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Chabad of Uptown and personal diary updates! Please comment on our posts, we would love to hear from you!

Guess Who Showed Up at Our Door?

Friday, October 30, 2026 - 12:45 PM

This week, we had an unexpected visit from a wonderful group of Jewish teens who simply wanted “to see the Rabbi.”

No appointment, no special occasion, no agenda. Just young Jews who wanted to stop by, put on tefillin and connect.

If you want to know what the Jewish future looks like, this is it!

The timing couldn't have been more fitting.

In this week’s Torah portion, Vayeira, Avraham also receives surprise visitors. Three angels appear at his doorstep, and despite recovering from his circumcision at the age of 99, Avraham rushes to welcome them with extraordinary warmth and hospitality.

But Avraham's greatness wasn't limited to doing what came naturally to him.

Later in the Parsha, when G-d reveals His intention to destroy Sodom, Avraham does something unexpected. The man known for kindness and hospitality becomes an outspoken advocate, challenging the decree and pleading for the lives of its inhabitants.

Avraham teaches us that doing what is right sometimes requires stepping beyond our natural tendencies, our comfort zones, and even our expectations of ourselves.

And perhaps that is what made this week's visit so meaningful.

In a world where young people have countless distractions competing for their attention, these teens chose, entirely on their own, to connect with their Jewish identity. They didn't need an invitation or a program. They simply showed up.

Avraham opened his door to unexpected visitors, and those visitors turned out to be angels.

We wouldn't go so far as to call our visitors angels, though their mothers might disagree! But seeing young Jews proudly and naturally seeking out a Jewish connection certainly felt like a glimpse of something heavenly.

The Jewish future isn't just something we're building for the next generation. It's something the next generation is already building for itself.

May we continue to open our doors, step beyond our comfort zones, and nurture that spark of Jewish pride in every young person. Each such moment brings more goodness and G-dliness into the world and brings us closer to the coming of Moshiach.

Good Shabbos!

Rabbi Chaim and Chanie Lazaroff

THE COHEN CORNER
Act the part and you will become the part.

This week's Haftorah tells the story of a widow whose husband had died, leaving her in debt. Her creditors threatened to take her two sons as slaves if she couldn't pay. All she had left was a small flask of oil, and the prophet Elisha instructed her to pour it into empty vessels. Miraculously, the oil continued to flow until every vessel was full. She sold the oil, paid her debts, and provided for her family. Chassidus explains that the oil represents the soul’s essential connection to Hashem, which remains intact even when our intellectual and emotional connection to Judaism feels depleted. By giving that spark expression through action, we can unlock its potential.

Sometimes, even mitzvot we do regularly can begin to feel routine. Putting on tefillin may become another part of the morning, and davening on a Shabbos morning davening week after week may feel disconnected from our lives. We may wonder what we’re getting out of it if we don’t feel inspired. The lesson of the Haftorah is that action itself can be transformative. Just as the widow’s small flask of oil became the means to resolve her financial troubles, our seemingly routine mitzvot can awaken the soul’s deepest connection to Hashem and bring vitality into parts of our lives that feel empty. We don't have to wait until we feel inspired to begin.

Have a fabulous Shabbos!

