Yesterday, Rabbi Chaim had the privilege of joining our colleagues from across Texas as a delegation of Chabad rabbis and rebbetzins met with Governor Greg Abbott in honor of Education and Sharing Day. Standing there together, representing the 43 branches of Chabad throughout the state, we felt a deep sense of gratitude for how far Yiddishkeit has reached and how much light continues to spread across Texas through the Rebbe’s vision.

One of the most meaningful moments for me (Chaim) personally was presenting the Governor, on behalf of my father, Rabbi Shimon Lazaroff, head rabbi of Chabad of Texas, with a custom siddur in a special presentation box opened to Modeh Ani, the first prayer a Jew says upon waking. Before anything else, before the noise and demands of the day, a Jew begins with gratitude. Modeh Ani reminds us that life itself is a gift, that our soul is returned with compassion, and that each morning begins with renewed purpose.

It felt especially fitting in the days before Shabbos Hagadol and just ahead of Pesach. Shabbos Hagadol is when we begin preparing not only our homes for Pesach, but our souls as well. Pesach is the festival of transmission, when the Torah tells us, V’higadeta l’vincha, “and you shall tell your child.” The foundation of Jewish life is not only what we know, but what we pass on. We do not keep it to ourselves. We place it into words, into homes, into rituals, into children, and into the next generation.

That is what made the moment in the Governor’s office feel so significant. We were speaking about education, and the Rebbe taught the world that education means far more than academics alone. True education shapes a person’s character, values, and sense of mission. It teaches a child not only how to succeed, but how to live. In many ways, that is the story of Pesach itself. A nation is born through parents teaching children, through memory becoming identity, and through gratitude becoming purpose.

As we enter this Shabbos Hagadol and prepare for the Pesach Seder next week, may we remember that our greatest task is not only to clean for Pesach, but to tell the story well. To speak with warmth, to teach with joy, and to pass on to our children and our community a Judaism that is alive. Because in the end, the future of the Jewish people will be shaped not only by what we remove from our homes, but by what we place into our own hearts and in the hearts of our children.

Rabbi Chaim and Chanie Lazaroff

THE COHEN CORNER
Do all the good you can, for all the people you can, in all the ways you can, as long as you can. 

In the Beis Hamikdash, the kohen, the very embodiment of holiness and spiritual elevation, would begin his day by clearing the ashes from the altar. He would change into simpler garments, as if stepping into work clothes, and carry them outside the camp. What might appear as a lowly or degrading task was, to him, sacred service. The same individual who offered the most elevated offerings also took responsibility for what looked like the leftovers, because in the service of Hashem, no act is defined by status. It is defined by whether it is what Hashem wants.

That perspective forces us to rethink the moments we are inclined to avoid. When we notice someone who needs help but instinctively feel it is beneath us, whether it is giving attention to someone overlooked, stepping into an uncomfortable situation, or helping a person who cannot repay us, that hesitation is the test. If Hashem created that person, that circumstance, and placed it in your awareness, then there is something there for you to do. Like the kohen with the ashes, the question is not whether the task feels important, it is whether you recognize it as yours.

Have an amazing Shabbos!

Rabbi Yosef, Chanale, Mushka & Mendel Cohen

SHABBAT HAGADOL
On the Shabbos before the Exodus--Nissan 10th on that year, and this year--the first-born of Egypt, who occupied the senior positions in the priesthood and government, fought a bloody battle with Pharaoh's troops, in an effort to secure the release of the Israelites and prevent the Plague of the Firstborn. This "great miracle" is commemorated each year on the Shabbos before Passover, which is therefore called Shabbos HaGadol, "The Great Shabbat." (This is one of the rare instances in which a commemorative date in the Jewish calendar is set by the day of the week rather than the day of the month.) For more on the war of the Firstborn, see here.

PESACH IS COMING, APRIL 1-9!

