Updates

This Shabbos, we will have the distinct honor of having the directors of the newest Houston area Chabad House in The Heights, Rabbi Sholem & Aidele Vigler, who will be running the Chabad House in our absence! Rabbi Shmuly & Geula Gniwisch of Torah Day School will also be joining. Please join them for services, dinner and lunch and give them a warm Uptown reception!

Of all the fast days on the Jewish calendar, only one can ever occur on a Friday, as it does this year: the 10th of Tevet. Mincha includes a special Torah reading and the fast is observed heading into Shabbos, making Kiddush to break the fast. As such, Mincha will be earlier than usual, at 4:50 pm, with candle lighting at 5:09. The fast actually ends at 5:54 pm when the Maariv evening serivce is concluded followed by Kiddush. Please be on time, so the schedule can be followed accordingly!

This fast commemorates the beginning of the siege of Jerusalem which ultimately led to the destruction of the first Holy Temple.

The purpose of a fast day, in addition to being a day of mourning, is to inspire us to repair and correct the reason for the destruction in the first place.

The primary reason for the destruction of the Temple was discord and strife among the Jewish people. To that end, the siege of Jerusalem was actually the beginning of the remedy. By shuttering all entry and exit points of the city, the Babylonians forced its Jewish inhabitants to live with one another, providing them with the opportunity to come together as one. This was G-d’s way of sending a cure before the illness.

While at the time this was not actualized, and the destruction still followed, every year on the 10th of Tevet we are reminded of the need to be united, to come together and bring an end to this 2,000 year exile. This is especially significant this year, as Jewish communities have been coming together in unprecedented ways in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Israel, and in our own cities.

That’s why the fast can be observed on a Friday, even though all other fasts are postponed or the calendar is arranged so it would never occur: Going directly from fasting to the holy day of Shabbat is the most indicative expression of transforming the destruction into an opportunity for growth and redemption. May we indeed experience it this year, with the coming of Moshiach and the ultimate redemption, when all fast days will be transformed into days of joy and celebration!

Good Shabbos!

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie

We extend our condolences to Ady Fisberg Levine and Tanian Fisberg Cannon and family on the passing their father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

DON'T MISS AMAZING WEEKEND:

• Jan 12-14, 2024 - CYP Shabbat in NYC! - The CYP Shabbat Experience - Meet the People. Explore the Sites. Feel the Energy. Immerse yourself in an unforgettable Shabbat weekend alongside an all-star lineup and hundreds of young professionals from around the world. Register by Dec. 17 and save $100! Including accommodations, meals and local transportation with group  www.cypshabbat.nyc

Shabbos Parshas Vayigash

Friday, December 22, Fast of Asara B'Teves
4:50 pm Mincha with Torah Reading - PLEASE BE ON TIME 
Shabbos Candle Lighting at 5:09 pm
Fast Ends at 5:54 pm
As fasting on Shabbos is a prohibition, under these circumstances you should make kiddush as soon as possible, even if you are delayed until the "sixth hour" begins.
6:00 pm Shabbos Dinner - Kiddush breaking the Fast 
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner

Shabbos, December 23, 11 Teves
Chassidus at 9 am
Services at 10 am
Followed by Shabbos Lunch Kiddush & Farbrengen 
Mincha at 5:00 pm
Seder Niggunim
Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends at 6:07 pm
Living Torah

Good Shabbos!

As Chanukah comes to a close, we must continue to take its message along for the rest of the year. The lights of the menorah emphasize light, warmth, and unity, especially this year as the Jewish community continues to come together in unprecedented ways since the terror attacks of October 7.

The final days of Chanukah are in the Hebrew month of Tevet, which the Talmud describes as a month in which we share warmth with one another due to the winter cold. When it’s cold–and cold can be literally or figuratively–we are reminded of the importance of sharing our inner warmth with others. When it’s warm outside, it’s easier to overlook our responsibility of being there for one another, but when it’s cold outside, the inner warmth of our souls radiates and creates the desire to share.

So as we transition from the light of Chanukah into the rest of winter, we cannot allow the spirit of warmth and unity to wane. We must resolve to continue building on the days and weeks that preceded, making Jewish unity a permanent fixture in everything that we do. As we go about our lives, especially in the cold of winter, we warm ourselves up by sharing the light and warmth with those around us. And of course, the more we share with others, the warmer our own souls will become.

