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