Chabad of Uptown

08/21/2026

What an unforgettable week in Israel!

From volunteering on the land and packing food for families, to visiting communities in the south, spending time with soldiers, and sharing moments of joy and connection throughout the country, this trip was filled with meaning from beginning to end.

Most of all, it was about showing up, giving back, and standing together with the people of Israel.

Take a look through the album and relive some of the special moments from our Volunteer in Israel trip with Mayanot

07/24/2026

Mahjong, friendship and a beautiful night out 💕

Our Women’s Social brought together beginners and experienced players for an evening of connection, laughter and community at Chabad of Uptown.

Whether they came alone or brought a friend, there is always a seat at the table.

07/03/2026

06/12/2026

This past week, the guys got together for a BBQ Bash. Some asked: What was the occasion? The answer was simple: stam. No reason. Just because Jews should get together, enjoy each other’s company, and celebrate the joy of being Jewish.

05/01/2026

LADIES SEFIRA PAINT NIGHT!
A beautiful afternoon of creativity, connection and meaning at our Women’s Sefira Paint Night.

During these special weeks of Sefiras HaOmer, we focus on refining the seven middos, the inner soul traits represented by the Sefiros. Together, we explored that message not only through discussion, but through color, texture and art, creating pieces that reflected the Sefiros we examine during this meaningful time of year.

A special thank you to the talented Jessica Pfrenger for guiding everyone with such creativity.

The evening was filled with delightful conversations, light bites and the joy of women coming together to learn, create and be inspired.

03/27/2026

Yesterday, in the Office of the Governor Greg Abbott, I had the privilege to join my fellow Chabad Rabbis & Rebbetzins of representing Chabad of Texas across the state in honor of Education and Sharing Day.

One of the most meaningful moments for me personally was presenting Governor Greg Abbott, on behalf of my father, Rabbi Shimon Lazaroff, head rabbi of Chabad of Texas, with a custom siddur opened to Modeh Ani; the first prayer a Jew says each morning, beginning the day with gratitude.

It felt especially powerful just before Shabbos Hagadol and Pesach. As we prepare for the Seder and the mitzvah of V’higadeta l’vincha, telling the story to our children, I was reminded that the heart of Judaism is not only what we believe, but what we pass on.

The Rebbe taught that education is about far more than information. It is about shaping character, values, and purpose. As we clean our homes for Pesach, may we also fill our hearts and the hearts of our children with gratitude, faith, and the joy of being Jewish.

Good Shabbos!
Rabbi Chaim and Chanie Lazaroff

02/13/2026

Today, 26 Shvat 5786, marks a milestone for us: 20 years, two decades, since our first Jewish program in an established Uptown location.

After a meaningful and successful Rosh Hashanah in 2005 at the Houstonian Club and Spa, we began searching for a permanent presence in the Uptown neighborhood. In 2006, we moved into what was once the Post Oak Gallery, a “little shul that could,” filled with big dreams and warm souls. In 2007, we relocated to a storefront at Pavilion Mall on Post Oak, and then, in May 2009, we merited moving into our current home on Bettis Drive.

Over these two decades, we have shared so much life together: countless beautiful community events, simchas, Yom Tov celebrations, and also the more difficult moments, standing together through passings of loved ones and annual yahrtzeits. Through it all, it has been a privilege to grow alongside you and to provide consistent, meaningful, and uplifting Jewish programming for our community.

This year brought an additional brachah (blessing). Since January 2025, the arrival of the Cohens has significantly expanded our impact, and we are deeply grateful for the strength, heart, and dedication they bring to our community every day.

And most importantly, we want to thank each and every one of you, our dear community and supporters, who make Chabad of Uptown the warm, magical, and special place it is: from babies to seniors, from young professionals to young families, and everyone in between.

There is something especially fitting about reaching this moment in Parshas Shekalim. The Torah asks each Jew to give not a full shekel, but a half, teaching that no one stands alone as a complete story. Each person is indispensable, yet each person is also meant to be part of something larger. A half shekel only becomes meaningful when it is joined with another half, and that is how the communal offerings were brought: not by isolated individuals, but by a people acting as one. Even today, when we replace the half shekel with tzedakah, the message remains the same: we sanctify our work and our lives by setting aside for Hashem, and we renew our commitment year after year with fresh energy. The half shekel also carries a promise across time: it helps repair what was, strengthens what is, and prepares the blessing of what will be. That is what a community does when every person counts, and every person contributes their half.

Please join us this week for a special Shabbos Mevarchim & Shekalim Kiddush and Farbrengen, celebrating 20 years of Chabad of Uptown!

Good Shabbos,

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie

02/13/2026

Chabad of Uptown hosted a Tu B’Shevat women’s event that brought together close to 45 women for an evening of learning, creativity and connection. The Feb. 1 program focused on making floral art focaccia from scratch, using vegetables and herbs as design elements, alongside a discussion of Tu B’Shevat and the significance of the seven special fruits of Israel.

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