Imagine a king leaving the confines of his palace to mingle with his subjects in the fields, meeting them at their level. This captivating imagery holds the essence of the month we've just stepped into - Elul. It's a time when we're granted a remarkable opportunity to draw closer to Hashem, to seek His mercy, and to pave the way for a year filled with blessings.
In the words of Rabbi Schneur Zalman, the Alter Rebbe, the month of Elul is like that extraordinary moment when the king is accessible to all, a time when even the common folk can freely approach to make their requests, and the king responds with generosity and grace. It's a month of heightened spirituality, where Hashem's mercy shines brighter than ever, making our connection with Him all the more meaningful.
As we embark on this journey through Elul, we're given the chance to enhance our relationship with Hashem, to reflect on our actions, and to set our intentions for personal growth. This month is a stepping stone toward the High Holidays, a time of introspection and renewal.
And let us not forget the poignant sound of the daily shofar that accompanies us during this journey, each day of this month of Elul. Just as the shofar's call commands attention, Elul's message beckons us to reflect on our actions, set intentions for growth, and align ourselves with Hashem. The shofar's echoes resonate in our hearts, reminding us that realy change is really possible.
Every day of the year is an opportunity to strengthen our bond with the Divine, but Elul holds a special place in the tapestry of time. The mercy of Hashem is palpable, His presence more accessible, and His response to our efforts more profound. The fields are open, and Hashem waits for us to approach Him, ready to embrace us with blessings for the upcoming year.
Let's use this sacred time to deepen our connection with G-d and set the tone for a year filled with growth and blessings.
Good Shabbos!
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie
AROUND THE HOUSE THIS WEEK
- On Sunday and Monday we took a road trip to Dallas to join 23 Shluchim (of the 62) families from across the State of Texas gathered on Sunday for the annual Texas Shluchim Farbrengen, bringing together 95 Shluchim, Shluchos and Young Shluchim. The Texas Shluchim Farbrengen is hosted annually by Chabad Lubavitch of Texas and was held this year with Rabbi Levi and Rishi Gurevitch at Chabad of Southlake, Texas.
- On Tuesday Rabbi Chaim then went to NY to celebrate the wedding of his nephew Sholom Ber Lazaroff to Raizel Barber!
- On Wednesday, Chanie went NY for Shabbos, to visit and help her mother who had a surgery following an injury from a fall. May Shifra bas Milka Devora have a refuah shleima, a speedy recovery!
- On Thursday, Chaya returned from a trip to Israel! Levi is already home from Yeshivah for a short break, Rivky is still in Europe and Mendel is in Israel.
- We had a beautiful Rosh Chodesh minyan and breakfast, inccluding hearing the daily Elul shofar for the first time this morning!
- Yep, that means this Shabbos, the Rabbi is the chef! Thank you Levi, Alex & Ariel for helping in the kitchen and Bluma and Menucha for the desserts.
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
- Sun., Sept. 10 (AKA Sat. night Sept. 9) 1:15 am - Midnight Selichos Kickoff
- 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
Shabbos Parshas Shoftim
Friday, August 18, Rosh Chodesh Elul
Services at 7:30 pm
Candle Lighting at 7:42 pm
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
Shabbos, August 19, 2 Elul
Chassidus at 9 am
Services at 10 am
Followed by Shabbos Lunch Kiddush & Farbrengen
Study of Rebbe Teachings 6:30 pm
Mincha at 7:40 pm
Pirkei Avot Chapter 6
Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends at 8:36 pm
Living Torah
Sunday, August 20, 3 Elul
Shacharis at 8:00 am
Mon.-Fri., Aug. 21-25, 4-8 Elul
Shacharis at 6:45 am
Good Shabbos!