The month of Elul, which begins this Shabbat, is the final month of the Jewish calendar year. As with any conclusion, it is time to take stock, look back at the past year, and examine our behavior.
The purpose of stocktaking is twofold. Of course, a big part of it is the opportunity to repent and make amends for the past. But more importantly, it's a time to focus on the future. With the High Holidays around the corner, and a new year about to begin, we are blessed with the opportunity to start over.
During this month of stocktaking, G‑d is more approachable than ever. Like a king who leaves the confines of his palace to roam the fields meeting and greeting his constituents, in Elul G‑d is easily available to all of us.
We can put the past behind us and look towards the future, which we are certain will include a year full of blessings—with the ultimate blessing, the Final Redemption and the coming of Moshiach!
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie
P.S. Our High Holidays www.chabaduptown.org/services
IN THE FAMILY
The Chabad of Uptown community extends its sincere condolences to Dr. Jerald Simmon & Family upon the passing of their dear mother and grandmother Tzipora bas Yaakov, ע"ה, Frances June Simmons.
Mazel tov to the Sherman and Zilberfayn families on the bar mitzvah celebration of Lev Sherman this weekend!
ELUL CUSTOMS
- L'David Hashem Ori Daily - The psalm L'David Hashem Ori (Psalm 27) is recited at the end of the morning and afternoon prayers. This special addition is recited throughout the month of Elul and the High Holiday season, until Hoshanah Rabbah (Tishrei 21) -- a total of 50 days. Links: Psalm 27, The High Holiday Anthem.
- Introspection and Stocktaking - As the last month of the Jewish year, Elul is traditionally a time to review one's deeds and spiritual progress over the past year and prepare for the upcoming "Days of Awe" of Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur. As the month of Divine Mercy and Forgiveness it is a most opportune time for teshuvah ("return" to G-d), prayer, charity, and increased Ahavat Yisrael (love for a fellow Jew) in the quest for self-improvement and coming closer to G-d. Chassidic master Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi likens the month of Elul to a time when "the king is in the field" and, in contrast to when he is in the royal palace, "everyone who so desires is permitted to meet him, and he receives them all with a cheerful countenance and shows a smiling face to them all."
- Daily sounding of the shofar - The ram's horn is blown as a call to repentance.
- Three daily Psalms - The Baal Shem Tov instituted the custom of reciting three additional chapters of Psalms each day, from the 1st of Elul until Yom Kippur (on Yom Kippur the remaining 36 chapters are recited, thereby completing the entire book of Psalms).
- Sofer Checking - Elul is also the time to have one's tefillin and mezuzahs checked by an accredited scribe to ensure that they are in good condition and fit for use. Once again, as in the past 18 years, expert sofer Rabbi Faitel Lewin will be coming to Houston to check mezuzos and tefillin, from from 9:00 am, Tuesday, Elul 17 (Sept 13), through 2:00 pm Thursday, Elul 19 (Sept. 15) at Chabad Lubavitch Center, 10900 Fondren Road. According to halacha, mezuzos should be checked twice every seven years. Some have the custom to inspect mezuzos and tefillin annually.
- Good Year Greetings - From the beginning of Elul and throughout the High Holiday season, we include the blessing "May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year" (Leshanah tovah tikateiv veteichateim) in letters and greetings to one another.
Links: More on Elul, Bless You!
Upcoming Events:
- SEPTEMBER
- Friday, Sept. 2, 7:30 pm Shabbat Shaloha - First Fridays in Hawaii
- Tues.-Thurs. Sept.13-15 - Elul Sofer Check at Chabad on Fondren
- Sun., Sept.18 (AKA Sat. night Sept. 17) 1:15 am - First Selichot
- Sun.-Tues. Sept. 25-27 - Rosh Hashana Services, Dinners and Luncheons
- Mon. Sept. 26, 6:15 pm - Rosh Hashana Mincha & Tashlich Walk
- OCTOBER
- Tues.-Wed., Oct. 4-5 - Yom Kippur Services and Break Fast
- Sun., Mon. & Fri. Oct. 9, 10, 14 - Community Sukkot Dinners Under the Stars
- Sat. Oct. 15, 8:30 pm - Young Professionals Sukkot Sukkot Biltong and Beer Garden Demo & Pairing Event
- Oct. 16, 6:30 pm - Simchat Torah Uptown - Dance like a Star!
AUGUST IS MAKE A WILL MONTH Morbid? Not At All
To me, preparing and signing a will is life-affirming. Let me explain.
A will is an important legal document that everyone should have. It’s the road map that assures your family can fulfill your wishes during what is likely a difficult time for them. A will ensures that your belongings, property, and assets are distributed as you wish to your loved ones and to the causes you care about. It’s a strong statement that conveys the values you hold dear to those you hold dear. A will is where you name a legal guardian for your minor children, provide for a family member with special needs, and identify who should care for your pets.
“A gift in your will cares for those in need and builds a vibrant Jewish community, forever.”
A will allows you to leave a gift to charities you have supported for years and make a difference long after your lifetime. A gift in your will to a nonprofit such as Chabad of Uptown costs you nothing today and continues to care for those in need and builds a strong and thriving Jewish community forever. A will should be reviewed and updated regularly, typically every 3-5 years or whenever you have a life event. While it’s easy to put off, many people are pleasantly surprised that the process is not nearly as time-consuming or tedious as expected.
Consider this your call to action if you are one of the many adult Americans who do not have a will!
For Chanie and I, writing a will creates a sense of relief to have everything in writing to provide for our family and the organizations that we care most passionately about, including Chabad of Uptown. I anticipate it will give you peace of mind too!
“If you do not have a will, consider this your call to action!”
Questions? Feel free to contact Rabbi Chaim at 713-419-3960
Shabbos Rosh Chodesh Elul Parshas Re'eh
Friday, August 26, 29 Av
Services at 7:30 pm
Candle Lighting at 7:33 pm
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
Shabbos Rosh Chodesh Elul I, August 27, 30 Av
Chassidus at 9 am
Services at 10 am
Followed by Shabbos Rosh Chodesh Farbengen sposnored by the Melnik family
Mincha at 7:30 pm
Pirkei Avos, Ch. 6
Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends at 8:26 pm
Living Torah
Sunday Rosh Chodesh Elul II, August 28, 1 Elul - Shacharis at 8 am
Followed by monthly Rosh Chodesh breakfast sponsored in honor of Lev Sherman's bar mitzvah
- Sun. & Mon. Shiva minyan & visitation at Simmons residence - 7:30 pm
Please let us know which minyan you can join by choosing your options here
Mon.-Fri., August 29-31, Sept.1-2, 2-6 Elul - Shacharis at 6:45 am
Good Shabbos!
