Under live fire on the first night of Chanukah, in the middle of chaos and terror, my nephew Leibel Lazaroff did not run during the terror attack at Bondi Beach.

He tore the shirt off his own back and used it as a tourniquet to save the life of police officer Scott Dyson. Only after stopping the bleeding did Leibel himself fall, shot and gravely wounded.

Leibel would spend twenty days in the ICU. He would undergo more than ten surgeries. Pain became constant. Recovery at first was uncertain.

And yet last night, just weeks later, he stood at the Sydney Opera House.

He did not walk up alone. He needed help to ascend the steps. His body was still fragile. His voice was weak. But it was steady. Composed. Present.

The moment his name was announced, the hall erupted. Applause turned to cheers. A standing ovation rose instinctively from thousands, including the Prime Minister of Australia. Before a single note was played, the room understood that this was not a performance. It was a moment.

The prayer that has become one of the most poignant songs of our time, recited in synagogues around the world every Monday and Thursday, then began.

“Gaze down from heaven and see that we have become an object of scorn and derision among the nations.
We have become considered like sheep led to the slaughter, to be slain, to be obliterated, to be stricken and disgraced.”

Those words were sung in perfect harmony in Habeit by vocalists Meir Wilenkin and Rabbi Chaim Koncepolski, filling the hall with grief, memory, and longing.

Then the music shifted.

For the final lines, Leibel sang alone.

וּבְכָל זֹאת שִׁמְךָ לֹא שָׁכָחְנוּ, נָא, אַל תִּשְׁכָּחֵנוּ

“Nevertheless, we have not forgotten Your name. Please, do not forget us.”

Afterward, Leibel told me, “It hurt a lot to sing. But I needed to do it. A week and a half ago, I told the doctors, ‘What do I need to do to get out by next Thursday?’ They looked at me like I was crazy. They gave me a checklist, and I said, ‘Prepare for discharge. I’ll be ready.’ Somehow, by thinking that way, I made it happen.”

When his voice emerged for that final plea, the crowd roared again. Tears mixed with applause. A standing ovation followed him off the stage and continued even after he disappeared from view.

This week’s Parshas Bo tells of the moment Pharaoh finally breaks. After the plague of the firstborn, he does not negotiate. He does not delay. He drives the Jewish people out of Egypt with urgency and fear. So suddenly that they leave with Matzah as bread unfinished, still raw, still wounded.

But they do not leave empty handed.

They leave with gold, silver, and garments. With dignity. With proof that suffering did not erase who they were.

Leibel walked onto that stage the same way.

Still healing. Still fragile. Still unfinished.

But not broken.

And today, just a few hours ago, very aware that others were killed that day, Leibel returned to the very place where his own life was nearly taken. Standing at Bondi Beach, he gave thanks for his own survival and recited the blessing said at the site of a miracle, "שעשה לי נס במקום הזה" — Blessed is He Who performed a miracle for me in this place!

He gave his shirt to save a life. He gave his voice to sanctify pain. And he stood before the world as living testimony that even when we are wounded, we rise.

That is how redemption begins.
This is how light wins.

Shabbat Shalom!

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie

P.S. This past weekend in New York was unforgettable as YJP Houston joined young Jewish professionals from around the world for a powerful leadership summit. From inspiring speakers and meaningful learning, to Shabbat together, moments at the Ohel, and incredible energy throughout the weekend, these photos capture connection, Jewish pride, and the strength of community. Grateful for our Houston delegation and excited to bring this inspiration back home.

THE COHEN CORNER
A society may announce its values loudly, but a home whispers what is truly believed.

In the final moments before the Exodus from Egypt, the Jewish people were commanded to place the blood of the Korban Pesach on their doorposts. Hashem obviously needed no assistance in identifying Jewish homes, nor was the night’s redemption dependent on markings or symbols. The doorposts were marked for the Jewish people themselves. The door represents the threshold between public identity and private reality; between how we present ourselves to the world and how we actually live when no one is watching. By placing the blood specifically there, the Torah teaches that true redemption begins when a Jew’s inner life aligns with his or her outer commitments.

Judaism asks us to think about the “doors” of our homes and our workplaces. What do they say about who we really are? A Jewish home is shaped by conscious choices: a kosher mezuzah on the doorpost, Jewish books on the shelves, tzedakah boxes within reach, Shabbat candles lit with intention, and words of Torah and gratitude shared at a table filled with guests. A Jewish workplace should reflect the same values: honesty in business, respect for others, setting aside time for a study or prayer, and being mindful of brachot and ethical conduct. These modern “doorpost markings” are quiet but powerful declarations that Judaism is not just something we display outwardly, but something we live where it matters most: behind our own doors.

Have a meaningful Shabbos,

Rabbi Yosef, Chanale, Mushka & Mendel Cohen

UPCOMING CLASSES:

• Shabbos, Jan. 24, 9:00 am - Likkutei Torah - Kabbala of the Parsha - Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi's Masterworks on the weekly Parsha.
• 3 Sundays, Jan. 25-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, Jan. 26, 8:00 pm - שיעור שבועי בספר התניא עם הרב מני לע"נ יונה דוד ע"ה בן יפה תחי' פרנגר
• 5 Tuesdays Jan. 27-Feb 24, 7:30-9 pm - JLI Course: Captivating Cases in Rabbinic Responsa Listen in on the surprising, practical questions your ancestors asked rabbis across Jewish history.  Registration required
• 4 Wednesdays, Feb. 4-25, 7:30–9:00 pm - CYP Academy: How Success Thinks - Jewish Secrets for Leading a Productive Life. Complete the course and receive a $200 voucher to any upcoming CYP trip! www.yjphouston.org/success

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• Wednesday, Jan. 28, 8:00 pm – Farbrengen Marking 10 Shvat – Join us for an inspiring farbrengen commemorating the yahrzeit of the Previous Rebbe and the assumption of leadership of the Rebbe, with insights by Rabbi Mendel Blecher, video presentation, and dinner served. RSVP via call or WhatsApp to Rabbi Cohen 832-269-9170.
• Saturday Night, January 31st, 8:00-9:30pm - Broth & Bourbon: Tu B’Shvat Guy’s Night - Veggie soups, Smooth bourbon. A warm, relaxed evening celebrating growth and good company. Graciously hosted by Dr. Jose and Vivian Cohen. RSVP at www.chabaduptown.org/guys
  Sunday, Feb. 1, 6:30 pm – Tu B’Shvat Women’s Event: Focaccia Floral Art – Celebrate Tu B’Shvat with a beautiful hands-on evening creating edible floral focaccia art, connection, and inspiration for women at Chabad of Uptown. RSVP: www.chabaduptown.org/focaccia
• Friday, Feb. 6, 6:00 pm - Shabbat Shaloha - YJP First Fridays in Hawaii - Celebrate “Shabbat in Hawaii” with Young Jewish Professionals in their 20s and 30s at this month’s Hawaiian Style First Friday Shabbat Dinner & Cocktails www.yjphouston.org/shabbatshaloha
• Saturday, Feb. 7, 1 pm – Shabbos Lunch Kiddush in Memory of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson – Join us for a Shabbos Kiddush and Farbrengen marking the 38th yahrzeit of the Rebbetzin, held on Shabbos Parshas Yisro.

SHABBOS PARSHAS BO

FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, SHEVAT 5
5:34 pm Shabbos Candle Lighting & Mincha
6:00 pm Kabbalat Shabbat
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner - www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner

SHABBOS, JANUARY 24, SHEVAT 6
9:00 am Chassidus
10:00 am Services
Followed by Shabbos Kiddush & Farbrengen 
5:25 pm Mincha
Torah Study
6:30 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends
Living Torah

SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, SHEVAT 7
8:00 am Shacharis

MON. & THURS., JAN. 26 & 29, SHEVAT 8 & 11
6:45 am Shacharis

Dear friends,

Greetings from New York!

Our delegation of ten YJP arrived in Crown Heights and joined nearly one thousand Young Jewish Professionals from communities around the world for the Encounter weekend. From the moment we arrived, there was a palpable sense of energy, connection, and shared purpose.

Friday morning and early afternoon were filled with touring Crown Heights, meaningful learning, and powerful conversations with participants and shluchim from across the globe. One of the highlights of the day was witnessing what became the largest in person Jewish speed dating event of its kind, with hundreds of young men and women participating. The room was filled with optimism, seriousness of purpose, and the simple but profound hope of building Jewish homes and futures together. It was inspiring to see such intentionality and commitment expressed on such a global scale.

