This week’s Torah portion contains the verse: “They shall make Me a sanctuary, so that I may dwell in their midst.” Notice, it doesn’t say, “in its midst,” but rather, “in their midst.” Hashem’s command to build a sanctuary wasn’t just about a physical structure in the desert. It was, and remains, a directive for each of us to create spaces where Hashem's presence can dwell—both within ourselves and throughout the world.
This commandment has three dimensions. First, the physical Mishkan (Tabernacle) that our ancestors constructed, which served as a dwelling for Hashem’s revealed presence. Second, the personal sanctuary each of us is called to build—transforming our lives into vessels for holiness by letting our Divine soul shine through. And third, the ultimate mission of transforming the entire world into Hashem’s home, a place where His presence is fully revealed.
Remarkably, this task is not about creating something new, but revealing what already exists. Every person, every object, and every moment is infused with Divine energy. Our job is to strip away the distractions and obstructions, allowing the true essence to emerge.
May we each take steps this week to reveal the sanctuary within ourselves and to illuminate the world around us. And may our collective efforts bring about the ultimate sanctuary—the coming of Moshiach, when Hashem’s presence will fill the entire world.
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie
COHEN CORNER
"It's the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen."
Though the Mishkan no longer exists, we can still apply its lessons by creating sanctified spaces in our lives. The Mishkan was built according to Hashem’s precise specifications, showing that attention to detail matters. We might think we can be spiritual in our own way, but real love for Hashem is expressed through the actions He desires, not just our feelings. Dedicating time to learn Torah and being mindful of our speech and actions allows Hashem’s presence to dwell in our homes. By aligning with His will, we create a space for the divine, just like the Mishkan did.
Have a terrific Shabbos!
Rabbi Yosef, Chanale & Mushka Cohen
JEWISH CUSTOMS
- "When Adar enters," the Talmud declares, "we increase in joy." For this is "the month that was transformed for them from sorrow to joy, from mourning to festivity" (Esther 9:22) by the great miracle and victory of Purim. Today and tomorrow is Rosh Chodsh Adar, kicking off this special month of joy. Our sages advise that the month of Adar is an auspicious time for the Jewish people, so that if a Jew is faced with a challenging event (i.e., a court case, a medical procedure, etc.) he should endeavor to schedule it during Adar. Links: 4 Reasons to be Happy; more on joy.
- Parshat Shekalim - When the Holy Temple stood in Jerusalem, each Jew contributed an annual half-shekel to the Temple. The 1st of Adar marked the beginning of the collection of the shekalim. In commemoration, the Torah reading of the Shabbos that falls on or before Adar 1 is supplemented with the verses (Exodus 30:11-16) that relate G-d's commandment to Moses regarding the first giving of the half-shekel. "Parshat Shekalim" is the first of four special readings added during or immediately before the month of Adar (the other three being "Zachor", "Parah" and "Hachodesh") Links: The Shekalim Reading with commentary; Partner; Tzedakah: Charity
- Three Sefer Torahs - This Shabbos is unique in that three Torah scrolls are taken from the ark and read from in the public Torah reading: one scroll for the weekly Parshah, a second scroll for the Rosh Chodesh reading, and a third scroll for the Shekalim reading! Don't miss it!
IN THE NEWS
- Houston Rebbetzins join world’s largest Jewish women’s leadership summit in New York
JHV, Thurs, Feb. 27 - Chanie and Chanale and more than a dozen Houston rebbetzins joined some 4,000 Chabad-Lubavitch women emissaries and lay leaders from around the globe in New York for the 35th annual International Conference of Chabad Women Emissaries, the largest Jewish women’s leadership gathering in the world. More.... - Diverse community celebrates Tu B’Shevat with Israeli consulate
JHV, Thurs, Feb. 27 - The Consulate General of Israel to the Southwest U.S., in collaboration with Houston Wilderness, the Israeli-American Council and the Houston Department of Neighborhoods, hosted a tree-planting event in celebration of Tu B’Shevat... The Tu B’Shevat program began with remarks from Consul General Livia Link-Raviv, followed by Rabbi Chaim Lazaroff of Chabad of Uptown, who emphasized the spiritual and environmental significance of the holiday. Ana Tapia from Houston Wilderness guided the volunteers through the planting process, highlighting the positive impact of tree planting on urban sustainability. More..
UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS:
- Wednesday, March 5, 10:30 am - Mommy & Me with Chanale Cohen - REGISTER
- Sunday, March 9, 12:30 pm - Family Hamantash Bake - RSVP to Chanale via text 954-716-9353
- Friday, March 14, 5 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, Match 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
- 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 1, 9:00 am - Chassidus - Torah Or with Rabbi Chaim Lazaroff
- Monday, March 3, 8 pm - Hebrew Language: The Tanya with Rabbi Menny Raichik
- Tuesday, March 4, 7:30 pm - JLI Decoding the Talmud with Rabbi Moishe Traxler - REGISTER
- Wednesday, March 5, 7:30 pm - CYP Academy Jewish Course of Why - YJP Dinner, Class & Social with Rabbi Chaim Lazaroff - REGISTER
SHABBOS SHEKALIM ROSH CHODESH ADAR PARSHAS TERUMAH
Friday Rosh Chodesh Adar, Feb. 28, 30 Shevat
6:00 Mincha & Kabbalat Shabbat
6:03 pm Light Shabbat Candles
7:00 pm RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
Shabbos, March 1, 1 Adar
9:00 am Chassidus
10:00 am Morning Services
Torah Reading with Three Torahs!
Shabbat Rosh Chodesh Lunch Kiddush & Farbrengen
6:00 pm Mincha
Torah Study
6:57 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbat Ends
Living Torah Video Magazine