Demolition continues at Chabad, it is great to see dust, bricks and birds flying! So appropriate as we
enter "The Three Weeks", mourning the destruction of the Temple, beginning with a fast this Sunday. In a post Holocaust generation, news reports sparked headlines around the world of the false findings of the Jewish population closely reaching pre holocaust numbers. Although it is only journalistic hyperbole, why the excitement? Because, as Jews we are taught that "Never Forget" is not as important as "Never Again". We look forward to a bigger and better shul to continue to support our growing programs and community! We focus not only on our past, but, on our future, destruction for the sake of renewal.
This Shabbos, 17 Tammuz, is usually a fast day. The fast day mourns the breaching of Jerusalem's walls and the other tragic events that occurred on Tammuz 17 and repenting and rectifying their causes. Because of the holiness of Shabbat, the fast of Tammuz 17 is this year postponed to Sunday, Tammuz 18. We refrain from all food and drink from "daybreak" (5:03 am in Houston) until nightfall (8:53 pm in Houston). Special prayers and Torah readings are added to the day's services.
This Shabbos is also July 4th, a very important legal birthdate of the US of A and of the Rabbi called Chaim. His Jewish birthday 'aint till Monday, 19 Tammuz, but here we have another opportunity for celebration. Join other young professionals for 4th of July "First Fridays" (PLEASE RSVP!) and all community members are welcome to join for l'chaims at Kiddush on Shabbos day after davening at 10 am.
- It is customary to get an aliya on the Shabbos before one's birthday. As summer travels has many absent, please let us know if we can count on you for a minyan.
Shabbos Parshas Balak
Friday, July 3
Services at 7:30 pm
Candle Lighting at 8:08 pm - RSVP for YJP July 4 #FirstFridays
Shabbos, July 4
Chassidus at 9 am
Services at 10 am
Followed by Kiddush & Farbrengen
Mincha at 8:05 pm
Maariv, Havdalla & Shabbos Ends at 9:07 pm
Living Torah
Sunday, July 5
Fast of 17 Tammuz (observed)
Fast begins 5:03 am
Shacharis at 8:30 am
No breakfast in observance of fast
Fast ends 8:53 pm
Have a good Shabbos!
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie