This past Shabbos was filled with powerful moments of unity and inspiration. Some sixty five hundred Chabad rabbis and Jewish leaders from around the world gathered in Brooklyn from November thirteen to sixteen for the annual International Conference of Chabad Lubavitch Emissaries, the largest Jewish conference and rabbinic gathering in the world. 19 of Houston’s 24 Chabad rabbis were there, representing 17 institutions across our greater Houston community. The energy of thousands of shluchim standing together with a shared mission was deeply uplifting.

That spirit carried straight into our own community this week. Last night’s farbrengen in honor of Rosh Chodesh Kislev was warm and meaningful, followed this morning by a beautiful Rosh Chodesh breakfast sponsored by the Pfrenger Family in memory of Yonah Dovid AH ben Yaffa. The sense of renewal that comes with the beginning of a new month felt especially strong as we learned, sang and connected.

Maurice asked that we extend an invitation to all of you to participate in an important act of solidarity with Israel. This Sunday, we hope you will join us for a true display of Uptown love. Two fully outfitted MDA ambulances, on their way to Israel, will be parked briefly at the JCC parking lot at 5601 South Braeswood Boulevard from 1-2:30 pm. You and your friends are invited to come see them and to show support for this life saving mission.

You are also encouraged to join another meaningful event later that day as the Melnik family dedicates a new Torah at Chabad of West Houston in memory of their mother, Barbara Melnik. Her second yartzeit is near the sixth of Kislev, and the dedication will be a beautiful tribute to a cherished soul. Mazal tov to the family.

All of these moments come together in the message of this week’s parsha. We read about Yitzchak quietly redigs the wells of his father and reveals fresh water that was always there, just hidden. Toldos means “generations,” the story of how the inner flow of holiness is drawn from one generation into the next. From thousands of shluchim gathering at the Kinus, to our Rosh Chodesh farbrengen and breakfast, to ambulances on their way to save lives in Israel, to a new Sefer Torah in West Houston, our community is doing the same work as Yitzchak. We are uncovering the living wellspring already inside our people, so that the strength, faith and love of previous generations can flow more powerfully in ours. May we be blessed to keep opening these wells and to see only revealed goodness in our days..

May this spirit of unity carry us into the days ahead with strength and blessing.

Good Shabbos!

Rabbi Chaim and Chanie

THE COHEN CORNER

Sometimes what looks quiet on the surface is where the deepest strength is found.
 
Parshas Toldos centers entirely on Yitzchak’s life. Though his name means laughter, Yitzchak embodies calm discipline, steadiness, and inner awe. His greatness wasn’t loud or dramatic; it was discovered through digging, both literally and spiritually. While Avraham brought inspiration outward, Yitzchak uncovered the hidden wells within the world and within people. His ability to see potential in unlikely places, even in his wicked son, Esav, reflects the deeper “laughter” of finding goodness where no one expects it.

Yitzchak’s model is deeply relevant today. Jewish growth often happens not through dramatic leaps but through quiet consistency and the courage to dig beneath the surface. We do this by adding one small mitzvah we didn’t think we could manage, finding a spark of good in something or someone challenging, or uncovering a bit of depth in our own routine. By taking three focused minutes for Shema, lighting Shabbos candles even on a busy Friday, or asking our child one genuine question that opens their heart, we can echo Yitzchak’s wells. When we choose steadiness, depth, and persistence, we bring Yitzchak’s laughter into our own lives: finding joy in the places we least expect it.

Have a joyous Shabbos!
Rabbi Yosef, Chanale, Mushka & Mendel Cohen

Mazel tov Alexander and Lindsay Barsky on the birth of a baby boy! Mazel tov to the grandparents Julia & Oleg Barsky!

UPCOMING CLASSES:

• Shabbos, Nov. 22, 9:00 am - Likkutei Torah - Kabbala of the Parsha - Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi's Masterworks on the weekly Parsha.
• 11 Sundays, Nov 23-Feb. 1, 11 am - Hebrew Scouts: Level Up Your Hebrew! Dive into an exciting 12-week adventure with Chabad of Uptown and YJP Houston! Strengthen your Hebrew reading, explore roots and word patterns, and boost your skills in a fun, friendly setting with Rabbi Yosef Cohen and team. www.chabaduptown.org/hebrew
• Monday, Nov. 24, 8:00 pm - שיעור שבועי בספר התניא עם הרב מני לע"נ יונה דוד ע"ה בן יפה תחי' פרנגר
• 3 Tuesdays, Nov 25-Dec. 9, 7:30-9 pm - JLI Course: The Kabbalah of Meaning - Jewish Wisdom for Finding the Purpose that Connects all Parts of Life - Register
• 2 Wednesdays, Dec. 3 & 10, 7:30–9:00 pm - CYP Academy: Decoding the Talmud - Inside the Story, Substance, and Significance of the Book That Defines Judaism. Complete the course and receive a $200 voucher to any upcoming CYP trip! www.yjphouston.org/talmudacademy
• Wed., Dec. 17, 8 pm - Chanukah YJP Dinner, Class & Social  - Chanukah Edition of the weekly dinner, class & social

