ב"ה

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Chabad of Uptown and personal diary updates! Please comment on our posts, we would love to hear from you!

Lets get ready for Pesach! (2 weeks)

Friday, March 28, 2025 - 10:51 AM

Don't forget to sell your chametz! www.chabaduptown.org/chametz

Do you have hand made Shmurah Matzah for your seder table? If not, we have one for you! Please reply to this email to let us know when you would like to pick it up (while supplies last...)

This Shabbos, we read Parshat Hachodesh, the special Torah portion that prepares us for the upcoming festival of Pesach. In it, Hashem commands the Jewish people to sanctify the new month and establish a calendar. This mitzvah of Kiddush Hachodesh—declaring the new moon—was the very first commandment given to the Jewish nation as a whole. Why was this mitzvah chosen to inaugurate our collective journey as Hashem's people?

The answer lies in the practical, transformative nature of mitzvahs. The sanctification of time is a distinctly human task. Hashem entrusts us with the power to shape time, setting the rhythm of Jewish life through festivals and rituals. This mitzvah reminds us that creation’s purpose is not merely spiritual reflection but action—infusing holiness into the mundane.

This theme continues in preparation for Pesach. The mitzvahs of the holiday—removing chametz, eating matzah, and recounting the Exodus—are tangible, hands-on actions. They ground our lofty ideals in the physical world, teaching us that faith and values must manifest in deeds.

As we prepare our homes and hearts for the Festival of Liberation, let us remember that the ultimate purpose of creation is to bring G-dliness into this world through mitzvahs. By engaging in practical mitzvahs, we fulfill our mission to be partners in perfecting the world and sanctifying every aspect of our daily lives.

May our preparations pave the way for the ultimate joyous Pesach, this year in Jerusalem!

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie Lazaroff

THE COHEN CORNER
Commitment is the foundation of great accomplishments.
The Mishkan was built with donations from any Jew who wished to participate. Each individual donated as they desired; no requirements or limits were given. The only exception was the silver used for the Mishkan’s foundation, where Hashem commanded that everyone give exactly half a shekel.

While we all differ in intellect, character, talents, and sensitivities, we are equal in our fundamental connection to Hashem: our intrinsic commitment to Him. In our relationship with Hashem, the rich cannot give more, and the poor cannot give less, as we all share the same essential commitment.

This is the foundation that supports the individual contributions we each make to build our unique "home" for Hashem, using our talents and resources. The foundation, though often hidden and unnoticed, is the silver of unwavering commitment that underpins everything.

Have a fabulous Shabbos!

Rabbi Yosef, Chanale and Mushka Cohen

Pesach is coming, April 10-20! Our Pesach website and Seder RSVP is now open!
Yes, Pesach is coming! Check out our Pesach mini-site with everything you need, including selling your chametz, buying hand-made round Shmurah Matzah for your seder table, RSVP for our seder table, our Pesach schedule and all kinds of Pesach readings and resources! www.chabaduptown.org/pesach2025

Sell your chametz now! www.chabaduptown.org/chametz
Order handmade Shmurah matzah www.chabaduptown.org/ordermatzah
RSVP for the Seder www.chabaduptown.org/sederrsvp
Complete Pesach candle lighting and service schedule www.chabaduptown.org/pesachschedule

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS:

Sunday, March 30, 7pm - Women’s Pre-Pesach Resin Seder plate event - Jewish women come together to create their own resin Seder Plate! Featuring Natalya Glass, Founder of Kitch&Kloset. Limited supply. RSVP at chabaduptown.org/resin
Tuesday, April 1st, 12pm - Lunch 'N Learn: Marror: Luxury of the Poor - With Rabbi Yosef Cohen. At the monthly Lunch & Learn, the community has an opportunity to enjoy an upscale lunch with like-minded friends for a spirited class and discussion! RSVP at chabaduptown.org/lunch
Sat., & Sun. April 12-13 - Uptown Pesach Seders - A Refreshingly Traditional Seder with Uptown Flare! www.chabaduptown.org/seder
Sunday, April 20 - Moshiach Seudah - Following the custom of the Baal Shem Tov, founder of Chassidism, Passover concludes with a "Feast of Moshiach."

