It's a great song, but perhaps we can peel away some of what may seem is happening on the surface. Chassidus digs into the subject a little deeper. With doing so, we can answer another timely question many have been asking me. How do you deal with people you strongly disagree with? Avrohom leads a life filled with dealing with antagonists and those who represent complete opposites of his strong self-developed beliefs. Not just his community, but also with his family, and those he loves most. How did he deal with it? How does he survive it? Can his love for his family, community and humanity synch up with his life priorities and love for Hashem? On the surface, the narrative of our Parsha Lech Lecha, it seems he is often running away from them. First we start with "Lech Lecha" itself. Hashem tells him to pack up your bags and leave your birthplace and those who trouble you and make a new life for yourself - he seems to be leaving his past behind. Later, once again, he gets rid of the people he has trouble with. He tells his nephew Lot, let's separate, you go left and I go right or if you go right and I will go left. It sounds like a total separation. We don't see things the same way, your right is my left while my left is your right. We simply just don't get each other. Yet, Rashi completely changes our literal understanding of the verse and says that Avrohom was really saying "where you will be, I will not distance myself from you and I will be for you as a shield and helper". Indeed, Rashi points out that, in the end Lot needed Avrohom to rescue him from captivity. Avrohom engaged with everyone, even though he lived a completely different lifestyle and choices than those he may have encountered. Yet, he made sure that they had common ground. Yes, we may have completely different positions on the issue, yet, at least we feel passionately about the same issue. So the next time you feel the urge to "unfriend" someone, consider this: sometimes, just like Avrohom, you do need to "Lech Lecha" and leave your (personal) past behind. Yet, Chassidus teaches us that it is not erasing your troubled past, but transcending it. Concurrently, we can also be like Avrohom, and love and respect each other. We all care for our environment, country, religion, health, family, education and Israel. We may have different ways of getting there and totally disagree with the friend or loved one's point of view. But, let's learn from the physical embrace, and perhaps paraphrasing from Avrohom's expression, where my right is your left and your left is my right. With wishes for a peaceful weekend and Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Chaim THIS WEEK Shabbos kiddush this week is sponsored by Steven and Sandra Finkelman in honor of their daughter, Marissa. SHABBOS PARSHAS LECH LECHA Friday, Cheshvan 12 - October 30 Shabbos, Cheshvan 13 - October 31 CHANGE YOUR CLOCKS! Sunday, Cheshvan 14, November 1 Tuesday Thursday
Today my daughter shared with me a new song she found "Lech Lecha" by Joey Newcomb. She is always trying to find songs that match the Parsha to play when they are doing a Parsha project with her class. The chorus is catchy and rings true, "sometimes, you gotta leave the past behind".
What is really going on? Revisit six seemingly absurd stories you likely remember from Hebrew school. Uncover their hidden themes and eye-opening insights into the mysteries of life. 6 Tuesdays, Nov 3rd - Dec 8th 2020 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM. Class will be given in person with appropriate social distancing and by Zoom. As we are in unusual times, this will all depend on the numbers of registering students. For video trailer, more info and to register click here
Dreamers presents a group of artists, masters of this subconscious realm, who have turned their dreams into a mine for artistic inspiration. Whether beautiful or challenging, their works of art speak of alternate realities, where lines do not need a beginning nor an ending. We will meet at and tour the gallery (located on the center square, near valet) . After the tour we will walk next door to YJP Houston Hdqtrs for an outdoor dinner on the new plaza. RSVP required to Chanie via text 713-419-3960
Candle Lighting at 6:18 pm
Mincha and Kabbalat Shabbat at 6:20 pm
Evening Shema after 7:01 pm
Chassidus on the Plaza at 9 am
Shacharis at 10:00 am
Latest Morning Shema at 10:18 am
Mincha at 6:20 pm
Maariv, Havdalla & Shabbos Ends at 7:12 pm
Living Torah
Shacharis at 8:30 am
VIRTUAL & DISTANCED IN-PERSON CLASSES
www.chabaduptown.org/liveclass
12:00 pm - Parsha Class
Wednesday
8 PM YJP ART EXHIBIT, CLASS & DINNER
12:00 pm - Kitzur Shulchan Aruch - Jewish Law
8:00 pm - Chassidus - Derech Mitzvosecha
Updates
Thoughts, notes and happenings...