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/pesach2026

• Sell your chametz now! www.chabaduptown.org/chametz
• Give to the Maos Chitim Fund to help local families celebrate Pesach with joy. www.chabaduptown.org/donate
• Get your handmade Shmurah Matzah for the Seder table at one of the local Kosher stores. We also have a special gift 2-pack for you - contact us while supplies last! 
• RSVP for the Seder www.chabaduptown.org/seder
• Complete Pesach candle lighting and service schedule www.chabaduptown.org/pesachschedule

UPCOMING CLASSES:

• Shabbos, March 28, 9:00 am - Likkutei Torah - Kabbala of the Parsha - Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi's Masterworks on the weekly Parsha.
• Monday, March 30, 8 pm - Hebrew Language: The Tanya with Rabbi Menny Raichik

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• Wed. & Thurs. April 1-2, 8:15 pm - Uptown Pesach Seders - A Refreshingly Traditional Seder with Uptown Flare! www.chabaduptown.org/seder
• Friday, April 3, 7:30 pm - April First Fridays - Pesach Edition - Pesach Shabbat Dinner for Young Jewish Professionals. www.yjphouston.org/pesachshabbat
• Thursday, April 9, 5:45 pm - Moshiach Seudah - Following the custom of the Baal Shem Tov, founder of Chassidism, Passover concludes with a "Feast of Moshiach." More...
• Wed-Sun., May 22-26 - CYP Encounter Guatemala - Join us for an adventurous weekend of nature, soulfulness, and connection with fellow young Jewish professionals. www.chabadyoung.com/gua - SOLD OUT
• Mon.-Tues., June 29-July 7 - Volunteer in Israel - Chabad of Uptown Volunteer Mission with Birthright Israel - Israel Needs Us Again. Let’s Go Back. A community volunteer mission for active adults 18 and up, including those 50+! www.chabaduptown.org/israeltrip

Mazel tov to Nathan & Nicole (Harari) Nakhmanovitch on their marriage!

SHABBOS HAGADOL PARSHAS TZAV

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, NISSAN 9
7:19 pm Mincha & Shabbos Candle Lighting
7:30 pm Shabbat Services
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner

SHABBOS, MARCH 28, NISSAN 10
9:00 am Chassidus
10:00 am Services
Shabbos Lunch Kiddush sponsored by Jessica Pfrenger in honor of her mom's Hebrew birthday, Bonnie Pfregner.
7:20 pm Mincha
Torah Study - Laws of Pesach
8:14 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends
Living Torah

SUNDAY, MARCH 29, NISSAN 11
The Rebbe's Birthday
8:00 am Shacharis

MONDAY MARCH 30, NISSAN 12
6:45 am Shacharis 

PESACH IS APRIL 1-9!
www.chabaduptown.org/pesach2026

PESACH FIRST DAYS SCHEDULE 2026
TUESDAY, MARCH 31 | CHAMETZ RIDDANCE
Sell Your Chametz! Click Here
8:04 pm Search for Chametz

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1 | FAST OF THE FIRSTBORN | EREV PESACH
5:55 am Fast of the Firstborn Begins
6:45 am Shacharis
7:30 am Siyum for Fast of the Firstborn
11:19 am Finish Eating Chametz Before
12:22 pm Burn Chametz Before
7:22 pm Light Holiday Candles
7:25 pm Evening Services
First Uptown Seder, RSVP

THURSDAY, APRIL 2 | PESACH DAY 1
10:00 am Morning Service
Prayer for Dew
Lunch Kiddush After Service
7:25 pm Evening Service
AFTER 8:17 pm Light Candles
Count the Omer, Night 1
Second Uptown Seder, RSVP

FRIDAY, APRIL 3 | PESACH DAY 2
10:00 am Morning Service
Lunch Kiddush After Service
BEFORE 7:24 pm Light Shabbat Candles
7:25 pm Yom Tov Mincha and Shabbat Services
Count the Omer, Night 2
April First Fridays - Pesach Edition www.yjphouston.org/pesachshabbat

