One of the central aspects of the Sukkos holiday revolves around "Simchas Beit Hashoevah," the festive commemoration linked to the water-drawing ceremony in the Beis Hamikdash.
On the second night of Sukkos, water was drawn from a special well situated just beyond the walls of Jerusalem. This water played a significant role in the accompanying "water libation" during the festival's offerings. Jews from all over the world would gather in the Temple courtyard for an all-night celebration. This joyful event featured the illumination of large torches, the resounding call of trumpets, and the harmonious dance of rabbis and laypeople alike. These celebrations carried on throughout the remaining six days of Sukkos.
What makes this water-drawing ceremony unique is that, unlike other festivals where wine was used for libations, Sukkos burst with an unexpected enthusiasm when it came to pouring water onto the altar.
Wine often symbolizes spirituality, enabling individuals to transcend their inhibitions and explore the mystical. In contrast, water remains firmly grounded, symbolizing the ordinary or, to put it differently, the wine signifies the exceptional while water represents the unremarkable. And it was precisely the simplicity of water that was being celebrated.
Sukkos's message resounds with inclusivity, mirroring the nature of the sukkah itself, which can shelter any Jew, regardless of their social status. The holiday's essence welcomes everyone, emphasizing that one's communal standing holds no significance.
Indeed, this is a cause for celebration.
Wishing you a Sukkos filled with boundless joy and inclusiveness.
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie
Upcoming Events:
DAYS OF JOY
- Fri.-Sun., Sept. 29-Oct. 1 - Sukkos Services www.chabaduptown.org/joy
- Friday, Sept 29 & Sat. Sept. 30, 8 pm - Community Sukkos Dinner Under the Stars - RSVP
- Saturday, Sept 30, 8 pm - Moishe House & YJP Houston - Micasa Sukkasa Sukkot Holiday Dinner Under the Stars - RSVP
- Tues., Oct. 3, 12-1:30 pm - Community Lunch & Learn: Spiritual Shelter: Finding Purpose in the Sukkah - RSVP
- Wed. Oct 4 - YJP & J-Hype Sukkos Smoke Shack Party - Young professionals Sukkah BBQ party with Authentic Texas Smoked Meat BBQ by the Kosher Smoke Shack, Open Bar, Great Music, Great People and Lulav & Etrog Shaking. Early Bird (till September 15) - $15 Use coupon code "smoke", Regular Ticket - $30, Can't wait to see you! - RSVP
- Friday, Oct. 6, 6:45 pm YJP First Fridays Shemini Atzeres Pink Edition www.yjphouston.org/pinkatzeres
- Fri.-Sun., Oct. 6-8 - Simchas Torah www.chabaduptown.org/joy
- Sat. Oct. 7, 6:45 pm Saturday Night Alive! Dance Like a Star!
- Wednesdays, Oct. 11-Nov 1 | 7:30 pm - CYP Academy 4-Part Course - Meditation From Sinai: Jewish Spirituality: Mindful awareness and Divine spirituality to help you think, feel, and live more deeply. Join us on our 4-week journey over delectable dinner, connecting with our inner selves, and becoming mindful of the world around us, with the secrets that the Jewish people have had for over 3000 years. COST: $36 Registration Required. Complimentary access for CHAI Club Members, Use Coupon Code “chai”. www.yjphouston.org/meditation
Shabbos Sukkot First Days
Friday, Eve Sukkot, September 29, 14 Tishrei
Services at 6:50 pm
Candle Lighting at 6:52 pm
RSVP for Shabbat Sukkot Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/sukkotdinner
Shabbos, First Day Sukkot, September 30, 15 Tishrei
No Lulav & Esrog on Shabbos
Chassidus - Likkutei Torah at 9 am
Services at 10 am
Followed by Shabbos & Yom Tov Lunch Kiddush & Farbrengen
Study of Rebbe Teachings 6:00 pm
Services at 6:50 pm
After 7:44 pm Light Holiday Candles
Moishe House & YJP Houston - Micasa Sukkasa
Sukkot Holiday Dinner Under the Stars - RSVP required
Sunday, Second Day of Sukkos, October 1, 16 Tishrei
Sunrise - Earliest Lulav & Esrog at 7:21 am
Morning Services at 10:00 am
Lulav & Etrog Available for public use
Mincha at 6:50 pm
Maariv, Havdalla (in Sukkah) and Holiday Ends at 7:43 pm
Living Torah
Chol Hamoed, Mon.-Thurs., Oct. 2-5
7:17 am Sunrise - Earliest Lulav & Esrog
8:00 am Morning Services
Lulav & Etrog Available for public use
Tues., Oct. 3, 12-1:30 pm
Community Lunch & Learn: Spiritual Shelter: Finding Purpose in the Sukkah - RSVP
Wed. Oct 4, 6:30 pm - YJP & J-Hype Sukkos Smoke Shack Party - Young professionals Sukkah BBQ party with Authentic Texas Smoked Meat BBQ by the Kosher Smoke Shack - RSVP
Friday, Hoshana Rabba, Oct. 6
Morning Services - Hoshana Rabba Special Service at 7:00 am
Sunrise - Earliest Lulav & Esrog at 7:18 am
Lulav & Etrog Available for public use
Simchas Torah is Oct. 6-8!
Good Shabbos & Good Yom Tov!