the art of (un)friending
YJP Houston: Movie, Art and Shabbat
Where young Jewish professionals connect Upcoming Events Wednesday, October 28, 8 pm - Young Abraham The Movie Wednesday, November 4 - Dreamers Group Art Exhibition Friday, Nov 6 - First Fridays on The Plaza Pave the Way for the YJP Houston Plaza!
in a sophisticated, welcoming, and relaxed setting
with a spirited vibe
Join together to watch this powerful animated film that touches on the core values and lessons of monotheism followed by meaningful group conversation and commentary. RSVP required to Chanie via text 713-419-3962
A tour of the cuurent exhibition at Lara Rathe Fine Art Gallery in River Oaks District
Dreamers presents a group of artists, masters of this subconscious realm, who have turned their dreams into a mine for artistic inspiration. Whether beautiful or challenging, their works of art speak of alternate realities, where lines do not need a beginning nor an ending. We will meet at the gallery (located on the center square, near valet) . After the tour we will walk next door to YJP Houston Hdqtrs for an outdoor dinner on the new plaza. RSVP required to Chanie via text 713-419-3962
Join Young Jewish Professionals, ages 21-39, over a physically distanced and individually served outdoor Shabbat Dinner on the Uptown Plaza. Shabbat Candle Lighting: 5:13PM Masked Friday Night Services: 6:00PM Outdoor Shabbat Dinner: 7:00PM. LIMITED SEATING OCCUPANCY. RSVP REQUIRED. Masks required indoors or outdoors within 6 ft outside of your pod www.yjphouston.org/plazashabbat $18 until Thursday, $25 after Use promo code: advance
The beautiful outdoor place has paved the way to make a large outdoor space for outdoor services and programs as listed above for increased capacity and safety, keeping to the health guidelines at this time. We are all dedicated to serving our community - and now your support will help build a bright Jewish future, together. It is not too late to help fund this important cause! www.chabaduptown.org/pavetheway
this is undebatable
Kabbalistic teachings of the Flood of Noach is that it refers to the turbulence of life. Noach did not allow his environment to influence him, he was "a Tzaddik in his generation". In American life today there seems to be a lot of turbulence and turmoil. It is to the point that many are seemingly almost completely unhinged in their staked out positions in areas of politics, pandemic, Jewish or Israel. The posture affects their ability to not only function, but to maintain their most important relationships. Perhaps now, more than ever, we can find some guidance from the common ancestor of all of today's humanity, Noach.
Shlomo Hamelech writes (Shir Hashirim 8:7), "raging waters cannot extinguish the love". In the moving Maamar of the Rebbe from Noach, 5738 (1977) he describes, expands and expounds how the raging waters of life's turbulence can not distract and extinguish the love that the Jewish nation has for Hashem. This is true naturally, for the holy soul each one has. How much more so with one that has meditates and has the knowledge of their own innate goodness tethered to focus and act on what truly matters.
Yesterday, 3 Cheshvan, was the yartzeit of the Holy Ruzhiner. Chanie's father, Rabbi Shlomo Galperin, recounts that his teacher, Rabbi Mottel Kazliner, would often relate his personal account of preserving the holy Kever, the burial site, of this great Tzaddiik and his sons. This was somewhere during the years of 1946-1957 when there was great turbulence of the Soviet threat against all Jewish life and culture. Reb Mottel creatively acme up with a way to secure the holy site in a way that no one should even bother to try to desecrate, dismantle or destroy it. Under great personal risk and danger he acquired a massive amount of cement. Under Soviet rule any purchase or moving of building material had to be explained, especially one of such a large amount. What do you need it for? Where did you get the money from? What is the purpose? Baruch Hashem, he successfully procured the cement and with his own hands built a massive monument that would bezrat Hashem withstand the test of time. The large monument still stands, although in more recent years updated with beautiful finishings, a Shul etc.
