The Shema prayer, which makes its first appearance in this week’s Torah portion, has been on the lips of the Jewish people throughout history. As the declaration of our faith in the One G-d, no matter where a Jew finds him or herself, and no matter if they live an outwardly Torah-observant life, deep down every Jew’s soul is always connected to G-d.
So in all situations, in moments of good fortune and less so, the Jewish soul continues to cry out: “Hear, O Israel: The L-rd is our G-d; the L-rd is one.”
The word “one” used in this declaration is spelled with three Hebrew letters: Alef, Chet, Daled. Using the letters’ numerical value, Alef is one, representing the One G-d; Chet is eight, representing the seven supernal heavens and earth; and Daled is four, representing the four directions of the universe.
The message is that the entire universe is all an extension of G-d’s being. Nothing in the world can separate the Jew from our Father in Heaven, and no matter where we are, we know that this is the one thing we have in common with every single other Jew. We are all bound together through the One G-d.
May we merit to see the ultimate revelation of G-d’s unity, with the coming of Moshiach, in our times!
Shabbat shalom,
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie
WHITE PARTY THIS SUNDAY!
- Sunday, August 18, 6 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
- Shabbos, 9 am - Chassidus - Likkutei Torah - Kabbala Insights on the Parsha
- Wednesdays, 11 am - The Tanya - Meaning and Purpose of Life
- Wednesdays, 8 pm - YJP Dinner, Class & Social - Contemporary Themes
- Thursdays, 8 pm - The Heart of Prayer- In-depth unpacking the Siddur
- 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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SHABBOS NACHAMU, PARSHAS VESCHANAN
FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 12 MENACHEM AV
7:30 pm Mincha & Kabbolas Shabbos
7:43 pm Shabbos Candle Lighting
RSVP for Shabbos Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
SHABBOS, AUGUST 17, 13 MENACHEM AV
9:00 am Chassidus
10:00 am Shacharis
Shabbos Lunch Kiddush
1:59 pm Earliest Mincha
Ethics of our Fathers, Chapter 4
8:37 pm Maariv, Havdalla & Shabbos Ends
Living Torah Video
SUNDAY, AUGUST 18, 14 MENACHEM AV
8:00 am Shacharis
6:00 pm THE WHTE PARTY WITH BEN COHEN - TUV B'AV
www.yjphouston.org/cohen
MON.-FRI,, AUG 19-23, 15-19 MENACHEM AV
Shacharis 6:45 am
Good Shabbos!