SHABBOS, APRIL 4 | PESACH DAY 3
10:00 am Morning Service
Lunch Kiddush After Service
7:25 pm Shabbos Mincha
8:18 pm Maariv, Havdallah, and Shabbos Ends
Living Torah Video

SUNDAY, APRIL 5 | PESACH DAY 5
8:00 am Morning Service

MONDAY & TUESDAY, APRIL 6-7 | PESACH DAYS 5-6
7:00 am Morning Service

Israel Needs Us Again. Let’s Go Back.

This week we begin Sefer Vayikra, the book that opens with Hashem calling to Moshe from the Mishkan and teaching the avodah of the korbanos. At first glance, korbanos can feel distant from modern life, yet their message is deeply personal and strikingly relevant. The word korban comes from karov, to come close. Vayikra reminds us that Judaism is not only about what we believe, but about how we draw close. When there is pain, we do not turn away. When there is holiness to build, we step forward. As Hashem calls, a Jew responds.

That message feels especially powerful right now as we officially announce our upcoming volunteer mission to Israel. At a time when our brothers and sisters in Eretz Yisroel are carrying so much, this is our chance to come close in the most real way possible. Not only in spirit. Not only in prayer. But with our presence, our hands, our time, and our hearts. There is something profoundly Vayikra about boarding a plane to help another Jew. It is a living expression of korban, of kiruv, of love, solidarity, and responsibility.

Our last YJP Houston mission  with Birthright Israel & Mayanot left a deep mark on everyone who joined. We came home uplifted, connected, and changed by the privilege of giving and standing shoulder to shoulder with the people of Israel. Now, as another opportunity opens before us, we are once again being called, this time inviting all active adults 18 and up, including those 50+. Called to show up. Called to strengthen others and be strengthened ourselves. Called to discover that when we give to Am Yisroel, we ourselves are drawn closer to Hashem, to our people, and to who we are meant to be.

As we enter this Shabbos of Vayikra, may we hear that call clearly. May each of us find our own way to respond with action. And may those who join this journey to Israel go as shluchim of our entire community, bringing comfort, hope, and pride, and returning with blessings and inspiration for us all.

Rabbi Chaim and Chanie Lazaroff

THE COHEN CORNER
Don't just go through the motions. 

The Torah’s discussion of korbanot teaches a striking truth: no offering has meaning on its own. Every detail, the animal, the procedure, the precision, could be carried out perfectly, yet remain empty if it lacks inner intention. A sacrifice was never just an act; it was meant to express something real within. Without that, it becomes a hollow ritual. And yet, the opposite is also true: feeling alone is not enough. A person could be filled with inspiration and never act on it, and nothing would change. The korban demanded both, the physical deed and the inner spirit brought together into a single offering.

That same balance plays out in familiar moments. A person might drop a few dollars into a charity box out of habit while scrolling their phone, or rush through a blessing over food without a second thought, or show up to a holiday meal more out of routine than presence. Those actions have made an impact, but the person wasn't in them. They feed someone, mark a moment, keep a connection alive. Feeling bad for someone struggling financially but never offering help, or feeling inspired during a meaningful moment but not carrying it into real change captures the reverse. The goal is to bring the two together, to take the same small acts and fill them with awareness. To pause before giving and think about the person receiving, to say a blessing with even a moment of focus, to show up not just physically but emotionally. The action stays the same, but the experience becomes something deeper and fully alive.

Have a wonderful Shabbos! 

Rabbi Yosef, Chanale, Mushka & Mendel Cohen

PESACH IS COMING, APRIL 1-9!