As we move toward Shabbat, we are about to gather for a powerful pre Shabbos keynote by Eliya Cohen, who survived 505 days in Gaza as a hostage under terrorist captivity. His story of resilience, faith, and survival will help frame our entry into Shabbat with deeper perspective, gratitude, and spiritual focus.

As Shabbat begins, our group, along with many others, will be welcomed into homes throughout Crown Heights. We will be sharing the Shabbat meal with Rabbi Chaim’s brother Zalmen and his family, enjoying meaningful conversation, warmth, and the beauty of authentic Shabbat hospitality.

Looking ahead, we are excited for a Shabbat filled with prayer, learning, farbrengens, and meaningful connection, followed by a powerful communal gathering on Motzei Shabbat. On Sunday, we will travel together to the Rebbe’s Ohel for a moment of reflection, prayer, and inspiration that many consider the heart of the Encounter experience.

In this week’s Parshas Va’eira, the process of redemption begins while the Jewish people are still in Egypt. Circumstances have not yet changed, but something deeper has. Perspective, courage, and faith begin to shift first. That idea feels especially present as we prepare to hear from Eliya Cohen, whose strength and faith endured even in captivity. Redemption often starts not when life becomes easier, but when meaning becomes clearer.

In a similar vein, as we mark what would have been Yona David Ben Yaffa (Jonas Pfrenger's), obm eighteenth birthday at this week’s Shabbos Kiddush, he is deeply missed, yet we are reminded that the light he brought into the world continues to shine.

We feel privileged to represent our community as part of this global gathering and look forward to sharing more as the weekend continues.

Wishing you a meaningful and peaceful Shabbat.

Warm regards,

Rabbi Chaim & Chanie

THE COHEN CORNER
A mentch tracht un Gut lacht

Modern life encourages the belief that careful planning and effort can secure every outcome. Over time, that confidence turns into the quiet assumption that we are fully in charge. The Torah challenges this at the very start of the Exodus. When Aaron casts his staff before Pharaoh and it becomes a serpent and then returns to a staff, swallowing the others, it delivers a message. The staff represents Divine energy flowing into the world, connected to its Source. The serpent represents ego and the illusion of self made power. Pharaoh claimed he made himself and led Egypt to embody that belief. This first miracle announced that such thinking would ultimately collapse and give way to recognition of G-d.

That same tension plays out in everyday life. We value Shabbat, yet rush to send one last email as if everything depends on us. We pride ourselves on honesty, yet keep an extra package that arrives by mistake. A friend disappoints us, and instead of pausing, we harden our hearts or plot our response. Each moment asks whether we are living like a serpent grasping for control or a staff rooted in trust. Remembering that G-d runs the world softens our reactions, sharpens our integrity, and frees us from constant anxiety. That inner shift is the beginning of a personal Exodus.

Have a peaceful Shabbos!

Rabbi Yosef, Chanale, Mushka & Mendel Cohen

UPCOMING CLASSES:

• Shabbos, Jan. 17, 9:30 am - Likkutei Torah - Kabbala of the Parsha - Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi's Masterworks on the weekly Parsha.
• 4 Sundays, Jan. 18-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, Jan. 19, 8:00 pm - שיעור שבועי בספר התניא עם הרב מני לע"נ יונה דוד ע"ה בן יפה תחי' פרנגר
• 6 Tuesdays Jan. 20-Feb 24, 7:30-9 pm - JLI Course: Captivating Cases in Rabbinic Responsa Listen in on the surprising, practical questions your ancestors asked rabbis across Jewish history.  Registration required
• 4 Wednesdays, Feb. 4-25, 7:30–9:00 pm - CYP Academy: How Success Thinks - Jewish Secrets for Leading a Productive Life. Complete the course and receive a $200 voucher to any upcoming CYP trip! www.yjphouston.org/winning