Rabbi Yosef, Chanale, Mushka & Mendel Cohen

UPCOMING EVENTS & CLASSES

Shabbos, Oct. 31, 9:00 am - Torah Or - Kabbala of the Parsha - Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi's Masterworks on the weekly Parsha.
5 Tuesdays, Nov. 3-Dec.1, 7:30 pm - JLI Course: Kabbalah and the Hidden Architecture of You - A six-session JLI course exploring reincarnation, soulmates, dreams, the mysteries of the soul, and how Kabbalah reveals the hidden design of your life. Course fee: $119. Register
Wednesdays, Nov. 4–25, 11:30 am – November Mommy and Me Social – Join Chabad of Uptown for a warm and welcoming weekly gathering for moms and little ones! Enjoy quality time together, connect with other mothers, and build friendships in a nurturing Jewish environment. chabaduptown.org/mommy
Wednesday, Nov. 4, 7:30 pm - YJP Fascinating Facts: Exploring the Myths and Mysteries of Judaism - Join CYP Academy for a fascinating 4-part course exploring surprising facts, myths, and mysteries of Jewish tradition. Dinner and textbook included. $36 for the course, complimentary for CHAI Club members. Complete the course and earn a $200 voucher toward a CYP trip or Encounter! yjphouston.org/facts
Friday, Nov. 6, 6:30 pm - YJP November First Fridays Soupper Shabbat - Join YJP Houston in partnership with Moshe Pod for a cozy Shabbat dinner featuring delicious soups, fresh salads, and great company! Register before Thursday with the ADVANCE coupon for special pricing. yjphouston.org/soup
Sunday, Nov. 15, 7:30 pm – A Couples Night Out: Fresh Pasta from Scratch – Roll up your sleeves for a fun and delicious evening at Chabad of Uptown! Enjoy a hands-on pasta-making experience, quality time together, and a memorable night out with other couples. chabaduptown.org/couples
Friday, Nov. 20, 7:00 pm – FCYA x YJP Shabbat Dinner – Join YJP Houston and Friendship Circle Young Adults (FCYA) for a heartwarming Shabbat dinner bringing young adults together for friendship, connection, and a meaningful Shabbat experience. www.yjphouston.org/fcyashabbat
Friday–Sunday, Jan. 15–17, 2027 – CYP Encounter NYC: International Young Jewish Professionals Shabbaton – Join YJP Houston and hundreds of young Jewish professionals from around the world for an incredible Shabbat weekend in New York featuring inspiring speakers, meaningful connections, Shabbat experiences, networking, speed dating, music, and an unforgettable Saturday night celebration. Register

CHANUKAH UPTOWN EVENT LISTING

Friday, Dec. 4, 5:00 pm – YJP First FRY-day: A Chanukah Shabbat Dinner – Bright Lights. Crispy Bites. Celebrate Chanukah and Shabbat together with menorah lighting, crispy latkes, a festive Shabbat dinner, and great company! Chanukah lighting at 5:00 pm, Shabbat candle lighting at 5:04 pm, and dinner at 7:00 pm. $20 with coupon ADVANCE through Thursday, $36 afterward. yjphouston.org/fryday
Monday, Dec. 7, 6:00 pm – Waterwall Chanukah Fire & Ice – Celebrate Chanukah at Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park with a spectacular giant ice menorah carving, dazzling fire show, delicious donuts and latkes, and arts and crafts for the whole family! Presented by Chabad of Uptown in cooperation with the Uptown District. 2800 Post Oak Blvd. chabaduptown.org/light
Thursday, Dec. 10, 7:30 pm – YJP Chanukah Glow Party: Light Up the Night! – Celebrate the seventh night of Chanukah with an unforgettable glow experience featuring a 360 Video Booth, interactive glow games and prizes, falafel station, latke grazing table, donuts and gelt, open bar, and music! At YJP Houston HQ. Early registration $18 with coupon FLASH until Nov. 11, $25 with ADVANCE until Dec. 2, $36 with GLOW until Dec. 6, or $45 full price.www.yjphouston.org/glow
Friday, Dec. 11, 5:00 pm – Uptown Community Chanukah Shabbat Dinner – Celebrate Chanukah Uptown style, where spirits run high! Join Chabad of Uptown for a festive Chanukah Shabbat dinner filled with warmth, inspiration, and great company. Candle lighting at 5:08 pm, followed by Shabbat services and dinner. chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner

The Chabad of Uptown community extends a....

Mazel Tov to Manuel & Eliana Croitoru on the birth of their baby boy, Abraham Meir!
Mazel Tov to Scott Hamilton and Hannah Saal on their engagement!
Heartfelt condolences to Cory & Abby Weinberg and family on the passing of Cory's grandfather, David Regenbaum

SHABBOS PARSHAS VAYEIRA

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, MARCHESHVAN 19
6:19 pm Shabbos Candle Lighting
6:30 pm Mincha and Kabbalat Shabbat
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner

SHABBOS, OCTOBER 31, MARCHESHVAN 20
9:00 am Chassidus
10:00 am Services
Followed by Shabbos Kiddush & Farbrengen
6:20 pm Mincha
Torah Study
7:12 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends
Living Torah

CLOCKS CHANGE - FALL BACK ONE HOUR

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1, MARCHESHVAN 21
8:00 am Shacharis

MON. & THURS., NOVEMBER 2 & 5, MARCHESHVAN 22 & 25
6:45 am Shacharis

Abraham Stood Alone. You Don’t Have To.

