the ages, reminding us of the power of faith and determination.
As the Jewish people neared the end of their 40-year sojourn in the wilderness, the time had come for the future Land of Israel to be divided among the Twelve Tribes. Within each tribe, the sections were apportioned to individual families based on the head of the family.
Zelophehad had passed away young, and had he had sons they would have received his portion of land. But because he only had daughters, it was assumed that his portion would be included in that of his brothers and nothing would remain in his name.
His daughters, however, refused to accept that. They approached Moses and insisted that their father's love for Israel must not be forgotten. And indeed, in their merit a new law was established: any man who dies without sons but does have daughters, the daughters would be the ones to inherit his land.
This was considered revolutionary in those days, but as time progressed it became obvious that the future of the Jewish people and their claim to the land of Israel depended on the insistence of these brave women. Their love for Israel is what drove them to stand up for their rights, and it is what continues to stand as a reminder to the Jewish people's bond with our land.
May we see the realization of this reality very soon, with the return of all Jews to the promised land with the coming of Moshiach!
Shabbat shalom,
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie
UPCOMING YJP HOUSTON EVENTS
- Sunday, July 28, 4-6 pm - FCYA BBQ & Drum Circle - Friendship Circle Young Adults where young professionals and adults with special needs enjoy time together as friends! REGISTER: https://forms.gle/Yutqi6yGistjHLNk6
- Friday, August 2, 7:30 pm - Breakfast for Dinner Shabbat - August First Fridays - Enjoy breakfast for dinner with other Young Jewish Professionals over Shabbat Dinner including Smoked Salmon, Frittata, Spinach Fruit Salad & Granola, Dips, Hearty Chicken & Matzah Ball Soups, Chicken & Waffles, Hamburger Hash, Roasted Veggies, Mimosas, and much more!! www.yjphouston.org/breakfastdinner
- Sunday, August 18, 7 pm - Save the date: THE WHITE PARTY
UPCOMING CLASSES AND LECTURES
- Wednesday, July 31, 11 am - The Tanya
- Wednesday, July 31, 8 pm - YJP Dinner, Class & Social
- Thursday, August 1, 8 pm - The Heart of Prayer
- Tuesday, August 20, 12 pm - Aug. Lunch & Learn - How Israel Wins: The Lubavitcher Rebbe's Vision for Achieving Lasting Peace - 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
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Mazel tov to Tamir and Sara Shkargi on the birth of a baby girl!
SHABBOS PARSHAS PINCHAS
FRIDAY, JULY 26, 20 TAMMUZ
Mincha & Kabbolas Shabbos 7:30 pm
Shabbos Candle Lighting 8:00 pm
RSVP for Shabbos Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
SHABBOS JULY 27, 21 TAMMUZ
Chassidus at 9:00 am
Shacharis 10:00 am
Shabbos Lunch Kiddush sponsored by the Cohen family in honor of their children
Mincha at 2:03 pm
Ethics of our Fathers, Chapter 1
Maariv, Havdalla & Shabbos Ends 9:01 pm
Living Torah Video
SUNDAY, JULY 28, 22 TAMMUZ
Shacharis 8:00 am
MON.-FRI,, JULY 29-AUG 2, 23-27 TAMMUZ
Shacharis 6:45 am
Good Shabbos!