After the intensity and elevation of Pesach, the holiness is not meant to remain behind at the Seder table. It is meant to continue with us into everyday life.
What a beautiful Pesach it was at Chabad of Uptown. Baruch Hashem, over Yom Tov our doors were open wide and our tables were full, with more than 650 meals and guests sharing in Sedarim, Yom Tov meals, late night learning, Yizkor, and Moshiach’s Seudah. Behind the scenes, it took an enormous amount of preparation, including over 1,595 pounds of produce and meat from just two primary truck orders alone, all to help create a Yom Tov that felt welcoming, abundant, and uplifting for so many.
There is something especially moving about Pesach at Uptown. So many people around the table, so many conversations and so much heart. Every meal served was more than a meal. It was a chance to celebrate freedom together, to feel the warmth of community, and to bring Yom Tov to life in a real and meaningful way.
That gives us the gift for the days after Pesach. We do not leave the inspiration behind. We take the the joy, sense of connection, and the uplift of Yom Tov and bring it into the weeks and months ahead.
Thank you to everyone who joined us, helped us, sponsored, cooked, set up, cleaned, hosted, and made the Yom Tov so special.
And now, after Pesach, we wish everyone the traditional "a gut yohr and a freilechen tamid", a good year and enduring joy, carrying the warmth and simcha of Yom Tov into the days ahead.
Rabbi Chaim and Chanie Lazaroff
THE COHEN CORNER
What is done in love is done well.
The Torah teaches that nothing in Hashem’s world is without purpose, even when it appears flawed or lacking. In discussing kosher animals, the Midrash describes a striking future scene in which two mighty creatures, the Leviathan fish and the Shor Habar, a powerful ox, confront one another. Our sages explain that these are not just creatures, but symbols of two types of Jews. The “fish” represents one who moves easily and naturally in their Judaism, gliding through prayer, learning, and connection with Hashem. The “ox,” by contrast, represents one who must work hard for every step, struggling to feel inspired and pushing forward with effort. Each seems to have an advantage, and both paths are essential and valued in Hashem’s eyes.
This teaches us how to view ourselves and others. Not everyone experiences Judaism the same way; for some it feels natural and uplifting, while for others it can feel like an uphill climb. But difficulty is not a sign of failure; it is part of a different kind of greatness. The effort itself, the persistence, and the refusal to give up are deeply precious. A Jew must never feel discouraged if things don’t come easily, nor assume that others who seem more naturally connected are more valuable. Every step taken with effort and sincerity fulfills a unique purpose, and Hashem treasures both the ease of the “fish” and the hard-earned progress of the “ox.”
Have a wonderful Shabbos!
Rabbi Yosef, Chanale, Mushka & Mendel Cohen
UPCOMING CLASSES:
- Shabbos, April 11, 9:30 am - Likkutei Torah - Kabbala of the Parsha - Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi's Masterworks on the weekly Parsha.
- Monday, April 13, 8 pm - Hebrew Language: The Tanya with Rabbi Menny Raichik
- Wednesday, April 15, 8:00 pm - YJP Dinner, Class & Social
- Thursday, April 16, 8:00 pm - Heart of Prayer
UPCOMING EVENTS:
- Friday, May 1, 7:30 pm - Cinco de Shabbat, First Fridays - Join YJP Houston for a festive Taco Shabbat Dinner with great food, high spirits, and Uptown flair. www.yjphouston.org/cinco
Monday, May 4, 8:00 pm - Bondi Hero Kumzitz, Lag B'Omer - An unforgettable evening of music, inspiration, fire pit, steaks, and soulful connection featuring Leibel Lazaroff’s story of survival and recovery after the Bondi attack. www.yjphouston.org/kumzitz - 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
- Sunday, May 26, 7:30 pm - Ladies Sefirah Paint Night - A relaxing evening for women of painting, connection, and meaningful Sefirah inspiration.
- 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 MEVARCHIM IYAR PARSHAS SHEMINI
FRIDAY, APRIL 10, NISSAN 23
7:28 pm Shabbos Candle Lighting
7:30 pm Mincha & Shabbat Services
Omer Count 9
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
SHABBOS, APRIL 11, NISSAN 24
8:00 am Shabbos Mevarchim Tehillim
9:30 am Chassidus
10:00 am Services
Shabbos Lunch Kiddush
7:30 pm Mincha
Ethics of our Fathers, Chapter 1
8:23 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends
Omer Count 10
Living Torah
SUNDAY, APRIL 12, NISSAN 25
8:00 am Shacharis
MONDAY & THURSDAY APRIL 13 & 16, NISSAN 26 & 29
6:45 am Shacharis
FRIDAY, ROSH CHODESH IYAR, APRIL 17, NISSAN 30
6:45 am Rosh Chodesh Shacharis
Followed by monthly Rosh Chodesh breakfast