Friday, October 23, 2026 - 12:46 PM

Have you ever stood by a belief you knew was right, even when those around you disagreed? It takes courage to go against the crowd, especially when you feel alone.

This week's Torah portion, Lech Lecha, introduces us to Abraham, the first Jew. The Torah calls him Avram Ha'Ivri, meaning "Abraham the Hebrew." The title Ivri comes from eiver, meaning "the other side." The Midrash explains that the entire world stood on one side, while Abraham stood on the other.

Abraham challenged the beliefs of his society and taught that life has a higher purpose and that we have a responsibility to bring goodness into the world.

Abraham could have given up. Instead, he remained committed to his beliefs, even when they made him an outsider. His courage reminds us that one person with strong convictions can change the world.

For Jews, this lesson continues to be relevant today. We all want to belong and feel accepted. Yet Jewish history reminds us that we cannot always count on others to stand with us. That can be discouraging, but it also clarifies what matters most.

Our response should never be to hide who we are. Instead, we should stand together, take pride in our Jewish identity, and live the values Abraham taught.

And here's something worth remembering: Abraham didn't change the world simply by believing differently. He changed it by doing differently.

He prayed. He gave generously. He studied and searched for deeper truths. He wasn't afraid to ask difficult questions, and he understood that spiritual growth means constantly working to become better.

That's what Jewish life is all about. And this coming week, we have six opportunities to follow in Abraham's footsteps.

We begin Shabbos morning by exploring the deeper meaning of the Torah portion through Torah Or, the Alter Rebbe's classic Chassidic teachings.
On Sunday evening, women will gather for Sparkle & Sushi, discovering the power of Tehillim and connecting through prayer.
On Tuesday at noon, our Lunch & Learn explores Tzedaka: More Than Money, reminding us that generosity is about much more than what we give.
Tuesday evening launches our six-week JLI course, Kabbalah and the Hidden Architecture of You, exploring the mysteries of the soul and our deeper purpose in life.
On Wednesday evening, YJP's Fascinating Facts asks some of Judaism's most intriguing questions: What is Satan's actual job? Does Judaism believe in the evil eye? And what do our traditions teach about angels and demons?
And on Thursday evening, our Chassidus study of Derech Mitzvosecha explores confession and Teshuvah, reminding us that no matter where we stand today, we can always grow closer to Hashem.

Six opportunities. Six different ways to grow. One timeless lesson from Abraham: Judaism isn't just something we believe. It's something we live.

Abraham began with one person willing to make a difference. Four thousand years later, his example continues to inspire us to bring more light into the world, one good deed at a time.

Good Shabbos!

Rabbi Chaim and Chanie Lazaroff

THE COHEN CORNER
You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.

The first time we meet Avraham in the Torah, Hashem commands him to leave his homeland and go to a place He will show him. Yet the Torah omits the first 75 years of Avraham’s life, when he discovered the One G-d at age three and dedicated his life to challenging the idolatrous world. Until Hashem revealed Himself to Avraham, it was Avraham who had discovered Hashem through his own intellect. But no matter how brilliant he was, his understanding was limited. He could not reach an infinite G-d through his own finite understanding. When Hashem revealed Himself, their relationship became something entirely different. It was no longer just a connection Avraham had discovered, but an infinite bond initiated by Hashem Himself.

The same is true of our connection to Hashem. It is not something we earn through knowledge or observance, but an inherent bond that goes beyond what we can understand. Sometimes, we hold back from a mitzvah because we don't feel connected to it or fully understand its meaning. But we don't need to understand the connection before acting on it. Choose one mitzvah to practice today, even if its deeper meaning isn't clear to you. The deeper understanding will come through the act itself.

