One of the most essential values we strive to instill in our children is the virtue of hard work. In a world that often tempts us with shortcuts and quick fixes, we remind ourselves — and them — that true satisfaction and meaningful success come only through effort and perseverance.
The prohibition against charging interest when lending money to a fellow Jew, which we learn about in this week’s Torah portion, offers insight into this value. On the surface, collecting interest seems like standard business practice. The Torah, however, teaches us a deeper principle: we are meant to benefit from our own efforts, not from passive gains at someone else’s expense.
When we lend money without interest, we affirm our belief in the dignity of honest labor and mutual support. This mitzvah reinforces the idea that every achievement should stem from genuine effort, not from another’s toil. It’s a powerful message, especially for our children, as they learn to navigate a world where entitlement often competes with accountability.
This lesson extends beyond financial dealings. Spiritually, we are here to transform the world into a home for Hashem’s presence. That transformation requires effort, dedication, and a commitment to growth. By modeling hard work and responsibility in our own lives, we equip our children with the tools to face challenges with courage and integrity.
May we merit to see the fruits of our labor, both in the blessings we create for ourselves and in the values we pass to the next generation.
Shabbat shalom,
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie Lazaroff
THE COHEN CORNER
The greater the man, the greater his humility.
The Torah portions of Behar and Bechukosai teach a powerful lesson about balancing strength with humility. Behar begins with Mount Sinai, the smallest mountain, chosen as the place where the Torah was given. This reminds us that true greatness isn’t about ego, but about recognizing that our strengths are gifts from Hashem. Moshe, though a remarkable leader, remained deeply humble because he saw his abilities as tools for fulfilling Hashem’s mission, not as personal achievements.
Bechukosai builds on this idea by comparing Hashem’s commandments to words engraved in stone, meant to become part of who we are, not just actions we perform. Together, these portions encourage us to live like “low mountains,” confident in our identity and purpose, yet grounded in humility. When we see our strengths as a way to serve, not to elevate ourselves, we live with clarity, humility, and lasting impact.
Have a fabulous Shabbos!
Rabbi Yosef, Chanale & Mushka Cohen
AROUND CHABAD
Sparks fly at YJP Houston’s Lag B’Omer ‘Steakhouse Under the Stars’ - JHV, Thurs. May 22: YJP Houston lit up the night with its annual “Lag B’Omer Steak House,” an outdoor celebration filled with great food, soulful music and meaningful moments. Young Jewish professionals gathered under the stars to enjoy a festive evening that blended tradition, community and fun. At the heart of the event was Rabbi Chaim Lazaroff, who served as MasterChef for the night – personally slicing and grilling premium steaks to each guest’s preference. A cozy fire pit added warmth and ambiance, complete with a build-your-own s’mores station. More...
The Sunday Babka Bake success! Big thank you to Oh Mama KItchen for sharing her expertise and led us in crafting our own gorgeous babkas. Each woman left with a stunning babka to call her own. Maria Krishtalka did an amazing job at capturing the magic! Check out the photo gallery here.
UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS:
- 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:
- Shavuot, Monday, June 2, 7 pm - YJP Shavuot Ice Cream Social - For the love of ice cream, & the love of Torah, we are excited to invite you to join us in celebrating Shavuot with an elegant evening with 10 gourmet toppings & 10 Commandments! 7 pm - Ice Cream Social & 10 Commandments, 8 pm - Shavuot Holiday Services Followed by Traditional Holiday Dinner www.yjphouston.org/icecream
- Two Wednesdays, May 28-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 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 MEVARCHIM SIVAN PARSHAS BEHAR-BECHUKOTAI
FRIDAY, MAY 23, IYAR 25
7:30 Mincha & Kabbalat Shabbat
7:55 Shabbos Candle Lighting
Count Omer 41
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
SHABBOS, MAY 24, IYAR 26
8:00 am Shabbos Mevarchim Tehillim
9:30 am Chassidus
10:00 am Morning Services
Shabbos Mevarchim Lunch Kiddush & Farbrengen
6:00 pm Torah Study
7:55 pm Mincha
Study of Pirkei Avos Ch. 5
8:53 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbat Ends
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