This week’s Torah portion tells the story of Korach’s rebellion against Moses and Aaron. At its core, Korach’s argument was cloaked in spiritual rhetoric: “All of the nation is holy, why do you lift yourselves above everyone else?” While this claim sounded democratic and idealistic, it was rooted in ego and a misunderstanding of true leadership.
Korach failed to see that holiness isn’t diminished by the presence of a leader—it’s elevated by it. A true leader doesn’t dominate others; he inspires them to discover their own potential.
Sunday is the 3rd of Tammuz, the yahrzeit of the Rebbe. The Rebbe was the ultimate example of a leader whose entire being was dedicated to uplifting others. Like Moshe Rabbeinu, he carried the burden of the nation, cared for every individual, and saw within each Jew a divine spark waiting to be ignited.
The Rebbe taught us that leadership isn’t about standing above others—it’s about helping each person rise. On this day, let’s recommit to living with the Rebbe’s vision, to be leaders in our own homes and communities, and to bring more light into the world.
May we merit to see the fulfillment of the Rebbe’s vision with the coming of Moshiach now.
Good Shabbos,
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie Lazaroff
P.S. Learn more about Gimmel Tammuz:
The Ohel (the Rebbe's resting place)
Portal commemorating the Rebbe’s anniversary of passing
More on the 3rd of Tammuz
A brief biography of the Rebbe
THE COHEN CORNER
Comparison is the thief of joy
Korach was a Levite, distinguished and respected, already entrusted with holy responsibilities. But instead of appreciating his role, he fixated on what others had, specifically, the priesthood given to Aharon. Cloaking his envy in the language of equality and justice, Korach demanded more. Dissatisfaction often begins not with injustice, but with a refusal to see the value in our own portion.
Korach’s tragic end is not just about rebellion, but about the danger of living someone else’s mission. As the Rebbe often taught, every soul is sent into the world with a unique role that no one else can fill. Fulfillment is not found in climbing higher on someone else's ladder, but in standing tall on your own. Your life, your challenges, your talents, and your relationships, are the setting for your divine purpose. When we stop chasing what isn’t ours and embrace what is, we discover a sense of meaning, peace, and spiritual wealth that no title or position could ever replace.
Have a spectacular Shabbos!
Rabbi Yosef, Chanale & Mushka Cohen
UPCOMING EVENTS:
- Friday, June 27th 7:30pm - Community Game Shabbat Dinner - Join us for great food, games for everyone and an engaging evening for the whole community! RSVP at www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
- 4 Thursdays, July 3-24 - Mommy and Me - Join us for a 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
- Friday, July 4, at 7:30 pm - July 4 YJP First Fridays Shabbat - Join Young Jewish Professionals, ages 21-39, for All-American Themed BBQ Shabbat Dinner at YJP Houston - where spirits run high! 7:30pm – Friday Night Services, 8:08pm – Candle Lighting, 8:45pm – Shabbat Dinner www.yjphouston.org/july4shabbat
- Tuesday, July 8 at Noon - Lunch & Learn: Breached or Broken: The Historic Fall of Jerusalem and Why it Matters 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! www.chabaduptown.org/lunch
Mazel tov to Lior and Eden Edri on the birth of a baby girl, Eliya Yael bas Eden!
SHABBOS PARSHAS KORACH
FRIDAY, JUNE 27, TAMMUZ 1
7:30 Mincha & Kabbalat Shabbat
8:08 Shabbos Candle Lighting
RSVP for Community Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
SHABBOS, JUNE 28, TAMMUZ 2
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. 4
9:07 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbat Ends
Living Torah Video Magazine
SUNDAY, GIMMEL TAMMUZ, JUNE 28, TAMMUZ 3
8:00 am Shacharis