Happy Lag Ba’Omer! 
What. A. Week.
Guatemala – an unforgettable adventure
Academy Warrior – strength and spirit
Mommy & Me – sweet moments together
Bris – welcoming a new soul
Steak House – delicious times
Chupa – pure joy and celebration
Can’t wait for an amazing Shabbat ahead with a Guest Speaker! 
Lag Ba’omer is a day that commemorates the life and teachings of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, one of the greatest sages in Jewish history. Rabbi Shimon, known for his unwavering commitment to Torah and spirituality, brought divine light into the world through his teachings, particularly the esoteric wisdom found in the Zohar.In a world often clouded by confusion and darkness, Rabbi Shimon’s teachings remind us that the Torah is our eternal source of illumination. His life demonstrated the power of steadfast faith and dedication to bringing G-d’s presence into every aspect of our lives.
Lag Ba’omer also serves as a reminder to emulate Rabbi Shimon by bringing the light of Torah into our own lives and communities. Whether through acts of kindness, learning a new insight from the Torah, or strengthening our commitment to mitzvot, each of us can contribute to making the world brighter.
As we gather around bonfires, symbolic of Rabbi Shimon’s spiritual radiance, let us reflect on how we, too, can ignite sparks of holiness in our surroundings. Together, our collective efforts will create a flame that dispels even the deepest darkness, heralding a world filled with peace and understanding.
Shabbat shalom,
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie Lazaroff
THE COHEN CORNER
Example is not the main thing in influencing others. It is the only thing.
“And Hashem said to Moshe: Say to the Kohanim, the sons of Aaron, and say to them…” Rashi explains the repetition in this verse from our Parsha as a directive for the adult Kohanim to teach these laws to their children. It's not just about giving instructions, but about living them. The Kohanim, held to a higher standard of holiness, were responsible not only for maintaining their own purity but for modeling and passing that standard on to the next generation.
This message is timeless. Children are aware of inconsistency and learn far more from example than from words. We can’t expect them to embrace values like honesty, kindness, or commitment to Jewish life unless they see those values reflected in the adults around them. Telling them to “go to shul” is rarely effective; inviting them with “let’s go” is far more powerful. Let us strive to be the kind of people our children can look up to, not just in speech, but in action. In doing so, we'll inspire them to walk proudly in our footsteps, building a brighter future.
Have a fantastic Shabbos!
Rabbi Yosef, Chanale & Mushka Cohen
UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS:
- Friday, May 16 at 7:30 pm - Join us for an engaging Community-themed Shabbat Dinner with an extra dose of meaning and connection! RSVP at www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
- Sunday, May 18 at 6:30 pm - Pre-Shavuot Women's Babka Bake - Master the art of baking babka with Meital from Oh Mama Kitchen! Reserve at www.chabaduptown.org/babka
- Thursday, May 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
- Sunday, June 1 at 11:30 pm - All Night Learn-A-Thon - featuring a lineup of Torah talks on many Jewish subjects!
- Monday, June 2 at 11:15am - Hear the 10 Commandments read on their 3,337th anniversary, followed by our annual Dairy Kiddush & Ice Cream party! Fun-filled Children's Program! More info at www.chabaduptown.org/shavuotschedule
- Tuesday, June 3 at 11:45am - Yizkor Memorial Service
UPCOMING YJP EVENTS:
- Three Wednesdays, May 21-June 4 - CYP Academy Worrier to Warrior: The Chassidic Approach to Overcoming Emotional Hurdles. Ever feel like life throws a little too much your way sometimes? Worrier to Warrior is a powerful new course that offers practical tools and timeless Jewish wisdom to help you navigate those inner battles, tap into your soul’s strength, and face challenges with more clarity, calm, and confidence. Build that emotional toolbox—you’ll be glad you did. REGISTER: www.yjphouston.org/warrior
- Thursday, May 22, 7:30 pm - Third Thursdays Happy Hour - Location TBA
- Thursday, May 29 at 8 pm - Met@Chabad Speeddating- www.metatchabad.com/speeddating
- 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
SHABBOS LAG BA'OMER, PARSHAS EMOR
FRIDAY, LAG BA'OMER, MAY 9, IYAR 11
7:30 Mincha & Kabbalat Shabbat
7:51 Shabbos Candle Lighting
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RSVP for Community Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
SHABBOS, MAY 10, IYAR 12
9:00 am Chassidus
10:00 am Morning Services
Shabbos Lunch Kiddush
Guest Speaker Levi Shmotkin: Finding Emotional Balance in an Unbalanced World, Uncovering Judaism's Transformative Approach to Emotional Wellness
7:50 pm Mincha
Study of Pirkei Avos Ch. 4
8:49 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbat Ends
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