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• Wed. Nov. 26, 7 pm - Chanie Birthday Farbrengen for Women
• Fri. Dec. 5, 6:00 pm - YJP Pink Shabbat - December First Fridays. Candle lighting at 5:04pm, Services at 6:00 pm followed by Shabbat dinner. RSVP before thursday $20, $36 after
• Mon. Dec. 8, 6:45 pm - 19 Kislev Dinner & Farbrengen - Rosh Hashana for Chassidus - Celebrating Rabbi Shneur Zalman's release from Czarist Prison and the Start of a New Era in the Teaching of Chassidus www.chabaduptown.org/chassidus
• Sun. Dec, 14, 4pm - BMX Chanukah and Annual Post Oak Menorah Lighting in cooperation with the Uptown Houston District. Giant menorah lighting, BMX Bike Show, Car Menorah Parade Drive-By, Fresh Donuts, Latkes, Gelt and Drinks, Festive Music. RSVP required, free admission
• Tues., Dec. 16, 10:30 am - Chanukah Mommy & Me - Join a nurturing and engaging Chanukah program designed for mothers and babies (newborn to 2 years) to learn, play, and connect in a warm Jewish environment. www.chabaduptown.org/mommy
• Thurs. Dec 18, 4:30-6:00pm - Heights Chanukah Celebration! Join us for a fun, family-friendly celebration filled with music, dancing, treats, and great vibes! Bring the kids, bring your friends, and come enjoy a beautiful afternoon of community
• Fri. Dec. 19, 5 pm - Chanukah Shabbat Dinner - Uptown style, where spirits run high! Candle lighting at 5:08 pm, Shabbat services 6 pm followed by dinner
• Sat. Night, Dec 20, 9:00 pm - YJP Houston & Moishe Pod Chanukah Donut Factory Party - Fry & decorate your own donut, latke grazing board, hot chocolate bar, the Dreidel wheel, themed drinks and music, and sufganiyot
• Mon.-Wed., Dec 22-31- CYP Israel Encounter Volunteer Trip - Meaningful, memorable and amazing volunteering trip to Israel this summer, eligible ages 18-50 —and the price is insane - as low at $599! www.yjphouston.org/israeltrip
• Thurs.-Sun., Jan. 16-18 - CYP Encounter Crown Heights Shabbaton - Join us as we head to NYC for the Encounter Crown Heights Shabbaton set to take place over MLK Weekend! 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

SHABBOS PARSHAS TOLDOS

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21, KISLEV 1
5:06 pm Shabbos Candle Lighting & Mincha
6:00 pm Kabbalat Shabbat
RSVP for Shabbat at www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner

SHABBOS, NOVEMBER 22, KISLEV 2
9:00 am Chassidus
10:00 am Services
Followed by Shabbos Kiddush sponsored by the Pfrenger family in memory of Yona David a"h ben Yaffa tichye
5:05 pm Mincha
Torah Study
6:00 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends
Living Torah

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23, KISLEV 3
8:00 am Shacharis

MONDAY NOVEMBER 24, KISLEV 4
6:45 am Shacharis

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27, KISLEV 7
8:00 am Shacharis
 

This week we are celebrating you. The strength of our community and the success of this campaign come from your generosity. Your belief in your community and your willingness to give allowed your ripple to triple. Thank you to our generous matchers, our devoted team leaders, and every donor who stepped forward. Last year for the year-end campaign we had 219 donors and this year we grew to 417! That remarkable growth happened because of your energy, your warmth, and your passion for this community. On behalf of every person whose life will be touched, thank you for building something that continues from one generation to the next.

This weekend is the Kinus Hashluchim, the annual gathering of Chabad rabbis from around the world, it is inspiring to see how Chabad continues to uplift Jewish life everywhere. This year’s global data shows tremendous momentum, with over 6,300 emissary couples serving in all 50 states and more than 100 countries. Since October 7, a study by JFNA found that the greatest rise in Jewish engagement in America is specifically among those connected with Chabad, with 44 percent reporting deeper involvement through Chabad programs and relationships. Younger Jews in particular are turning to Chabad in greater numbers, making it the second most common way they connect Jewishly. You are invited to join virtually this Sunday for the grand banquet at www.chabaduptown.org/kinus.

