a search warrant

As the month of Elul begins, Jewish tradition warrants us initiate a search and an accounting of our spiritual state. We look carefully to see if there are any "files" that need to be rectified, returned or highlighted.

This week’s Torah portion begins, “You shall set up judges and enforcers at all your gates,” referring to lawmakers and law enforcement officials whose jobs it is to enact and enforce laws.

Because the Torah uses the words “your gates” as a reference to where the judges and police are located, commentators note that it can also be a metaphor for the human being, and specifically our mouths — our “gates.” It’s our responsibility to “guard our gates,” placing restrictions on what we say and how we say it, thinking twice before opening our mouths, especially when it comes to talking about others.

This is obviously relevant at all times, but particularly during the time of year that this portion is read, the month of Elul. As we prepare for the High Holidays, we take stock of our behavior, find areas that require correction, and focus on doing better in the future. For many of us, our biggest shortcoming is in the realm of speech, and we should take the time to examine where we can do better.

With kinder speech, leading to kinder action and behavior, the world will become a kinder place overall, in preparation for the coming of Moshiach!

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie

P.S. Our High Holidays website is up! www.chabaduptown.org/services

In the month of Elul we increase in Torah study and introspection. It is an appropriate 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 19 years, expert sofer Rabbi Faitel Lewin will be coming to Houston during the week of Elul Selichos to check mezuzos and tefillin, 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. You may leave your items as early as that Tuesday morning in the Judaic library, all in one bag, marked clearly with your name and cell number, first come, first served.

According to halacha, mezuzos should be checked twice every seven years. Some have the custom to inspect mezuzos and tefillin annually. Thank you Belles family for sponsoring this project.

IN THE FAMILY

• Mazel tov to Elchonon and Dr. Naomi Reizes on the first haircut, upshern, of their son Dovi!
• Mzel tov, mazel tov, Lev Sherman on your bar mitzvah! Your strength of character and sweet demeanor will get you far in life and may you continue to be a pride to your entire family and Jewish community, in your pursuance of Jewish growth through Torah and Mitzvot

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 YAD, Moishe House & YJP Houston - Sukkot Sukkot Beer Garden and Biltong Demo & Pairing Event
• Oct. 16, 6:30 pm - Simchat Torah Uptown - Dance like a Star!

Shabbos Parshas Shoftim

Friday, September 2, 6 Elul
Candle Lighting at 7:25 pm
Services at 7:30 pm
RSVP for YJP Shabbat Shaloha! - First Fridays Shabbat Dinner www.yjphouston.org/shabbatshaloha

Shabbos September 3, 7 Elul
Chassidus at 9 am 
Services at 10 am
Followed by Shabbos lunch Kiddush
Mincha at 7:30 pm
Pirkei Avos, Ch. 6
Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends at 8:18 pm
Kiddush Levana
Living Torah

Sunday September 4, 8 Elul - Shacharis at 8 am

Mon.-Fri., Sept. 5-9, 9-13 Elul - Shacharis at 6:45 am

Good Shabbos!