They say everything is bigger in Texas. This year we will blot out Haman's name, Texas style! Check out the world's largest single operator individual spun, Texas sized. It measures in at 4ft x 7 ft and will be featured at the YJPHouston "Purim Out of This World" event. It was fabricated by Cory Weinberg of AMI Handyman Services.
- Fox 26 Houston Morning News Anchors Melissa WIlson and Jose Grinan sure were impressed! - WATCH VIDEO
- The World's Largest Gragger was also featured with tens of thousands of collective plays on Chabad.org social media platforms of Facebook, Instagram and TikTok
The Shabbat before Purim is known as “Shabbat Zachor” because we read an additional Torah portion, reminding us of the obligation to remember, “zachor”, the Amalekites’ attack against the Jewish people after the Exodus from Egypt.
We read this portion before Purim because Haman, the Purim villain, was a descendant of Amalek and continued the legacy of his ancestors in attempting to wipe out the Jews. Haman not only failed, but ultimately brought about one of the most joyous days on the Jewish calendar.
Nevertheless, we continue to read about Amalek every year as a reminder not to let our guard down and give in to cultural expectations of assimilation. Doing that would hand our enemies their victory.
Instead, we fight to retain and embrace our Jewish identity with pride and determination, wherever we may live and in whatever circumstances we may find ourselves.
Shabbat shalom and happy Purim!
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie
Upcoming Events:
- Friday, March 3, 6:30 pm - Noir et Blanc March First Fridays Shabbat Dinner 6:30 pm. Join Young Jewish Professionals, ages 21-39, over Shabbat Dinner. Get in on the theme and dress in black and white! (optional) www.yjphouston.org/noiretblanc
- Monday, March 6, 7 pm - YJP Houston Purim Out of this World - Jewish Professionals in their 20s and 30s for a Megillah Reading at 7 pm followed by Out of this World themed party www.yjphouston.org/world
- Tuesday, March 7, 5 pm - Community Mad Science Purim Join us for an unforgettable Purim party for the whole family and community, bringing friendship, science and fun together! 5:00 pm Megillah Reading * 5:30 pm Purim Feast & Carnival. 6:00 pm *Up, Up & Away" by Mad Science of Houston www.chabaduptown.org/lab
- Wednesday, March 15, 7:30 pm - YJP Houston Oil & Gas Summit and Networking - Bringing together an impressive and powerful group of individuals and Oil & Gas industry Executives. www.yjphouston.org/oilandgas
- May 3-7 Antigua Guatemala Trip - An adventurous weekend of nature, soulfulness, and connection with fellow young Jewish professionals. www.yjphouston.org/guatemala
Shabbos Zachor, Parshas Tetzaveh
Friday, March 3, 10 Adar
Candle Lighting at 6:04 pm
Services at 6:30 pm
RSVP for Noir et Blanc First Fridays Shabbat Dinner www.yjphouston.org/noiretblanc
Sponsored in part by Bonnie Pfrenger marking her father's yartzeit, Yaakov Moshe ben Yechiel
Shabbos, March 4, 11 Adar
Chassidus at 9 am
Services at 10 am
Followed by Shabbos Lunch Kiddush sponsored in part by Joel Hagby
Mincha at 6:00 pm
Torah Study
Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends at 6:58 pm
Kiddush Levana
Living Torah
Sunday, March 5, 12 Adar
Shacharis at 8:00 am
Monday, Taanis Esther, March 6, 13 Adar
Fast of Esther Begins at 5:28 am
Shacharis Services with Torah Reading at 6:45 am
Fast of Esther Mincha with Torah Reading at 5:45 pm
Give Machtzis Hashekel before Mincha
Fast Ends & Maariv at 6:40 pm
Megillah Reading (open to all) at 7:00 pm
Followed by YJP Houston Purim Out of this World - RSVP
Late Night Megillah Reading at 10:00 pm
Tuesday, Purim, March 7, 14 Adar
Shacharis with Zachor Torah Reading at 6:45 am
Megillah Reading at Chabad of Uptown at approx. 7:30 am - Mitzvah #1
Perform other 3 Mitzvahs of #2 Matanos L'evyonim, #3 Mishloach Manos and #4 Purim Feast before sunset
Seniors Party & Megillah Reading at Anthology of Tanglewood - 504 Bering Dr. at 11:00 am
Seniors Party & Megillah Reading at Brookdale Galleria - 2929 Post Oak at 1:00 pm
Afternoon Megillad Reading at Chabad of Uptown (open to all) at 5:00 pm
Followed by Community Purim in the Lab & Purim Feast - RSVP Required
Wash Hamotzi for Purim Feast (and perform other 3 Purim Mitzvahs) before sunset at 6:25 pm
Wed.-Fri., March 8-10, 15-17 Adar
Shacharis at 6:45 am
Good Shabbos and Happy Purim!