Have a marvelous Shabbos!

Rabbi Yosef, Chanale, Mushka & Mendel Cohen

UPCOMING EVENTS & CLASSES

Shabbos, Oct. 24, 9:00 am - Torah Or - Kabbala of the Parsha - Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi's Masterworks on the weekly Parsha.
Sunday, Oct. 25, 6:30 pm - Sparkle & Sushi: Women's Tehillim Bedazzling Workshop - Discover the power of Tehillim while creating your own beautifully personalized Tehillim book to take home. Enjoy sushi, creativity, and inspiration! chabaduptown.org/bedazzle
Tuesday, Oct. 27, 12:00 pm - Lunch & Learn: Tzedaka, More Than Money - RSVP chabaduptown.org/lunch
6 Tuesdays, Oct. 27-Dec.1, 7:30 pm - JLI Course: Kabbalah and the Hidden Architecture of You - A six-session JLI course exploring reincarnation, soulmates, dreams, the mysteries of the soul, and how Kabbalah reveals the hidden design of your life. Course fee: $119. Register
2 Wednesday, Oct. 28 & Nov. 4, 7:30 pm - YJP Fascinating Facts: Exploring the Myths and Mysteries of Judaism - Join CYP Academy for a fascinating 4-part course exploring surprising facts, myths, and mysteries of Jewish tradition. Dinner and textbook included. $36 for the course, complimentary for CHAI Club members. Complete the course and earn a $200 voucher toward a CYP trip or Encounter! yjphouston.org/facts
Thursday, Oct. 29, 8:00 pm - Evening Chassidus- Derech Mitzvosecha - Mitzvah of Confession and Teshuvah
Friday, Nov. 6, 6:30 pm - YJP November First Fridays Soupper Shabbat - Join YJP Houston in partnership with Moshe Pod for a cozy Shabbat dinner featuring delicious soups, fresh salads, and great company! Register before Thursday with the ADVANCE coupon for special pricing. yjphouston.org/soup

Mazel tov to Nathan & Nicole (Harari) Nakhmanovitch on the birth of a baby boy!

SHABBOS PARSHAS LECH LECHA

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, MARCHESHVAN 12
6:25 pm Shabbos Candle Lighting
6:30 pm Mincha and Kabbalat Shabbat
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner

SHABBOS, OCTOBER 24, MARCHESHVAN 13
9:00 am Chassidus
10:00 am Services
Followed by Shabbos Kiddush & Farbrengen
6:25 pm Mincha
Torah Study
7:28 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends
Living Torah

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25, MARCHESHVAN 14
8:00 am Shacharis

MON. & THURS., OCTOBER 26 & 29, MARCHESHVAN 15 & 18
6:45 am Shacharis

Flood Is Over. Now the Real Work Begins!

Friday, October 16, 2026 - 12:58 PM

After weeks of beautiful Yomim Tovim, we finally experienced our first full week of ordinary life. Well, almost ordinary. We still had Rosh Chodesh, and of course, breakfast!

This week's Parshah, Noach, couldn't be more timely.

Noach and his family entered the teivah, the ark, finding shelter, strength, and protection from the storms outside. But the purpose of the ark was never to remain inside forever. Eventually, Noach had to open the doors, step back into the world, and begin rebuilding civilization for generations to come.

That is the beauty of a Jewish community. We come together in our own teivah, our shul, our Torah, our celebrations, and our friendships, to find strength and inspiration. But that strength is meant to accompany us when we step outside, into the everyday world, fulfilling the mission of "מלאו את הארץ וכבשוה", to fill the earth and transform it into a home for Hashem.

And this week, we saw exactly what that looks like.

On Rosh Chodesh, we enjoyed a delicious breakfast, including some absolutely incredible tarts lovingly prepared by Jessica in memory of Sarah bas Meir, mother of Rachel Minchen, who recently completed sitting shiva. Tsion and the crew couldn't get over how beautiful those tarts looked, and they tasted every bit as good! Thank you, Jessica, for bringing such sweetness and meaning to our morning.

