Updates

There are times when we all feel like our efforts don’t matter. It’s easy to become discouraged and question our purpose. But Judaism teaches us a powerful truth: everything we do matters, even when we can’t see the results.

The Midrash tells us about the frogs in Egypt, seemingly insignificant creatures, who fulfilled their ultimate purpose by jumping into ovens during the plague of frogs, as described in this week’s Torah portion. Their act wasn’t random—it symbolized breaking Egypt’s defiance and making G-d’s presence known. If even frogs can fulfill a divine mission, how much more so can we, who are created in G-d’s image.

Every mitzvah, every act of kindness, every good deed, adds to the beauty of the world and brings us closer to our purpose. You were created with a unique mission that no one else can accomplish.

Never doubt your worth. You matter, and your actions have the power to transform the world.

Shabbat shalom,

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie
Rabbi Yosef & Chanale

NYC SHABBATON REPORT
Last Shabbos, twenty-two young Jewish professionals from Houston joined over 700 peers from around the world for an inspiring weekend at Encounter Crown Heights. They forged meaningful connections and gained valuable insights. Stay tuned for upcoming local and international Shabbatons, where you can be part of another transformative experience! A huge thank you to Chabad Young Professionals International for organizing such an incredible weekend! Thank you to the Rabbi Yosef & Chanale for leading a wonderful Shabbos at Uptown while Rabbi Chaim & Chanie lead the group to NYC!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• 6 Tuesdays, Feb 4--Mar 11, 7:30-9 pm - New JLI Course: Decoding the Talmud - Inside the Story, Substance, and Significance of the Book that Defines Judaism. Syllabus, video intro and register here
• Friday, Feb. 7, 7 pm - Souper Salad February First Fridays - Enjoy a variety of hearty soups, salads and more with other Young Jewish Professionals over Shabbat Dinner. Sponsored by Geoffrey Kulp marking the yartzeit and in memory of his grandmother, Chava Miriam bas Shmuel. 5:47 pm Candle Lighting, 6:00pm Services, 7:00 pm Shabbat Dinner. $20 until Thursday, $36 after. Use promo code: advance. www.yjphouston.org/shabbatsouper
• Four Wednesdays, Feb 12-March 5, 7:30-9 pm - CYP Academy Jewish Course of Why - Your Answers to some of Judaism's Most Curious Questions www.yjphouston.org/why
• Thursday, Feb. 13, 7 pm - Tu B'Shvat Watermelon Carving - Branch out into the New Year for Trees with a fruitful watermelon carving for Tu B'Shvat

THIS WEEK'S CLASSES:

• Shabbos, Jan. 11, 9 am - Chassidus - Torah Or
• Monday, Jan. 12, 8 pm - Hebrew Language: The Tanya with Rabbi Menny Raichik
• Wednesday, Jan. 15, 8 pm - YJP Dinner, Class & Social
• Thursday, August 16, 8 pm - The Heart of Prayer

SHABBOS PARSHAS VA'EIRA

Fri., Jan. 24, 24 Teves
5:35 pm Light Shabbat Candles & Mincha
6:00 Kabbalat Shabbat
7:00 pm RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner

Shabbos, Jan 25, 25 Teves
9:00 am Chassidus
10:00 am Morning Services
Shabbat Lunch Kiddush
5:35 pm Mincha
Torah Study
6:31 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbat Ends
Living Torah Video Magazine

True leaders are those who put the needs of their community above their own, embodying selflessness and unwavering devotion. This timeless lesson can be seen in this week’s Torah portion, in the example of Moses and Aaron, who, despite their exemption from slavery in Egypt, stood up for the freedom of their brethren. Their leadership wasn’t about personal gain but about the collective good of the Jewish people.

This principle of selfless leadership continues to inspire today, particularly the remarkable actions of my fellow Chabad rabbis in Los Angeles during the wildfires that swept through whole neighborhoods. With their own homes at risk, they chose to prioritize the needs of others, ensuring that evacuees have shelter, food, and spiritual support. Their dedication exemplifies what it means to lead from a place of care and responsibility, putting the community first even in moments of personal crisis.

Pharaoh’s inability to understand Moses and Aaron’s selfless dedication highlights a critical misunderstanding of Jewish leadership. For us, leadership is not about status or power, but about shared responsibility and collective purpose. When one Jew suffers, we all feel the pain, and when we act with unity and selflessness, we can overcome even the greatest challenges.

May we all strive to be leaders in our own way, putting the needs of others before our own and strengthening the bonds of our community.