We also share a beautiful simchah. Mazel tov to Rabbi and Mrs. Cohen on the bris of their son, Menachem Mendel Cohen. A new generation has begun to blossom in our community and we celebrate with joy.

Parshas Chayei Sarah teaches that the future is shaped by the choices we make today. Avraham secures a resting place in Chevron, the Me’aras Hamachpela, that will belong to his descendants. Eliezer seeks a partner for Yitzchak who embodies kindness and finds Rivkah. When Rivkah enters Sarah’s tent the miracles of the previous generation return. One generation lifts the next and the light continues.

That is exactly what you have done. Your gift strengthens Jewish life today and creates a foundation for all. Your generosity helps welcome this new generation with warmth, learning, and Jewish pride. In the spirit of Avraham and Sarah you are helping build a future filled with blessing.

Good Shabbos!
Rabbi Chaim and Chanie

P.S. If you did not have a chance yet, it is still not too late to make a difference. You can join at www.chabaduptown.org/triple

THE COHEN CORNER

It’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.

One might assume that Parshas Chayei Sarah (“the life of Sarah”) would describe her lifetime, yet it intriguingly begins with her passing. This teaches that Sarah’s true life was not measured in years, but in the spiritual influence that endures through the generations she shaped. As the Yiddish saying goes, tachrichim hobn nisht kein keshines, burial shrouds have no pockets. The Torah reminds us that what remains after we’re gone are not our material possessions, but the Torah, mitzvos, and acts of goodness that live on through our children and through those we’ve touched.

As I reflect on the bris we celebrated yesterday for our son Mendel, this message comes alive. At a bris, a baby boy is entered into an everlasting covenant with Hashem; the same covenant that Sarah devoted her life to nurturing. In that moment, we are reminded that our task as parents is not only to care for a child’s body, but to shape his soul, to pass on faith, kindness, and purpose. As we hold our newborn son, we hold both the past and the future; the living continuity of Sarah’s life and Hashem’s covenant. Our joy is not just in the birth itself, but in the eternal story we now join: raising a Jewish child who will, G-d willing, grow to live a life of Torah, mitzvot, and enduring light.

Have a fantastic Shabbos!
Rabbi Yosef, Chanale, Mushka & Mendel Cohen

UPCOMING CLASSES & EVENTS:

• Shabbos, Nov. 15, 9:30 am - Likkutei Torah - Kabbala of the Parsha - Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi's Masterworks on the weekly Parsha.
• 12 Sundays, Nov 16-Feb. 1, 11 am - Hebrew Scouts: Level Up Your Hebrew! Dive into an exciting 12-week adventure with Chabad of Uptown and YJP Houston! Strengthen your Hebrew reading, explore roots and word patterns, and boost your skills in a fun, friendly setting with Rabbi Yosef Cohen and team. www.chabaduptown.org/hebrew
• Monday, Nov. 17, 8:00 pm - שיעור שבועי בספר התניא עם הרב מני לע"נ יונה דוד ע"ה בן יפה תחי' פרנגר
• 4 Tuesdays, Nov 18-Dec. 9, 7:30-9 pm - JLI Course: The Kabbalah of Meaning - Jewish Wisdom for Finding the Purpose that Connects all Parts of Life - Register
• Thursday, Nov. 20, 8:00 pm - The Heart of Prayer - In depth look at the prayer book, picking apart the prayer structure and meaning exploring the mechanics and mysticism that comprise Jewish prayer, Dedicated by the Pfrenger Family in honor of the Yahrtzeit of Yonah Dovid A"H ben Yaffa 
• 3 Wednesdays, November 19 – Dec. 3, 7:30–9:00 pm - CYP Academy: Decoding the Talmud - Inside the Story, Substance, and Significance of the Book That Defines Judaism. Complete the course and receive a $200 voucher to any upcoming CYP trip! www.yjphouston.org/talmudacademy
• Thurs. Nov. 20, 12 pm - Lunch N' Learn: Kabbalah of Kosher - A peek behind the meaning and purpose of Kosher Dietary Laws www.chabaduptown.org/lunch
• Fri. Dec. 5, 6:00 pm - YJP Pink Shabbat - December First Fridays. Candle lighting at 5:04pm, Services at 6:00 pm followed by Shabbat dinner. RSVP before thursday $20, $36 after
• Sun. Dec, 14, 4pm - BMX Chanukah and Annual Post Oak Menorah Lighting in cooperation with the Uptown Houston District. Giant menorah lighting, BMX Bike Show, Car Menorah Parade Drive-By, Fresh Donuts, Latkes, Gelt and Drinks, Festive Music. RSVP required, free admission
• Sat. Night, Dec 20, 9:00 pm - YJP Houston & Moishe Pod Chanukah Donut Factory Party - Fry & decorate your own donut, latke grazing board, hot chocolate bar, the Dreidel wheel, themed drinks and music, and sufganiyot
• Sun. Dec 21, 4:00-6:00pm - Chanukah Party in the Heights! Join us for a fun, family-friendly celebration filled with music, dancing, treats, and great vibes! Bring the kids, bring your friends, and come enjoy a beautiful afternoon of community. Menorah lighting 5:30pm Can’t wait to celebrate together!
• Mon.-Wed., Dec 22-31- CYP Israel Encounter Volunteer Trip - Meaningful, memorable and amazing volunteering trip to Israel this summer, eligible ages 18-50 —and the price is insane - as low at $599! www.yjphouston.org/israeltrip
• Thurs.-Sun., Jan. 16-18 - CYP Encounter Crown Heights Shabbaton - Join us as we head to NYC for the Encounter Crown Heights Shabbaton set to take place over MLK Weekend! 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

