Judaism teaches us that believing in a higher power is at the heart of our faith. Our daily prayers, ideally recited with a minyan, can happen anywhere – at home, work, or even on a bus. While we often associate prayer with spiritual requests, we're encouraged to include our everyday needs as well. Prayer is more than just words; it's a chance to connect with the Infinite, the source of all existence.
This lesson is beautifully illustrated in the life of our patriarch Yaakov Avinu, as described in this week's Torah reading. Fleeing from his brother Esav, Yaakov finds himself at the holiest site on earth – Mount Moriah, later known as the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. After a divine dream, Yaakov awakens and exclaims, "This is the Gateway to Heaven." Yet, instead of praying for spiritual growth or wisdom, he prays for basic needs like food, shelter, and clothing. Why? Because Hashem's presence isn't limited to the spiritual realm. His infinity means He's present in every aspect of our lives, not just the sacred moments.
Hashem desires our connection in all areas, even the mundane. This powerful message resonates deeply, especially after last week's Conference of Chabad-Lubavitch Emissaries. Chabad rabbis from around the world gathered to strengthen our mission, which is founded on the teaching that bringing Hashem into every aspect of life reveals His true essence.
Especially as Houstonians we can utilize our prayer or daily actions to further make the infinite tangible by inviting Hashem into every moment. As the Rebbe once said to Israel's President Shazar in private meeting joined by Rabbi Shimon Lazaroff, that even Houston, Texas - – the city where NASA's space exploration program is headquartered – is a "Gateway to Heaven"! (more on this encounter below)
By Hashgacha Pratis this same week of this parsha's "Gateway to Heaven" story, our family celebrated a beautiful connection between two "Gateways to Heaven" – Houston and Jerusalem – as our dear daughter Chaya married Shalom Burkis under the chupa. May their union be blessed with love, joy, and a deep connection to the Infinite.
Shabbat shalom,
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie
P.S. At the wedding we distributed a memento of favorite songs written or popularized by Rabbi Shimon Lazaroff. You can view the PDF and hear recording of selected songs here.
THE GATEWAY TO HEAVEN
As recorded in December 2008 "Here's My Story" by JEM
In 1973, after I had been in Houston for about a year-and-a-half, I was informed that Zalman Shazar, who had just finished serving as president of Israel, would be passing through town on his way to Mexico. He had a three-hour layover at the airport, and the Jewish Federation wanted the local community leaders to come to greet him.
Since I always checked with the Rebbe on things like this, I called his secretariat in New York, and was told that I should go and remind Mr. Shazar, who had Chabad roots, that this very day on the Hebrew calendar is Gimmel Tammuz – the third day of the Hebrew month of Tammuz – when the Previous Rebbe was freed from Soviet prison. Now this date was at that time not as important in the Chabad calendar as Yud Beis Tammuz – the twelfth day of Tammuz – when the Previous Rebbe returned from exile and was able to rejoin his community, yet I remembered the Rebbe once explaining that Gimmel Tammuz ranks higher as the day the Previous Rebbe’s life was saved. (Years later, this date became even more significant to me because the Rebbe passed away on Gimmel Tammuz.)
So this is what I did. When I arrived, the airport reception room was packed, as everyone who was anyone in Houston was present. Yet, in the crowd, Mr. Shazar made a beeline for me. He identified me from my dress as a Chabad chasid and, addressing me in Yiddish, asked, “How is the Rebbe?”
He invited me to sit next to him, and we began to talk. As instructed, I reminded him that today is Gimmel Tammuz, and I pulled out a bottle of vodka and two little cups so that we could make a L’chaim in honor of the day. At that he got very emotional, raised the cup and said, “L’chaim! To the Rebbe’s health!”
He then told me that on the way back from his trip to Mexico, he would be passing through New York, and he asked me to please arrange a meeting with the Rebbe, which I did.
He had an audience with the Rebbe a week later, during the celebrations of Yud Beis Tammuz, and I also came. During their meeting, I was distinguished as “the young man from Houston” (I was then thirty years old), and the Rebbe quipped to Mr. Shazar that “Houston is the gateway to heaven,” referring to the fact that the Kennedy space center, NASA’s primary launch center is located there. It was a very special occasion.
UPCOMING COURSES & EVENTS
- Friday, Dec. 6, 6 pm - Chaya & Shalom Sheva Brachot - Dec. First Fridays Shabbat Dinner www.yjphouston.org/chayashalom
- Two Tuesdays, Dec. 10 & 17, 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
- Two Wednesdays, 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
- Wednesday, Dec. 25, First Night Chanukah - 3:30 pm - Uptown Menorah Lighting - Annual Post Oak Menorah Lighting in cooperation with the Uptown Houston District.
- Friday, Dec. 27, Third Night Chanukah - 5:00 pm - Chanukah Shabbat Dinner - Chanukah Shabbat Dinner Uptown style, where spirits run high! Candle lighting at 5 pm, Shabbat services followed by dinner
- Saturday, Dec. 28, Fourth Night Chanukah - 8:30 pm - Young Jewish Professionals 20s & 30s party in style in "Candy Land", with themed drinks and music, dinner buffet, sufganiyot, and latkes. www.yjphouston.org/candyland
- 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 VAYEITZEI
Fri., Dec. 6, 5 Kislev
5:04 pm Light Shabbat Candles
5:05 pm Mincha
5:30 Torah Study
6:00 pm Kabbalat Shabbat
RSVP for Sheva Brachot Shabbat First Fridays Dinnerwww.yjphouston.org/chayashalom
Shabbos, Dec. 7, 6 Kislev
9:00 am Chassidus
10:00 am Morning Services
Shabbat Kiddush & Community Sheva Brachot for Chaya and Shalom
5:00 pm Mincha
Torah Study
6:01 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbat Ends
Living Torah Video Magazine
Sunday, Dec. 8, 7 Kislev
8:30 am Shacharis