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• 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 of Jewish young professionals from around the world and experience an unforgettable weekend in Crown Heights. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity! www.yjphouston.org/ny
• Wednesday, Jan. 28, 8:00 pm – Farbrengen Marking 10 Shvat – Join us for an inspiring farbrengen commemorating the yahrzeit of the Previous Rebbe and the assumption of leadership of the Rebbe, with insights by Rabbi Mendel Blecher, video presentation, and dinner served. RSVP via call or WhatsApp to Rabbi Cohen 832-269-9170.
• Saturday Night, January 31st, 8:00-9:30pm - Broth & Bourbon: Tu B’Shvat Guy’s Night - Veggie soups, Smooth bourbon. A warm, relaxed evening celebrating growth and good company. Graciously hosted by Dr. Jose and Vivian Cohen. RSVP at www.chabaduptown.org/guys
  Sunday, Feb. 1, 6:30 pm – Tu B’Shvat Women’s Event: Focaccia Floral Art – Celebrate Tu B’Shvat with a beautiful hands-on evening creating edible floral focaccia art, connection, and inspiration for women at Chabad of Uptown. RSVP: www.chabaduptown.org/focaccia
• Friday, Feb. 6, 6:00 pm - Shabbat Shaloha - YJP First Fridays in Hawaii - Celebrate “Shabbat in Hawaii” with Young Jewish Professionals in their 20s and 30s at this month’s Hawaiian Style First Friday Shabbat Dinner & Cocktails www.yjphouston.org/shabbatshaloha
• Saturday, Feb. 7, 1 pm – Shabbos Lunch Kiddush in Memory of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson – Join us for a Shabbos Kiddush and Farbrengen marking the 38th yahrzeit of the Rebbetzin, held on Shabbos Parshas Yisro.

SHABBOS MEVARCHIM SHEVAT PARSHAS VA'EIRA

FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, TEVES 27
5:28 pm Shabbos Candle Lighting & Mincha
6:00 pm Kabbalat Shabbat
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner - www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner

SHABBOS, JANUARY 17, TEVES 28
8:00 am Shabbos Mevarchim Tehillim
9:30 am Chassidus
10:00 am Services
Followed by Shabbos Mevarchim Kiddush & Farbrengen sponsored by the Pfrenger and Benjaminov families in honor of Yonah David Ben Yaffa’s 18th birthday.
5:25 pm Mincha
Torah Study
6:25 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends
Living Torah

SUNDAY, JANUARY 18, TEVES 29
8:00 am Shacharis

MON. & THURS., JAN. 19 & 24, SHEVAT 1 & 4
6:45 am Shacharis
On Monday, monthly Rosh Chodesh Shevat breakfast follows minyan (sponsorship available)

Why would someone risk their own comfort for a problem that does not directly affect them?

Pharaoh could not understand this question. When Moshe and Aharon confronted him, he assumed they were acting out of self interest. He could not imagine leadership rooted in responsibility rather than ego.

And on the surface, he had a point. As Leviim, Moshe and Aharon were not subjected to the crushing labor imposed on the rest of the Jewish people. They had every excuse to stay on the sidelines, focus on their own lives, and avoid trouble.

But leadership in Torah is not defined by personal comfort. It is defined by responsibility.

Pharaoh believed that people act only when there is something in it for them. Power, to him, meant control. That is why he completely misread Moshe and Aharon. He could not comprehend individuals willing to step into discomfort simply because others were suffering. That misunderstanding is what ultimately cost him everything.

What is remarkable is that the Jewish people had already endured generations of exile. They were worn down and oppressed, yet their spirit never disappeared. One reason was leaders who refused to detach themselves from the pain around them. When one Jew was hurting, they did not say, “This does not affect me.” They said, “This is on all of us.”

That idea runs through Jewish history. Every Jew is a leader in some way. In our homes, in our workplaces, and in how we show up for one another.

When we stop asking, “How does this affect me?” and start asking, “How can I help someone else right now?” we tap into something ancient, deeply Jewish, and profoundly powerful.

This same sense of shared responsibility is something we will explore together at our Lunch N’ Learn this Tuesday, as Rabbi Yosef Cohen leads a study of The Universal Code and the Seven Laws of Noach. These are ideas meant not only to be studied, but to be shared with the world around us, guiding the world how to live, lead, and care for others. I hope you will join Rabbi Cohen for this meaningful class.

This mindset is what ultimately led to the Exodus from Egypt, and it is what will bring us to the doorstep of the Final Redemption with the coming of Moshiach.

Rabbi Chaim and Chanie

THE COHEN CORNER
Freedom is not only about where you are, but about what fills your mind.

The Torah teaches that all exiles and redemptions are rooted in the first exile in Egypt. Egypt was not only a place of physical slavery. It was a system designed to crush the spirit through exhausting and meaningless labor. Kabbalah explains that this pattern repeats itself whenever the soul descends from heaven into the physical world. The soul longs to express something divine, but finds itself surrounded by routine and distraction instead. The key to the soul’s struggle to remain free within the limits of everyday life is the story of the Exodus.