We also witnessed the warmth of our community as so many came together to support the Terk family, both at the funeral and throughout the week of shiva. At moments like these, we are reminded that community isn't simply about coming together for celebrations. It's about showing up for one another through every chapter of life.

This Shabbos, we will also honor the memory of Leonard Goldberg, Shmuel ben Nosson, a"h, brother of Sarah Anne Goldstein and cousin of the Schultz family, whose yahrtzeit falls this Sunday, 7 Cheshvan.

A few of us visited his resting place this week, where we reflected on the beautiful legacy that continues in his name. We shared that the Sefer Torah dedicated in his memory is regularly read in our shul, and that this Shabbos we will once again read from it with his neshamah in mind.

When Sarah Anne dedicated that Torah, her vision was for it to inspire generations of young Jewish people to experience the joy of shul, Torah, and Yiddishkeit. And that is exactly what happens every week at Chabad of Uptown and YJP Houston.

What a remarkable legacy. A Torah that continues to be read, embraced, celebrated, and passed on to the next generation, surrounded by a community that shares in one another's joys and supports one another through life's challenges.

That is how we build a world after leaving the ark.

After all, the ultimate purpose of all those beautiful Yomim Tovim is to bring their inspiration into the ordinary days that follow.

Please join us this Shabbos as we settle back into everyday life, where the real work, and the real beauty, of building Hashem's world begins.

Good Shabbos!

Rabbi Chaim and Chanie Lazaroff

THE COHEN CORNER
Within you there is a stillness and a sanctuary to which you can retreat at any time.

Parshat Noach tells the story of a man whose world was turned upside down. At 600 years old, Noach faced the destruction of the world and spent a year aboard the ark caring for his family and every kind of animal. Yet his name, Noach, means rest. How could someone who experienced such upheaval embody tranquility? Noach teaches us that peace is not determined by the circumstances around us, but by the faith we carry within us. Noach knew that even in the midst of chaos, he was not alone.

We may not have control over the storms life brings, but we can build a relationship with Hashem that gives us the strength to weather them. Find your daily moments of connection in the Morning Blessings, the nighttime Shema, or a few minutes of daily Torah Study. Go ahead and enter the ark Hashem has made available for you.

Have a stupendous Shabbos!

Rabbi Yosef, Chanale, Mushka & Mendel Cohen

UPCOMING EVENTS & CLASSES

3 Wednesday, October 21, 28 & November 4, 2026, 7:30 pm - Fascinating Facts: Exploring the Myths and Mysteries of Judaism - Join CYP Academy for a fascinating 4-part course exploring surprising facts, myths, and mysteries of Jewish tradition. Dinner and textbook included. $36 for the course, complimentary for CHAI Club members. Complete the course and earn a $200 voucher toward a CYP trip or Encounter! yjphouston.org/facts
Sunday, October 25, 2026, 6:30 pm - Sparkle & Sushi: Women's Tehillim Bedazzling Workshop - Discover the power of Tehillim while creating your own beautifully personalized Tehillim book to take home. Enjoy sushi, creativity, and inspiration! Early bird pricing ends October 21. chabaduptown.org/bedazzle
Tuesday, October 27, 2026, 12:00 pm - Lunch & Learn: Tzedaka, More Than Money - RSVP chabaduptown.org/lunch
6 Tuesdays, Oct. 27-Dec.1, 2026, 7:30 pm - JLI Course: Kabbalah and the Hidden Architecture of You - A six-session JLI course exploring reincarnation, soulmates, dreams, the mysteries of the soul, and how Kabbalah reveals the hidden design of your life. Course fee: $119. Register
Friday, November 6, 2026, 6:30 pm - YJP November First Fridays Soupper Shabbat - Join YJP Houston in partnership with Moshe Pod for a cozy Shabbat dinner featuring delicious soups, fresh salads, and great company! Register before Thursday with the ADVANCE coupon for special pricing. yjphouston.org/soup

The Chabad community extends condolences to Arielle Terk Mesulaty, Eliav Terk, Ilanit Meckley and Ahuva Terk on the passing of their beloved mother and grandmother, Sara bat Zalman Rozin, z״l.