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/pesach2026

• Sell your chametz now! www.chabaduptown.org/chametz
• Give to the Maos Chitim Fund to help local families celebrate Pesach with joy. www.chabaduptown.org/donate
• Get your handmade Shmurah Matzah for the Seder table at one of the local Kosher stores. We also have a special gift 2-pack for you - contact us while supplies last! 
• RSVP for the Seder www.chabaduptown.org/seder
• Complete Pesach candle lighting and service schedule www.chabaduptown.org/pesachschedule

UPCOMING CLASSES:

• Shabbos, March 21, 9:00 am - Likkutei Torah - Kabbala of the Parsha - Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi's Masterworks on the weekly Parsha.
• Monday, March 23, 8 pm - Hebrew Language: The Tanya with Rabbi Menny Raichik
• Tuesday, March 24, 12 pm - Lunch & Learn: Irreversible Freedom with Rabbi Yosef Cohen. Enjoy an upscale lunch with like-minded friends for a spirited Torah class and meaningful discussion.
• Wednesday, March 25, 8:00 pm - YJP Dinner, Class & Social 
• Thursday, March 26, 8:00 pm - Heart of Prayer

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• Wed. & Thurs. April 1-2, 8:15 pm - Uptown Pesach Seders - A Refreshingly Traditional Seder with Uptown Flare! www.chabaduptown.org/seder
• Thursday, April 9, 5:45 pm - Moshiach Seudah - Following the custom of the Baal Shem Tov, founder of Chassidism, Passover concludes with a "Feast of Moshiach." More...
• Wed-Sun., May 22-26 - CYP Encounter Guatemala - Join us for an adventurous weekend of nature, soulfulness, and connection with fellow young Jewish professionals. www.chabadyoung.com/gua - SOLD OUT
• Mon.-Tues., June 29-July 7 - Volunteer in Israel - Chabad of Uptown Volunteer Mission with Birthright Israel - Israel Needs Us Again. Let’s Go Back. A community volunteer mission for active adults 18 and up, including those 50+! www.chabaduptown.org/israeltrip

SHABBOS PARSHAS VAYIKRA

FRIDAY, MARCH 20, NISSAN 2
7:15 pm Mincha & Shabbos Candle Lighting
7:30 pm Shabbat Services
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner

SHABBOS, MARCH 21, NISSAN 3
9:00 am Chassidus
10:00 am Services
Shabbos Lunch Kiddush 
7:15 pm Mincha
Torah Study - Laws of Pesach
8:09 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends
Living Torah

SUNDAY, MARCH 22, NISSAN 4
8:00 am Shacharis

MONDAY & THURSDAY, MARCH 23 & 26, NISSAN 5 & 8
6:45 am Shacharis 

PESACH IS APRIL 1-9!
www.chabaduptown.org/pesach2026

So much is happening this week. And it all means one thing: Pesach is almost here!

This Shabbos is filled with meaning.

It is Shabbos Mevarchim, when we bless the coming month of Nissan, the month of redemption and the month of Pesach. It is Shabbos Chazak, as we complete Sefer Shemos and strengthen one another with the words Chazak, chazak, v’nischazek. We also read from a second Torah for Parshas Hachodesh, reminding us of the very first mitzvah given to the Jewish people as a nation, the sanctification of the new month, and turning our attention fully toward Pesach. All of this comes together with Parshas Vayakhel Pekudei, a parsha about building something holy, meaningful, and lasting.

In simple terms, this is the Shabbos that tells us Pesach is here!

That means now is the time to get ready and to help others do the same.

