Sometimes weekly emails go out on Sunday!

Two chassidim from Odessa once traveled to their rebbe in pursuit of a blessing. In a private audience, the first one was asked, “How are things in Odessa? Are the young people pious? Are they passionate in their service of G‑d?”

The chassid gave great reviews, and left with many blessings. Upon exiting the rebbe’s room, he described his encounter to his fellow countryman who was on his way in to see the Rebbe.

The second chassid from Odessa was asked the same questions as the first. In his response, he painted a very bleak picture. “The young people in town lack spiritual refinement, and idle away their time. Their prayer is listless, and their study lacks enthusiasm . . .” When he finished his depressing report, the rebbe signaled that their meeting was over.

Disturbed that he hadn’t received a blessing, he exclaimed, “But Rebbe, how is that fair? My friend gives you a romanticized report about Odessa and walks out with a blessing, and I give you the honest, albeit brutal, account and leave emptyhanded?”

The rebbe responded, “Do you think I don’t know the spiritual state of affairs in Odessa? What I was really asking your friend and then yourself was: what is your spiritual state of affairs in Odessa . . . ?”

Wishing you an uplifting week!

Rabbi Mendy & Mussy

p.s. As always, we would love to chat with you over coffee or drinks, about Judaism, or just life - reply to this email.

YOU are invited - Save the Date

YJP 10 Year GALA - March 30

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Weekly Shabbat Services

• Shabbat morning services 10:15 am
• Torah discussion and reading 11:00 am
• Followed by Kiddush and Cholent

Torah Study

2/7 - First Fridays February

2/11 - New Moon Circle: Focaccia Garden Beads

2/17 - Bake Like Bubby: Challah Bake

2/25 - One Dor Over Happy Hour at Punch Bowl Social Domain

Open Shabbat at SXSW March 7

rsvp here - more details to come

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Shabbat, Beshalach

Light your candles at 5:55 pm

in Austin, TX

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