Reb Mottel was tethered to the purpose of the Jewish people. He did not allow the environment he was in to define his purpose in life.
Let's learn from rising above the distracting life, as Noach above the flood, Reb Mottel above the Soviets and all of us above 2020.
Good Shabbos!
Do a Mitzvah! Sponsor a Shabbat to Go for a senior, homebound, or Healthcare worker. chabaduptown.org/shabbattogo
Upcoming JLI Course: Secrets of the Bible A lush garden...a snake...forbidden fruit...temptation...the sin of knowledge...shame...mortality...
What is really going on? Revisit six seemingly absurd stories you likely remember from Hebrew school. Uncover their hidden themes and eye-opening insights into the mysteries of life. 6 Tuesdays, Nov 3rd - Dec 8th 2020 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM. Class will be given in person with appropriate social distancing and by Zoom. As we are in unusual times, this will all depend on the numbers of registering students. For video trailer, more info and to register click here
Throughout the ages, the location of Noah’s Ark has been a subject of fascination, with some even claiming to have found it. more…
Shabbos dinner this week is sponsored in part by Sarah Ann Goldstein, in memory of her brother Shmuel ben Nassan Goldberg, a"h to whose name the Uptown Community Torah is dedicated - Yartzeit 7 Cheshvan.
Shabbos kiddush this week is sponsored by Guitel and Moshe Melnik in memory of her father, Enrique Tzvi ben Mordechai, a"h
Mazel tov Jose & Viviane Cohen on the birth of grandson in Florida!
SHABBOS PARSHAS NOACH
Friday, Cheshvan 4 - October 22
Candle Lighting at 6:24 pm
Mincha and Kabbalat Shabbat at 6:30 pm
Evening Shema after 7:07 pm
Shabbos, Cheshvan 5 - October 23
Chassidus on the Plaza at 9 am
Shacharis at 10:00 am
Latest Morning Shema at 10:15 am
Mincha at 6:25 pm
Maariv, Havdalla & Shabbos Ends at 7:17 pm
Kiddush Levana
Living Torah
Sunday, Cheshvan 6, October 24
Shacharis at 8:30 am
VIRTUAL & DISTANCED IN-PERSON CLASSES
www.chabaduptown.org/liveclass
Tuesday
12:00 pm - Parsha Class
Wednesday
8 PM YJP CLASS in person on the Plaza - YOUNG ABRAHAM, movie screening, dinner and conversation
Thursday
12:00 pm - Kitzur Shulchan Aruch - Jewish Law
8:00 pm - Chassidus - Derech Mitzvosecha
it's time to begin!
We are so thankful to Hashem to have been able to conduct in-person services and Yom Tov davening and celebrations now for several months and the community have been very careful with distancing and masks as advised by our medical advisors. We are even more thankful to be able to return this week to in-person classes & individually packaged dinners for young professionals on the plaza. This week we will discuss "When Life Brings You Floodwaters, do they wash away or wash up?". If you intend to join, RSVP is required by texting Chanie at 713-419-3962. (Virtual classes also continue as listed below). Let's get this started with this new beginning this Shabbos and let it carry us throughout the year! Thank you Andrew and Hank Goldstein and Grant Caplan for helping take down the Sukkah schach! SHABBOS MEVARCHIM MARCHESHVAN PARSHAS BEREISHIS Shabbos, Tishrei 29 - October 17 Sunday, Rosh Chodesh Marchehvan, Tishrei 30, October 18 Tuesday Thursday
The Shabbos after Simchas Torah is Shabbat Bereishis -- "Shabbat of Beginning" -- the first Shabbat of the annual Torah reading cycle, on which the Torah section of Bereishis ("In the Beginning") is read. The weekly Torah reading is what defines the Jewish week, serving as the guide and point of reference for the week's events, deeds and decisions; Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi called this "living with the times." Hence the theme and tone of this week is one of beginning and renewal, as we launch into yet another cycle of Torah life. The Rebbes of Chabad would say: "As one establishes oneself on Shabbat Bereishis, so goes the rest of the year."
