Just a few weeks ago, we gathered at Chabad of Uptown for a very moving Lag BaOmer kumzitz with our nephew Leibel Lazaroff, who survived the terror attack at the Chanukah celebration on Bondi Beach in Australia.
It was an unforgettable evening. Around the fire, with music, stories, and quiet moments of reflection, Leibel shared not only what he lived through, but the strength, faith, and Jewish pride that carried him through it. One of the people who had a deep impact on his life in Australia was my Chabad colleague, Rabbi Eli Schlanger, of blessed memory, who was murdered that night.
This week, a chilling and deeply moving photo came to light. It shows Rabbi Eli Schlanger, of blessed memory, together with Leibel Lazaroff, thank G-d alive and well, at the Chanukah by the Sea menorah lighting, shortly before the massacre. The photo was found on the camera of photographer Peter Meagher, of blessed memory, who was also murdered that night. His camera was later recovered and returned to his widow, revealing some of the final moments of light, joy, and Jewish pride before terror struck.
And now, from that darkness, another light has emerged.
Rabbi Schlanger had been working on a book with Australian journalist Nikki Goldstein, whom he first met while serving as a hospital chaplain. She was facing a serious medical emergency, and their conversations turned to G-d, purpose, morality, healing, and how to live a more meaningful life. In January 2025, they decided to put those conversations into writing.
Less than a year later, as the manuscript was nearing completion, Rabbi Schlanger was murdered.
A book written to heal a fractured world was left unfinished, its author brutally taken.
Nikki was shattered. But with the blessing of Rabbi Schlanger’s family, she resolved to finish what they had begun. This week, that sacred effort came to fruition with the release of *Conversations With My Rabbi: Timeless Teachings for a Fractured World*.
The book explores Judaism’s universal moral values and the timeless wisdom that speaks not only to Jews, but to all of humanity. Every page carries Rabbi Schlanger’s warmth, clarity, Chassidic depth, and unmistakable wit.
You can now purchase Conversations With My Rabbi: Timeless Teachings for a Fractured World here.
I encourage you to get a copy. Read it. Share it. Buy one for a family member, a neighbor, a colleague, or a friend. This is not only a Jewish book. It is a human book, for anyone searching for meaning, for moral clarity, and for a more G-dly way to live.
You can read more about the book, the co-authors, and lessons within at ChabadUptown.org/ConversationsBook.
Rabbi Schlanger believed with all his soul that we can make this world better, one conversation, one mitzvah, one act of goodness at a time. Nothing would make him prouder than knowing that his voice continues to inspire people to bring more light into a fractured world.
Good Shabbos!
Rabbi Chaim and Chanie Lazaroff
THE COHEN CORNER
The one thing that you have that nobody else has is you.
Three groups served in the Mishkan: the Leviim who carried its structure, the Kohanim who blessed the people, and the princes of each tribe who brought offerings for its dedication. At first glance, some of these contributions seem greater than others, while the princes’ offerings all appear to be exactly the same. Yet the Torah records each one separately, emphasizing that no two acts of service are truly identical. Every individual brought something that no one else could bring. The Mishkan was built not through uniformity, but through the unique role, perspective, and contribution of each person. Naso teaches that Hashem does not seek copies; He values the distinct gifts that each soul contributes to the whole.
This idea becomes tangible in everyday life. The work you do, the kindness you show, the mitzvah you perform, and the support you give others all matter in ways that no one else can replicate. Two people may give the same amount of tzedakah, study the same Torah passage, or light Shabbos candles, but no one can bring your perspective, your sacrifices, or your heart to those actions. Your efforts are not measured only by what they produce, but by the unique piece of yourself that you invest in them. Holiness is not reserved for extraordinary people or extraordinary moments. It is found in ordinary actions performed by unique individuals. The Jewish people are strongest not when we are all the same, but when each of us contributes the gift that only we can give.
Have an amazing Shabbos!
Rabbi Yosef, Chanale, Mushka & Mendel Cohen
- Shabbos, May 30, 9:00 am - Likkutei Torah - Kabbala of the Parsha - Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi's Masterworks on the weekly Parsha.
- Sunday, May 31, 12 pm - End of Life Pre-Planning Luncheon - Gain practical guidance on Jewish perspectives, funeral planning, and estate preparation with expert insights. Register, www.chabaduptown.org/plan
- Monday, June 1, 8 pm - Hebrew Language: The Tanya with Rabbi Menny Raichik
- 2 Wednesdays, June 3-10, 7:30-9:00 pm: CYP Academy: Judaism Decoded - Discover the origins and evolution of Jewish tradition in this new 6 week course exploring the inner workings of Torah interpretation and Jewish law. Complete the course and receive a $200 voucher toward any upcoming CYP trip. www.yjphouston.org/decoded
- 2 Thursdays, June 4 & 11, 8 pm: V’atah Tetzaveh: A Maamar for Our Times - A two part study of the Rebbe’s final published maamar, exploring its powerful message of inner faith, Jewish resilience, and purposeful living as preparation for Gimmel Tammuz
UPCOMING EVENTS:
- Wednesday, June 3, 7:30 pm – Women: The Foundations Series - Your Body in Action Learn how to support your pelvic health before, during and after pregnancy for strength, comfort and long term wellbeing. Second session in a 2-part expert series offering Jewish and medical support for before, during, and after pregnancy. RSVP: www.chabaduptown.org/foundation
- Friday, June 5, 7:30 pm - Summer Garden Shabbat First Fridays - Join YJP Houston with services, candle lighting, and a beautiful summer garden Shabbat dinner. $20 until Thursday with promo code advance, $36 after. RSVP at yjphouston.org/garden.
- Tuesday, June 9, 7:00 pm - Men’s Summer BBQ Bash - An evening of smoky flavors and summer fun with BBQ chicken, meats, cold beverages, and great company. $25 suggested donation. www.chabaduptown.org/guys
- Sunday, June 14, 6:30 pm - Shabbat in an Hour for Today’s Busy Women - Cooking demo and tasting with Chanie & Chanale, blending traditional and modern Shabbat recipes. RSVP at chabaduptown.org/cook.
- Shabbos Weekend, August 21-23 - Men’s Shabbos at the Ohel - Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, this Shabbos is a chance to recharge, reflect, and connect with the Rebbe’s timeless vision during an inspiring weekend of Jewish growth and brotherhood.
SHABBOS PARSHAS NASO
FRIDAY, MAY 29, SIVAN 13
7:30 pm Mincha & Shabbat Services
7:58 pm Shabbos Candle Lighting
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
SHABBOS, MAY 30, SIVAN 14
9:00 am Chassidus
10:00 am Services
Shabbos Lunch Kiddush sponsored by Jason Fischer in honor of the Chabad of Uptown community
8:00 pm Mincha
Ethics of our Fathers, Chapter 1
8:57 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends
Living Torah
SUNDAY, MAY 31, SIVAN 15
8:00 am Shacharis
MONDAY & THURSDAY JUNE 1 & 4, IYAR 16 & 19
6:45 am Shacharis
This Shabbos has been declared by the White House as “Shabbat 250,” a national Shabbat in honor of America’s 250th birthday. It is a beautiful moment to pause and think about the gift of Shabbos itself.
