“Chai Elul,” the 18th day of the Jewish month of Elul, is the birthday of Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov (in 1698), founder of Chassidism, and Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, known as the Alter Rebbe (1745), founder of Chabad.
The day also marks the beginning of a unique and spiritually charged period: the 12 days leading up to Rosh Hashanah. According to Chassidic tradition, each of these 12 days offers us a chance to reflect upon and refine one month from the past year, making this a powerful time for introspection and spiritual growth.
Starting on Chai Elul, we engage in a daily process of teshuvah, focusing on how we conducted ourselves during each corresponding month. This practice serves as preparation for Rosh Hashanah, the Day of Judgment, when we stand before Hashem to account for our actions and set our intentions for the coming year. By dedicating each day to self-examination and personal improvement, we elevate the past year, recognizing both our successes and our shortcomings.
This 12-day period offers a roadmap to approach Rosh Hashanah with a cleansed heart and a renewed sense of purpose. It encourages us to harmonize our thoughts, speech, and actions, deepening our connection with Hashem. As we work on healing and refining one month at a time, we inch closer to realizing our potential, paving the way for the blessings of a new year filled with growth and spiritual renewal.
Shabbat shalom,
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie
Mazel tov to Dr. Sep & Diba Shabani on the birth of twin girls!
SOFER SHIPMENTS, FINAL SHIPMENT, RESERVE HERE (first reserved, first served): https://forms.gle/msWezejo3t9PDgzv6 Limited capacity. (See previous newsletters for details) You may leave your items at the CLC office 10900 Fondren Road as early as 9:00 am - 3:00pm, Monday (September 23) & Tuesday (September 24) all in one bag, marked clearly with your name and cell number.
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
UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS
- Wed.-Fri., Oct 2-4 - FREE Rosh Hashana Services, RSVP for Dinner and Luncheons
- Fri.-Sat., Oct. 11-12 - Yom Kippur Services and Break Fast
- Wed., Thurs. & Fri. Oct. 16, 17, 18 - Community Sukkot Dinners Under the Stars
- Thurs. Oct. 24 12:15 pm - Shemini Atzeret Yizkor with special Service to Honor the Memory of the Oct. 7 massacre
- Thurs Oct. 24, 6:25 pm - Simchat Torah Uptown - Dance like a Star!
UPCOMING YJP EVENTS
- Sunday, Sept. 20, 12-2 pm - FCYA Shofar Factory with Friends - Friendship for All - Join volunteers of YJP Houston with FCYA (Friendship Circle of Houston - Young Adults) to fabricate shofars together with Young Adults with special needs for a morning of fun, camaraderie and integration. NO CHARGE. RSVP REQUESTED: https://goo.gl/forms/YPivqdf5CwVWktzf2
- Friday, October 4, 6:45-11 pm - Chocolate Shabbat First Fridays - Rosh Hashana Edition - Join Young Jewish Professionals for Chocolate Themed Shabbat Dinner at YJP Houston - where spirits run high! 6:30 pm – Abbreviated Shofar Service, 6:45 pm - Candle Lighting & Friday Night Services, 8:30 pm – Chocolate Themed Shabbat Dinner, $20 until Tuesday, $36 after, Use promo code: advance www.yjphouston.org/rhchocolate
- Sat. Oct. 19, 9:00 pm - YAD, J-HYPE & YJP Houston - Sukkot Stir Fry Showdown: Wok-N-Roll All Night
SHABBOS CHAI ELUL, PARSHAS KI SAVO
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 17 ELUL
7:00 pm Mincha
7:02 pm Shabbos Candle Lighting
7:30 PM Kabbolas Shabbos
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
SHABBOS, SEPTEMBER 21, 18 ELUL
9:00 am Chassidus
10:00 am Shacharis
Shabbos Lunch Kiddush
7:00 pm Mincha
Ethics of our Fathers, Chapter 3 & 4
7:54 pm Maariv, Havdalla & Shabbos Ends
Living Torah Video
Good Shabbos!