There is a famous slogan every proud Texan knows, “Come and take it.”
It began as the proud Texas cry of courage and determination, a refusal to surrender something precious. This week’s Torah portion gives us a deeper and more eternal version of that message.
Korach challenged Moshe and Aharon, arguing that since the entire nation is holy, no one should hold a unique position of leadership or priesthood. But Korach’s mistake was that he tried to take a crown that was not his to take.
Our sages teach that there are three crowns, the crown of priesthood, the crown of kingship, and the crown of Torah. The crown of priesthood was given to Aharon and his descendants. The crown of kingship was given to David and his descendants. But the crown of Torah remains open and available to every single Jew, כל מי שירצה יבוא ויטול, whoever wants may come and take it.
That is the powerful lesson of Parshas Korach. Not every role belongs to every person, but Torah belongs to every Jew. It is not locked away for rabbis, scholars, or people who grew up with more background. It is our inheritance. The only question is whether we are ready to claim it.
We saw a beautiful expression of this this past week at Shabbos in an Hour with Chanie and Chanale, which has been getting rave reviews all week. The excitement was not only about the delicious food or helpful tips. It was about Jewish women taking hold of Shabbos, bringing its warmth, peace, and joy into their homes, and discovering that holiness is not out of reach. It is practical. It is personal. It is ours.
That is the message of Torah, come and take it. Take a mitzvah. Take a moment of learning. Take a Shabbos candle, a Shabbos table, a word of prayer, a step closer. The crown of Torah is waiting, and every one of us has the power to wear it.
Good Shabbos!
Rabbi Chaim and Chanie Lazaroff
THE COHEN CORNER
Admiration is easy; participation is what makes the difference
This week’s Parshah, Korach, tells the story of a man with great ambition. Korach desperately wanted to become the Kohen Gadol, the High Priest, a position that carried not only honor but also tremendous responsibility and sacrifice. While Korach’s rebellion was misguided, there is one quality we can learn from: his desire for spiritual greatness. Korach did not want to admire holiness from afar; he wanted to attain it himself. If only we all shared that same yearning to grow closer to Hashem and live lives of greater holiness.
Too often, however, we are content to let others do the sacred work while we watch from the sidelines. We support shuls, teachers, and community leaders, but sometimes forget that Judaism is meant to be lived personally, not merely appreciated. It is a little like being an enthusiastic sports fan who never steps onto the field. There is certainly value in supporting those who lead and inspire, but each of us has our own role to play. Let us not be content to remain spectators while others do it for us. Let each of us participate in the Jewish mission, and let us do it personally.
Have an outstanding Shabbos!
Rabbi Yosef, Chanale, Mushka & Mendel
UPCOMING EVENTS & CLASSES:
- Shabbos, June 13, 9:30 am - Likkutei Torah - Kabbala of the Parsha - Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi's Masterworks on the weekly Parsha.
- Monday, June 15, 8 pm - Hebrew Language: The Tanya with Rabbi Menny Raichik
- Wednesday, June 17, 8:00 pm: YJP Dinner, Class & Social
- Friday, July 3, 7:30 pm - All-America 250 BBQ Shabbat First Fridays for young Jewish professionals, with services at 7:30 pm, candle lighting at 8:08 pm, and BBQ themed dinner at 8:45 pm. $20 with promo code advance until Thursday, $36 after. RSVP at www.yjphouston.org/250shabbat
- Sunday, July 26, 5:00 pm - YJP White Party at the Lanes: White Out or Strike Out at Lucky Strike Houston, 925 Bunker Hill Rd. Bowling, drinks, eats and vibes!
- 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 KORACH
FRIDAY, JUNE 19, TAMMUZ 4
7:30 pm Mincha & Shabbat Services
8:07 pm Shabbos Candle Lighting
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
SHABBOS, JUNE 20, TAMMUZ 5
9:00 am Chassidus
10:00 am Services
Shabbos Lunch Kiddush & Farbrengen
8:00 pm Mincha
Ethics of our Fathers, Chapter 4
9:06 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends
Living Torah
SUNDAY, JUNE 21, TAMMUZ 6
8:00 am Shacharis
MON. & THURS., JUNE 22 & 25, TAMMUZ 7 & 10
6:45 am Shacharis