So much is happening this week. And it all means one thing: Pesach is almost here!
This Shabbos is filled with meaning.
It is Shabbos Mevarchim, when we bless the coming month of Nissan, the month of redemption and the month of Pesach. It is Shabbos Chazak, as we complete Sefer Shemos and strengthen one another with the words Chazak, chazak, v’nischazek. We also read from a second Torah for Parshas Hachodesh, reminding us of the very first mitzvah given to the Jewish people as a nation, the sanctification of the new month, and turning our attention fully toward Pesach. All of this comes together with Parshas Vayakhel Pekudei, a parsha about building something holy, meaningful, and lasting.
In simple terms, this is the Shabbos that tells us Pesach is here!
That means now is the time to get ready and to help others do the same.
- Our full Pesach section is now live at www.chabaduptown.org/pesach2026
- Please give now to the Maos Chitim Fund to help local families celebrate Pesach with joy. www.chabaduptown.org/donate
- Be sure to sell your chametz now at www.chabaduptown.org/chametz
- Be sure to get your handmade Shmurah Matzah for the Seder table at one of the local Kosher stores. We also have a special gift 2-pack for you - contact us while supplies last!
- You can RSVP for the Seder at www.chabaduptown.org/seder
- For the full Pesach candle lighting and service schedule, visit www.chabaduptown.org/pesachschedule
As we prepare for Pesach this year, we do so at a time when the world feels shaken, with war involving Iran and with painful reminders that even Jewish communities in the United States are not untouched by hatred and violence. Yet this is exactly when the strength of a Jew shines brightest. We gather, we give, we prepare, and we trust in Hashem. May this Shabbos and the coming month of Nissan bring healing, protection, and peace, and may we very soon see days of true redemption for Israel and for the entire world.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Chaim and Chanie Lazaroff
THE COHEN CORNER
The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
The Torah describes a discussion between Moshe and Betzalel about building the Mishkan. Moshe first instructed that the furnishings be made, even before the structure itself. Betzalel understood Hashem’s instructions to mean that the structure should come first and the furnishings afterward, just as a home is built before it is filled with furniture. Moshe’s approach teaches that even when the environment is not yet elevated, one small deed can begin shaping the space around us into a dwelling place for the Divine.
Holiness does not begin only when life is perfectly arranged. It begins with small acts that bring light into ordinary moments. Inviting a neighbor over for coffee, affixing a mezuzah to the front door, or placing a charity box in the office breakroom and giving a few coins each day can quietly transform everyday spaces. These simple choices introduce sanctity into our lives and gradually shape a world that reflects our highest ideals.
Have a remarkable Shabbos!
Rabbi Yosef, Chanale, Mushka & Mendel Cohen
UPCOMING CLASSES:
- Shabbos, March 14, 9:30 am - Likkutei Torah - Kabbala of the Parsha - Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi's Masterworks on the weekly Parsha.
- Monday, March 16, 8 pm - Hebrew Language: The Tanya with Rabbi Menny Raichik
- Wednesday, March 18, 8:00 pm - YJP Dinner, Class & Social
- Thursday, March 19, 8:00 pm - Heart of Prayer
UPCOMING EVENTS:
- Sunday, March 15, 6:30 pm - Women Resin & Rose Mezuzah Workshop - Design your own resin Mezuzah case and explore the mystical powers of the Mezuzah www.chabaduptown.org/resin
- Wed. & Thurs. April 1-2, 8:15 pm - Uptown Pesach Seders - A Refreshingly Traditional Seder with Uptown Flare! www.chabaduptown.org/seder
- Thursday, April 9, 5:45 pm - Moshiach Seudah - Following the custom of the Baal Shem Tov, founder of Chassidism, Passover concludes with a "Feast of Moshiach." More...
- Wed-Sun., May 22-26 - CYP Encounter Guatemala - Join us for an adventurous weekend of nature, soulfulness, and connection with fellow young Jewish professionals. www.chabadyoung.com/gua - SOLD OUT
Mazel tov to Michal Tubi on her engagement to Sam Levy!
SHABBOS MEVARCHIM, CHAZAK, HACHODESH, PARSHAS VAYAHKEL-PEKUDEI
FRIDAY, MARCH 13, ADAR 24
7:11 pm Mincha & Shabbos Candle Lighting
7:30 pm Shabbat Services
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
SHABBOS, MARCH 14, ADAR 25
8:00 am Shabbos Mevarchim Tehillim
9:30 am Chassidus
10:00 am Services
Reading of Parshas Hachodesh
Shabbos Lunch Kiddush Benjaminov Family in memory of Menachem tzvi ben sara z”l and by Seth Frydberg Shabbat of Thanks to the Uptown community & Rabbis and his mom's Jewish Birthday
7:10 pm Mincha
Torah Study - Laws of Pesach
8:05 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends
Living Torah
SUNDAY, MARCH 15, ADAR 26
8:00 am Shacharis
MONDAY, MARCH 16, ADAR 27
6:45 am Shacharis
ROSH CHODESH NISSAN, THURSDAY, MARCH 19, NISSAN 1
6:45 am Shacharis
Followed by monthly Rosh Chodesh Breakfast