Wishing you and warm and bright Shabbat,

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie

The first night of Chanukah Community members gathered to "Light to Unite with Israel" at a GLOW CHANUKAH at the Park at Uptown Park in cooperation with the Uptown Houston District. It was fun for all ages with an Amazing Glow Show, Giant Glow Menorah Lighting, Fresh Donuts, Latkes, Gelt and Drinks. Children got to make greeting Cards for IDF Soldiers and a Chanukah Craft while watching the Chabad Outreach Car Menorah police escorted motorcade Drive-By! We thank our Proud Sponsor Stellar Bank. Last week we posted from Channel 2 and 26, we do not have the clip from Channel 13. Check out the pictures by Hagit Bibi here!

Celebrating Chanukah at “The Chocolate Factory” on the third night of Chanukah, Dec. 9, about 100 young Jewish professionals gathered at Chabad of Uptown. The Chanukah fun was hosted by YJP Houston with Rabbi Chaim and Chanie Lazaroff. The group enjoyed Chanukah with a chocolate-themed buffet, treats and drinks, while making Chanukah greeting cards for IDF soldiers. Many mitzvot opportunities and Jewish items were included in a raffle. Young professionals stayed well into the night, sharing the magic of Chanukah with their peers and great Chanukah music. Chocolate treats included dreidels made of chocolate, hot cocoa cocktails, a chocolate fountain and an Oompa Loompa Latke Bar. Read the full report on the JHV

Thank you Hagit Bibi Photography for the awesome pics!

Was wonderful to have a meaningful Lunch & Learn class on "Why Chanukah?" with engaging conversation surrounding the kabbalistic leaning and meanings of Chanukah and the history of the dedication of the Mishkan, the first and second Batei Hamikdash and re-dedication of the Beis Hamikdash in the story of Chanukah!

DON'T MISS AMAZING WEEKEND:

• Jan 12-14, 2024 - CYP Shabbat in NYC! - The CYP Shabbat Experience - Meet the People. Explore the Sites. Feel the Energy. Immerse yourself in an unforgettable Shabbat weekend alongside an all-star lineup and hundreds of young professionals from around the world. Register by Dec. 17 and save $100! Including accommodations, meals and local transportation with group  www.cypshabbat.nyc

Shabbos Parshas Mikeitz

Friday, December 15, 3 Teves
Shabbos Candle Lighting & Mincha 5:06 pm
Kabbalat Shabbat at 6:00 pm
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner

Shabbos, December 16, 4 Teves
Chassidus at 9 am
Services at 10 am
Followed by Shabbos Lunch Kiddush & Farbrengen 
Mincha at 5:00 pm
Seder Niggunim
Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends at 6:04 pm
Living Torah

Friday, December 22, Fast of 10 Tevet
Fast Begins at 5:53 am
4:50 pm Mincha with Torah Reading - PLEASE BE ON TIME 
Shabbos Candle Lighting at 5:09 pm
Fast Ends at 5:54 pm
As fasting on Shabbos is a prohibition, under these circumstances you should make kiddush as soon as possible, even if you are delayed until the "sixth hour" begins.
6:00 pm Shabbos Dinner - Kiddush breaking the Fast 

Happy Final Hours of Chanukah & Good Shabbos!

The Talmud describes the original purpose of lighting the Chanukah candles as a form of publicly acknowledging the great miracles G-d has done for His people. That’s where the tradition of lighting the menorah in our windows or doorways comes from, which has now expanded into putting up outdoor Chanukah displays including large menorahs in the most public places.

Moreover, the mitzvah to light Chanukah candles with a blessing is at night, when it’s dark outside, symbolizing our constant mandate to be a light in the darkness. When the world around us chooses to go dark, we respond with light. So the menorah doesn’t only light up our own homes, but we share the light with the world around us, hoping that it catches on and spurs a dramatic increase of goodness and illumination.

If ever there was a time for us to proudly display our Jewishness, now is that time. The atrocities we witnessed in Israel on October 7th, followed by alarming displays of antisemitism around the world, remind us that no amount of hiding who we are as Jews will satisfy our haters. They want us gone, and the last thing we should be doing is giving them what they want.

