Levi and his friends have joined us for the Sukkos Yom Tov to increase the joy in the shul. We look forward to seeing you and celebrating with you at one or all of the celebrations listed below!
Sukkot, the holiday we’ve all been waiting for, stands out in a month already filled with significant holy days. While Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur serve as moments of introspection, judgment, and atonement, Sukkot ushers in a distinct atmosphere: joy. This festival is referred to as “Zeman Simchateinu,” the time of our rejoicing, marking a transition from the solemnity of the Days of Awe to a focus on happiness and celebration. Uniquely, joy itself is commanded during Sukkot, making it an integral mitzvah of the holiday.
True happiness cannot be artificially created or dependent solely on external circumstances. Real joy comes from a sense of inner peace, contentment, and connection to something greater than oneself. The experiences of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur help foster this inner state. We engage in deep soul-searching, seek forgiveness, and align ourselves with G-d’s will. This spiritual cleansing and renewal lead us to Sukkot with a lighter heart and a clearer sense of purpose. After the intensity of the High Holidays, Sukkot becomes a celebration of our closeness to G-d and the bounty of life itself.
The rituals of Sukkot reflect this joy and our connection to G-d. The sukkah, a simple, temporary structure, reminds us of G-d’s protection during our ancestors’ 40 years in the desert, and the Four Kinds symbolize the unity of all parts of the Jewish people. These rituals deepen our sense of gratitude, humility, and happiness. They connect us to the land, the seasons, and the cycles of Jewish life, encouraging us to live with joy in the present moment.
But beyond the rituals, there’s another essential mitzvah: to simply be happy. This happiness is not frivolous or superficial, but an expression of gratitude for life’s blessings. After reflecting on the past year and seeking to improve ourselves spiritually, Sukkot is the time to bask in the joy of being alive, of being part of the Jewish people, and of having the opportunity to dwell under G-d’s Divine protection.
So as we eat in the sukkah, shake the lulav and etrog, and spend time with loved ones, let us not forget to embrace the mitzvah of joy—we’ve earned it.
Am Yisrael Chai!
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie
P.S. To accommodate the ever growing crowd, we are building an even bigger 1,080 sq foot sukkah this year (up from 750 sq ft) for a budget of approx. $3,000 for the sukkah, labor, schach and tables. Please consider being a sponsor? www.chabaduptown.org/donate. You can also use cashapp, venmo or paypal: @chabaduptown or zelle: [email protected].
UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS
- Wed., Thurs. & Fri. Oct. 16, 17, 18 - Community Sukkot Dinners Under the Stars
- Sat. Oct. 19, 9:00 pm - YAD, J-HYPE & YJP Houston - Sukkot Stir Fry Showdown: Wok-N-Roll All Night - Join Young Professionals 20s & 30s for a Sukkah Stir-Fry Showdown! Dinner & Open Bar www.yjphouston.org/showdown
- 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!
First Days Sukkot
Wednesday, Oct. 16, Tishrei 14
- 6:31 pm Light Holiday Candles
- 6:30 pm Mincha & Evening Services
- Community Sukkot Dinner Under the Stars - RSVP required
Thursday, Oct. 17, Tishrei 15
- 7:25 am Sunrise - Earliest Lulav & Esrog
- 9:00 am Chassidus Torah Study
- 10:00 am Morning Services
- Lulav & Etrog Available for public use
- 6:30 pm Mincha & Evening Services (Maariv)
- After 7:24 pm Light Holiday Candles
- Sukkot Dinner Under the Stars - RSVP required
Fri., Oct. 18, Tishrei 16
- 7:26 am Sunrise - Earliest Lulav & Esrog
- 9:00 am Chassidus Torah Study
- 10:00 am Morning Services
- Lulav & Etrog Available for public use
- 6:30 pm Mincha & Evening Services (Kabbalat Shabbat)
- Before 6:29 pm Light Shabbat Candles
- Sukkot Dinner Under the Stars - RSVP required
Shabbat Chol Hamoed, Oct. 19, , Tishrei 17
- No Lulav & Esrog on Shabbat
- 9:00 am Chassidus Torah Study
- 10:00 am Morning Services
- 6:30 pm Mincha & Evening Services (Maariv)
- 7:24 pm Maariv, Havdalla & Shabbat Ends
Living Torah Video Magazine
- 9:00 pm YAD, J-HYPE & YJP Houston - Sukkot Stir Fry Showdown: Wok-N-Roll All Night
Celebrity Chef Host David Wohl of CASA Bar & Grill! www.yjphouston.org/showdown
Chol Hamoed, Sunday, Oct. 20, Tishrei 18
- 7:23 am Sunrise - Earliest Lulav & Esrog
- 8:00 am Morning Services
- Lulav & Etrog Available for public use
Chol Hamoed, Mon.-Wed. Oct. 21-23, , Tishrei 19-21
- 7:00 am Morning Services - (Wed. Hoshana Rabba Special Service)
- 7:28 am Sunrise - Earliest Lulav & Esrog
- Lulav & Etrog Available for public use