We often wonder: Can one person really make a difference?
Last Shabbos, the Lazaroff clan gathered from across the country and around the world for a beautiful family reunion in College Station. One couple. One impact. One legacy. Generations of strong, proud Jews. A powerful reminder that each of us can build warm, bright, robust Jewish homes and help carry forward the light of Am Yisrael.
This message resonates deeply as we emerge from Shavuos, having just celebrated receiving the Torah. And now, in this short week, we read the longest parsha in the entire Torah.
Why is Naso so long? One major reason is the repetition of the offerings brought by the twelve tribal leaders for the dedication of the Mishkan. They each brought the exact same gifts—yet the Torah describes each one in full detail, again and again.
Why? Because even when the act is identical, the intention and individual behind it make it unique. Hashem cherishes the personal effort behind every offering, every mitzvah, every prayer—even when we’re all saying the same words.
So don’t get distracted by what others are or aren’t doing. Your connection to Hashem is precious, personal, and powerful.
Good Shabbos!
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie Lazaroff
THE COHEN CORNER
The sacred is woven into the fabric of everyday life, waiting for us to recognize it.
This week’s Torah portion introduces the nazir, someone who takes a vow of holiness by avoiding wine, the dead, and haircuts. Shimshon, the most famous nazir, lost his strength when his vow was broken. Interestingly, when a nazir completes their vow, they must bring atonement offerings. The Talmud explains that even voluntary self-denial, like abstaining from wine, can be seen as rejecting the goodness Hashem placed in the world.
Judaism teaches that holiness comes not from withdrawing from the material world but from engaging with it meaningfully. Unlike traditions that promote asceticism, Judaism encourages transforming the physical into the spiritual through mitzvot. A theme that threads through the Shavuot holiday, the nazir’s atonement reminds us that our goal is not to escape the world but to elevate it. So enjoy the wine, make kiddush, and say “L’Chaim” with intention.
Have a fantastic Shabbos!
Rabbi Yosef, Chanale & Mushka Cohen
UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS:
- 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:
- 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 NASO
FRIDAY, JUNE 6, SIVAN 10
7:30 Mincha & Kabbalat Shabbat
8:02 Shabbos Candle Lighting
RSVP for YJP Sushi & Asian Shabbat First Fridays www.yjphouston.org/sushi
SHABBOS, JUNE 7, SIVAN 11
9:00 am Chassidus
10:00 am Morning Services
Shabbos Lunch Kiddush & Farbrengen
6:00 pm Torah Study
8:00 pm Mincha
Study of Pirkei Avos Ch. 1
9:02 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbat Ends
Living Torah Video Magazine
SUNDAY, JUNE 8, SIVAN 12
8:00 am Shacharis
Followed by breakfast sponsored in memory and marking the yartzeit of Yishai ben Lucy, a"h Karniel