SHABBOS PARSHAS NOACH

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, MARCHESHVAN 5
6:30 pm Mincha and Kabbalat Shabbat
6:32 pm Shabbos Candle Lighting
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner

SHABBOS, OCTOBER 17, MARCHESHVAN 5
9:00 am Chassidus
10:00 am Services
Followed by Shabbos Kiddush & Farbrengen, sponsored in part by Sarah Ann Goldstein in memory and marking the yartzeit of Shmuel ben Nosson, obm
6:30 pm Mincha
Torah Study
7:25 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends
Living Torah

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18, MARCHESHVAN 5
8:00 am Shacharis

MONDAY, OCTOBER 19 & 22, MARCHESHVAN 8 & 11
6:45 am Shacharis

We're Unpacking the Bags

Friday, October 9, 2026 - 2:46 PM

SHABBOS BEREISHIS: THE WAY WE BEGIN IS THE WAY WE CONTINUE!

There is a well-known Chassidic saying: ווי מען שטעלט זיך שבת בראשית, אזוי גייט א גאנץ יאר. The way we establish ourselves on Shabbos Bereishis sets the tone for the entire year!

What an incredible month of Tishrei we have experienced! From the inspiration of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur to the joy of Sukkos and the dancing of Simchas Torah, we have filled ourselves with blessings, strength, and spiritual energy.

But now comes the real challenge: What do we do with everything we have gained?

The Rebbe taught that Tishrei is like a great marketplace where we acquire precious merchandise. We fill our bags with treasures, but when we return home, we must unpack them and put everything to use. Otherwise, what good are all those treasures sitting in our luggage?

Shabbos Bereishis is when we begin unpacking our bags! We take the inspiration of the holidays and bring it into our homes, our relationships, our Torah study, our mitzvos, and our everyday routines.

This is the meaning of ויעקב הלך לדרכו, "And Yaakov went on his way." The holidays may be behind us, but their inspiration travels with us. Each of us returns to our own path, bringing the holiness and joy of Tishrei into everything we do.

And we are already seeing that inspiration in action! This past Wednesday's Oct. 7 YJP Dinner, Class & Social was a wonderful indication of what's to come this year! The energy, meaningful conversation, and enthusiasm for learning showed us what happens when we carry the inspiration of the holidays into our weekly routines.

And we're just getting started!

We are excited to launch an all new CYP Academy course: FASCINATING FACTS! Exploring the Myths and Mysteries of Judaism Join the course: yjphouston.org/facts

And there's an exciting bonus! Complete the course and receive a $200 voucher toward the upcoming CYP Shabbaton in NYC! Even better, with your Academy voucher, you can register during Opening Week, October 12 to 19, for only $99! Shabbaton details: cypshabbat.nyc

And this Sunday and Monday are Rosh Chodesh Marcheshvan! What better way to begin the first month after Tishrei than by putting our inspiration into action? Join us for our monthly Rosh Chodesh minyan and breakfast, starting the new month together with tefillah, friendship, and a delicious breakfast!

As we begin the Torah anew with Bereishis, let's begin our year with renewed commitment to learning, growing, connecting, and celebrating Jewish life together.

Because the real success of Tishrei isn't only how we celebrated the holidays. It's how we live the rest of the year!

Good Shabbos Bereishis! May this be the beginning of a wonderful year filled with blessings, joy, good health, meaningful connections, and revealed goodness for us all!

Rabbi Chaim and Chanie

THE COHEN CORNER
Environment is the invisible hand that shapes human behavior.

We are constantly exposed to ideas and opinions, and even when we disagree with them, they can influence the way we think. In the first Torah portion, we read that after Adam and Chava ate from the Tree of Knowledge, Hashem banished them from the Garden of Eden to prevent them from eating from the Tree of Life and living forever. But why should eternal life suddenly become a problem?

Until they ate from the Tree of Knowledge, Adam and Chava had been unaware of evil, but once they encountered it, that awareness became part of them. Human beings are inevitably influenced by what they experience, and allowing Adam and Chava to live forever would therefore mean granting permanence to the evil they had absorbed. Herein lies an important lesson about the influences we allow into our lives. We may think that negative ideas and experiences cease to affect us once we stop engaging with them, but in reality, whatever enters our consciousness leaves an impression. We must therefore be mindful of what we choose to see and hear, and seek out positive influences and good company, knowing that these experiences gradually shape who we become.