Shabbat shalom,

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie

The Cohen Corner

We're so happy and excited to have joined the Chabad of Uptown family! We look forward to many opportunities to learn, grow, celebrate and connect with this exceptional community.

Have a wonderful Shabbos,
Rabbi Yosef, Chanale, & Mushka Cohen

Shabbat Brings Fragile Respite to Fire-Ravaged Los Angeles

As the massive fires spreading through the greater Los Angeles area burn into a fourth day, Jews across the region are preparing for Shabbat amid the smoke, ash and rubble. Many are homeless, evacuated and in shock. But, like a beacon, Chabad centers in the affected areas are still operating, reaching out to community members, preparing food packages and gearing up for an influx of people at Shabbat services and meals. more…

THIS WEEK'S CLASSES:

• Shabbos, Jan. 11, 9 am - Chassidus - Torah Or
• Monday, Jan. 12, 8 pm - Hebrew Language: The Tanya with Rabbi Menny Raichik
• Wednesday, Jan. 15, 8 pm - YJP Dinner, Class & Social
• Thursday, August 16, 8 pm - The Heart of Prayer

SHABBOS PARSHAS SHEMOS

Fri., Jan. 17, 17 Teves
5:29 pm Light Shabbat Candles & Mincha
6:00 Kabbalat Shabbat
7:00 pm RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner

Shabbos, Jan 18, 18 Teves
9:00 am Chassidus
10:00 am Morning Services
Shabbat Lunch Kiddush
5:30 pm Mincha
Torah Study
6:26 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbat Ends
Living Torah Video Magazine

Mazal Tov!

We are thrilled to announce and welcome Rabbi Yosef and Chanale Cohen and their daughter Mushka as the newest Shluchim to our Chabad of Uptown community!

Rabbi Yosef and Chanale bring warmth, energy, and a wealth of experience to our team. They will focus on building and strengthening our community, supporting families, and developing innovative programming for all.

Join us this Shabbos as we make a special kiddush in extending a warm welcome to Rabbi Yosef and Chanale! We look forward to growing and thriving together.

This year, the fast of the 10th of Tevet falls on a Friday, creating a unique situation. Ordinarily, we do not enter Shabbat while fasting. The 10th of Tevet, however, is an exception, reflecting the day’s profound significance.

On Tevet 10, the Babylonian army laid siege to Jerusalem, setting into motion the tragic chain of events that led to the destruction of the Holy Temple. Unlike the 17th of Tammuz or the 9th of Av, which commemorate breaches and destruction, the 10th of Tevet focuses on the beginning of the tragedy—when the seeds of division among our people allowed such a siege to succeed.

A fast day is not merely about mourning. The Prophet Isaiah (58:5) calls it “an auspicious time,” when we can correct the spiritual roots of past failings. The siege offered a hidden opportunity for unity among the inhabitants of Jerusalem. Had they come together in harmony, no army could have conquered them.

Today, nearly 2,000 years into exile, the root cause remains the same: baseless hatred. The 10th of Tevet reminds us to focus on its antidote—building bridges of care, respect, and love among all Jews. By fostering unity, we prepare the world for redemption.

On Friday night, we will make Kiddush immediately after the fast concludes. May this fast inspire meaningful reflection, healing, and a renewed commitment to unity.

Wishing you an easy, purposeful fast and a peaceful Shabbat,

Shabbat shalom,

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie

THIS WEEK'S CLASSES:

• Shabbos, Jan. 11, 9 am - Chassidus - Torah Or
• Monday, Jan. 12, 8 pm - Hebrew Language: The Tanya with Rabbi Menny Raichik
• Wednesday, Jan. 15, 8 pm - YJP Dinner, Class & Social
• Thursday, August 16, 8 pm - The Heart of Prayer

DON"T MISS:

• Thurs.-Sun., Jan. 17-19 - Encounter Crown Heights Shabbaton - Join us as we head to NYC for the Encounter Crown Heights Shabbaton set to take place over MLK Weekend (Jan 17-19)! A weekend like no other, a chance to connect with hundreds Jewish young professionals from around the world and experience an unforgettable weekend in Crown Heights. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity! www.cypshabbat.nyc

Mazel tov to Sigal and the entire Melnik family on her marriage this week to Shuey Rothman!