So this year I encourage you, if you don’t already, to light your menorah in the most visible spot possible, be it at a window, a door, or anywhere else that it will be seen by anyone passing by your home. Then, broaden the reach of your light by posting pictures of it on social media for all to see. And don’t forget that Chanukah is not just for kids. Every Jewish home should light candles each night of the holiday, even if your kids are grown and living on their own. Regardless of your age or your station in life, you have the ability to be the light!

We look forward to hosting the Berdichevsky family tonight for Shabbat dinner. Adam, with wife, Hila, and children Yam, Netta and Yuli from Kibbutz Nir Yitzchak faced a nightmare during the Hamas invasion in Gaza Strip on 10/7. After being rescued by the Israeli army, they became refugees and, due to conflict and antisemitism, champion Paralympic wheelchair tennis player Adam had to train in the USA. The Berdichevsky family arrived in Houston this week. Let's fgive them a warm welcome from our community!

Good Shabbos and Happy Chanukah!

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie

Rabbi Chaim had fun hanging  out at the Fox TV for not only Houston's morning news, but also for the after show! Check out the replays on our Chaukah YouTube playlist! 
News Anchors Denise Middleton and Sally MacDonald on Fox 26 Houston Morning News and then again with News Anchor Denise Middleton and Chief Meteorologist Mike Iscovitz for the lengthier after show as they hear about how Israel's situation adds significance, Hanukkah's primary focus is celebration. Rabbi Chaim Lazaroff of Chabad Houston, with his dreidels, contributes to the festivities.

Great turn out and tons of fun yesterday at the Glow Chanukah event, covered by Channels KPRC 2, ABC 13 & Fox 26! Pictures coming soon!

Upcoming Events:

• Friday, Dec. 10, 6 pm - Chanukah Shabbat Dinner hosting the Berdichevsky Family of Kibbutz Nir Yitzchak - Chanukah Shabbat Dinner Uptown style, where spirits run high! Candle lighting at 5 pm, Shabbat services followed by dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
• Saturday, Dec. 9, Third Night of Chanukah, 8:30 pm - YJP Houston Chanukah at the Chocolate Factory Light up Chanukah in style with Young Jewish Professionals 20s & 30s at the "Chocolate Factory"! Enjoy themed drinks, festive music, delectable treats and eats, sufganiyot, and latkes www.yjphouston.org/chocofactory. ALERT: There seems to be a problem for some people with the yjphouston.org website. Anyone with an issue buying tickets for the Chanukah in the Chocolate Factory, can buy tickets at this link.
• Tuesday, Dec. 12, 12-1:30 pm - December Chanukah Lunch & Learn - WHY CHANUKAH? Moses dedicated the Mishkan, Solomon dedicated the First Temple, but only the Hasmonean rededication became a festival we celebrate until today. Why? - RSVP
• Jan 12-14, 2024 - CYP Shabbat in NYC! - The CYP Shabbat Experience - Meet the People. Explore the Sites. Feel the Energy. Immerse yourself in an unforgettable Shabbat weekend alongside an all-star lineup and hundreds of young professionals from around the world. Register by Dec. 17 and save $100! Including accommodations, meals and local transportation with group  www.cypshabbat.nyc

Shabbos Mevarchim, Chanukah, Parshas Vayeishev

Friday, December 8, 25 Kislev, Second Night Chanukah
2nd Chanukah Candle THEN Shabbat Candle Lighting
Mincha 5:05 pm
Kabbalat Shabbat at 6:00 pm
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner with the Berdichevsky Family of Kibbutz Nir Yitzchak www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner

Shabbos, December 9, 26 Kislev
Shabbos Mevarchim Tehillim at 8:30 am
Services at 10 am
Followed by Shabbos Mevarchim Chanukah Lunch Kiddush & Farbrengen 
Mincha at 5:00 pm
Seder Niggunim
Maariv, Shul 3rd Chanukah Candles, Havdalla and Shabbos ends at 6:01 pm
Living Torah
At home, Havdalla first then Chanukah Candles
8:30 pm - YJP Houston Chanukah in the Chocolate Factorywww.yjphouston.org/chocofactory

Sunday, December 10, 27 Kislev, Chanukah Day 3
Shacharis at 8:00 am
In evening, light 4 candles

Monday-Friday, Dec. 11-15, 28 Kislev-3 Teves
Shacharis at 6:45 am

Wednesday, Rosh Chodesh Teves, Dec. 13
Shacharis at 6:45 am
Followed by monthly Rosh Chodesh Breakfast

Happy Chanukah & Good Shabbos!