Mount Sinai was not the highest and most splendid mountain. In fact, it is described as being the lowest of all the mountains which might have been chosen.

G‑d chose Mount Sinai for the Giving of the Torah in order to teach an important message: Humility is a prerequisite to the Torah.

When receiving guidance from G-d, we need the ability to listen. 

That is a rare quality - usually our own ego gets in the way. We hear our own ideas, not what the Torah is saying. Humility lets us be receptive to the learn and grow. 

But if the emphasis is on humility, why choose a mountain at all? Wouldn't the message have been more keenly felt if the Torah were given on a flat plain, or even better, in a valley?

While humility is important, there are also many occasions in Jewish life when a more determined and forceful approach is needed. 

Personal self-sacrifice, steadfastness in the face of ridicule or contempt, and the readiness to stand up for Judaism in spite of it all, are responses that are sometimes required.

If one were to waver in observance of a Jewish law simply because of the derisive criticism of others, there would soon not be much Judaism left at all!

We need both qualities: humility and strength. The ability to listen, and also the firmness to be able to stand up against the current.

Wishing you an uplifting Shabbat,

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.

THIS SUNDAY -----

See you there: Celebration and Chinese Dinner - Free RSVP

Celebrating the rededication of a century-old Torah on Sunday, May 21 at 6:00 pm.

You are invited to the party! Come dance and eat delicious food and celebrate our beautiful community.

Dedications and free RSVPs can be found at yjpaustin.org/torah

the RSVP is the last option on the list of dedications.

Of interest:

New, handwritten Maimonides texts discovered at Cambridge University Library

Why Do Jews Have So Many Books?

Codex Sassoon acquired for ANU Museum of the Jewish People for $38.1 million

We couldn't decide which cheesecake recipe to share in honor of Shavuot so we turned to AI technology for help…

CheesecakeWizard.ai serves up 64,000+ free variations of personalized kosher gourmet cheesecake recipes :)

  Upcoming Events: 

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Weekly Shabbat Services: 



• Shabbat morning services 10:20 am
• Torah discussion and reading 11:00 am (sharp)
• Followed by Kiddush and Cholent

5/21: Torah Dedication and buffet dinner at 6:00 PM

5/23: New MoonCircle Tuesday - FLORAL

5/26: Shavuot 10 Commandments and Ice Cream Party Friday

www.yjpaustin.org/shavuot

🌱 Chai Society: 

Special thanks to the Chai Society members who donate monthly to support YJP events and activities.

Yankee Andrusierׁ • Ronit Baum • Carolina Bueno • Marc Cooper • Nate Firebaugh • Aviva Frank • Paulina Flasch • Matt Ford • Pavel Gitnik • Sarah Guccione • Max Goldberg • Ari & Sandra Hoffman • Noah Kagan • Ben Marchiony • Michael Nadel • Yoni Oettinger • Noah Sinai • Daniel Speiss • Cindy & Mark Sichel • Dustin Tropp • Chaim & Amanda Pollak • Avremi Zippel

Join the Chai Society here - make a monthly donation and support the programs and events you love.

Together, we’re High Energy!

Shabbat Bamidbar

Light your candles at 8:02 pm

in Austin, TX

Shabbat Shalom, friend!

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