Daily responsibilities do not disappear. Bills must be paid and errands must be run. What can change is what occupies our thoughts. Instead of letting routine drain us, we can fill it with meaning. Carry a Torah idea with you through the day. Think about it while driving or waiting in line. Reflect on it while shopping or doing chores. When the mind is engaged with something higher, routine no longer enslaves the soul. The body may be busy but the soul remains free.

Have a liberating Shabbos!

Rabbi Yosef, Chanale, Mushka & Mendel Cohen

UPCOMING CLASSES:

• Shabbos, Jan. 10, 9:00 am - Likkutei Torah - Kabbala of the Parsha - Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi's Masterworks on the weekly Parsha.
• 5 Sundays, Jan. 11-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, Jan. 12, 8:00 pm - שיעור שבועי בספר התניא עם הרב מני לע"נ יונה דוד ע"ה בן יפה תחי' פרנגר
• Tues. Jan. 13, 12 pm - Lunch N' Learn: The Universal Code - A deep dive into the 7 laws of Noach - www.chabaduptown.org/lunch
• Wed., Jan. 14, 8 pm - YJP & Moishe Pod: Guns & Moses: Protecting life without losing our soul - YJP Partners with Moishe Pod this week for Meat Tacos Dinner, Class & Social - Reply to this email for address location!
• 4 Wednesdays, Feb. 4-25, 7:30–9:00 pm - CYP Academy: How Success Thinks - Jewish Secrets for Leading a Productive Life. Complete the course and receive a $200 voucher to any upcoming CYP trip! www.yjphouston.org/winning

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• 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 of Jewish young professionals from around the world and experience an unforgettable weekend in Crown Heights. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity! www.yjphouston.org/nyc
• Friday, Feb. 6, 6:00 pm - Shabbat Shaloha - YJP First Fridays in Hawaii - Celebrate “Shabbat in Hawaii” with Young Jewish Professionals in their 20s and 30s at this month’s Hawaiian Style First Friday Shabbat Dinner & Cocktails www.yjphouston.org/shabbatshaloha

Our condolences to Pepi Joskowitz Nichols on the passing of her mother, Lusia "Louise" Stopnicki Joskowitz

SHABBOS PARSHAS SHEMOS

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, TEVES 20
5:22 pm Shabbos Candle Lighting & Mincha
6:00 pm Kabbalat Shabbat
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner - www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner

SHABBOS, JANUARY 10, TEVES 21
9:00 am Chassidus
10:00 am Services
Followed by Shabbos Kiddush & Farbrengen sponsored by the Scheiner Family in appreciation of Chabad of Uptown and YJP Houston and the Kamman family in honor of Chaim's birthday
5:20 pm Mincha
Torah Study
6:19 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends
Living Torah

SUNDAY, JANUARY 11, TEVES 22
8:00 am Shacharis

MON. & TUES., JAN. 12 & 15, TEVES 23 & 26
6:45 am Shacharis

And.... we are back!

We returned this week from Israel filled, strengthened, and deeply connected.

One of the highlights was Shabbos in Jerusalem. We lit candles in the Old City, then made our way to the Kotel for tefillah and dancing, shoulder to shoulder with fellow Jews, united in spirit and joy. Friday night continued with a meal held above an ancient mikvah, a powerful reminder that Jewish life is layered, continuous, and unbroken. We are standing where Jews stood before us, adding our own chapter to the story.

Shabbos itself was rich with Torah and togetherness. Some of the group learned and davened with Rabbi Chaim at Mayanot Yeshiva, while others learned Torah together with Chanie at the hotel. We shared Shabbos meals, thoughtful conversation, and meaningful learning. As Shabbos concluded, the shuk came alive, lights and voices filling the air, the rhythm of Jewish life moving forward with energy and confidence.

On Sunday, we quite literally followed in the footsteps of our people. We tied tzitzit for IDF soldiers, paused in tefillah at Kever Rachel where Jewish tears have never dried, enjoyed lunch at Gush Etzion Winery, and went jeeping along the muddy dirt roads of Derech Avot, the paths of the Patriarchs. Everywhere we went, the same truth became clearer. This land does not just tell our story. You can feel it.