Friday, Tishrei 28- October 16
Candle Lighting at 6:31 pm
Mincha and Kabbalat Shabbat at 6:30 pm
Evening Shema after 7:14 pm
Shabbos Mevarchim Tehillim at 8:30 am
Shacharis at 10:00 am
Latest Morning Shema at 10:14 am
Mincha at 6:30 pm
Maariv, Havdalla & Shabbos Ends at 7:24 pm
Living Torah
Rosh Chodesh Shacharis at 8:30 am
VIRTUAL & DISTANCED IN-PERSON CLASSES
www.chabaduptown.org/liveclass
12:00 pm - Parsha Class
Wednesday
8 PM YJP CLASS in person on the Plaza
12:00 pm - Kitzur Shulchan Aruch - Jewish Law
8:00 pm - Chassidus - Derech Mitzvosecha
Simchas Torah (at home)
Dear Friends,
Hope this finds you well. Right now we're dealing with prepping foods and plans for a limited distanced Corona-safe Simchas Torah in-person, but we were thinking of how many of you will be home for Simchas Torah this year and wanted to share the following with you. The earlier links in the information below are to online inspirational articles, and the 3-page PDF under "The Prayers, Verses, Sample Songs" may be helpful. If so, please download and print it before Shabbat and the holiday begins.
If you intend to attend Simchas Torah in person, please keep to all of the safety protocols listed here and announced in shul. To make sure we are properly prepared for Simchas Torah, registration is required here. Please let us know if you are attending the evening or daytime services or both.
MANY WILL BE HOME THIS YEAR
Even Synagogues that are now open for in-person services have many limitations and restrictions. We know that, for a variety of reasons, many of our local friends and those that are now living elsewhere will not be able to celebrate this most joyous holiday with the community in person. But community or not, synagogue or not, it is still Simchas Torah and we must celebrate. We'll try to list below a number of different ways, suggestions & resources along with inspiration to meaningfully celebrate at home with family, or even alone, as some of us will be celebrating this holiday alone in dorms, apartments, homes etc.
SAVE THE DATE!
Simchat Torah 2020 (5781) falls Saturday night October 10th through Sunday October 11th. Your festivities (and yes, no matter where we are or with whom we are - we should have festivities) can be either on Saturday night or Sunday during the day, or ideally both.
FIRST, THE FIRST QUESTION
In early August 2020, as we were preparing for Tishrei re-opening during Covid, a visiting young member came by to say hello. We were outside and he asked was: "Rabbi Chaim, what will be with Simchas Torah!?" I was blown away, uplifted! Imagine this being the first question of a young man, two months before the holiday... Indeed, Simchas Torah with its exuberant dancing, loud singing, increasing closeness - this is especially challenging during Corona.
NO TORAH SCROLL?
The vast majority of people don't have their own Torah scrolls at home (though we do know of rare examples of members who do!). But most do have a Jewish book of learning, perhaps a Chumash or even a Siddur, some book of Jewish texts. We can dance with a book like that. The current situation brings to mind a story about the Rebbe's father dancing with a Jewish text on a Simchat Torah night in a bitter lonely exile. Rebbetzin Chana wrote about it in her diaries. Our brother in law Rabbi Mendel Rubin, wrote about it here in this article about his Hakafot Niggun for Chabad.org but the whole article is actually really relevant now. So go ahead and dance while holding a Jewish book, it is most appropriate. For those who have children at home there's also this beautiful Abe Foxman's post-Holocaust story about dancing with children instead of a Torah scroll. And for couples, one of our favorite Baal Shem Tov stories is the story of the Friday night dance of Shabse and Mrs. Bookbinder, which tells the story behind the birth of the Koznitzer Maggid, an ancestor of one of our alumni. To see one version of the Bookbinder story, click on the Look Inside feature of this Amazon book, its on pages 3-5)
YOUR FAVORITE JEWISH SONGS
Whether you know many Jewish songs or just a few, there has to be a couple of Jewish songs that you know. Sing them! It doesn't have to be formally connected with Simchat Torah. The Sukkahleh Song will do. Sing Hoshiya es Amecha, David Melech Yisrael, Am Yisrael Chai, Al Tirah, whatever you've got. At Chabad of Uptown we like to change it up between fast songs and slow songs, old songs, newer songs, they can be in Hebrew or in English, some with interaction, some with added inflection, make it your own. See this 3-page PDF of Hakafot Verses with a list of sample songs to jog your memory.