SHABBOS CHAZAK, PARSHAS VAYECHI

Fri., Jan. 10, Fast of Asara B'Teves
5:00 pm Mincha with Torah Reading
5:23 pm Light Shabbat Candles
5:30 Kabbalat Shabbat
Fast Ends 6:07 pm
6:15 pm Kiddush Breaking the Fast at Shabbat Dinner
As fasting on Shabbos is a prohibition, under these circumstances you should make kiddush as soon as possible, even if you are delayed until the "seventh hour" begins.
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner

Shabbos, Jan 11, 11Teves
9:00 am Chassidus
10:00 am Morning Services
Shabbat Kiddush & Farbrengen in honor of the new Shluchim Rabbi Yosef & Chanale Cohen and Mushka
5:20 pm Mincha
Torah Study
6:20 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbat Ends
Living Torah Video Magazine

Sunday, Jan. 12, 12Teves
8:00 am Shacharis
Followed by a Bris and Breakfast sponsored by Oron & Shiri Peer

 Let’s talk about something we’ve all felt: anger. Whether it’s getting cut off in traffic or dealing with someone who really hurt us, anger can come fast and hit hard. It’s natural to feel upset when someone wrongs us. But our tradition offers us a way to approach these moments that can bring us closer to each other and to Hashem.

The Talmud likens getting angry to worshipping idols. At first, that sounds extreme—after all, anger is just an emotion. But when we look at the story of Joseph and his brothers in this week’s Torah portion, we start to understand.

Joseph had every reason to be angry. His brothers sold him into slavery and tore him away from his family for over 20 years. Yet, when they finally reunited, Joseph didn’t lash out. Instead, he said, “You didn’t send me here; Hashem did.” Joseph saw the bigger picture—everything that happened was part of G-d’s plan, even if it came about through someone else’s bad choices.

When we’re angry, it’s easy to focus on what someone else did to us. But Joseph’s story reminds us to step back and see Hashem’s hand in our lives. That doesn’t mean bad behavior is okay, but it helps us let go of anger and look for ways to move forward.

As a community, this perspective is powerful. When we let go of grudges and see each other through the lens of compassion, we build unity. And that unity is what makes us strong and prepares us for the coming of Moshiach and the Final Redemption.

Shabbat shalom,

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie

THIS WEEK'S CLASSES

• Shabbos, Jan. 4, 9 am - Chassidus - Torah Or
• Monday, Jan. 6, 8 pm - NEW HEBREW CLASS: The Tanya with Rabbi Menny Raichik
• Wednesday, Jan. 8, 8 pm - YJP Dinner, Class & Social - Guest Lecture Rabbi Shmuli Slonim of Chabad at Rice: Purpose vs Meaning - The Jewish Perspective in Life
• Thursday, August 1, 8 pm - The Heart of Prayer

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Friday, Jan. 3, 6 pm - First Fridays 2025 Shabbat Dinner - Join Young Jewish Professionals and bring in the new calendar year with new and old friends, ages 21-39, over Shabbat Dinner. $20 until Thursday, $36 after
• Use promo code: advance www.yjphouston.org/events/2025
• Thurs.-Sun., Jan. 17-19 - Encounter Crown Heights Shabbaton - Join us as we head to NYC for the Encounter Crown Heights Shabbaton set to take place over MLK Weekend (Jan 17-19)! A weekend like no other, a chance to connect with hundreds Jewish young professionals from around the world and experience an unforgettable weekend in Crown Heights. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity! www.cypshabbat.nyc

Mazel tov Oron & Shiri Peer on the birth of a baby boy!

Mazel Tov Shmuel Kronman on his engagement to Chani Kruper From Los Angeles, California in Tzfat, Israel!

SHABBOS, PARSHAS VAYIGASH

Fri., Jan. 3, 3 Teves
5:18 pm Light Shabbat Candles
5:20 pm Mincha
5:40 Torah Study
6:00 pm Kabbalat Shabbat
RSVP for 2025 First Fridays Shabbat Dinner www.yjphouston.org/events/2025

Shabbos, Jan 4, 4 Teves
9:00 am Chassidus
10:00 am Morning Services
Shabbat Kiddush & Farbrengen
5:15 pm Mincha
Torah Study
6:15 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbat Ends
Living Torah Video Magazine

Sunday, Jan. 5, 5 Teves
8:00 am Shacharis
Followed by breakfast marking the yartzeit of Norman Lazarus's father, Yisachar ben Moshe, o.b.mn

Friday, Jan. 10, Fast of 10 Teves
Fast Begins at 5:59 am
Light Shabbat Candles at 5:23 pm
Fast Ends with Shabbat Kiddush at 6:07 pm