This past week, we had the joy of celebrating Rabbi Chaim's birthday together with so many members of our Chabad family. Thank you to everyone who joined us, sent warm wishes, called, texted, or reached out in so many thoughtful ways. We are truly grateful for your friendship, your kindness, and for being part of our lives. The greatest gift is the privilege of sharing this journey together with such a wonderful community.
This week's double parshah, Matos-Masei, speaks about journeys. Masei recounts the forty-two travels of the Jewish people through the wilderness, teaching us that every stop, every challenge, and every milestone has purpose. Looking back on another year of life, we recognize that our own journeys are also guided by Hashem, with each experience preparing us for the next stage of growth.
This Wednesday evening also marks the beginning of the Nine Days, a period when we lessen our joy as we mourn the destruction of the Beis Hamikdash. Yet even as we remember what was lost, we continue moving forward with purpose. The journeys described in Masei remind us that no exile is permanent. Every step brings us closer to our ultimate destination, the rebuilding of the Beis Hamikdash with the coming of Moshiach.
May we merit to transform these days of mourning into days of joy, and celebrate together in Jerusalem, speedily in our days.
Good Shabbos,
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie
THE COHEN CORNER
Never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.
The tribes of Reuven and Gad asked to settle on the fertile lands east of the Jordan instead of joining their brethren in the Holy Land because they owned abundant livestock. In presenting their request, they said, "We will build sheepfolds for our livestock and cities for our children," placing their flocks before their families. Rashi notes that in his response to them, Moshe deliberately reversed the order: "Build cities for your children and enclosures for your sheep." Their mistake was not that they loved their livestock more than their children, but that they believed their ability to care for their families depended primarily on the size of their herds. Moshe corrected this subtle but profound misconception. We are obligated to work diligently and responsibly, but our livelihood does not come from our efforts alone. Our work creates the vessel; Hashem provides the blessing.
It is easy to fall into the same mindset today. We tell ourselves that if we just work a little longer, answer one more email, or close one more deal, then we will finally have the time and security to invest in what truly matters. Yet in chasing the "sheep," we can unintentionally neglect our families, our Torah learning, our prayer, and our mitzvos, believing they must wait until after our financial goals are achieved. The Torah reminds us to reverse that order. Put what is truly essential first, trusting that Hashem is the One Who sustains us. When we make room for the things that matter most, while continuing to work with honesty and diligence, we acknowledge that we are not the ultimate providers. We are responsible for the effort; Hashem is responsible for the blessing.
Have an incredible Shabbos!
Rabbi Yosef, Chanale, Mushka & Mendel Cohen
THIS WEEK IN JEWISH CUSTOMS
"Nine Days" Begin
"When Av begins, we diminish [our] rejoicing" (Talmud, Taanit 26b).
Thsi Wednesday is the 1st of Av, when "The Three Weeks" mourning period over the destruction of the Holy Temple--which began 13 days earlier on Tammuz 17--enters an intensified stage. During "The Nine Days" from Av 1st to the Ninth of Av, a heightened degree of mourning is observed, including abstention from meat and wine, music, bathing for pleasure, and other joyous and enjoyable activities. (The particular mourning customs vary from community to community, so consult a competent Halachic authority for details).
Consumption of meat and wine is permitted on Shabbat, or at a Seudas Mitzvah (obligatory festive meal celebrating the fulfillment of a mitzvah) such as a Bris (circumcision), or a "Siyum" celebrating the completion of a course of Torah study (i.e., a complete Talmudic tractate). The Lubavitcher Rebbe initiated the custom of conducting or participating in a Siyum on each of the Nine Days (even if one does not avail oneself of the dispensation to eat meat).
Citing the verse (Isaiah 1:27) "Zion shall be redeemed with mishpat [Torah] and its returnees with Tzedakah," the Rebbe urged that we increase in Torah study (particularly the study of the laws of the Holy Temple) and charity during this period.
Links: When and (How) to be Sad, www.thethreeweeks.com
UPCOMING EVENTS & CLASSES:
- Friday, July 10, 7:30 pm – Aggie Houston & Alumni Summer Shabbat at Chabad of Uptown - Join Aggies, alumni, friends, and the Houston Jewish community for a warm Shabbat experience. Open to all. RSVP: www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
- Shabbos, July 11, 9:30 am - Likkutei Torah - Kabbala of the Parsha - Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi's Masterworks on the weekly Parsha.
- Wednesday, July 8, 8:00 pm - YJP Dinner, Class & Social
- Thursday, July 9, 8:00 pm - Evening Chassidus
- Sunday, July 19, 6:00 pm - Women’s Mahjong Social - Beginners welcome, come alone or bring a friend. RSVP at chabaduptown.org/mahjong
- Tuesday, July 21, 12:00 pm – Lunch & Learn: Hashem's Hidden Home. Discover the Beis Hamikdash that was never destroyed and the eternal sanctuary that still exists today. Lunch included. RSVP: chabaduptown.org/lunch
- Wednesday, July 22, 8:50 pm – Tisha B'Av Evening of Study & Reflection - Join us for the reading of Megillat Eicha as we commemorate the destruction of the Beis Hamikdash. Fast begins at 8:21 pm, Maariv at 8:48 pm followed by Eicha.
- Sunday, July 26, 5:00 pm - YJP White Party at the Lanes: White Out or Strike Out at Lucky Strike Houston, 925 Bunker Hill Rd. Bowling, drinks, eats and vibes! www.yjphouston.org/whiteout
- Shabbos Weekend, August 21-23 - Men’s Shabbos at the Ohel - Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, this Shabbos is a chance to recharge, reflect, and connect with the Rebbe’s timeless vision during an inspiring weekend of Jewish growth and brotherhood.
- Sunday, August 23, 12:30 pm - FCYA Shofar Factory with Friends - Create it, blow it, own it! Join volunteers of YJP Houston with FCYA (Friendship Circle of Houston - Young Adults) to fabricate shofars together with Young Adults with special needs for a morning of fun, camaraderie and integration. $10 prepaid with coupon code “advance,” $18 at the door. RSVP at yjphouston.org/fcyashofar.
Baruch & Shani Shkerzi on the birth of a baby girl, Emanuel
SHABBOS MEVARCHIM PARSHAS MATOS-MAASEI
FRIDAY, JULY 10, TAMMUZ 25
7:30 pm Mincha & Shabbat Services
8:06 pm Shabbos Candle Lighting
RSVP for "Aggie" Shabbat Dinner www.yjphouston.org/shabbat250
SHABBOS, JUNE 11, TAMMUZ 26
8:00 am Shabbos Mevarchim Tehillim
9:30 am Chassidus
10:00 am Services
Shabbos Lunch Kiddush & Farbrengen sponsored by the Scheiner family in honor Alyssa'a birthday
8:05 pm Mincha
Ethics of our Fathers, Chapter 1
9:05 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends
Living Torah
SUNDAY, JULY 12, TAMMUZ 27
8:00 am Shacharis
MONDAY, JULY 13, TAMMUZ 28
6:45 am Shacharis
WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, ROSH CHODESH AV
6:45 am Shacharis
Followed by monthly Rosh Chodesh breakfast
THURSDAY, JULY 16, AV 2
6:45 am Shacharis