DO DANCE!
They say a fancy term for solo-dancing is Pas-Seul. Even if just for a bit, we have to lift our feet and do a little dancing on Simchat Torah. Don't feel like it? Not in the mood? No matter! Dance a little anyways! If others are home with you, dance with them or dance alone, but a Jew has to dance a little on Simchat Torah - it is very good for our soul!
L'CHAIM!
Simchat Torah is one of those holidays when its traditional to make a toast, to drink a little something (healthy, safe, moderation, of course) to get your feet dancing. For those 21+ you can do 
this literally, for those under age 21, think of mental/emotional ways to let go a little, to throw yourself into it, to warm up and be energized. One method is "to get drunk on people's faces". Get excited and enthused from people's stories, their life experiences, their participation & involvement, their steps and movement in the complex dance of life. But whatever method, we can't stay on the observer sidelines on Simchat Torah, apathetic and indifferent. We have to throw ourselves into it, even if we are the one only ones present! -- Note that even in adult communities where alcohol is usually served on Simchat Torah many are holding back this year to ensure careful adherence to distancing guidelines, but if you're home anyways, and over 21+, a little (jelly-bean holder of) L'chaim could be in order. It can even be over a glass of wine, grape-juice, a even a celebratory cup of seltzer! As long as it is spirited!
THE PRAYERS, VERSES, SAMPLE SONGS
Here is a clear order of all of the Shemini Atzeret & Simchas Torah prayers to be said in quarantine with page numbers from the Kehot Annotated Siddur. See here for a perspective for those saying yizkor at home. To make your yizkor donation in memory of a loved one, click here. See the Simchat Torah page in a Siddur for the verses traditionally recited on Simchat Torah before the Hakafot, and the verses designated for each of the seven Hakafot. You don't need a Minyan to say them, and they can be said at home as well. See this PDF of Hakafot Verses, or try this 3-page PDF of Hakafot Verses with a list of sample songs to jog your memory.
a list of sample songs to jog your memory, and other Shabbos House Simchat Torah classics.- download and print for use before Shabbat and the holiday.
FLAGS FOR KIDS
This idea is for families with young children. An old tradition is for children to make Torah flags and wave them aloft on Simchas Torah. This year it may be even more energizing! These flags should be colored/made before the onset of the Shabbat and holiday weekend. Some of these flag templates can be downloaded online, but any Torah-related design will do! Personalized and homemade is best!
A FESTIVE MEAL
It is a Jewish holiday after all. Make it special, pull out the stops, eat and enjoy a festive holiday meal. It is the closing to the long holiday season and the sendoff to the year ahead!
May we all have a joyous and festive SImchas Torah, happy and healthy, uplifting and invigorating - we all need it!
RELATED:
On Simchat Torah, a Jew Never Dances Alone
No synagogue, no scroll, no circles of Jews whirling and twirling together, dancing with the Torah. Nope—just you and your lonesome, in the privacy of your own home, dancing with whatever book of Torah you might pick up off the shelf. more…
Tonight and tomorrow is Hoshana Rabba. The seventh day of Sukkot is called "Hoshana Rabbah" and is considered the final day of the divine "judgment" in which the fate of the new year is determined.
Hoshanah Rabbah observances include:
- The Psalm L'David Hashem Ori, which has been added to our daily prayer since the 1st of Elul, is recited for the last time today.
