The Talmud describes the original purpose of lighting the Chanukah candles as a form of publicly acknowledging the great miracles G-d has done for His people. That’s where the tradition of lighting the menorah in our windows or doorways comes from, which has now expanded into putting up outdoor Chanukah displays including large menorahs in the most public places.
Moreover, the mitzvah to light Chanukah candles with a blessing is at night, when it’s dark outside, symbolizing our constant mandate to be a light in the darkness. When the world around us chooses to go dark, we respond with light. So the menorah doesn’t only light up our own homes, but we share the light with the world around us, hoping that it catches on and spurs a dramatic increase of goodness and illumination.
If ever there was a time for us to proudly display our Jewishness, now is that time. The atrocities we witnessed in Israel on October 7th, followed by alarming displays of antisemitism around the world, remind us that no amount of hiding who we are as Jews will satisfy our haters. They want us gone, and the last thing we should be doing is giving them what they want.
So this year I encourage you, if you don’t already, to light your menorah in the most visible spot possible, be it at a window, a door, or anywhere else that it will be seen by anyone passing by your home. Then, broaden the reach of your light by posting pictures of it on social media for all to see. And don’t forget that Chanukah is not just for kids. Every Jewish home should light candles each night of the holiday, even if your kids are grown and living on their own. Regardless of your age or your station in life, you have the ability to be the light!
We look forward to hosting the Berdichevsky family tonight for Shabbat dinner. Adam, with wife, Hila, and children Yam, Netta and Yuli from Kibbutz Nir Yitzchak faced a nightmare during the Hamas invasion in Gaza Strip on 10/7. After being rescued by the Israeli army, they became refugees and, due to conflict and antisemitism, champion Paralympic wheelchair tennis player Adam had to train in the USA. The Berdichevsky family arrived in Houston this week. Let's fgive them a warm welcome from our community!
Good Shabbos and Happy Chanukah!
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie
Rabbi Chaim had fun hanging out at the Fox TV for not only Houston's morning news, but also for the after show! Check out the replays on our Chaukah YouTube playlist!
News Anchors Denise Middleton and Sally MacDonald on Fox 26 Houston Morning News and then again with News Anchor Denise Middleton and Chief Meteorologist Mike Iscovitz for the lengthier after show as they hear about how Israel's situation adds significance, Hanukkah's primary focus is celebration. Rabbi Chaim Lazaroff of Chabad Houston, with his dreidels, contributes to the festivities.
Great turn out and tons of fun yesterday at the Glow Chanukah event, covered by Channels KPRC 2, ABC 13 & Fox 26! Pictures coming soon!
Upcoming Events:
- Friday, Dec. 10, 6 pm - Chanukah Shabbat Dinner hosting the Berdichevsky Family of Kibbutz Nir Yitzchak - Chanukah Shabbat Dinner Uptown style, where spirits run high! Candle lighting at 5 pm, Shabbat services followed by dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
- Saturday, Dec. 9, Third Night of Chanukah, 8:30 pm - YJP Houston Chanukah at the Chocolate Factory Light up Chanukah in style with Young Jewish Professionals 20s & 30s at the "Chocolate Factory"! Enjoy themed drinks, festive music, delectable treats and eats, sufganiyot, and latkes www.yjphouston.org/chocofactory. ALERT: There seems to be a problem for some people with the yjphouston.org website. Anyone with an issue buying tickets for the Chanukah in the Chocolate Factory, can buy tickets at this link.
- Tuesday, Dec. 12, 12-1:30 pm - December Chanukah Lunch & Learn - WHY CHANUKAH? Moses dedicated the Mishkan, Solomon dedicated the First Temple, but only the Hasmonean rededication became a festival we celebrate until today. Why? - RSVP
- Jan 12-14, 2024 - CYP Shabbat in NYC! - The CYP Shabbat Experience - Meet the People. Explore the Sites. Feel the Energy. Immerse yourself in an unforgettable Shabbat weekend alongside an all-star lineup and hundreds of young professionals from around the world. Register by Dec. 17 and save $100! Including accommodations, meals and local transportation with group www.cypshabbat.nyc
Shabbos Mevarchim, Chanukah, Parshas Vayeishev
Friday, December 8, 25 Kislev, Second Night Chanukah
2nd Chanukah Candle THEN Shabbat Candle Lighting
Mincha 5:05 pm
Kabbalat Shabbat at 6:00 pm
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner with the Berdichevsky Family of Kibbutz Nir Yitzchak www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
Shabbos, December 9, 26 Kislev
Shabbos Mevarchim Tehillim at 8:30 am
Services at 10 am
Followed by Shabbos Mevarchim Chanukah Lunch Kiddush & Farbrengen
Mincha at 5:00 pm
Seder Niggunim
Maariv, Shul 3rd Chanukah Candles, Havdalla and Shabbos ends at 6:01 pm
Living Torah
At home, Havdalla first then Chanukah Candles
8:30 pm - YJP Houston Chanukah in the Chocolate Factorywww.yjphouston.org/chocofactory
Sunday, December 10, 27 Kislev, Chanukah Day 3
Shacharis at 8:00 am
In evening, light 4 candles
Monday-Friday, Dec. 11-15, 28 Kislev-3 Teves
Shacharis at 6:45 am
Wednesday, Rosh Chodesh Teves, Dec. 13
Shacharis at 6:45 am
Followed by monthly Rosh Chodesh Breakfast
Happy Chanukah & Good Shabbos!