In a world where challenges abound, it’s easy to fall into the habit of playing the victim, to attribute failures to forces beyond our control, or to throw up our hands and give up. Our forefather Avraham could have done just that. His life mission—to share the belief in One G-d with a world steeped in idolatry—came at a tremendous personal cost. He faced persecution, exile, and even a death sentence. Yet, Avraham never pointed fingers, complained, or gave up.
Instead, he lived his beliefs fully and persistently, even under the threat of death. For Avraham, martyrdom wasn’t the goal; bringing G-d’s presence into the world was. He knew that every moment he continued his mission was a moment of victory over darkness. This refusal to give up, to play the victim, set the foundation for the Jewish people.
Today, we face our own challenges. Like Abraham, we inherit a resilience that defies circumstances. Giving up simply isn’t in our DNA. Our purpose is to bring light and hope, no matter how dark the world may seem. We refuse to be victims—our mission is far too important for that.
Shabbat shalom,
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie
UPCOMING COURSES EVENTS
- Six Tuesdays, Nov 12th - Dec 17th 2024 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM - JLI: Nurturing Relationships - Jewish Wisdom for Building Deeper, Richer Connection in All Your Relationships. This course will satisfy most states' continuing education requirements for Medical Doctors, Psychologists, Social Workers, LMFTs, and LMHC/LPCs. - Click for syllabus and to register
- Four Wednesdays, Nov. 13 & 20 & Dec. 11-18 – 7:30-9:00 pm - CYP Academy: Decisions of Fate - The “Decisions of Fate” four-part journey will be navigating critical choices & ethical Dilemmas with Jewish wisdom. VOUCHERS: Join CYP Academy and receive $200 credit for each four part course successfully completed towards any CYP Encounter Trip Experience including the Encounter Crown Heights, NYC MLK Weekend Jan 17-19, 2025. Register opening week Nov. 4-12 for only $49 plus airfare! www.yjphouston.org/decisions
- Tues.-Wed. November 12-13 - Annual Crowd Funding Campaign - Our annual fundraiser of the year is next week! The community hopes to count on you to make a difference in your community in Houston...
- Friday, Dec. 6, 6 pm - Chaya & Shalom Sheva Brachot - Dec. First Fridays Shabbat Dinner www.yjphouston.org/chayashalom
- Wednesday, Dec. 25-Jan. 2 - Chanukah 8 Awesome Nights!
- Thurs.-Sun., Jan. 17-19 - Encounter Crown Heights Shabbaton - Join us as we head to NYC for the Encounter Crown Heights Shabbaton set to take place over MLK Weekend (Jan 17-19)! A weekend like no other, a chance to connect with hundreds Jewish young professionals from around the world and experience an unforgettable weekend in Crown Heights. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity! www.cypshabbat.nyc
SHABBOS PARSHAS LECH LECHA
Fri., Nov. 8, 30 Tishrei, 7 Cheshvan
5:12 pm Light Shabbat Candles & Mincha
6:00 pm Kabbalat Shabbat
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
Shabbos, Nov. 9, 8 Chesvhan
9:00 am Chassidus
10:00 am Morning Services
Shabbat Lunch Kiddush & Farbrengen sponsored by Josh & Paulina Freed
5:10 pm Mincha
5:55 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbat Ends
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