Let’s talk about something we’ve all felt: anger. Whether it’s getting cut off in traffic or dealing with someone who really hurt us, anger can come fast and hit hard. It’s natural to feel upset when someone wrongs us. But our tradition offers us a way to approach these moments that can bring us closer to each other and to Hashem.
The Talmud likens getting angry to worshipping idols. At first, that sounds extreme—after all, anger is just an emotion. But when we look at the story of Joseph and his brothers in this week’s Torah portion, we start to understand.
Joseph had every reason to be angry. His brothers sold him into slavery and tore him away from his family for over 20 years. Yet, when they finally reunited, Joseph didn’t lash out. Instead, he said, “You didn’t send me here; Hashem did.” Joseph saw the bigger picture—everything that happened was part of G-d’s plan, even if it came about through someone else’s bad choices.
When we’re angry, it’s easy to focus on what someone else did to us. But Joseph’s story reminds us to step back and see Hashem’s hand in our lives. That doesn’t mean bad behavior is okay, but it helps us let go of anger and look for ways to move forward.
As a community, this perspective is powerful. When we let go of grudges and see each other through the lens of compassion, we build unity. And that unity is what makes us strong and prepares us for the coming of Moshiach and the Final Redemption.
Shabbat shalom,
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie
THIS WEEK'S CLASSES
- Shabbos, Jan. 4, 9 am - Chassidus - Torah Or
- Monday, Jan. 6, 8 pm - NEW HEBREW CLASS: The Tanya with Rabbi Menny Raichik
- Wednesday, Jan. 8, 8 pm - YJP Dinner, Class & Social - Guest Lecture Rabbi Shmuli Slonim of Chabad at Rice: Purpose vs Meaning - The Jewish Perspective in Life
- Thursday, August 1, 8 pm - The Heart of Prayer
UPCOMING EVENTS
- Friday, Jan. 3, 6 pm - First Fridays 2025 Shabbat Dinner - Join Young Jewish Professionals and bring in the new calendar year with new and old friends, ages 21-39, over Shabbat Dinner. $20 until Thursday, $36 after
- Use promo code: advance www.yjphouston.org/events/2025
- 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
Mazel tov Oron & Shiri Peer on the birth of a baby boy!
Mazel Tov Shmuel Kronman on his engagement to Chani Kruper From Los Angeles, California in Tzfat, Israel!
SHABBOS, PARSHAS VAYIGASH
Fri., Jan. 3, 3 Teves
5:18 pm Light Shabbat Candles
5:20 pm Mincha
5:40 Torah Study
6:00 pm Kabbalat Shabbat
RSVP for 2025 First Fridays Shabbat Dinner www.yjphouston.org/events/2025
Shabbos, Jan 4, 4 Teves
9:00 am Chassidus
10:00 am Morning Services
Shabbat Kiddush & Farbrengen
5:15 pm Mincha
Torah Study
6:15 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbat Ends
Living Torah Video Magazine
Sunday, Jan. 5, 5 Teves
8:00 am Shacharis
Followed by breakfast marking the yartzeit of Norman Lazarus's father, Yisachar ben Moshe, o.b.mn
Friday, Jan. 10, Fast of 10 Teves
Fast Begins at 5:59 am
Light Shabbat Candles at 5:23 pm
Fast Ends with Shabbat Kiddush at 6:07 pm