On the Shabbos before the festival of Shavuos, we almost always read the Torah portion of Bamidbar, the beginning of the Book of Numbers. At first glance, the detailed census of the Jewish people described in this portion might seem unrelated to the divine revelation at Sinai, celebrated on Shavuos, yet our Sages teach us there is in fact a connection.
Shavuos marks the moment we stood at Mount Sinai and received the Torah—a covenant Hashem made not with a nation in the abstract, but with each individual soul. In Bamidbar, Hashem counts every Jew, not merely for statistics, but to express love and individual value. Just as one counts precious gems, so too, each Jewish soul is cherished and essential. The juxtaposition reminds us that the Torah was given to each of us personally. Every one of us has a unique portion in it and a mission only we can fulfill.
Shavuos is a time not only to commemorate history, but to relive it—to stand again at Sinai with awe and commitment. We accomplish this through hearing the Ten Commandments, studying Torah, and sharing dairy delights with family and friends. It is a time to enhance our connection with Hashem and with each other.
Let us take these days to recommit to our Torah, to our people, and to our purpose. May we merit to receive the Torah with joy and inner meaning.
Shabbat shalom and chag same'ach!
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie Lazaroff
THE COHEN CORNER
People will forget what you said... but they will never forget how you made them feel.
The Torah calls the fourth book Bamidbar, but it’s also known as the “Book of Numbers” because it begins and ends with a census. At first glance, counting people seems impersonal, just as numbers on a list. But the Torah uses a different Hebrew word for counting: pekudim, which means more than just tallying. It means to take notice. Hashem didn’t want Moshe to count the people for statistics, He wanted him to recognize each person as unique and valuable. Every individual mattered. No one was overlooked.
That same message applies to us. In a world where it’s easy to feel anonymous, we’re reminded that true community means seeing and valuing every person. So this week, think of someone who might be feeling like “just a number,” whether a neighbor, a coworker, or even a casual acquaintance, and invite them to join you at shul or a community event this week. Not just to attend, but to feel noticed, welcomed, and included. Because in a healthy community, everyone counts, and everyone should feel it.
Have a wonderful Shabbos and Shavuos!
May you receive the Torah with joy and internally!
Rabbi Yosef, Chanale & Mushka Cohen
UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS:
- Sunday, June 1 at 11:30 pm - Biltong & Beer All Night Learn-A-Thon - featuring a lineup of Torah talks on many Jewish subjects!
BE A PARTICIPANT: A Night of Torah features a series of ten-minute power talks showcasing important Jewish ideas that change attitudes and lives. These talks are designed to educate, illuminate, challenge and inspire. One of These Presenters Will Blow Your Mind – Find Out Which One!
From Ruth to Free Speech – Click Here for the Full List of Game-Changing Talks
BE A PRESENTER: Have a Torah idea worth sharing? Submit your idea and you might be selected to present your 10 minute Torah Talk! - 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
- Tuesday, June 17, Noon - Community Lunch N Learn: The Role of a Rebbe - At the monthly Lunch & Learn, the community has an opportunity to enjoy an upscale lunch with like-minded friends for a spirited class and discussion! RSVP at www.chabaduptown.org/lunch
- Sunday, June 22nd 7:30pm - Couples Paint N’ Sip - Join us for a romantic and creative evening designed just for couples! Enjoy light refreshments and drinks as you and your partner bring a canvas to life. No experience needed — just come ready to laugh, connect, and create something beautiful together. RSVP at www.chabaduptown.org/couples
- Friday, June 27th 7:30pm - Community Shabbat Dinner - Join us for an engaging evening for the whole community! RSVP at www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
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
- Wednesday, June 4 - CYP Academy Worrier to Warrior: Pain, Anguish & Anxiety 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/warrior4
- Friday, June 6, 7:30 pm - YJP Sushi & Asian Shabbat - June First Fridays - Join Young Jewish Professionals for a Sushi & Asian Shabbat Dinner at YJP Houston - where spirits run high! 7:30pm Services, 8:02 pm Candle Lighting, 8:45 pm Sushi & AsianShabbat Dinner. $20 until Thursday, $36 after. Use promo code: advance. www.yjphouston.org/sushi
- Wednesday, June 11, 7:30 pm YJP Guys Game Night: Basketball - Basketball • Brotherhood • Bite - Join us for a night of friendly competition and great vibes with fellow young Jewish professionals. Whether you’re a seasoned baller or just in it for the fun, come run the court and connect with the guys. Let’s play hard and laugh harder.
- Wednesday, June 11, 7:30 pm - YJP Ladies Night: The Sweet Spot - Dessert & Discussion with Chanie - Gourmet desserts • Drinks • Deep discussion - Let’s connect, unwind, and find that sweet spot together.
- Wednesdays, June 18 & 25 8:00 pm - YJP Dinner, Class & Social - Weekly Contemporary Jewish Classes for Young Professionals Come discuss, agree, disagree, mingle and network with other young Jewish professionals, singles and couples at series of classes / discussions on contemporary themes! Class, discussion and FREE DINNER!
- Thursday, June 26 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 PARSHAS BAMIDBAR
FRIDAY, MAY 30, SIVAN 3
7:30 Mincha & Kabbalat Shabbat
7:59 Shabbos Candle Lighting
Count Omer 48
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
SHABBOS, MAY 31, SIVAN 4
9:00 am Chassidus
10:00 am Morning Services
Shabbos Lunch Kiddush & Farbrengen
6:00 pm Torah Study
7:55 pm Mincha
Study of Pirkei Avos Ch. 6
8:58 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbat Ends
Final(!) Omer Count 49
Living Torah Video Magazine
SUNDAY, JUNE 1, SIVAN 5
8:00 am Shacharis
SHAVUOT SCHEDULE WITH CHABAD OF UPTOWN
Sunday, June 1 | Shavuot Eve
8:00 pm Evening Holiday Services
Light Yom Tov Candles
Holiday Dinner after Services - RSVP
11:30 pm Biltong & Beer - A Night of Torah: Small Talks. Big Impact. See who made the list!
Lineup of Torah talks on many Jewish subjects! APPLY TO PRESENT
Monday, June 2 | 1st Day of Shavuot
10:00 am Morning Services
11am-1pm Special Childrens' Service w/ games, activities and more!
11:15 am Reading of Ten Commandments
followed by 1 pm Dairy Kiddush & Ice Cream party!
7:00 pm YJP Shavuot Ice Cream Social & Ten Commandments
8:00 pm Mincha & Maariv Holiday Services
AFTER 8:59 pm* Light Yom Tov Candles from a pre-existing flame
Holiday Dinner after Services - RSVP
Tuesday, June 3 | 2nd Day of Shavuot
9:00 am Chassidus
10:00 am Morning Services
11:45 am approx. Yizkor Memorial Service
Kiddush Lunch after Services
8:00 pm Mincha Services
9:00 pm Maariv, Havdalla & Yom Tov Ends