In the cycle of life, there may be nothing greater than the opportunity to start over. This concept is most apparent on the holiday of Simchas Torah, when we conclude the annual Torah reading cycle, and instead of waiting a week to start over, we do so immediately, accompanied by much fanfare and celebration.
This is symbolic of Judaism in general: we never stop learning Torah just like we never stop being Jewish. As soon as one round or one one stage ends, we immediately move on to the next level. Doing so ensures that not only is what we’ve accomplished in the past not forgotten, but rather it serves as a foundation for everything that will transpire in the future.
This year’s Simchas Torah celebrations will be particularly poignant, as we mark the anniversary on the Jewish calendar of the October 7 attacks in Israel. Over the past year, Jews around the world have mourned and cried, but all along we have held strong on the belief that things will get better. If our shared history is any indication, the Jewish people always come through and survive even the harshest of realities.
We accomplish this not by toning down our Simchas Torah celebrations, G-d forbid, but by dancing and celebrating even stronger than ever before. This year’s Simchas Torah must be the most joyous one ever celebrated!
As the new year begins and we start the new Torah cycle, we look forward to a time when there will be no war, only peace, with the coming of Moshiach – and then we will truly dance!
Chag same’ach,
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie
SUKKOS SHOWDOWN: Young Professionals enjoy cooking competition camaraderies under Sukkah
By JUDY BLUESTEIN LEVIN | FRONT PAGE JHV - On the third night of Sukkot, Saturday, Oct. 19, nearly 100 young professionals from across the Houston area came together to wok-n-roll the night away.
The Sukkah Stir-Fry Showdown brought together YAD, YJP and J-HYte for a stir-iry cooking competition, a musical Havdalah service, a cooking demo from Casa Bar & Grill chef and owner Dovid Wohlgelernter, an open bar and a variety of tapas. grilled meats and vegetables.
The celebration was held in the recently expanded sukkah at Chabad of Uptown, home of the Jewish Young Professionals. Rabbi Chaim and Chanie Lazaroff welcomed the group and made everyone feel at home.
"It's always wonderful to partner with other local organizations. Rabbi Lazaroff told the JLV. We are very grateful for the opportunity to be able to host them at our location. which is the largest brick-and-mortar young professionals organization in Houston. It's a nice, big sukkah. and it was a great way to end the full weekend celebration. Read more here >
UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS
- 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!
We send our condolences on the passing of Haim ben Chava Rozin Z"L, husband of Sara Rozin, father of Ilanit Meckley and Ahuva Terk and grandfather of YJP members Arielle (& Ziv) Mesulati and Eliav Terk. The funeral will take place today, Wednesday October 23 @ 3:00 PM Beth Yeshurun Cemetery 3502 Allen Parkway. May the Almighty console them among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem
SHEMINI ATZERES, SIMCHAS TORAH & SHABBOS BEREISHIS MEVARCHIM HACHODESH MARCHESHVAN
Wed., Oct 23 - Shemini Atzeret
6:24 pm Light Holiday Candles
6:25 pm Mincha & Evening Services Hakafot-celebratory dancing
This one is only the warm up - to connect with Israel! (See main hakafot below)
Thurs, Oct. 24 - Shemini Atzeret & Simchat Torah
10:00 am Morning Services
12:15 pm Yizkor with special Service to Honor the Memory of the Oct. 7 massacre
Teffilas Geshem
Say Goodbye to Sukkah
6:25 pm Mincha & Evening Services Grand Hakafot-celebratory dancing - This one is the real deal!
6:30 pm Simchas Torah Family Party www.chabaduptown.org/joy
Hakafos continues late!
After 7:17 pm Light Candles
Kiddush Buffet Sponsored in part by the Benjaminov & Korkos families of is an honor of the Rabbi and the Rabbi Wife and all the kids that help us have a wonderful experience & joy
Fri., Oct. 25-Simchat Torah
10:00 am Morning Services
Hakafot-celebratory dancing
Mincha after Hakafot
Before 6:22 pm Light Shabbat Candles
7:00 pm Kabbalat Shabbat
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner
Shabbat Bereishit, Mevarchim Hachodesh MarCheshvan, Oct. 26
8:00 am Shabbos Mevarchim Tehillim
9:30 am Chassidus
10:00 am Morning Services
Shabbat Lunch Kiddush & Farbrengen
6:20 pm Mincha
7:16 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbat Ends
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