Monday brought perspective and resolve. At Shura, we learned about the holy avodah of chesed shel emet carried out by the IDF Rabbinate, the sacred responsibility of honoring every soul with absolute dignity. The rabbi and rabbanit shared that they were confronted with sights no human being should ever have to witness, realities that no mind can fully comprehend. Standing there strengthened our clarity and our commitment to live purposeful Jewish lives, rooted in Torah values, responsibility, and unwavering devotion to Am Yisrael.

From there, the day turned forward. In Tel Aviv, we visited KPMG and heard from Shmuly Lazaroff about Israel’s resilient financial sector, its innovation and strength, alongside reflections on service and responsibility. We closed the mission with a meaningful dinner together in Tel Aviv, grateful, inspired, and confident in the future.

Now we are home, ready to gather again. Tonight we open First Fridays 2026, welcoming Shabbos together as a YJP and Chabad of Uptown community. This Shabbos is Chazak, Parshas Vayechi, a parsha of continuity, blessing, and forward vision. Yaakov strengthens his children before they step into what comes next.

Chazak! Strong in who we are. Strong in where we are going. And strongest when we move forward together.

Am Yisrael Chai!

Rabbi Chaim and Chanie

P.S. Click here to explore the photos that bring some parts of the endless journey to life.

THE COHEN CORNER
Behavior is intention made tangible

Jewish life is filled with countless actions from morning until night, from wrapping leather around our arms to lighting candles before sunset or choosing one food over another. On the surface these acts can feel simple or even mechanical, yet the Torah teaches that each is a vessel for something far deeper. When Yakov blesses Yehudah he speaks of garments being laundered in wine, an image the sages understand as metaphor. Mitzvot are like garments: closely associated with us yet not part of who we are. The Divine energy they draw into the world is immense, but it rests beyond our immediate awareness. We wear them rather than fully absorb them, which is why the spirituality within these acts is not always immediately felt. 

The Torah offers a practical guide for bringing that hidden holiness to life: wash the garments in wine. Wine represents joy, and joy is what allows the deeper meaning of a mitzvah to be experienced in everyday life. When actions are performed out of habit they remain external, but when approached with joy and a sense of privilege the heart opens and effort feels lighter. Routine moments become meaningful, and the mitzvah begins to shape the inner self. Nothing more is required than intention. When mitzvot are infused with joy, their hidden holiness becomes tangible, and what once felt ordinary transforms into a living connection with the Divine.

Have a delightful Shabbos!

Rabbi Yosef, Chanale, Mushka & Mendel Cohen

UPCOMING CLASSES:

• Shabbos, Jan. 3, 9:00 am - Likkutei Torah - Kabbala of the Parsha - Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi's Masterworks on the weekly Parsha.
• 6 Sundays, Jan. 4-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, Jan. 5, 8:00 pm - שיעור שבועי בספר התניא עם הרב מני לע"נ יונה דוד ע"ה בן יפה תחי' פרנגר
• Wed., Jan. 7, 8 pm - YJP Dinner, Class & Social - Weekly Contemporary Jewish Classes for Young Professionals and FREE DINNER!
• Thursday, Jan. 8, 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.
• Tues. Jan. 13, 12 pm - Lunch N' Learn: The Universal Code - A deep dive into the 7 laws of Noach - www.chabaduptown.org/lunch

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• Fri., Jan. 2, 6 pm - First Fridays 2026 Edition - Kick off the new calendar year right with other Young Jewish Professionals, ages 21 to 39! www.yjphouston.org/2026shabbat
• 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 of Jewish young professionals from around the world and experience an unforgettable weekend in Crown Heights. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity! www.yjphouston.org/nyc

SHABBOS CHAZAK PARSHAS VAYECHI

FRIDAY, JANUARY 2, TEVES 13
5:17 pm Shabbos Candle Lighting & Mincha
6:00 pm Kabbalat Shabbat
RSVP for YJP First Fridays 2026 Shabbat Dinner - www.yjphouston.org/2026shabbat

SHABBOS, JANUARY 3, TEVES 13
9:00 am Chassidus
10:00 am Services
Followed by Shabbos Chazak Kiddush & Farbrengen
5:15 pm Mincha
Torah Study
6:14 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends
Living Torah

SUNDAY, JANUARY 4, TEVES 15
8:00 am Shacharis

MON. & TUES., JAN. 5 & 8, TEVES 16 & 19
6:45 am Shacharis