- It is customary to remain awake on the night preceding Hoshanah Rabbah and study Torah. We recite the entire Book of Deuteronomy and the Book of Psalms. In some congregations it is a custom for the Gabbai (synagogue manager) to distribute apples (signifying a "sweet year") to the congregants.
- In addition to the Four Kinds taken every day of Sukkot, it is a "Rabbinical Mitzvah", dating back to the times of the Prophets, to take an additional aravah, or willow, on the 7th day of Sukkot. In the Holy Temple, large, 18-foot willow branches were set around the altar. Today, when we take the Four Kinds and carry them around the reading table in the synagogue during the "Hoshaanot" prayers, we make seven circuits around the table (instead of the daily one), and recited a lengthier prayer. At the conclusion of the Hoshaanot we strike the ground five times with a bundle of five willows, symbolizing the "tempering of the five measures of harshness." Link: The Willow (on the deeper significance of the mitzvah of aravah).
- A festive meal (with kreplach) is eaten in the Sukkah. We dip the bread in honey (as we did in each festive meal since Rosh Hashanah) for the last time.
- It is the last occasion on which we recite the special blessing for eating in the sukkah. Let us know if you would like to come by to book your own private and social distanced time in the sukkah. The biblical commandment to dwell in the sukkah is only for seven days (though it is the practice of many communities -- and such is the Chabad custom -- that, outside of the Land of Israel, we eat in the sukkah also on the 8th day, Shemini Atzeret).
Hoshana Rabba, Shemini Atzeret & Simchat Torah
Friday. Oct. 9 - Hoshana Rabba
- 7:30 am Morning Service and Hashanos
Fri., Oct. 9 - Shemini Atzeret
- 6:39 pm Light Shabbat & Holiday Candles
- 6:40 pm Mincha & Evening Services Hakafot-celebratory dancing - This one is only the warm up - to connect with Israel! (See main hakafot below).
Shabbos, Oct. 10 -
Shemini Atzeret & Simchat Torah
- 10:00 am Morning Services
- 12:15 pm Yizkor
- Teffilas Geshem
- Say Goodbye to Sukkah
- 6:40 pm Mincha & Evening Services Grand Hakafot-celebratory dancing - This one is the real deal!
Corona-Safe Kiddush Sponsored by the Shamooelian Family
- After 7:32 pm Light Holiday Candles
Sun., Oct. 11 - Simchat Torah
- 10:00 am Morning Services
Hakafot-celebratory dancing
Corona-Safe Kiddush Sponsored by the Shamooelian Family
Mincha after Hakafot
- 7:30 pm Maariv, Havdalla & Holiday Ends
YJP HOUSTON: BBQ Sukkah, Simchas Torah Under Stars
Upcoming Events Monday, October 5 - BBQ in the Sukkah Saturday, October 12 - Simchas Torah Under the Stars Starting Oct. 14 Wednesdays at 8 pm - Torah & Dinner on the Plaza Pave the Way for the YJP Houston Plaza!
Where young Jewish professionals connect
in a sophisticated, welcoming, and relaxed setting
with a spirited vibe
Shake the Lulav & Esrog (until 7 pm) and grab a bite in the sukkah (while supplies last :)) Limited space with social distance protocols in place ADVANCE RSVP REQUIRED – Tickets www.yjphouston.org/bbqsukkah
It's distancing times, but, the show must go on! Join a Simchas Torah with distanced dancing, individually packaged food, l'chaims and snacks while outdoors and under the stars! 6:40 PM Services, 7:45 PM Kiddush & Hakafot. Complete Shmeni Atzeret / Simchat Torah Schedule at chabaduptown.org/joy
Wednesday In Person Classes are Back! Weekly Contemporary Jewish Classes for Young Professionals Come discuss, agree, disagree, mingle and network with other young Jewish professionals, singles and couples at series of classes / discussions on contemporary themes! Class, discussion and FREE DINNER!
