Classes are back on track with full energy! During last night's "Heart of Prayer" class, Dr. Dan Silvermintz expressed, "“I think if people understood all of this that you’re giving over, I think they would be in tears by davening”. Or perhaps, laughing from great joy expressed in its opportunity.
As the Jewish nation, we work hard to maintian our spirituality and G-dly connection through Torah study, daily prayer and our enternal connection to Holy Land.
We can be inspired and take a page out of the playbook of the tribe of Levi.
When the Land of Israel was divided among all the tribes, the tribe of Levi did not receive a specific section of land. Instead, they resided in cities spread throughout the other tribes’ territories, all over the country.
Interestingly, the Levites also lived in cities on the eastern side of the Jordan River, where the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manansseh made their homes. Although it wasn’t technically part of Israel, those tribes were given special dispensation to live there, in order to properly care for their vast amounts of cattle.
But because they were somewhat separated from their brethren in Israel proper, there was a concern that they would not only be disconnected from the people, but also from the traditions and culture that are synonymous with living in a Jewish community.
Enter the Levites, who were known as teachers and preservers of Judaism going all the way back to their time in Egypt. By designating several cities in the disconnected areas for the Levites, those tribes were now guaranteed to retain their Jewish identities. And by sacrificing their own spiritual well-being and desire to live in Israel, those Levites were able to ensure that generations of entire tribes remained steadfast in their commitment to Judaism.
This was the Rebbe’s vision in sending shluchim, emissaries, all over the world, enabling every single Jew to live proudly as a member of the global Jewish community.
Shabbat shalom,
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie
UPCOMING YJP HOUSTON EVENTS
- 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 - THE WHITE PARTY with Magical Illusionist Ben Cohen - Join Houston Young Jewish Professionals in their 20’s and 30’s for a fun evening of laughter and business networking in your summer white cocktail attire! All tickets include show, open bar, hors devours & heavy bites. Advanced: $30 (coupon code: advance – Until Aug. 15), At the door: $45 www.yjphouston.org/cohen
UPCOMING CLASSES AND LECTURES
- Wednesdays, 11 am - The Tanya
- Wednesdays, 8 pm - YJP Dinner, Class & Social
- Thursdays, 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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We extend condolences to Ben & Katie Razinovsky on the passing of his grandmother in Israel, Rivka bas Eli, obm.
SHABBOS MEVARCHIM AV, PARSHAS MATOS-MAASEI
FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 27 TAMMUZ
Mincha & Kabbolas Shabbos 7:30 pm
Shabbos Candle Lighting 7:55 pm
RSVP for YJP Breakfast for Dinner - August First Fridays Shabbos Dinner www.yjphouston.org/breakfastdinner
SHABBOS, AUGUST 3, 28 TAMMUZ
Shabbos Mevarchim Tehillim at 8 am
Chassidus at 9:30 am
Shacharis 10:00 am
Shabbos Lunch Kiddush sponsored by Rafael & Ruth Levy marking the fourth yartzeit of their son, Yonatan ben Rafael Halevi Levy
Mincha at 2:02 pm
Ethics of our Fathers, Chapter 2
Maariv, Havdalla & Shabbos Ends 8:51 pm
Living Torah Video
SUNDAY, AUGUST 4, 29 TAMMUZ
Shacharis 8:00 am
MON., ROSH CHODESH MENACHEM AV, AUG. 5, 1 AV
Shacharis 6:45 am
followed by monthly Rosh Chodesh breakfast
TUES.-FRI,, AUG 6-9, 2-5 MENACHEM AV
Shacharis 6:45 am
Good Shabbos!