News & Shmooze - Chabad of the Bay Area

Opportunity to check your Mezuzot & Tefillin

Friday, August 16, 2019 - 7:07 PM

If you have never had your Mezuzot or Tefillin checked, it is a good idea to do so. In fact, Halacha (Jewish law) recommends to have Mezuzot checked approximately twice every 7 years.

Why? Like Torah Scrolls, properly written Mezuzot and Tefillin are written to very exacting standards. Every letter and word must be clearly written in a very precise manner. Over time it is possible for letters to crack or fade, or even for ink to run, which can invalidate the item until repaired (when possible).

Rabbi Lewin, an expert Sofer from NY will be coming to Houston next week (checking fee: $70 Tefillin, $8 Mezuzah). If you would like to have your Mezuzot or Tefillin checked, please contact Rabbi Schmukler by this Sunday/Monday to arrange it.

Friday Night Delight

Thursday, August 15, 2019 - 5:08 PM

Join us Friday, August 16 at 7:15 pm for our monthly FRIDAY NIGHT DELIGHT!

Featuring a lively Kabbalat Shabbat Service followed by "Kiddush & Kneidlach!"

*Kneidlach = In other words, Delicious Matzah Ball Soup!!

Film Screening: Who Will Write Our History

Friday, August 9, 2019 - 7:01 AM

Join us for a Tisha B'Av afternoon screening of this critically-acclaimed documentary film by Nancy Spielberg!

Watch the Trailer

Who Will Write Our History

In November 1940, days after the Nazis sealed 450,000 Jews in the Warsaw Ghetto, a secret band of journalists, scholars, and community leaders decided to fight back. Led by historian Emanuel Ringelblum and known by the code name Oyneg Shabes, this clandestine group vowed to defeat Nazi lies and propaganda not with guns or fists but with the ultimate weapon: the truth.

Sunday at 5:15 pm
Tisha B'Av
At Chabad Bay Area
Free of charge

Tisha B'Av Schedule - Saturday Eve & Sunday

Thursday, August 8, 2019 - 7:37 AM

Tisha B'Av is the major fast day that commemorates the destruction of the two Holy Temples in Jerusalem.

Below is the schedule for this year. Please note that fast times are local to the Clear Lake Area.

WHEN IS THE FAST?

Starts Saturday Evening, August 10 at 8:06 pm
Ends Sunday, August 11 at 8:31 pm

EVENING SERVICE:

Traditional Reading of Eicha (Book of Lamentations) on Saturday, August 10 at 9:15 pm.

FILM:

Join us for the film "Who Will Write Our History" on Sunday, August 11 at 5:15 pm.

PRAYER SERVICES:

Sunday: Shacharit at 9 am / Mincha (with Tefillin) at 7:30 pm.
Followed by light refreshments at end of the fast.

How to Observe: Tisha B'av

Wednesday, August 7, 2019 - 5:00 PM

What is Tisha B'Av

The saddest day on the Jewish calendar is the Ninth of Av, "Tisha b'Av," the date on which both our Holy Temples were destroyed, and exile, persecution and spiritual darkness began.

Tisha b'Av starts at sundown of the preceding day and lasts till the following nightfall. During this time-period we fast, eschew pleasurable activities and amenities, and lament the destruction of the Holy Temple and our nation’s exile.

Basic Laws of Tisha B'av

Besides fasting, we abstain from additional pleasures: washing, applying lotions or creams, wearing leather footwear, and marital relations. Until midday, we sit on the floor or on low stools. We also abstain from studying Torah—besides those parts that discuss the destruction of the Temple.

On the eve of Tisha b’Av, we gather in the synagogue to read the Book of Lamentations. Tallit and tefillin are not worn during the morning prayers. After the morning prayers we recite Kinot (elegies). We don the tallit and tefillin for the afternoon prayers.

For more about Tisha B'av, click here.

Join us this Tuesday for a class: The Hidden Hand of G-d

Friday, August 2, 2019 - 10:00 AM

Join us on Tuesday, August 6 at 7:00 pm for a Pre-Tisha B'Av class!

Hidden Hand of G-d: The Incredible History and Lessons of Tisha B'Av

Follow the hidden hand of G-d through a series of epic events in Jewish history. Discover how it happened, what it means and how it guides us today and inspires us towards the future.

This Tuesday, August 6
7:00 pm

Led by Rabbi Yitzchok Schmukler
At Chabad Bay Area

RSVP Free! Simply reply to this email

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Today marks the start of 'The Nine Days'

Friday, August 2, 2019 - 8:35 AM

Friday, August 2, 2019 is the first day of the month Av.

The first nine days of Av are days of mourning for the destruction of the first and second Holy Temples. Among other observances, during this time we refrain from eating meat or drinking wine (except on Shabbat), swimming or bathing for pleasure, remodeling or expanding a home and buying new clothes.

The Nine Days culminate in the fast of Tisha B'Av (The Ninth of Av).