Shana Tova & Shofar in a tent

With just a few hours remaining to Rosh Hashana, and looking at some of the challenges unique to this year, we glean inspiration from this Rosh Hashana's schedule as it falls on Shabbos. Here we have the primary once-a-year Mitzva of the day, the Mitzva of Shofar, and we cannot fulfill it because of an ulterior reason. What about all the spiritual effects of Shofar, all the mystical significances depending on that simple sound emanating from the Shul each Rosh Hashanah morning?

The answer (skipping the technical stuff) is that the same G-d that wants us to sound Shofar on Rosh Hashana, wants us to NOT sound it on Shabbos, and the same G-d that wants us in a packed shul every year, seemingly wants us this year with limited seating indoors and some more outdoors in a tent at Chabad. We will respond with the same zest, enthusiasm, warmth, and inspiration, because our job is not to figure out the why and the how of the cosmos, but to show up (if we can) and do what has to be done. If we cannot be there in person, to do the best we can from our homes.

May G-d Almighty gives us an inspiring Rosh Hashana, wherever we may be, and may we all be blessed with a healthy and happy sweet New Year.

Rabbi Chaim, Chanie & Clan

The complete schedule for the holidays can be found on the website at chabaduptown.org/services.

High Holidays & COVID-19

• Reservations (free) are required, with priority given to members and those who regularly attend services. 
• Options are available for indoor or outdoor covered plaza seating. 
• All services and programs have minimized capacity and maintain mandatory 6 foot distancing between family units and appropriate face masks.
• Do not attend if you have been exhibiting or exposed to someone with any COVID-19 symptoms or a positive COVID-19 test. 
• Main objective: hear the shofar on Sunday at one the options listed below at 8:15 am, 12:30 pm & 6:30 pm or at the many locations listed at www.shofarnearme.com

Rosh Hashanah   Friday, September 18 Community Evening Service 7:00 pm Light Holiday Candles 7:05 pm YJP Evening Service 8:30 pm     Shabbos, September 19 Sefardi Sunrise Services 6:30-9:30 am Community Morning Services Latest Shema 9:30 am 10:10 am Evening Service 7:00 pm Light Holiday Candles AFTER 7:57 pm     Sunday, September 20 Sefardi Sunrise Service 6:30 am Sefardi Shofar Service (Children allowed) 8:15 am Morning Services Latest Shema 9:30 am 10:10 am Shofar Service (Children allowed) 12:30 pm Mincha 6:00 pm Outdoor Shofar & Tashlich Service (Children Allowed) 1455 W Loop S, Houston, TX 77027. Entrance from the back at 1535 Post Oak Park Dr. on the left side of the road. 6:30 pm   Havdalla & Holiday Ends Living Torah #34 at www.70years.com 7:55 pm