SHABBOS MEVARCHIM PARSHAS CHAYEI SARAH

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, CHESHVAN 23
5:08 pm Shabbos Candle Lighting & Mincha
6:00 pm Kabbalat Shabbat
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner sponsored by Chaim & Dorit Kamman marking the yartzeit and in memory her father Avraham Leib Ben Yitzchok Menashe,
RSVP at www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner

SHABBOS, NOVEMBER 15, CHESHVAN 24
9:00 am Shabbos Mevarchim Tehillim
9:30 am Chassidus
10:00 am Services
Followed by Shabbos Kiddush with the Best Cholent this side of the Mississippi
5:05 pm Mincha
Torah Study
6:03 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends
Living Torah

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16, CHESHVAN 25
8:00 am Shacharis

MONDAY & THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17 & 20, CHESHVAN 26 & 29
6:45 am Shacharis
Marking the Yahrtzeits of Dorit Kamman's Father, Avraham Leib Ben Yitzchok Menashe
Marc Sands' Mother, Malka bas Shmuel
Fred Zeidman's Father

Friday, Rosh Chodesh Kislev, November 21, Kislev 1
6:45 am Shacharis w/ Hallel and Musaf
Followed by monthly breakfast, sponsored by the Pfrenger Family in honor of the Yahrtzeit of Yonah Dovid A"H ben Yaffa 

Avraham had a once in a lifetime moment as Hashem’s presence, the Shechinah, appeared to him. And what did he do? He left that holy encounter to run after three dusty travelers in the desert. Our sages teach that “welcoming guests is greater than receiving the Shechinah itself.” Why? Because when we open our homes to others, we do not step away from holiness, we bring holiness inside.

At Chabad of Uptown and YJP Houston, we strive to live this teaching every day by opening our doors wide so every Jewish soul can enter, feel at home, and experience the light of the Shechinah.

This Sunday through Tuesday we launch our main annual campaign, raising $300,000 toward our $930,000 annual budget. That is double last year’s goal. Every dollar you give will be tripled thanks to our incredible team of matchers whose generosity and partnership make our work possible. Their belief in our mission inspires all of us to reach higher and give stronger, turning every gift you make into three times the impact.

With new shluchim, Rabbi and Mrs. Cohen, joining our team (mazel tov on their newest addition, a baby boy born yesterday!), we are doubling our efforts to serve the community and need your help to match that energy. Please double your impact, double your reach, and join the Uptown Triple Effect, where every gift welcomes the Shechinah into our shared home.

Good Shabbos,

Rabbi Chaim and Chanie Lazaroff

THE COHEN CORNER
Difficulties strengthen the mind, as labor does the body

Avraham’s life, as the Torah describes, was marked by ten tests, each one a challenge that revealed the depth of his faith and character. When Hashem asked him to bind his son Yitzchak, it was not to measure his devotion, but to magnify it. The Hebrew word for “test,” nisayon, shares a root with nes, meaning both “banner” and “miracle.” A test, then, is not only an evaluation but an elevation; a chance to raise the banner of one’s inner strength and to achieve something miraculous.

