Hello from the middle of a whirlwind trip from around the world…. Today I (Rabbi Chaim) returned from a very short trip to Israel in time to see Mendel for his graduation. From there, I arrived for this Shabbos in Toronto to be with Levi for Father and Son Shabbos. Then it is on to Monsey on Sunday to bake matzah, and Crown Heights on Monday to deliver a mental health workshop to Yeshivah staff. Will definitely fit in a must stop at the Ohel of the Lubavitcher Rebbe.
Every time I go to Israel, it highlights the deep connection between our people and our land. The streets, the stones, the families, and the faces carry a heritage dating back millennia. And even though I was just there a few weeks ago with our YJP volunteer trip, going again only reinforced something even more.
It reminded me how important it is to give back.
I am excited to share that we have secured a community trip to volunteer in Israel, open to the entire community (over 18) for June 29-July 7.
Even more exciting: the trip is all inclusive for only $2,000 total (other than some meals). This includes:
* Round trip flight from Houston
* Hotel accommodations
* Breakfast daily
* Daily volunteering opportunities
* Additional Israel experiences and meaningful touring
If you are interested in joining the trip, please reply to this email so we can add you to the short list. Seats are limited, and we expect the trip to fill up quickly.
This week’s Parshah, Terumah, is all about building a home for Hashem through heartfelt giving, each person contributing what they can. There is no better way to live that message than by showing up, rolling up our sleeves, and building hope and strength together.
Good Shabbos,
Rabbi Chaim and Chanie Lazaroff
THE COHEN CORNER
We do not truly value what we are handed. We value what we help build.
“Make for Me a sanctuary and I will dwell within them.” The verse famously does not say within it, but within them. The Mishkan was never meant to be merely a structure in the desert, but a force that would transform a people. Until this point in the Exodus story, the Jewish people had lived as recipients of miracles. Manna fell, water flowed, protection surrounded them. Now they were invited to contribute, to give, to build. This marked a turning point from passive dependence to active partnership. By asking for their materials, their craftsmanship, and their hearts, Hashem granted them dignity. Human beings cherish what they create, and when we invest ourselves in something, it becomes part of who we are. The sanctuary was not only a dwelling for the Divine presence, but the means through which the people themselves became that dwelling.
Judaism is not designed to be inherited passively or observed from the sidelines. The mitzvot are not only behaviors but invitations to adopt Hashem’s perspective. Lighting Shabbat candles is not only an act of ritual but a declaration that we can bring light into darkness. Giving tzedakah is not only generosity but a reorientation of how we view ownership and responsibility. Keeping kosher is not only discipline but moral awareness. More than compliance, Hashem desires that our minds adopt His worldview and our hearts feel His priorities. The true sanctuary is built when our actions, emotions, and intellect align with a higher vision.
Have a fantastic Shabbos!
Rabbi Yosef, Chanale, Mushka & Mendel Cohen
UPCOMING CLASSES:
- Shabbos, Feb. 21, 9:00 am - Likkutei Torah - Kabbala of the Parsha - Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi's Masterworks on the weekly Parsha.
- Monday, Feb. 23, 8:00 pm - שיעור שבועי בספר התניא עם הרב מני לע"נ יונה דוד ע"ה בן יפה תחי' פרנגר
- Tuesday, Feb 24, 7:30-9 pm - JLI Course: Captivating Cases in Rabbinic Responsa Listen in on the surprising, practical questions your ancestors asked rabbis across Jewish history. Registration required
- Wednesday, Feb. 25, 7:30–9:00 pm - CYP Academy: How Success Thinks - Jewish Secrets for Leading a Productive Life. Complete the course and receive a $200 voucher to any upcoming CYP trip! www.yjphouston.org/success.
- Thursday, Feb. 26, 8:00pm - The Heart of Prayer - In depth look at the prayer book, picking apart the prayer structure and meaning exploring the mechanics and mysticism that comprise Jewish prayer.
- Tuesday, March 10th, 7:00pm - Women's Torah and Tea with Chanie and Chanale - RSVP to Chanie (713-419-3962) or Chanale (954-716-9353)
UPCOMING EVENTS:
- Sunday, March 1 (Purim theme), 10:30 am - Mommy & Me - Join a nurturing and engaging morning designed for mothers and babies (newborn to 2 years) to learn, play, and connect in a warm Jewish environment. www.chabaduptown.org/mommy
- Monday, March 2, 6:45 pm - YJP Asian Purim - YJP in their 20s and 30s featuring a Megillah reading followed by an Asian Purim themed party with Lion Dance and Martial Arts show, sushi and Chinese buffet, and a top shelf open bar www.yjphouston.org/asian
- Tuesday, March 3, 5:00 pm – Community Purim Under Construction - Axe Throwing – Celebrate Purim with the whole community at a high energy Under Construction themed Purim featuring Megillah reading, axe throwing, delicious buffet dinner, drinks and music for a fun and spirited evening chabaduptown.org/construction
- Friday, March 6, 6:30 pm – Rodeo Shabbat – YJP First Fridays – Dress in your best Rodeo Houston gear and enjoy a spirited Shabbat dinner with Young Jewish Professionals in their 20s and 30s, great food, great people, and classic Houston vibes www.yjphouston.org/rodeoshabbat
SHABBOS PARSHAS TERUMAH
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, ADAR 3
5:57 pm Shabbos Candle Lighting & Mincha
6:00 pm Kabbalat Shabbat
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
SHABBOS, FEBRUARY 21, ADAR 4
9:00 am Chassidus
10:00 am Services
Shabbos Lunch Kiddush & Farbrengen Sponsored Anonymously in memory of Batya Liba bat Shmuel A"H
5:50 pm Mincha
Torah Study
6:51 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends
Living Torah
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22, ADAR 5
8:00 am Shacharis
MON. & THURS., FEB. 23 & 26, ADAR 6 & 9
6:45 am Shacharis