UPCOMING YJP EVENTS:

Monday, March 31, 8 pm Met@Chabad Virtual Speeddating www.metatchabad.com/speeddating
Friday, April 4, 7:30 pm - Shabbat Italiano - April First Fridays - Join Young Jewish Professionals for an Italian Shabbat Dinner at YJP Houston - where spirits run high! www.yjphouston.org/italy
Wed-Sun., May 7-11 - CYP Encounter Guatemala - Join us for an adventurous weekend of nature, soulfulness, and connection with fellow young Jewish professionals. www.chabadyoung.com/gua
Wed.-Thurs., July 2-10 - CYP Israel Volunteer Trip - Meaningful, memorable and amazing volunteering trip to Israel this summer, eligible ages 18-50 —and the price is insane - as low at $599! www.chabadyoung.com/israel

THIS WEEK'S CLASSES:

Shabbos, March 29, 9:30 am - Chassidus - Torah Or with Rabbi Chaim Lazaroff
Monday, March 31, 8 pm - Hebrew Language: The Tanya with Rabbi Menny Raichik
Tuesday, April 1, 12 pm - Lunch n Learn: Marror: Luxury of the Poor with Rabbi Yosef Cohen
Wednesday, April 2, 8:00 pm - YJP Dinner, Class & Social
Thursday, April 3, 8:00 pm - Heart of Prayer

SHABBOS MEVARCHIM, CHAZAK, HACHODESH, PARSHAS PEKUDEI

FRIDAY, MARCH 28, ADAR 28
7:20 Shabbos Candle Lighting & Mincha
7:30 Kabbalat Shabbat
8:30 pm RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner

SHABBOS, MARCH 29, ADAR 29
8:00 am Shabbos Mevarchim Tehillim
9:30 am Chassidus
10:00 am Morning Services
Special Hachodesh Torah Reading
Shabbos Chazak, Mevarchim, Hachodesh, Lunch Kiddush & Farbrengen
7:20 pm Mincha
Torah Study
8:14 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbat Ends
Living Torah Video Magazine

SUNDAY, ROSH CHODESH NISSAN, MARCH 30, NISSAN 1
8 am Rosh Chodesh Shacharis
Followed by monthly breakfast

Rodeo or Red Heifer?

Friday, March 21, 2025 - 1:10 PM

We look forward to hosting our wonderful scholars in residence, Rabbi Yisrael and Vivi Deren! We hope you will join us and looking forward to seeing you and spending a meaningful Shabbos of Thriving together! www.chabaduptown.org/shabbaton

This week we read two Torah portions: the regular weekly reading, Vayakhel, and then an additional special reading, Parah. Together, they teach us about the nature of our relationship with Hashem and the role of faith in our observance of His commandments.

In Vayakhel, the Torah describes the communal effort to build the Mishkan, a dwelling place for the Divine Presence. Every detail was precise, yet the deeper meaning of the Mishkan transcended logic. How can physical materials house the infinite G-d? This paradox underscores that our service to G-d isn’t based solely on human understanding but on an unwavering faith in His will.

Similarly, Parah details the laws of the red heifer, a chok—a mitzvah that def

ies human reason. While it purifies the impure, it paradoxically renders the pure impure. The message is clear: the foundation of Torah observance is faith. We do not perform mitzvahs because we fully grasp their meaning, but because they connect us to G-d’s infinite wisdom.

In our modern world, where logic and reason are highly valued, it can be challenging to approach Judaism with the humility of faith. Yet, it is precisely this faith that binds us to G-d beyond the limitations of our understanding.

May we merit to strengthen our faith, observing Torah and mitzvahs with joy and trust, knowing that even when we don’t fully comprehend, every act of devotion brings the Divine Presence deeper into our lives.

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie Lazaroff

THE COHEN CORNER
"The whole is greater than the sum of its parts."

This week’s Torah portion begins with Moshe calling the Jewish people to build the Mishkan, inspiring them with a shared mission that emphasizes unity over individualism. Their enthusiasm and teamwork transform them into a collective entity, essential for Hashem's presence to dwell among them. This unity mirrors the ultimate goal of bringing His presence into the world with the coming of Mashiach. To achieve this, people must set aside personal desires and unite for a common purpose.