In our daily Jewish lives, we encounter our own nisyonot: moments that stretch our patience, faith, or courage. Like Avraham, we are invited to see each challenge as an opportunity to uncover hidden spiritual strength. When faced with struggle, we can remind ourselves that every test is also a banner waiting to be raised. It is a chance to transform difficulty into divine growth and to bring a bit more light into the world.

Have an outstanding Shabbos!

Rabbi Yosef, Chanale, Mushka & baby Cohen

UPCOMING CLASSES & EVENTS:

• Friday, Nov. 7, 6:00 pm Thanksgiving Shabbat - Nov. First Fridays - Come celebrate a fall themed Shabbat with other Young Jewish Professionals over Shabbat Dinner & Cocktails www.yjphouston.org/fall
• Friday, Nov. 7, 9:30-11:30pm Shalom Zachor for Baby Boy Cohen - Read all about it here
• Nov. 7-9, Dallas CYP Texas Encounter - Largest First Fridays in Texas! Young Jewish Professionals from across Texas unite for a Shabbat weekend of inspiration, connection, and community. www.chabadyoung.com/tx
• Shabbos, Nov. 8, 9:00 am - Likkutei Torah - Kabbala of the Parsha - Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi's Masterworks on the weekly Parsha.
• Sunday-Tuesday, Nov. 9-11, Uptown Triple Effect Annual Crowdfunding Campaign. GOAL: $300,000
• Monday, Nov. 10, 8:00 pm - שיעור שבועי בספר התניא עם הרב מני לע"נ יונה דוד ע"ה בן יפה תחי' פרנגר
• 5 Tuesdays, Nov 11-Dec. 9, 7:30-9 pm - JLI Course: The Kabbalah of Meaning - Jewish Wisdom for Finding the Purpose that Connects all Parts of Life - Register
• Wednesday, Nov. 12, 7 pm - Special VIP Guest Speaker & Reception - Reply to this email for details.
• Thursday, Nov. 13, 8:00 pm - The Heart of Prayer - In depth look at the prayer book, picking apart the prayer structure and meaning exploring the mechanics and mysticism that comprise Jewish prayer.
• 12 Sundays, Nov 16-Feb. 1, 11 am - Hebrew Scouts: Level Up Your Hebrew! Dive into an exciting 12-week adventure with Chabad of Uptown and YJP Houston! Strengthen your Hebrew reading, explore roots and word patterns, and boost your skills in a fun, friendly setting with Rabbi Yosef Cohen and team. www.chabaduptown.org/hebrew
• 3 Wednesdays, November 19 – De. 3, 7:30–9:00 pm - CYP Academy: Decoding the Talmud - Inside the Story, Substance, and Significance of the Book That Defines Judaism. Complete the course and receive a $200 voucher to any upcoming CYP trip! www.yjphouston.org/talmudacademy
• Thurs. Nov. 20, 12 pm - Lunch N' Learn: Kabbalah of Kosher - A peek behind the meaning and purpose of Kosher Dietary Laws www.chabaduptown.org/lunch
• Mon.-Wed., Dec 22-31- CYP Israel Encounter Volunteer Trip - Meaningful, memorable and amazing volunteering trip to Israel this summer, eligible ages 18-50 —and the price is insane - as low at $599! www.yjphouston.org/israeltrip
• Thurs.-Sun., Jan. 16-18 - CYP Encounter Crown Heights Shabbaton - Join us as we head to NYC for the Encounter Crown Heights Shabbaton set to take place over MLK Weekend! 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 Rabbi Yosef & Chanale Cohen on the birth of a baby boy!

Mazel tov to Sion Shamooelian & Family on his Bar Mitzvah!

SHABBOS PARSHAS VAYEIRA

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7, CHESHVAN 16
5:12 pm Shabbos Candle Lighting & Mincha
6:00 pm Kabbalat Shabbat
RSVP for November First Fridays Thanksgiving Shabbat Dinner www.yjphouston.org/fall
9:30-11:30pm Shalom Zachor for Baby Boy Cohen

SHABBOS, NOVEMBER 8, CHESHVAN 17
9:00 am Chassidus
10:00 am Services
Followed by Shabbos Kiddush in honor of the Bar MItzvah of Sion Shamooelian
5:10 pm Mincha
Torah Study
6:07 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends
Living Torah

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9, CHESHVAN 18
8:00 am Shacharis

MONDAY & THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10 & 13, CHESHVAN 19 & 22
6:45 am Shacharis