Over the month filled with holidays—Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkos, and Simchas Torah—many of us feel spiritually uplifted, protected in a bubble of joy, prayer, and community. But as we return to our everyday lives, we may feel like we’re suddenly flooded with the pressures of work, family, and daily obligations, pulling us back into the rush of the world.
Floods can be devastating, both in reality and metaphorically. This week's Torah portion describes a global flood that only Noah, his family, and select animals survived. This deluge symbolizes the stress and anxieties that can overwhelm us, creeping in unexpectedly and leaving us feeling helpless. But sometimes, as with Noah’s flood, these “floods” are opportunities for growth and renewal.
G-d instructed Noah to build an ark, or teivah in Hebrew—a word that also means “word.” This dual meaning suggests that beyond physical refuge, G-d was guiding Noah to find sanctuary in words of Torah and spirituality. As the waters surged, Noah and his family were sheltered in this sacred space, protected by their immersion in G-d’s word.
Yet seclusion is only part of the solution. After the flood, G-d commanded Noah to “Leave the ark!” He was not meant to escape life indefinitely, but to re-engage with the world, transformed and ready to make a positive impact.
Similarly, when life’s floods rush towards us, we can turn inward to strengthen our spirits. Then, fortified, we can reenter the world, turning even life’s storms into forces for good.
May we merit the coming of Moshiach, when peace will flow like a river, and all storms will finally be calmed.
Shabbat shalom,
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie
UPCOMING EVENTS
- Friday, November 1, 6:30 pm - Fall Edition - First Fridays Shabbat Dinner - www.yjphouston.org/fall24
- Four Wednesdays, Nov. 13 & 20 & Dec. 11-18 – 7:30-9:00 pm - CYP Academy: Decisions of Fate - www.yjphouston.org/decisions
- Tues.-Wed. November 12-13 - Annual Crowd Funding Campaign
SHABBOS ROSH CHODESH PARSHAS NOACH
Fri., Nov. 1, 30 Tishrei, Rosh Chodesh MarCheshvan
6:17 pm Light Shabbat Candles & Mincha
6:30 pm Kabbalat Shabbat
RSVP for Fall Edition - Nov First Fridays Shabbat Dinner www.yjphouson.org/fall24
Shabbos, Nov. 2, Rosh Chodesh II, 1 MarChesvhan
9:00 am Chassidus
10:00 am Morning Services
Shabbat Lunch Kiddush & Farbrengen
6:15 pm Mincha
7:10 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbat Ends
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