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Israel Needs Us. We’re Going.

Friday, 20 March, 2026 - 12:58 pm

Posted by Rabbi Chaim Lazaroff

Israel Needs Us Again. Let’s Go Back.

This week we begin Sefer Vayikra, the book that opens with Hashem calling to Moshe from the Mishkan and teaching the avodah of the korbanos. At first glance, korbanos can feel distant from modern life, yet their message is deeply personal and strikingly relevant. The word korban comes from karov, to come close. Vayikra reminds us that Judaism is not only about what we believe, but about how we draw close. When there is pain, we do not turn away. When there is holiness to build, we step forward. As Hashem calls, a Jew responds.

That message feels especially powerful right now as we officially announce our upcoming volunteer mission to Israel. At a time when our brothers and sisters in Eretz Yisroel are carrying so much, this is our chance to come close in the most real way possible. Not only in spirit. Not only in prayer. But with our presence, our hands, our time, and our hearts. There is something profoundly Vayikra about boarding a plane to help another Jew. It is a living expression of korban, of kiruv, of love, solidarity, and responsibility.

Our last YJP Houston mission  with Birthright Israel & Mayanot left a deep mark on everyone who joined. We came home uplifted, connected, and changed by the privilege of giving and standing shoulder to shoulder with the people of Israel. Now, as another opportunity opens before us, we are once again being called, this time inviting all active adults 18 and up, including those 50+. Called to show up. Called to strengthen others and be strengthened ourselves. Called to discover that when we give to Am Yisroel, we ourselves are drawn closer to Hashem, to our people, and to who we are meant to be.

As we enter this Shabbos of Vayikra, may we hear that call clearly. May each of us find our own way to respond with action. And may those who join this journey to Israel go as shluchim of our entire community, bringing comfort, hope, and pride, and returning with blessings and inspiration for us all.

Rabbi Chaim and Chanie Lazaroff

THE COHEN CORNER
Don't just go through the motions. 

The Torah’s discussion of korbanot teaches a striking truth: no offering has meaning on its own. Every detail, the animal, the procedure, the precision, could be carried out perfectly, yet remain empty if it lacks inner intention. A sacrifice was never just an act; it was meant to express something real within. Without that, it becomes a hollow ritual. And yet, the opposite is also true: feeling alone is not enough. A person could be filled with inspiration and never act on it, and nothing would change. The korban demanded both, the physical deed and the inner spirit brought together into a single offering.

That same balance plays out in familiar moments. A person might drop a few dollars into a charity box out of habit while scrolling their phone, or rush through a blessing over food without a second thought, or show up to a holiday meal more out of routine than presence. Those actions have made an impact, but the person wasn't in them. They feed someone, mark a moment, keep a connection alive. Feeling bad for someone struggling financially but never offering help, or feeling inspired during a meaningful moment but not carrying it into real change captures the reverse. The goal is to bring the two together, to take the same small acts and fill them with awareness. To pause before giving and think about the person receiving, to say a blessing with even a moment of focus, to show up not just physically but emotionally. The action stays the same, but the experience becomes something deeper and fully alive.

Have a wonderful Shabbos! 

Rabbi Yosef, Chanale, Mushka & Mendel Cohen

PESACH IS COMING, APRIL 1-9!

Our Pesach website and Seder RSVP is now open!
Yes, Pesach is coming! Check out our Pesach mini-site with everything you need, including selling your chametz, buying hand-made round Shmurah Matzah for your seder table, RSVP for our seder table, our Pesach schedule and all kinds of Pesach readings and resources!  www.chabaduptown.org/pesach2026

UPCOMING CLASSES:

  • Shabbos, March 21, 9:00 am - Likkutei Torah - Kabbala of the Parsha - Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi's Masterworks on the weekly Parsha.
  • Monday, March 23, 8 pm - Hebrew Language: The Tanya with Rabbi Menny Raichik
  • Tuesday, March 24, 12 pm - Lunch & Learn: Irreversible Freedom with Rabbi Yosef Cohen. Enjoy an upscale lunch with like-minded friends for a spirited Torah class and meaningful discussion.
  • Wednesday, March 25, 8:00 pm - YJP Dinner, Class & Social 
  • Thursday, March 26, 8:00 pm - Heart of Prayer

UPCOMING EVENTS:

  • 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
  • Mon.-Tues., June 29-July 7 - Volunteer in Israel - Chabad of Uptown Volunteer Mission with Birthright Israel - Israel Needs Us Again. Let’s Go Back. A community volunteer mission for active adults 18 and up, including those 50+! www.chabaduptown.org/israeltrip

SHABBOS PARSHAS VAYIKRA

FRIDAY, MARCH 20, NISSAN 2
7:15 pm Mincha & Shabbos Candle Lighting
7:30 pm Shabbat Services
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner

SHABBOS, MARCH 21, NISSAN 3
9:00 am Chassidus
10:00 am Services
Shabbos Lunch Kiddush 
7:15 pm Mincha
Torah Study - Laws of Pesach
8:09 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends
Living Torah

SUNDAY, MARCH 22, NISSAN 4
8:00 am Shacharis

MONDAY & THURSDAY, MARCH 23 & 26, NISSAN 5 & 8
6:45 am Shacharis 

PESACH IS APRIL 1-9!
www.chabaduptown.org/pesach2026


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