The beautiful outdoor plance has paved the way to make a large outdoor space for outdoor services and programs as listed above for increased capacity and safety, keeping to the health guidelines at this time. We are all dedicated to serving our community - and now your support will help build a bright Jewish future, together. It is not too late to help fund this important cause! www.chabaduptown.org/pavetheway
Celebrating your marriage
I am to My Beloved
As the summer heat begins to wane and the winds of the month of Elul are blowing we look deeply within ourselves, as a “dating period”, a courtship with Hashem our beloved. We are taught by our sages that in the month of Elul, Hashem is in the field and is accessible to all, showing us a welcoming face and open posture. Throughout Jewish literature, Hashem is like the groom and we, the Jewish people, are the bride. We can look at the High holidays as milestones in a renewed and reinvigorated relationship.
Mazel tov! The Elul dating has brought us to the Rosh Hashana engagement! Here comes the coronation of our people as His bride, commiting to be engaged for the upcoming year, in a spiritual “engagement” with Hashem. We celebrate Rosh Hashana when we are declaring and crowning Hashem as our king. Commitment brings a stronger sense of love, sweetness, dreams and hopes. Each new mitzvah resolution one commit’s to do for their beloved, makes them feel more connected than ever. Just Hashem and the person is in a new relationship, counting down the days until we tie the knot!
On Yom Kippur, the wedding day is here, as the bride arrives dressed in the customary beautiful white clothing. The “bride” is fasting for the day, as we prepare for the holiest of moments entering into Hashem’s chamber. Just as under the chuppah when all the blessings are showered upon the bride and groom, so too on Yom Kippur we beseech on high that we be blessed, and our fate be sealed, with revealed good. The final prayer of Neilah is perhaps the highest level of spiritual intimacy that we achieve, becoming one with G-d.
Now, after the wedding on Yom Kippur, it is time to celebrate the seven days of “Sheva Brachot”! Just as is the custom following a wedding, that we dance and sing and rejoice with the groom and bride for seven days, so too we are given the great celebration of the seven days of Sukkos and culminating with the unbridled joy on Simchas Torah. We celebrate with great joy as we are completely united with our beloved.
May we all merit to experience the true and original meaning of the famous saying of Ani Ldodo v’Dodi Li, I am to be beloved and my beloved is to me.
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie
- Thank you Jose Cohen and Emilio Van Dam for all of your help with setting up the sukkah!
- Mazel tov to Elchonon and Dr. Naomi Reizes on the birth of a baby boy!
CELEBRATE WITH YOUR BELOVED:
- Reply to this email with your desired date and time to book your own private and social distanced time in the sukkah..
- Young Jewish Professionals 20's and 30's, shake the Lulav & Esrog (until 7 pm) and grab a bite in the sukkah (while supplies last :)) Limited space with social distance protocols in place ADVANCE RSVP REQUIRED – $10 - www.yjphouston.org/bbqsukkah.
- It's distancing times, but, the show must go on! Join a Simchas Torah with distanced dancing, individually packaged food, l'chaims and snacks while outdoors and under the stars! 6:40 PM Services, 7:45 PM Kiddush & Hakafot. Complete Shmeni Atzeret / Simchat Torah Schedule here: www.chabaduptown.org/joy
Shabbos Sukkot First Days
Friday, Oct. 2
- 6:47 pm Light Shabbat Holiday Candles
- 6:45 pm Mincha & Evening Services
Shabbos, First Day of Sukkos, Oct. 3
NO LULAV & ESROG ON SHABBOS
- 10:00 am Morning Services
- 10:11 am Latest Shema
- 6:45 pm Mincha & Evening Services (Maariv)
- After 7:40 pm Light Holiday Candles
Sunday, Second Day of Sukkos, Oct. 4
- 7:17 am Netz - Earliest Lulav & Esrog
- 10:00 am Morning Services
- 10:11 am Latest Shema
- Lulav & Etrog Available for public use
- 6:45 pm Mincha
- 7:38 pm Maariv, Havdalla (in Sukkah) and Holiday Ends
Chol Hamoed Sukkos, Mon., Oct. 5-Friday, Oct. 9
- 7:30 am Shacharis
- Lulav & Etrog Available for public use
Monday, Oct. 6
YJP Houston BBQ in the Sukkah