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