Have a happy and Kosher Pesach! We look forward to seeing you over Yom Tov!
Be aware that Shacharis on Shabbos morning will be held earlier than usual, 7:30 AM at Chabad of Uptown to be able to make Lechem Mishneh hamotzi on bread before the latest time to eat chametz in Houston at 11:13 am.
The Hebrew name for Egypt, “Mitzrayim,” is etymologically linked to the word “meitzarim,” meaning boundaries or limitations. The Exodus from Egypt, which we commemorate every year during Passover, represents our liberation from constraints both physical and spiritual.
Pesach is a time to relive the Exodus, to break free from personal limitations, and to grow closer to Hashem. As we gather around the Seder table, let us embrace the unique structure of this year’s holiday as an opportunity to renew our commitment to our spiritual journey.
This year, Pesach begins on Saturday night, immediately following Shabbos, leading into a three-day holiday—a sequence that is both rare and significant. Preparing for this extended holiday requires thoughtful planning. All cooking and preparations must be completed before candle-lighting on Friday, as cooking is prohibited on Shabbos. While cooking is permitted once Shabbos ends, from a pre-existing flame, organizing meals in advance can help minimize effort and allow us to focus on the spiritual aspects of the holiday.
As always, we focus not just on the technicalities, but on the meaning behind them: freedom, faith, and the power of redemption. May this Passover bring true liberation, with the coming of Moshiach speedily in our days!
Shabbat shalom and chag sameach!
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie Lazaroff
Pesach is HERE, April 10-20!
Check out our Pesach mini-site with everything you need! www.chabaduptown.org/pesach2025
- This morning Rivky joined Rabbi Chaim to explain the homemade Resin Seder plate and traditions with Fox26Houston morning news anchors Heather Sullivan & DaLaun Dillard - WATCH
- To help guide the Chabad community during this unique schedule of Shabbos erev Pesach (the next time is in the year 2045!), Rabbi Chaim put together this step by step document. Take from it whatever is most meaningful / relevant to you, print it for reference on the holiday.
- 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:
- 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."
- Thursdays, May 1-22 at 10:30am - Mommy and Me with Chanale Cohen - Nurturing and engaging program designed for mothers and babies (newborn to 2 years) to learn, play, and connect in a warm Jewish environment. - www.chabaduptown.org/mommy
- Tuesday, May 6th - Lunch 'N Learn: "Counting With Purpose: A mystical journey through the Omer count" with Rabbi Yosef Cohen. RSVP at Chabaduptown.org/lunch
UPCOMING YJP EVENTS:
- 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.yjphouston.org/israeltrip
Mazel tov to Michael & Diana (Polyak) Basist on the birth of a baby girl!
We will will name the baby iyh tomorrow morning - at the super early 7:30 am Shabbos Shacharis. Please confirm you are coming so we can name the baby
We send our condolences to Yair & Marielle (Cohen) Levy on the passing his father. Baruch Dayan Haemes
SHABBOS HAGADOL PARSHAS TZAV, PESACH FIRST DAYS
Friday, April 11 | Erev Shabbos Hagadol
Burn Chametz before 12:18 pm
Light Shabbos Candles 7:29 pm
Shabbos Evening Services 7:30 pm
Shabbos Dinner - RSVP
Saturday, April 12 | Shabbos Hagadol & Erev Pesach
Shacharis 7:30 am
Finish Eating Chametz by 11:13 am
Nullify Chometz by 12:17 pm
Evening Service 7:30 pm
Candle Lighting After 8:24 pm
First Uptown Seder - RSVP
Sunday, April 13 | Pesach Day 1
Morning Service 10:00 am
Prayer for Dew
Lunch Kiddush After Service - RSVP
Evening Service 7:30 pm
Light Candles AFTER 8:31 pm
Count the Omer, Night 1
Second Uptown Seder - RSVP
Monday, April 14 | Pesach Day 2
Morning Service 10:00 am
Lunch Kiddush After Service- RSVP
Evening Service 7:30 pm
Maariv, Havdalla & Holiday Ends 8:25 pm
Omer Count, At Night 2
Tuesday, April 15-18 | Pesach Day 3-6
Morning Service 8:00 am
Omer Count, At Night 3-6