Wishing you all a wonderful Shabbos!

Rabbi Yosef, Chanale and Mushka Cohen

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS:

Shabbos, March 21-22 - Community Shabbaton "From Surviving to Thriving" with scholars in Residence, Rabbi Yisrael & Vivi Deren of Stamford, CT. www.chabaduptown.org/shabbaton
Sat., & Sun. April 12-13 - Uptown Pesach Seders - A Refreshingly Traditional Seder with Uptown Flare! www.chabaduptown.org/seder
Sunday, April 20 - Moshiach Seudah - Following the custom of the Baal Shem Tov, founder of Chassidism, Passover concludes with a "Feast of Moshiach."

UPCOMING YJP EVENTS:

Wednesday, March 26, 7:30 pm - Career Coaching Network Event - Bringing together an impressive and powerful group industry executives www.yjphouston.org/career
Monday, March 31, 8 pm Met@Chabad Virtual Speeddating www.metatchabad.com/speeddating
Wed-Sun., May 7-11 - CYP Encounter Guatemala - Join us for an adventurous weekend of nature, soulfulness, and connection with fellow young Jewish professionals. www.chabadyoung.com/gua
Wed.-Thurs., July 2-10 - Meaningful, memorable and amazing volunteering trip to Israel this summer, eligble ages 18-50 —and the price is insane - as low at $599! www.chabadyoung.com/israel

THIS WEEK'S CLASSES:

Shabbos, March 22, 9:00 am - Chassidus - Torah Or with Rabbi Chaim Lazaroff
Monday, March 24, 8 pm - Hebrew Language: The Tanya with Rabbi Menny Raichik
Wednesday, March 26, 7:30 pm - YJP Career Networking
Thursday, March 27, 8:00 pm - Heart of Prayer

SHABBOS PARAH PARSHAS VAYAKHEL

FRIDAY, MARCH 21, ADAR 21
7:16 Shabbos Candle Lighting & Mincha
7:30 Kabbalat Shabbat
8:30 pm RSVP for Shabbat Dinner with Rabbi Yisrael & Vivi Deren www.chabaduptown.org/shabbaton
MY JEWISH TOOLBOX: 6 tried and tested tools to "hold it together" when so much seems to be falling apart
Sponsored by Daniel Casslassy in memory of Yona Davod ben Yaffa, a"h

SHABBOS, MARCH 22, ADAR 22
9:00 am Chassidus
10:00 am Morning Services
Shabbat Lunch Kiddush & Farbrengen with the Derens
THE STRENGTH OF A SMILE Sponsored by the Benjaminov Family in memory of Menachem Tzvi ben Sara, z"l
7:15 pm Mincha
Torah Study
8:10 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbat Ends
Living Torah Video Magazine

triple Happy Purim! - with Incredible Hulk - video

Friday, March 14, 2025 - 1:02 PM

Purim is in full swing double, triple (see below) and more with:

over 150 hearing megillah last night and
130 young professionals staying on to celebrate Purim Night at the Shuk,
beautiful minyan this morning in Shul,
Megillah Readings and Parties at the Brookdale Galleria Senior home
and for the Israel Consulate of Houston.
We still have more megillah readings for the homebound
and house parties.
and, Don't miss the community Purim in "the Stadium" at Chabad of Uptown this afternoon at 4:30 pm with Megillah Reading at 6 pm!
let us know if you're staying for Shabbos dinner!

With Purim this week, we are reminded of the importance of Jewish pride and resilience. The Megillah teaches us about Mordechai’s unwavering refusal to bow or bend before Haman’s demands, despite being part of a small and scattered minority. Mordechai’s courage and the steadfastness of the Jewish people ultimately led to an extraordinary transformation—from despair to joy, from darkness to light.

This lesson is at the heart of Purim. It calls on us to stand tall in our identity, even when challenges arise. Jewish pride is not just about holding firm to our values; it is about knowing that our actions, no matter how small, can inspire others and bring about positive change. Mordechai and Esther’s faith and bravery reminds us that by staying true to who we are, we pave the way for miracles and redemption.

