News & Shmooze

Join us on Shabbat morning at 9:00 am for a fascinating and inspiring class on Kabbalah.

Current Topic:
The Tale of the Two Souls

Gain a Kabbalistic perspective on the inner spiritual drives that form the core of the human psyche; On the way, we'll explore: Heaven, reincarnation, purpose of life, good and evil, the spirituality of the Torah, the deeper meaning of Mitzvot, the mysticism of creation, end of days and more!

Led by Rabbi Yitzchok Schmukler

Everyone is invited!
FREE of Charge - Reservations Optional

Along with our fellow Texans, we are deeply saddened by the terrible school shooting in our neighboring community of Santa Fe, Texas. 

Chabad of the Bay Area staff and volunteers are organizing to reach out to the families of the victims and injured to provide comfort and support.

If you or someone you know was affected by this tragedy and is in need of emotional or spiritual support please contact us immediately at [email protected] or 281-724-1554. 

The Rebbe taught us that when darkness strikes we need to increase the light. In the coming weeks we plan to lead an initiative with like-minded partners to find ways to increase the love and goodness in our society so that no one should ever have to endure this type of senseless tragedy ever again. 

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In a few hours is Shabbat and on Saturday night the special holiday of Shavuot begins. Let's take our first step to increase the spirit of holiness and goodness with the lighting of the Shabbat candles before sunset tonight, and on both nights of Shavuot (from a pre-existing flame). 

On Shavuot we mark the 3,331st anniversary since the giving of the Torah. The Torah which brings to the world G-d's essential message to Man that we must live together in kindness and peace, that we must live for a higher purpose and seek to make our world a good and G-dly place. Come and join us as we re-experience Sinai, and recommit to its ideals, with the reading of the Ten Commandments from the Torah scroll on the first day of Shavuot at 11 am. 

Saturday, May 19 // Eve of Shavuot

• Candle lighting after: 8:48 pm (from a pre-existing flame) 

Sunday, May 20 // 1st Day of Shavuot

• Morning Service start: 10:00 am
• 10 Commandments Torah reading at approx 11:00 am (feel free to come at this time)
  Service followed by a delicious hot lunch featuring traditional Shavuot dairy delights (cheesecakes, blintzes, eggplant parmesan, lasagna, salads, ice cream and more!) RSVP (donation optional).
• Candle lighting time: 8:49 pm (from a pre-existing flame)

Monday, May 21 // 2nd Day Shavuot

• Morning Services starts: 10:00 am
• Yizkor Memorial Service: 11:30 am(approx)
• Holiday Ends: 8:49 pm

• Women and girls light holiday candles to usher in the holiday, on both the first and second evenings of the holidays. More info.
• It is customary to stay up all night learning Torah on the first night of Shavuot. More info.
• All men, women and children should go to the synagogue on the first day of Shavuot to hear the reading of the Ten Commandments. More info.
• As on other holidays, special meals are eaten, and no “work” may be performed. More info.
• It is customary to eat dairy foods on Shavuot. Menus range from traditional cheese blintzes to quiches, casseroles and more. Reasons.
• On the second day of Shavuot, the Yizkor memorial service is recited. More info.
• Some communities read the Book of Ruth, as King David—whose passing occurred on this day—was a descendant of Ruth the Moabite. Book of Ruth.
• Some have the custom to decorate their homes (and synagogues) with flowers and sweet-smelling plants in advance of Shavuot. More info.

Learn More About Shavuot Here...

What Happened at Mount Sinai?

SHABBAT MORNING SCHEDULE: 

• Coffee and Kabbalah at 9:00 am
  
  
• Shacharit Morning Service at 10:00 am
  Torah portion at around 11 am
  Torah portion of Bamidbar
  After the Service: Light Kiddush lunch with hot cholent

Participants had a wonderful time mixing, kneading, rolling and braiding their very own Challah at the Jewish Women's Circle Challah Bake event this week

Malka & Dovber Coates are pleased to announce the Bris of their great-grandson! Everyone is welcome to join in this special celebration of Jewish life and continuity!

Sunday, May 13 at Chabad Bay Area
At 12:00 pm

• Bris ceremony
• Followed by a bagel & lox brunch 

 Come and join the Simcha!

PS Please note, Tefillin and Breakfast will not be held at the usual time this Sunday morning. If you would like, come at 11:30 am for Tefillin. 

Join the Shavuot Celebation!

Featuring the Torah reading of the Ten Commandments followed by a DELICIOUS DAIRY KIDDUSH BUFFET including delectable homemade cheesecakes, salads, pasta dishes, blintzes, an ice cream bar and more!  

Sunday, May 20 at 11:00 am 

RSVP (Free - contribution optional) 

SHAVUOT HOLIDAY DATES:

• Eve of Shavuot - Saturday, May 19
• 1st Day of Shavuot - Sunday, May 20
• 2nd Day of Shavuot - Monday, May 21

The baby naming for the baby girl born to Samantha and Shlomi Wolraich will be held this Shabbat morning!

Join us for the service featuring the baby naming during the Torah reading!

After the service everyone is invited to a buffet Kiddush lunch sponsored by Shlomi and Samantha Wolraich! 

SHABBAT MORNING SCHEDULE: 

• Coffee and Kabbalah at 9:00 am
  Topic: The Divine Wisdom Hidden in Torah
  
  
• Shacharit Morning Service at 10:00 am
  Torah reading and baby naming at around 11 am
  Torah portion of Emor
  Buffet Kiddush lunch after the service