The Jewish pilgrimage festivals, namely Passover, Shavuot, and Sukkot, revolve around the cycles of agriculture. They commence with the first grains in spring and culminate in the autumn with the final harvest.
The Torah instructs us to celebrate these festivals with great joy and enthusiasm, yet it also emphasizes the importance of caring for the less fortunate. Consequently, along with the various mitzvahs associated with these occasions, the Torah outlines several responsibilities we hold towards our fellow Jews. This is particularly significant as holidays are moments when we might naturally focus on our immediate families and close circles.
True joy during these holidays emerges once we've extended our support to others, ensuring that those with fewer resources can fully partake in the festivities and provide for their families.
Joy was also discussed at this week's Lunch & Learn, as we explored how practicing gratitude, both verbally and in thought, empowers our minds to steer happiness. Gratitude reframes perspectives, fostering lasting joy. As the Zohar says, the word מחשבה (thought) is בשמחה (in happiness)... A transformative lesson we'll carry forward! Thank you to all those who participated and to Chanie for preparing the top notch lunch!
As the prophet Isaiah prophesied, "Zion will be redeemed with justice," underscoring that by caring for those in need, the entire community of Israel will experience redemption, a hope shared for the coming of Moshiach, which we eagerly anticipate.
Good Shabbos!
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie
THE SOFER IS COMING TO TOWN!
After Tu B'Av, the custom is to increase in Torah study and introspection for the upcoming month of Elul. 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, expert sofer Rabbi Faitel Lewin will be coming to Houston to check mezuzos and tefillin, from 12 pm, Tuesday, Av 28 (Aug 15), through 2:00 pm Thursday, Rosh Chodesh Elul (Aug. 17) 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.
▪Tefilin check (regular closing) $80
▪Posul tefilin $25
▪Mezuza check rolled without case $10
▪Mezuzah check rolled in case $14
▪Posul mezuzah $2
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
SAVE THE HIGH HOLIDAY DATES OF AWE AND JOY
Chabad of Uptown looks forward to celebrating the holidays with you. Our doors are to the entire Jewish community to daven and to celebrate, regardless of background or affiliation.
For the complete schedule of services, to RSVP for holiday dinners or lunches, visit www.chabaduptown.org/services.
Now is also the time to join or renew your voluntary membership to Chabad. Your partnership allows us to provide free, open and welcoming services to all, for the holidays and year round! www.chabaduptown.org/membership
- Fri.-Sun., Sept 15-17 - Rosh Hashana Services, Dinners and Luncheons
- Sun-Mon, Sept 24-25 - Yom Kippur Services and Break Fast
- Fri.-Sun., Sept. 29-Oct. 1 - Sukkos Services & Dinner Under the Stars
- Wed. Oct 4 - YJP Sukkos Party
- Fri.-Sun., Oct. 6-8 - Simchas Torah
Mazel Tov Lior & Eden on their engagement!
Mazel tov Matti and Rachel Minchen and the entire Minchen and Poulen families on the Pidyon Haben of their son, Yehudah Meir!
Condolences to Bracha Gandjian on the passing of her grandfather, Yosef Mordechai Ben Rabi
Shabbos Mevarchim Elul Parshas Reah
Friday, August 11, 24 Av
Services at 7:30 pm
Candle Lighting at 7:48 pm
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
Shabbos, August 12, 25 Av
Shabbos Mevarchim Tehillim at 8:30 am
Services at 10 am
Followed by Shabbos Mevarchim Lunch Kiddush & Farbrengen
Study of Rebbe Teachings 6:30 pm
Mincha at 7:45 pm
Pirkei Avot Chapter 5
Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends at 8:43 pm
Living Torah
Sunday, August 13, 26 Av
Shacharis at 8:00 am
Mon.-Wed., Aug. 14-18, 27-29 Av
Shacharis at 6:45 am
Tuesday, Aug. 15, Av 28, 12 pm, through. Thursday, Rosh Chodesh Elul, Aug. 17, 2:00 pm
The Sofer is in! At 10900 Fondren Road to check your tefillin and mezuzos!
Thurs. & Fri., Aug. 17-18, Rosh Chodesh Elul I & II
Shacharis at 6:45 am
Followed by monthly Rosh Chodesh breakfast
Good Shabbos!