This week’s parsha, Behaalosecha, begins with Aharon HaKohen lighting the Menorah in the Mishkan.
Rashi explains that Aharon was commanded to kindle each flame “until the flame rises on its own.” A true lamplighter does not simply bring light. He helps another flame become steady, strong, and able to shine.
That image has been on my mind as Chanie and I prepare for the Grand Opening of the newly renovated Mikveh Taharas Yisroel this Sunday.
For years, the Houston Mikveh has been one of the quiet foundations of Jewish life in our community. Much of what happens at the mikveh takes place away from the public eye, with sensitivity, warmth, privacy, and care.
This Sunday, we will celebrate two groups of people who helped bring more light to this mitzvah.
First, we will honor the generous donors who made this renovation possible. The Menorah needed a vessel to hold the light. In the same way, this mitzvah deserves a setting that reflects its holiness, with beautiful renovated interiors, greater comfort, and long awaited private parking.
Then, we will honor the 22(!) volunteer mikveh attendants, the lamplighters of this mitzvah.
Night after night, they give of their time, their energy, and their hearts to make sure that women in our community are welcomed, supported, and cared for at one of the most meaningful moments in Jewish family life. They do this quietly, consistently, and with tremendous dedication, sometimes under challenging circumstances.
Their service is not always visible, but its impact is felt throughout our community. They are there in the background, serving as the backbone of the entire operation.
This Sunday’s celebration is about making a big deal about the people who make this mitzvah possible: the donors who created the vessel for the light, and the attendants who help that light shine night after night.
Please join us this Sunday, June 7, at 12:00 pm, at Mikveh Taharas Yisroel, 10900 Fondren Road. Check out the Mikveh here and you can RSVP for the event here.
There will be an outdoor ribbon cutting honoring the donors, followed by an indoor dessert reception honoring the volunteer attendants.
Your presence will help show our appreciation for this important milestone and for the dedicated people whose generosity and quiet work bring so much light to our community.
Good Shabbos!
Rabbi Chaim and Chanie Lazaroff
THE COHEN CORNER
Where a person's thoughts are, that is where the whole person is.
The Torah downplays the fact that the Jewish people brought the Korban Pesach only once during their forty years in the desert. This is surprising, since they had legitimate reasons not to bring it. Perhaps the disappointment was not in their inability to perform the mitzvah, but in the absence of a longing to do so. At the very least, they should have wanted it.
This teaches an important lesson about spiritual growth. We do not always feel excited about Torah, prayer, or other G-dly pursuits. Sometimes it's hard to study Torah after a long day, to focus during davening, or to choose a meaningful mitzvah over entertainment, comfort, or distraction. The Torah is teaching us that even when we are not yet there, the desire to get there matters. A person may not love learning, but can want to love learning. They may struggle to connect in prayer, but wish they felt more connected. Hashem values not only our achievements, but our aspirations. Sometimes the greatest spiritual accomplishment is simply refusing to give up on wanting more.
Have a fantastic Shabbos!
Rabbi Yosef, Chanale, Mushka & Mendel Cohen
- Friday, June 5, 7:30 pm - Summer Garden Shabbat First Fridays - Join YJP Houston with services, candle lighting, and a beautiful summer garden Shabbat dinner. $20 until Thursday with promo code advance, $36 after. RSVP at yjphouston.org/garden.
- Shabbos, June 6, 9:00 am - Likkutei Torah - Kabbala of the Parsha - Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi's Masterworks on the weekly Parsha.
- Monday, June 8, 8 pm - Hebrew Language: The Tanya with Rabbi Menny Raichik
- Tuesday, June 9, 7:00 pm - Men’s Summer BBQ Bash - An evening of smoky flavors and summer fun with BBQ chicken, meats, cold beverages, and great company. $25 suggested donation. www.chabaduptown.org/guys
- Wednesdays, June 10, 7:30-9:00 pm: CYP Academy: Judaism Decoded - The Truth of Sinai - Did 600,000 people really hear G-d speak at Mt. Sinai over 3000 years ago? www.yjphouston.org/decoded
- Thursday, June 11, 8 pm: Inner Faith & Jewish Resilience - A study of the Rebbe’s final published maamar, V'Atah Teztzaveh, exploring its powerful message of inner faith, Jewish resilience, and purposeful living as preparation for Gimmel Tammuz
- Sunday, June 14, 6:30 pm - Shabbat in an Hour for Today’s Busy Women - Cooking demo and tasting with Chanie & Chanale, blending traditional and modern Shabbat recipes. RSVP at chabaduptown.org/cook.
- Tuesday, June 16, 12:00 pm - Independence Illusion Lunch N’ Learn - Explore whether spiritual growth can be completely self-directed and what true independence means in Jewish life. RSVP at chabaduptown.org/lunch.
- Shabbos Weekend, August 21-23 - Men’s Shabbos at the Ohel - Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, this Shabbos is a chance to recharge, reflect, and connect with the Rebbe’s timeless vision during an inspiring weekend of Jewish growth and brotherhood.
SHABBOS PARSHAS BEHAALOSECHA
FRIDAY, JUNE 5, SIVAN 20
7:30 pm Mincha & Shabbat Services
8:02 pm Shabbos Candle Lighting
RSVP for YJP Summer Garden June First Fridays Shabbat Dinner www.yjphouston.org/garden
SHABBOS, JUNE 6, SIVAN 21
9:00 am Chassidus
10:00 am Services
Shabbos Lunch Kiddush sponsored by Menucha Lazaroff in memory of Yona David, a"h, ben Yaffa, tichye
8:00 pm Mincha
Ethics of our Fathers, Chapter 2
9:01 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends
Living Torah
SUNDAY, JUNE 7, SIVAN 22
8:00 am Shacharis
MONDAY & THURSDAY JUNE 8 & 11, SIVAN 23 & 26
6:45 am Shacharis