As we reach the midpoint of the month of Elul, halfway through our preparations for the High Holidays, we read this week’s Torah portion about the Amalekite attack on the Jewish people.
Through their battle, the Amalekites attempted to douse the enthusiasm for G‑d that the Jewish people were experiencing following their miraculous exodus from Egypt and the splitting of the sea.
After the Jewish people were victorious over Amalek, G‑d commanded them to remember the war—not just the physical event, but primarily to be strengthened for spiritual battles that we constantly face. As we become excited about something Jewish, something holy, let’s not allow the force of the Amalek within us to rear its head and dampen our enthusiasm.
The Amalek within us prods us to do Jewish things, but without excitement. Go to High Holidays services, but don’t get too caught up in the spirit of the day. Have a nice dinner with family and friends, but don’t turn it into a spiritual event.
The victory over Amalek reminds us that it is the excitement and enthusiasm that keeps the Jewish people alive. We have survived all these years, and will continue to persevere, because of that burning fire within us, which refuses to be cooled down.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie
P.S. Our High Holidays website is up! www.chabaduptown.org/services
NEXT WEEK! 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.
Upcoming Events:
- SEPTEMBER
- 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 Ki Sitzei
Friday, September 9, 13 Elul
Mincha Services at 7:15 pm
Candle Lighting at 7:16 pm
Kabbalat Shabbat Services at 7:30 pm
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
Shabbos September 10, 14 Elul
Chassidus at 9 am
Services at 10 am
Followed by Shabbos lunch Kiddush sponsored by the Melnik family
Mincha at 7:15 pm
Pirkei Avos, Ch. 1
Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends at 8:09 pm
Living Torah
Sunday September 11, 15 Elul - Shacharis at 8 am
Mon.-Fri., Sept. 12-16, 16-20 Elul - Shacharis at 6:45 am
Sofer Checking Tues-Thurs
Good Shabbos!