Have a fantastic Shabbos!

Rabbi Yosef, Chanale, Mushka & Mendel Cohen

UPCOMING EVENTS

4 Wednesday, October 14, 21, 28 & November 4, 2026, 7:30 pm - Fascinating Facts: Exploring the Myths and Mysteries of Judaism - Join CYP Academy for a fascinating 4-part course exploring surprising facts, myths, and mysteries of Jewish tradition. Dinner and textbook included. $36 for the course, complimentary for CHAI Club members. Complete the course and earn a $200 voucher toward a CYP trip or Encounter! yjphouston.org/facts
Sunday, October 25, 2026, 6:30 pm - Sparkle & Sushi: Women's Tehillim Bedazzling Workshop - Discover the power of Tehillim while creating your own beautifully personalized Tehillim book to take home. Enjoy sushi, creativity, and inspiration! Early bird pricing ends October 21. chabaduptown.org/bedazzle
Friday, November 6, 2026, 6:30 pm - YJP November First Fridays Soupper Shabbat - Join YJP Houston in partnership with Moshe Pod for a cozy Shabbat dinner featuring delicious soups, fresh salads, and great company! Register before Thursday with the ADVANCE coupon for special pricing. yjphouston.org/firstfridays

The Chabad community extends condolences to Rachel Minchen on the passing of her mother, Sandy Poulin, Sarah bas Meir a"h

SHABBOS MEVARCHIM MARCHESHVAN, PARSHAS BEREISHIS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, TISHREI 28
6:40 pm Shabbos Candle Lighting
6:40 pm Mincha and Kabbalat Shabbat
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner

SHABBOS, OCTOBER 10, TISHREI 29
8:00 am Shabbos Mevarchim Tehillim
9:30 am Chassidus
10:00 am Services
Haftarah Machar Chodesh
Followed by Shabbos Kiddush & Shabbos Mevarchm Farbrengen
6:40 pm Mincha
Torah Study
7:32 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends
Living Torah

ROSH CHODESH MARCHESHVAN I, SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, TISHREI 30
8:00 am Shacharis
Followed by monthly Rosh Chodesh breakfast - Sponsorship Available

ROSH CHODESH MARCHESHVAN II, MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, MARCHESHVAN 1
6:45 am Shacharis
Followed by breakfast sponsored by Norman Lazarus

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, MARCHESHVAN 4
6:45 am Shacharis

Sukkos Joy, a Miracle in the Sky, and Now We Dance

Friday, October 2, 2026 - 4:13 PM

What an incredible Sukkos it has been! From beautiful Sukkos dinners, to Simchas Beis Hashoeiva, Lunch & Learn, the men’s Sushi & Scotch social, Wednesday night Torah and dinner, the ladies’ Sukkot Mahjong night, and finally a packed house for our grand finale, Smoke, Mirrors & Sukkot with YJP Houston, YAD and Olami. Night after night, Jews came together to eat, learn, laugh, celebrate and rejoice. (Complete photo albums will be posted eventually). And now comes the climax: Simchas Torah.

The Midrash describes Shemini Atzeres with the words נגלגל אני ואתה במה שתמצא, meaning that after the great seven day celebration of Sukkos, the King says to the one he loves: everyone else has gone, now stay with Me one more day, just you and Me, and we will celebrate with whatever we have. That is the deepest feeling of Shemini Atzeres and Simchas Torah. After all the crowds and all the activity, Hashem says to every Jew: stay close to Me. This is not about how much Torah you know. On Simchas Torah the Torah is closed, held against our hearts, and every Jew dances equally. The scholar and the beginner, the deeply observant and the Jew just reconnecting. The bond is deeper than understanding. It is the bond between Hashem, the Torah and every Jewish soul.

