There are times when we all feel like our efforts don’t matter. It’s easy to become discouraged and question our purpose. But Judaism teaches us a powerful truth: everything we do matters, even when we can’t see the results.
The Midrash tells us about the frogs in Egypt, seemingly insignificant creatures, who fulfilled their ultimate purpose by jumping into ovens during the plague of frogs, as described in this week’s Torah portion. Their act wasn’t random—it symbolized breaking Egypt’s defiance and making G-d’s presence known. If even frogs can fulfill a divine mission, how much more so can we, who are created in G-d’s image.
Every mitzvah, every act of kindness, every good deed, adds to the beauty of the world and brings us closer to our purpose. You were created with a unique mission that no one else can accomplish.
Never doubt your worth. You matter, and your actions have the power to transform the world.
Shabbat shalom,
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie
Rabbi Yosef & Chanale
NYC SHABBATON REPORT
Last Shabbos, twenty-two young Jewish professionals from Houston joined over 700 peers from around the world for an inspiring weekend at Encounter Crown Heights. They forged meaningful connections and gained valuable insights. Stay tuned for upcoming local and international Shabbatons, where you can be part of another transformative experience! A huge thank you to Chabad Young Professionals International for organizing such an incredible weekend! Thank you to the Rabbi Yosef & Chanale for leading a wonderful Shabbos at Uptown while Rabbi Chaim & Chanie lead the group to NYC!
UPCOMING EVENTS:
- 6 Tuesdays, Feb 4--Mar 11, 7:30-9 pm - New JLI Course: Decoding the Talmud - Inside the Story, Substance, and Significance of the Book that Defines Judaism. Syllabus, video intro and register here
- Friday, Feb. 7, 7 pm - Souper Salad February First Fridays - Enjoy a variety of hearty soups, salads and more with other Young Jewish Professionals over Shabbat Dinner. Sponsored by Geoffrey Kulp marking the yartzeit and in memory of his grandmother, Chava Miriam bas Shmuel. 5:47 pm Candle Lighting, 6:00pm Services, 7:00 pm Shabbat Dinner. $20 until Thursday, $36 after. Use promo code: advance. www.yjphouston.org/shabbatsouper
- Four Wednesdays, Feb 12-March 5, 7:30-9 pm - CYP Academy Jewish Course of Why - Your Answers to some of Judaism's Most Curious Questions www.yjphouston.org/why
- Thursday, Feb. 13, 7 pm - Tu B'Shvat Watermelon Carving - Branch out into the New Year for Trees with a fruitful watermelon carving for Tu B'Shvat
THIS WEEK'S CLASSES:
- Shabbos, Jan. 11, 9 am - Chassidus - Torah Or
- Monday, Jan. 12, 8 pm - Hebrew Language: The Tanya with Rabbi Menny Raichik
- Wednesday, Jan. 15, 8 pm - YJP Dinner, Class & Social
- Thursday, August 16, 8 pm - The Heart of Prayer
SHABBOS PARSHAS VA'EIRA
Fri., Jan. 24, 24 Teves
5:35 pm Light Shabbat Candles & Mincha
6:00 Kabbalat Shabbat
7:00 pm RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
Shabbos, Jan 25, 25 Teves
9:00 am Chassidus
10:00 am Morning Services
Shabbat Lunch Kiddush
5:35 pm Mincha
Torah Study
6:31 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbat Ends
Living Torah Video Magazine