Today, we continue to face moments that test our commitment to our faith and values. Purim encourages us to respond with dignity, courage, and pride. This is how we transform challenges into opportunities for growth and light, ensuring that the legacy of Mordechai and Esther lives on in each of us.

May this Purim inspire us all to embrace our Jewish identity with pride and strength, bringing “light, joy, gladness, and honor” into our lives and the world around us.

Wishing you a joyous Purim and Good Shabbos!

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie Lazaroff

THE COHEN CORNER
It's so amazing to be able to celebrate Purim with the Uptown Jewish community!

Have a fabulous Shabbos!
Rabbi Yosef, Chanale and Mushka Cohen

JEWISH CUSTOMS

"Triple Purim" Adar 15 is "Shushan Purim" -- the day on which Purim is observed in Jerusalem and in other ancient walled cities (not Houston), in commemoration of the fact that in the ancient walled city of Shushan the original Purim celebration was on this date. When Shushan Purim falls on Shabbos -- as it does this year -- a unique phenomenon results: the "Triple" or Three-Day Purim (Purim Meshuleshes). Because a number of the Purim mitzvot cannot be performed on Shabbos, the observances are spread over a period of three days: the megillah reading and Giving to the Poor on Friday; Al Hanissim -- the special Purim addition to the daily prayers and Grace After Meals -- on Shabbat; and Sending Food Gifts to Friends and the Purim meal -- on Sunday. For the details of these laws, see summary and links in yesterday's Laws & Customs. For more on the Three-Day Purim, click here. (The Three-Day Purim phenomenon is unique to Shushan Purim, since the regular Purim -- Adar 14 -- cannot fall on Shabbos in the present-day configuration of Jewish calendar.)

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS:

Wednesday, March 19, 10:30 am - Mommy & Me with Chanale Cohen - REGISTER
Shabbos, March 21-22 - Community Shabbaton "From Surviving to Thriving" with scholars in Residence, Rabbi Yisrael & Vivi Deren of Stamford, CT. www.chabaduptown.org/shabbaton
Sat., & Sun. April 12-13 - Uptown Pesach Seders - A Refreshingly Traditional Seder with Uptown Flare! www.chabaduptown.org/seder
Sunday, April 20 - Moshiach Seudah - Following the custom of the Baal Shem Tov, founder of Chassidism, Passover concludes with a "Feast of Moshiach."

UPCOMING YJP EVENTS:

Thurs. March 20, 7:30 pm - Third Thursdays Happy Hour – Heights Bier Garten - No charge, no maximum capacity, no RSVP. Yes drinks, yes new people, yes fun. See you there! www.yjphouston.org/biergarten
Wednesday, March 26, 7:30 pm - Career Coaching Network Event - Bringing together an impressive and powerful group industry executives www.yjphouston.org/career
Monday, March 31, 8 pm Met@Chabad Virtual Speeddating www.metatchabad.com/speeddating
Wed-Sun., May 7-11 - CYP Encounter Guatemala - Join us for an adventurous weekend of nature, soulfulness, and connection with fellow young Jewish professionals. www.chabadyoung.com/gua
Wed.-Thurs., July 2-10 - Meaningful, memorable and amazing volunteering trip to Israel this summer, eligble ages 18-50 —and the price is insane - as low at $599! www.chabadyoung.com/israel

THIS WEEK'S CLASSES:

Shabbos, March 15, 9:00 am - Chassidus - Torah Or with Rabbi Chaim Lazaroff
Monday, March 17, 8 pm - Hebrew Language: The Tanya with Rabbi Menny Raichik
Wednesday, March 19, 7:30 pm - YJP Dinner, Class & Social
Thursday, March 20, 8:00 pm - Heart of Prayer

PURIM, SHUSHAN PURIM & SHABBOS KI SISA

PURIM DAY, FRIDAY, MARCH 14, ADAR 14
PURIM IN THE STADIUM - RSVP REQUIRED
4:30 pm Community Purim Party
6:00 Megilla Reading
7:12 Shabbos Candle Lighting & Mincha
7:30 Kabbalat Shabbat
8:30 pm RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner

SHUSHAN PURIM, SHABBOS, MARCH 15, ADAR 15
9:00 am Chassidus
10:00 am Morning Services
Shabbat Lunch Kiddush & Farbrengen sponsored by the Pfrenger family marking the yartzeit and in memory of Yaakov Moshe ben Yechiel and by the Izak family marking the yartzeit and in memory of Eliyahu Avrohom Ben Chaim Halevi
7:10 pm Mincha
Torah Study
8:06 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbat Ends
Living Torah Video Magazine

The real Chili winners are...Purim this week!