• Our full Pesach section is now live at www.chabaduptown.org/pesach2026
• Please give now to the Maos Chitim Fund to help local families celebrate Pesach with  joy. www.chabaduptown.org/donate
• Be sure to sell your chametz now at www.chabaduptown.org/chametz
• Be sure to get your handmade Shmurah Matzah for the Seder table at one of the local Kosher stores. We also have a special gift 2-pack for you - contact us while supplies last!
• You can RSVP for the Seder at www.chabaduptown.org/seder
• For the full Pesach candle lighting and service schedule, visit www.chabaduptown.org/pesachschedule

As we prepare for Pesach this year, we do so at a time when the world feels shaken, with war involving Iran and with painful reminders that even Jewish communities in the United States are not untouched by hatred and violence. Yet this is exactly when the strength of a Jew shines brightest. We gather, we give, we prepare, and we trust in Hashem. May this Shabbos and the coming month of Nissan bring healing, protection, and peace, and may we very soon see days of true redemption for Israel and for the entire world.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Chaim and Chanie Lazaroff

THE COHEN CORNER
The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

The Torah describes a discussion between Moshe and Betzalel about building the Mishkan. Moshe first instructed that the furnishings be made, even before the structure itself. Betzalel understood Hashem’s instructions to mean that the structure should come first and the furnishings afterward, just as a home is built before it is filled with furniture. Moshe’s approach teaches that even when the environment is not yet elevated, one small deed can begin shaping the space around us into a dwelling place for the Divine.

Holiness does not begin only when life is perfectly arranged. It begins with small acts that bring light into ordinary moments. Inviting a neighbor over for coffee, affixing a mezuzah to the front door, or placing a charity box in the office breakroom and giving a few coins each day can quietly transform everyday spaces. These simple choices introduce sanctity into our lives and gradually shape a world that reflects our highest ideals. 

Have a remarkable Shabbos!

Rabbi Yosef, Chanale, Mushka & Mendel Cohen

UPCOMING CLASSES:

• Shabbos, March 14, 9:30 am - Likkutei Torah - Kabbala of the Parsha - Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi's Masterworks on the weekly Parsha.
• Monday, March 16, 8 pm - Hebrew Language: The Tanya with Rabbi Menny Raichik
• Wednesday, March 18, 8:00 pm - YJP Dinner, Class & Social 
• Thursday, March 19, 8:00 pm - Heart of Prayer

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• Sunday, March 15, 6:30 pm - Women Resin & Rose Mezuzah Workshop - Design your own resin Mezuzah case and explore the mystical powers of the Mezuzah www.chabaduptown.org/resin
• Wed. & Thurs. April 1-2, 8:15 pm - Uptown Pesach Seders - A Refreshingly Traditional Seder with Uptown Flare! www.chabaduptown.org/seder
• Thursday, April 9, 5:45 pm - Moshiach Seudah - Following the custom of the Baal Shem Tov, founder of Chassidism, Passover concludes with a "Feast of Moshiach." More...
• Wed-Sun., May 22-26 - CYP Encounter Guatemala - Join us for an adventurous weekend of nature, soulfulness, and connection with fellow young Jewish professionals. www.chabadyoung.com/gua - SOLD OUT

Mazel tov to Michal Tubi on her engagement to Sam Levy!

SHABBOS MEVARCHIM, CHAZAK, HACHODESH, PARSHAS VAYAHKEL-PEKUDEI

FRIDAY, MARCH 13, ADAR 24
7:11 pm Mincha & Shabbos Candle Lighting
7:30 pm Shabbat Services
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner

SHABBOS, MARCH 14, ADAR 25
8:00 am Shabbos Mevarchim Tehillim
9:30 am Chassidus
10:00 am Services
Reading of Parshas Hachodesh
Shabbos Lunch Kiddush Benjaminov Family in memory of Menachem tzvi ben sara z”l and by Seth Frydberg Shabbat of Thanks to the Uptown community & Rabbis and his mom's Jewish Birthday
7:10 pm Mincha
Torah Study - Laws of Pesach
8:05 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends
Living Torah

SUNDAY, MARCH 15, ADAR 26
8:00 am Shacharis

MONDAY, MARCH 16, ADAR 27
6:45 am Shacharis 

ROSH CHODESH NISSAN, THURSDAY, MARCH 19, NISSAN 1
6:45 am Shacharis 
Followed by monthly Rosh Chodesh Breakfast