The Sixth Chabad Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, of righteous memory, was released from Stalinist prison in Soviet Russia 97 years ago this week. His “crime” was his engaging in “counter-revolutionary” activities; namely establishing and maintaining an underground Jewish infrastructure – schools, yeshivas, mikvahs, and more.
After spending nearly a month in custody, and after a series of miraculous near-death episodes, the Soviets caved to the Rebbe's defiance, as well as to international pressure, and set him free.
Throughout his ordeal, he did not budge an inch in anything that jeopardized his principles. Even at the train station, when he was about to be exiled, he declared publicly: “Only our bodies, not our souls, were sent into exile.”
His message was clear: No matter what they do to us, Jewish commitment to Torah’s ideals will never wane. Our souls are far superior to anything the world throws at us, and that is the secret to Jewish survival. Where they focus on hurting our bodies, our focus always remains on the soul – the unbreakable Jewish spirit that has been the essence of our existence from day one.
We pray that very soon, the soul will fully overpower the forces of evil, when we experience the true and ultimate redemption, with the coming of Moshiach!
Shabbat shalom,
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie
LAWS AND CUSTOMS
Tuesday Fast Day - This Tuesday is the Fast of Tammuz 17, devoted to mourning the breaching of Jerusalem's walls and the other tragic events that occurred on this day (see "Today in Jewish History") and repenting and rectifying their causes. We refrain from all food and drink from "daybreak" (about an hour before sunrise, depending on location) until nightfall. Special prayers and Torah readings are added to the day's services. Complete schedule below.
"Three Weeks" Begin - The 17th of Tammuz also marks the beginning of The Three Weeks period of mourning which culminates on the 9th of Av, commemorating the conquest of Jerusalem, the destruction of the Holy Temple and the dispersion of the Jewish people. Weddings and other joyful events are not held during this period; like mourners, we do not cut our hair, and various pleasurable activities are limited or proscribed. (Consult the Code of Jewish Law (Shulchan Aruch) or a qualified rabbi regarding specific proscriptions). The Lubavitcher Rebbe urged that the Three Weeks should be a time of increased giving of charity and Torah study (in keeping with the verse (Isaiah 1:27), "Zion shall be redeemed by law, and her returnees by charity"), particularly the study of those portions of Torah that deal with the laws and the deeper significance of the Holy Temple. Links: TheThreeWeeks.com, Some Laws and Customs of the Three Weeks, About Holy Temple
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
- Sunday, August 18, 7 pm - Save the date: THE WHITE PARTY
UPCOMING CLASSES AND LECTURES
- Wednesday, July, 24, 7:30 pm - Rabbi Dovid Goldstein, West Houston - Rabbi Goes to Jail: Tales and Lessons Learned from Prison Chaplaincy
- Wednesday, July 30, 11 am - The Tanya
To be added to a reminder broadcast list, including status of each class, please reply to this email to subscribe
SHABBOS PARSHAS BALAK
FRIDAY, JULY 19, 13 TAMMUZ
Mincha & Kabbolas Shabbos 7:30 pm
Shabbos Candle Lighting 8:04 pm
RSVP for Shabbos Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
SHABBOS JULY 20, 14 TAMMUZ
Chassidus at 9:00 am
Shacharis 10:00 am
Shabbos Lunch Kiddush
Mincha at 2:03 pm
Ethics of our Fathers, Chapter 6
Maariv, Havdalla & Shabbos Ends 9:01 pm
Living Torah Video
SUNDAY, JULY 21, 15 TAMMUZ
Shacharis 8:00 am
MON.-FRI,, JULY 22-26, 16-20 TAMMUZ
Shacharis 6:45 am
FAST OF 17 TAMMUZ - TUES., JULY 23, 17 TAMMUZ
Fast Begins 5:11 am
Shacharis at 6:45 am
Mincha at 7:45 pm
Maariv & Fast Ends at 8:47 pm
Good Shabbos!