Two great Chassidic luminaries being born on the same date, several decades apart, certainly points to the significance of the day. As we know, the month of Elul is when we prepare ourselves for the High Holidays, and the new year, by increasing our prayer, Torah, study, charity, repentance, and in general focusing on being better Jews in the future. And the 18th of this month — “chai” — meaning “life,” brings new vitality to the entire month. Both the Baal Shem Tov and the Alter Rebbe breathed new life into Judaism with their teachings and outreach, and their birthdays do the same for the month of heightened Jewish awareness, and by extension for the entire year. So as we mark this day, let us recommit to bringing life and light to the world around us, leading to the ultimate redemption and the coming of Moshiach, may it happen in our times! Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Chaim & Chanie P.S. In honor of Chai Elul, would you consider joining our Chai Club? Giving (even) a (small) donation in multiples of $18 allows you to give tzedaka in your sleep, and allows Chabad of Uptown to have a secure cash flow to pay the bills throughout the year. If you have not yet, please consider supporting Chabad of Uptown year-round, joining the Monthly Chai Club, by clicking on the "Recurring / Monthly Chai Club" checkbox at www.chabaduptown.org/donate Thanks to the encouragement and facilitation of Jewish Family Service of Houston, since 2019 I am grateful to have had the opportunity to teach Adult Mental Health First Aid to hundreds of local community members and my Chabad colleagues Rabbis & Rebbetzins across the country. In response to many requests, I have independently completed my training to become an instructor of the Youth Mental Health First Aid course. There are now approx. 15,000 instructors across the country and 2.8 million Mental Health First Aiders! This instructor course training was made possible thanks to a generous grant by Britt Sager. We thank her for allowing us to make a greater impact on the community and #bethedifference! Please look out for future opportunities to be trained in Adult MHFA and Youth MHFA and together we can create a healthier environment for all! There is a great unit that was just listed next door to Chabad of Uptow and YJP Houston! If you know someone in need of a lovely two story, two bedroom condo, we would love to have someone in the Jewish community as our neighbor! Check out the description and photos here. Mazel tov to Elchonon and Dr. Naomi Reizes on the birth of twin girls, Reela and Shaindel! Upcoming Events: Shabbos Selichos, Parshas Ki Savo Friday, September 16, 20 Elul Shabbos September 17, 21 Elul Sunday, Sept.18 (AKA Sat. night Sept. 17) 1:15 am - First Selichot Sunday September 18, 22 Elul - Shacharis at 8 am Mon.-Fri., Sept. 12-16, 16-20 Elul - Join Selichos and Shacharis at Chabad of Fondren. Good Shabbos!
Chai Elul, the 18th of Elul, is the anniversary of the birth of the Baal Shem Tov, founder of the Chassidic movement, and Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi (the Alter Rebbe), founder of Chabad.
Candle Lighting & Mincha at 7:08 pm
Kabbalat Shabbat Services at 7:30 pm
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
Chassidus at 9 am
Services at 10 am
Followed by Shabbos lunch Kiddush sponsored by the Shamooelian family
Mincha at 7:10 pm
Pirkei Avos, Ch. 3 & 4
Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends at 8:00 pm
Living Torah
Minyan #1 Selichos 6:15 am Shacharis 6:45 am
Minyan #2 Selichos 7:30 am Shacharis 8:00 am
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