Following Tu B’Av, the strength of the sun begins to weaken and the days slowly become shorter.(Be sure to check out the photos from this past week’s White Party as we celebrated Tu B’Av together). Even while summer continues, we begin turning our hearts toward the coming year and wishing one another, “Kesivah vachasimah tovah, may you be inscribed and sealed for a good year.”
It is a time to reflect on the year ahead. What kind of year do we want to create? What kind of Jewish community do we want to strengthen? What step can each of us take to help Jewish life continue to grow?
For our family, Chabad of Uptown is more than a Shul. It is our home, and we hope it feels like your home too.
Our doors are open to everyone. High Holiday services are free, with no tickets, membership, or affiliation necessary. Every Jew is welcome, regardless of background, observance, or ability to contribute.
That freedom is possible because members of our community voluntarily choose to support it.
This is the time of our annual optional Shul membership drive. By becoming a member, you help us keep our doors open, continue our services, classes, holiday programs, meals, and community events, and ensure that there is always a warm Jewish home waiting for anyone who walks through the door.
This week’s Parshah, Eikev, takes its name from the word for “heel.” Rashi explains that it alludes to the mitzvos we sometimes tread upon or overlook because they seem small. Eikev reminds us that Jewish life is strengthened not only through great moments, but through the seemingly small steps we choose to take every day.
Showing up for a Shabbos service. Joining a class. Bringing a child to a holiday program. Helping another Jew feel welcome. Supporting a community that remains open to everyone.
Every step matters, and every person makes a difference.
Please consider taking that step and becoming a member of Chabad of Uptown for the coming year.
www.chabaduptown.org/membership
Kesivah vachasimah tovah, may you be inscribed and sealed for a good year.
Rabbi Chaim and Chanie Lazaroff
P.S. Men are also invited to join us for our annual Men’s Shabbos at the Ohel, August 21-23. Whether it is your first visit or a return trip, this Shabbos is an opportunity to recharge, reflect, and connect with the Rebbe’s timeless vision during an inspiring weekend of Jewish growth and brotherhood as we prepare for the High Holidays. Send us a message and we will share the flight information and reserve you a spot!
THE COHEN CORNER
We all stand on shoulders we did not build.
This week's parshah reminds us how easy it is to lose perspective when life is going well. As the Jewish people prepare to enter the Land of Israel, Moshe reminds them that success can slowly convince a person, "My strength and the might of my hand made me this wealth." The Torah doesn't tell us not to work hard or take satisfaction in what we've accomplished. It tells us to remember something that often gets overlooked: the abilities that made those accomplishments possible were given to us by Hashem. Our intelligence, determination, health, and opportunities didn't begin with us.
There's a story about a group of mountain climbers who spent years training to reach the top of a difficult peak. After finally making it to the summit, they were stunned to find a young boy sitting there. "How did you get here?" they asked. The boy smiled and said, "I was born here." In a way, every one of us is that child. We all begin life with certain advantages we didn't earn. One person is naturally patient, another is creative, another has a sharp mind or an encouraging personality. Of course we should work hard and make the most of those gifts. But remembering where they came from changes the way we see our success. Most importantly, it reminds us to use what we've been given for something bigger than ourselves.
Have a fabulous Shabbos!
Rabbi Yosef, Chanale, Mushka & Mendel Cohen
UPCOMING CLASSES:
- Shabbos, August 1, 9:00 am - Likkutei Torah - Kabbala of the Parsha - Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi's Masterworks on the weekly Parsha.
- Monday, August 3, 8 pm - Hebrew Language: The Tanya with Rabbi Menny Raichik
- Wednesday, August 5, 8:00 pm - YJP Dinner, Class & Social
- Thursday, August 6, 8:00 pm - Evening Chassidus
- Tuesday, September 1, 12:00 pm - Lunch & Learn: Tehillim, Faith in Uncertain Times - RSVP at chabaduptown.org/lunch.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
- Thursday, August 6, 7:30 pm - Women’s Dessert & Discussion celebrating Chanale’s birthday at Chabad of Uptown. Please text Chanale if you plan to join.
- Friday, August 7, 7:30 pm - Welcome to Houston: Citrus & Herbs August First Fridays Shabbat Dinner - New to Houston or already part of the YJP family? Join us for our August First Fridays Citrus & Herbs Shabbat. Whether you just moved here or have been with us for years, come enjoy a fresh summer dinner, welcome new faces, reconnect with friends and celebrate Shabbat together with the YJP Houston community. Services 7:30 pm, Candle Lighting 7:52 pm, Dinner 8:45 pm. $20 using coupon "advance" until Thursday. $36 after that. yjphouston.org/welcome.
- Sunday, August 9-Monday, August 17 - Volunteer in Israel: Chabad of Uptown Volunteer Mission with Birthright Israel. A community volunteer mission for active adults ages 18 and up, including those 50+. Israel needs us again. We are going back! - www.chabaduptown.org/israeltrip.
- Thursday, August 20, 6:30 pm - Women’s Pre-Rosh Hashanah Cooking Demo & Tasting with Chanie and Chanale at Chabad of Uptown, 4311 Bettis Drive. RSVP required.
- 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.
- Sunday, August 23, 12:30 pm - FCYA Shofar Factory with Friends - Create it, blow it, own it! Join volunteers of YJP Houston with FCYA (Friendship Circle of Houston - Young Adults) to fabricate shofars together with Young Adults with special needs for a morning of fun, camaraderie and integration. $10 prepaid with coupon code “advance,” $18 at the door. RSVP at yjphouston.org/fcyashofar.
FEATURED PHOTOS - WHITE PARTY AT THE LANES
White Out or Strike Out - An incredible evening with YJP Houston at the Lanes, bringing young Jewish professionals together for bowling, food, drinks, networking, and great summer vibes as we got ready for Tu B’Av. Thank you to everyone who joined, and to our amazing Host Committee for helping make it happen. Check out the photos here Photo Credit @nathancolbertphotography
SHABBOS PARSHAS EKEV
FRIDAY, JULY 31, MENACHEM AV 17
7:30 pm Mincha & Shabbat Services
7:57 pm Shabbos Candle Lighting
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
Sponsored by the Pfrenger family in memory of Yona David ben Yaffa, a"h
SHABBOS, AUGUST 1, MENACHEM AV 18
9:00 am Chassidus
10:00 am Services
Shabbos Lunch Kiddush & Farbrengen sponsored by the Reizes Family celebrating Rachelli's 1st Birthday
8:00 pm Mincha
Ethics of our Fathers, Chapter 3
8:58 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends
Living Torah
SUNDAY, AUGUST 2, MENACHEM AV 19
8:00 am Shacharis
MONDAY & THURSDAY, AUGUST 3 & 6, MENACHEM AV 20 & 23
6:45 am Shacharis