Purim weekend is here! But, before we get to Purim itself, let me tell you about next weekend....
Next Shabbos, March 17, we will host another wonderful Shabbat of Pray. Eat. Love. Every third Friday of the month, we will get together as a community to experience Shabbat on a whole new level! RSVP
Next Sunday, March 18, after the wildly successful FCYA Challah Bake a few moths ago, YJP Houston will host it's second event for Friendship Circle Young Adults on Sunday, March 19 for 10 am-12 pm to paint ceramics together with Young Adults with special needs for a morning of fun, camaraderie and integration. RSVP at www.yjphouston.org/events/fcyapainting
Now, about the Purim weekend...
This Shabbat, Erev Purim, we celebrate the foiling of Haman the Amalekite's plot to destroy the Jewish people. We therefore supplement the Torah reading with a second Torah, reading Parshat Zachor (Deuteronomy 25:17-19).
The festival of Purim begins, March 10, at nightfall on Saturday night. The Megillahis read for the first time this evening, at Chabad of Uptown at 7:30 pm.
Purim Day, March 11, observances include:
- Reading of the Megillah (Book of Esther), which recounts the story of the Purim miracle. We have four day readings to choose from! 8:45 am, 12:00 pm, 2:30 pm and 5:00 pm
- Giving to the poor (gifts of money should be given to at least two poor people).
- Sending gifts of food to friends (a minimum of two ready-to-eat foods to at least one friend).
- Feasting. Join ours for YJP Banquet Brunch at noon or Community Purim Feast at 5 pm
- Reciting the Al Hanissim prayer.
Other customs include dressing up in disguising costumes and the traditional Purim food, the hamantash. For more detailed information, see our Purim Links: Virtual Purim (a website offering the story of Purim, detailed How-To's, articles and essays, Purim songs and video clips, and a global Purim event directory). A special Purim site for kids. The book of Esther with commentary. A Purim anthology.
- SAVE THE DATE: Pesach is coming! We will have our Seder - The Great Escape 2.0! Check out the schedule and reserve for the seder at www.chabaduptown.org/pesachschedule
- The Growing Uptown Gift Registry store is still open!!! Check it out at www.growinguptown.chabaduptown.org
Shabbos Zachor, Parshas Tetzaveh
Friday, March 10
Services at 6:30 pm
Candle Lighting at 6:09 pm | Shabbat Dinner sponsored by Naomi Bier in honor of her birthday
Shabbos, March 11
Chassidus at 9:00 am
Services at 10 am
Followed by Shabbos Kiddush & Farbrengen sponsored by Bonnie Pfrenger marking the yartzeit of and in memory of her father, Yaakov ben Yechiel, of blessed memory
Mincha at 6:10 pm
Shabbos Ends at 7:03 pm
Living Torah
Maariv, Megillah & Havdalla at 7:30 pm
Followed by L'chaims
CHANGE YOUR CLOCKS!
Sunday, March 12
8:00 am Shacharis
8:45 am Megillah Reading & Breakfast
12:00 pm YJP Banquet Brunch w/ YJP Houston (RSVP Required)
2:30 pm Megillah, Senior & iVolunteer at Brookdale Plaza Galleria - 2929 Post Oak
5:00 pm: Megillah Reading
5:45 pm: Community Purim Feast (RSVP Required)
Have a good Shabbos!
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie