Mazel tov! Our hearts are overflowing with gratitude to share that just a few moments ago, our daughter Chaya and her husband Rabbi Shalom Burkis welcomed a beautiful baby boy. That makes us grandparents!
There are moments in life that do not just add joy to the calendar. They change the way we see everything.
Earlier this week, the women gathered for a beautiful Sefira Paint Night, exploring the Sefiros, the soul traits we refine during these weeks between Pesach and Shavuos. With color, conversation and creativity, we were reminded that each day of Sefira is another brushstroke. Another layer. Another opportunity to bring out the beauty Hashem placed inside each of us.
And this Shabbos, we read Parshas Emor, where the Torah speaks about the Kohanim, the Yomim Tovim, and the mitzvah of counting the Omer. It reminds us that holiness is not only found in great moments, but in the way we count each day, elevate each moment, and build a life of meaning.
Today is Pesach Sheni, the day that reminds us that no one is left out and it is never too late. A group of Jews came to Moshe Rabbeinu and said, “Why should we lose out?” They wanted their chance to bring the Korban Pesach too. That cry became part of Torah forever.
And in the middle of Sefira, while we are counting one day at a time, our family had something very special to count, Boruch Hashem: our first grandson! A new life, a new generation, and a very personal reminder that every day matters, every person matters, and every neshamah brings new light into the world.
As we count toward Shavuos, we are grateful for the brochos Hashem gives us, for the chance to grow, to create, to celebrate, and to pass it all forward.
Good Shabbos!
Rabbi Chaim and Chanie Lazaroff
THE COHEN CORNER
The things you own can end up owning you
Reciting a blessing is far more than asking permission before enjoying food or anything in this world. It is a declaration of truth. Everything belongs to Hashem: the earth, its resources, our possessions, and even we ourselves. When a Jew says a brachah before eating, he is recognizing that he is not taking something for himself independently, but partaking as one who belongs to Hashem and lives within His world. Just as a servant of a Kohen is permitted to eat from the Kohen’s holy foods a part of the Kohen’s household, so too a blessing reminds us that we are Hashem’s servants, and therefore we are able to enjoy what is His. The brachah does not remove holiness from the world. It reveals our place within it.
This idea carries a powerful lesson for everyday life. Much of our frustration comes from feeling that things are ours and have been taken away, when the car breaks down, the business deal falls through, the credit card is lost, or even when a favorite coffee shop suddenly closes. Blessings train us to live differently, with gratitude instead of entitlement, and with trust instead of panic. When we remember that everything is entrusted to us by Hashem and never truly ours to control, disappointment becomes easier to carry. Instead of asking, “Why did I lose this?” we begin to ask, “What is Hashem guiding me toward next?” That mindset brings freedom, humility, and peace, because if everything belongs to Him, then every change is part of a larger plan.
Have a peaceful Shabbos!
Rabbi Yosef, Chanale, Mushka & Mendel Cohen
UPCOMING CLASSES:
- Shabbos, May 2, 9:00 am - Likkutei Torah - Kabbala of the Parsha - Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi's Masterworks on the weekly Parsha.
- 3 Tuesdays May 5-Jun. 1, 7:30-9 pm - JLI Course: For All Humankind - Discover Judaism’s ethical message for all people and the values that shape a good life, a just society, family, education, and a more peaceful world. Registration required.
- 5 Wednesdays, May 6-June 10, 7:30-9:00 pm: CYP Academy: Judaism Decoded - Discover the origins and evolution of Jewish tradition in this new 6 week course exploring the inner workings of Torah interpretation and Jewish law. Complete the course and receive a $200 voucher toward any upcoming CYP trip. www.yjphouston.org/decoded
- Thursday, May 7, 8:00 pm - Heart of Prayer
- Tuesday, May 12, 12 pm - Lunch & Learn: Book of the People - Discover how the wisdom of G-d can be determined by humans. Register: www.chabaduptown.org/lunch
- Sunday, May 31, 12 pm - End of Life Pre-Planning Luncheon - Gain practical guidance on Jewish perspectives, funeral planning, and estate preparation with expert insights. Register, www.chabaduptown.org/plan
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
- Thursday, May 21, 11:30 pm - Shavuos: Take the Mic! - An evening of Torah and inspiration featuring 5-minute insights, panels, and debates. Share your own Torah insight and join a night of learning. www.chabaduptown.org/shavuotschedule
- Friday, May 22 at 11:15am - Hear the 10 Commandments read on their 3,338th anniversary, followed by our annual Dairy Kiddush & Ice Cream party! Fun-filled Children's Program! More info at www.chabaduptown.org/shavuotschedule
- Friday, May 22, 7 pm - YJP Shavuot Ice Cream Social - For the love of ice cream, & the love of Torah, we are excited to invite you to join us in celebrating Shavuot with an elegant evening with 10 gourmet toppings & 10 Commandments! 7 pm - Ice Cream Social & 10 Commandments, 8 pm - Shavuot Holiday Services Followed by Traditional Holiday Dinner www.yjphouston.org/icecream
- Sun.-Mon., June 28-July 6 - 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 EMOR
FRIDAY, PESACH SHENI, MAY 1, IYAR 14
7:30 pm Mincha & Shabbat Services
7:41 pm Shabbos Candle Lighting
Omer Count 30
RSVP for Cindo de Shabbat May First Fridays Dinner www.yjphouston.org/cinco
SHABBOS, MAY 2, IYAR 15
9:00 am Chassidus
10:00 am Services
Shabbos Lunch Kiddush sponsored by Stephan Abergel in memory of his father, Masud ben Shalom z"l and by Dr. Michael Allon in memory of his mother, Rivka bat Aliza z"l
7:40 pm Mincha
Ethics of our Fathers, Chapter 4
8:37 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends
Omer Count 31
Living Torah
SUNDAY, MAY 3, IYAR 16
8:00 am Shacharis
MONDAY & THURSDAY MAY 4 & 7, IYAR 17 & 20
6:45 am Shacharis