Friday, March 7, 2025 - 1:21 PM

This week’s Torah portion, Tetzaveh, stands out because Moses’s name is absent—the only time from his birth until the end of the Torah. This omission coincides with the 7th of Adar, the day of his passing.

But this isn’t about Moses being “missing.” In fact, Moses is everywhere in Tetzaveh. Instead of his name, we find the word “you,” directly addressing Moses’s essence. A name is what others call us, but “you” points to who we truly are, beyond labels.

Our sages teach that a righteous person’s influence becomes even greater after their passing, as their soul is no longer limited by a physical body. Moses’s life, leadership, and teachings continue to uplift and inspire us today, reminding us that true greatness transcends time and place.

Remarkably, the 7th of Adar is also the day of Moses’s birth, a powerful reminder that his life was a complete cycle of purpose and impact. This reminds us that even when something feels absent or distant, the essence often remains, stronger than ever.

May our prayers for the Ultimate Redemption be answered quickly, with the coming of Moshiach!

Shabbat shalom,

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie

COHEN CORNER
"The most genuine acts of kindness are done without fanfare and when no one is looking."

Ketores, the incense burnt on the Inner Altar in the Mishkan, was a service preformed in utter privacy. The Kohen preforming it was alone with Hashem. We are taught that the Divine Presence was felt most strongly as a result of this private service.
The lesson of the incense is powerful in our noisy world: true holiness, especially in kindness and charity, shines brightest when done in private, without seeking attention, simply because it is the right thing to do.

Have a wonderful Shabbos!

Rabbi Yosef, Chanale & Mushka Cohen

The winning Chili that actually tastes like Chili was amazing! Thank you for the winning team, Jeff Karchmer, Andrew Goldstein, Alex Brown, Chaim Kamman, Gary Caplan and Jake Siegel for the Chili A-Team! 31 men put on tefillin at the Uptown Tefillin stand in memory of Yonah David ben Yaffa, a"h and many women took upon themselves to light Shabbos candles on time using the Chabad of Uptown candle lighting refrigerator magnet! May next year's judges know which chili actually tastes the best!

JEWISH CUSTOMS

Parshas Zachor - This being the Shabbos before Purim, on which we celebrate the foiling of Haman the Amalekite's plot to destroy the Jewish people, the weekly Parshah is supplemented with the Zachor reading (Devarim 25:17-19) in which we are biblically commanded to hear this Torah portion to remember the evil of Amalek and to eradicate it from the face of the earth. "Parshas Zachor" is the second of four special readings added during or immediately before the month of Adar (the other three being "Shekalim", "Parah" and "Hachodesh") Links: The Zachor Reading with commentary, More on Who Was Amalek?

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS:

Sunday, March 9, 12:30 pm - Family Hamantash Bake - RSVP to Chanale via text 954-716-9353
Wednesday, March 12, 10:30 am - Mommy & Me with Chanale Cohen - REGISTER
Friday, March 14, 4:30 pm - Community Purim at the Stadium - Sports themed Purim featuring a human foosball and sports challenge, join us for a Purim Feast and Megillah Reading! www.chabaduptown.org/stadium
Shabbos, March 21-22 - Community Shabbaton "From Surviving to Thriving" with scholars in Residence, Rabbi Yisrael & Vivi Deren of Stamford, CT. www.chabaduptown.org/shabbaton

UPCOMING YJP EVENTS:

Friday, March 7, 6:30 pm - YJP Rodeo Night Shabbat - First Fridays Dinner - Saddle up, partners! We’re rustlin’ up a rootin’-tootin’ good time at our Rodeo Night Shabbat! This ain’t our first rodeo, but it’s gonna be a doozy! So, mosey on over and get ready to lasso some new friends and memories! Ages 21-39, so come one, come all, and let’s get this rodeo started! www.yjphouston.org/rodeoshabbat
Sunday, March 9, 5-8:30 pm - YJP Girls Night / Guys Night - A night out for the girls. A night out for the guys. Girls, dessert & discussion with the Rebbetzin. Guys, wings BBQ with the Rabbi www.yjphouston.org/girlsguysnight
Wednesday, March 12, 7:30 pm - YJP Pre-Purim Hamantash Bake - RSVP to Chanie via text - 713-419-3962
Thursday, March 13, 8 pm - YJP Purim Night in the Shuk - YJP 20s and 30s Celebrate Purim in Style with Open Bar, Music, Juice Bar, Spice Making and more www.yjphouston.org/shuk
Thurs. March 20, 7:30 pm - Third Thursdays Happy Hour – Heights Bier Garten - No charge, no maximum capacity, no RSVP. Yes drinks, yes new people, yes fun. See you there! www.yjphouston.org/biergarten
Wednesday, March 26, 7:30 pm - Career Coaching Network Event - Bringing together an impressive and powerful group industry executives www.yjphouston.org/career
Monday, March 31, 8 pm Met@Chabad Virtual Speeddating www.metatchabad.com/speeddating
Wed-Sun., May 7-11 - CYP Encounter Guatemala - Join us for an adventurous weekend of nature, soulfulness, and connection with fellow young Jewish professionals. www.chabadyoung.com/gua

THIS WEEK'S CLASSES:

Shabbos, March 8, 9:00 am - Chassidus - Torah Or with Rabbi Chaim Lazaroff
Monday, March 10, 8 pm - Hebrew Language: The Tanya with Rabbi Menny Raichik
Tuesday, March 11, 7:30 pm - JLI Decoding the Talmud with Rabbi Moishe Traxler - REGISTER
Wednesday, March 12, 7:30 pm - YJP Pre-Purim Hamantash Bake - RSVP to Chanie via text - 713-419-3962

SHABBOS ZACHOR PARSHAS TETZAVEH

Friday, March 7, 7 Adar
6:07 pm Light Shabbat Candles & Mincha
6:30 Kabbalat Shabbat
7:30 pm RSVP for Rodeo Night First Friday Shabbat Dinner www.yjphouston.org/rodeoshabbat
Sponsored in honor of Samuel Levy’s grand parents, Samuel and Nina Levy from Saloniki and Kasoria Greece

Shabbos, March 8, 8 Adar
9:00 am Chassidus
10:00 am Morning Services
Reading of Parshas Zachor
Shabbat Lunch Kiddush & Farbrengen sponsored by the Benjaminov family marking the yartzeits and in memory of ברכה מרגלית בת מיכל ז״ל & דוד בן שרה ז״ל
6:05 pm Mincha
Torah Study
7:01 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbat Ends
Living Torah Video Magazine

COMPLETE PURIM SCHEDULE WITH CHABAD OF UPTOWN

FAST OF ESTHER, THURSDAY, MARCH 13, 13 ADAR
6:19 am Fast Begins | 6:45 am Shacharis Services
7:00 pm Fast of Esther Mincha | 7:53 pm Fast Ends & Maariv

PURIM EVE, Thursday, MARCH 13
8:00 pm Megillah Reading
Followed by YJP
PURIM NIGHT AT THE SHUK - RSVP REQUIRED
11:00 pm Late Night Megillah Reading

PURIM DAY, FRIDAY, MARCH 14
6:45 am Shacharis | 7:30 am Megillah Reading at Chabad of Uptown
11:00 am Seniors Party & Megillah Reading at Brookdale Galleria - 2929 Post Oak
PURIM IN THE STADIUM - RSVP REQUIRED
4:30 pm Community Purim Party
6:00 Megilla Reading
7:12 Shabbos Candle Lighting

SHABBOS PARSHAS KI SISA SCHEDULE
Fri., March 14, 14 Adar
7:12 pm Light Shabbat Candles & Mincha
7:30 Kabbalat Shabbat
8:30 pm RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner

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