And this year, we have so much to thank Hashem for. Just days ago, Flydubai Flight 1073 experienced a terrifying emergency in the cockpit, the plane plunged thousands of feet, the captain was injured, passengers and crew rushed forward, the attacker was restrained, off duty pilots helped take control, medical assistance was available onboard, the aircraft recovered and was able to land safely in Saudi Arabia. So many separate things had to happen, one after another, and nearly 180 people came through alive. We recognize the courage of the people involved, and we also look upward and say: Thank You, Hashem. Thank You for watching over Your children, for the miracles we see and the countless miracles we never even know about. Hashem is watching over us, Hashem wants us close, and Hashem wants to celebrate with us.

So after a month of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkos and nonstop celebration, we are not finished yet. Now we dance. Now we hold the Torah close to our hearts. Now it is just us and Hashem. Join us for Simchas Torah and see the complete schedule at ChabadUptown.org/joy.

Rabbi Chaim and Chanie

THE COHEN CORNER
The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.

If you want to see what it means simply to be a Jew, come on Simchas Torah. We take the Torah while it is closed, wrapped and tied, and we dance with it. The scholar and the Jew who cannot read a word of Hebrew hold the same Torah and dance the same dance, because the Torah is the birthright of every Jew. Our bond with Hashem runs deeper than how much we know or how much we understand. On Simchas Torah we pause from analyzing that bond and simply celebrate it. We take the Torah into our arms and dance with Hashem.

Yesterday we saw a remarkable reminder that the relationship goes both ways. What happened on FlyDubai Flight 1073 was a moment when the protecting hand of Hashem was so clear that it is difficult to look at the sequence of events and see only coincidence. At precisely the right moments, the right people were there, the impossible became possible, and an entire plane of Jews walked away safely. Tomorrow night, when we take the Torah into our arms and dance, perhaps we can dance with a little more awareness of what that embrace means. We hold tightly to Hashem and His Torah, and yesterday we were reminded just how tightly Hashem holds on to us.

Have a euphoric Shmini Atzeres and Simchas Torah!

Rabbi Yosef, Chanale, Mushka & Mendel Cohen

HIGH HOLIDAY SERVICES & EVENTS:
www.chabaduptown.org/celebrate

Friday, Oct. 2 6:45 pm - YJP October First Fridays Shemini Atzeres Edition - Simchas Torah warm-up brief dancing and dinner in the sukkah www.yjphouston.org/pinkatzeres
Shabbos. Oct. 3 12:15 pm - Shemini Atzeret Yizkor with special Service to Honor the Memory of the Oct. 7 massacre
Shabbos, Oct. 3, 6:45 pm - Saturday Night ALIVE! Simchat Torah Uptown - Dance like a Star!

SHEMINI ATZERES & SIMCHAS TORAH
FRIDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 2
SHEMINI ATZERES
6:45 pm: Mincha & Evening Services
6:48 pm: Light Shabbos & Holiday Candles
Final day of the mitzvah of Lulav & Etrog until sunset.
YJP October First Fridays: Shemini Atzeres Pink Edition
Simchas Torah Warm Up, Brief Dancing & Dinner in the Sukkah
RSVP for First Fridays: YJPHouston.org/PinkAtzeres

SHABBOS, OCTOBER 3, 22 TISHREI
SHEMINI ATZERES
10:00 am: Morning Services
12:15 pm: Yizkor Memorial Service
Including a special service honoring the memory of those murdered in the October 7 massacre
Tefillas Geshem
Final opportunity to eat in the Sukkah
6:45 pm: SIMCHAS TORAH SATURDAY NIGHT ALIVE!
Grand Hakafot & Family Celebration
Celebratory dancing, refreshments & tremendous Simchas Torah joy
Details: ChabadUptown.org/Joy
After 7:40 pm: Light Holiday Candles
Yaknehaz: Special Kiddush / Shabbos Havdalla Combination

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 23 TISHREI
SIMCHAS TORAH
10:00 am: Morning Services
Hakafot & Celebratory Dancing
Mincha after Musaf
7:00 pm: Seder Niggunim
7:39 pm: Maariv, Havdallah & Holiday Ends
Living Torah

MONDAY & THURSDAY, OCT. 5 & 8, TISHREI 24 & 27
6:45 am Shacharis

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