Life doesn’t always feel easy. There are times when we’re held back—by rules, responsibilities, or just the pressures of daily life. Some restrictions are good; they keep things running smoothly and help us live together as a society. But let’s be honest—sometimes, the limitations we feel aren’t from outside rules or expectations. They’re from within.
Have you ever felt stuck because of self-doubt or fear of standing out? Maybe you thought, “I could never do that,” or “What would people think?” These inner voices can be louder than anything else. But here’s the thing: those limits are often the ones we have the most power to shatter.
The Torah gives us a powerful example in the story of the Exodus. When Hashem freed the Jewish people from Egypt (Mitzrayim), it wasn’t just about escaping physical slavery. The same Hebrew letters that spell “Mitzrayim” also spell “meitzarim,” which means boundaries or narrow spaces. The Jews didn’t just leave Egypt—they broke free from the things that were holding them back spiritually and emotionally. That strength, to push past limitations, was passed down to us.
Living as a Jew today isn’t always easy. Keeping kosher can be expensive, Shabbos can seem restrictive, and finding time to pray might feel impossible. But often, the hardest part is just deciding to try. Once we stop letting fear or uncertainty hold us back, we discover that these “limits” are smaller than we thought.
Change doesn’t happen overnight, but it starts with one decision: to take that first step. And as we do, we not only free ourselves—we find more joy, meaning, and connection in our lives.
Let’s keep growing together.
Shabbat shalom,
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie
COHEN CORNER
"We find comfort among those who agree with us, growth among those who don’t."
The Chassidic view teaches us to draw lessons from everything we encounter. This week marks the start of the Hebrew month of Shevat, a time associated with nature’s renewal and growth. Just as the earth begins to flourish, it reminds us to nurture our own personal growth and renewal.
Wishing you a fantastic Shabbos!
Rabbi Yosef & Chanale
UPCOMING EVENTS:
- 6 Tuesdays, Feb 4--Mar 11, 7:30-9 pm - New JLI Course: Decoding the Talmud with Rabbi Moishe Traxler- Inside the Story, Substance, and Significance of the Book that Defines Judaism. Syllabus, video intro and register here
- Friday, Feb. 7, 7 pm - YJP 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 with Rabbi Chaim Lazaroff- Your Answers to some of Judaism's Most Curious Questions www.yjphouston.org/why
- Thursday, Feb. 13, 7 pm - Community Tu B'Shvat Watermelon Carving - Branch out into the New Year for Trees with a fruitful watermelon carving for Tu B'Shvat. www.chabaduptown.org/carving
- Monday, Feb. 17, 12 pm - Community Lunch & Learn Living Life to the Fullest with Rabbi Yosef Cohen - Enjoy an upscale lunch with like-minded friends for a spirited class and discussion! https://forms.gle/szdra5faBYR1FUxh7
- Five Wednesdays, Feb. 19-March 19, 10:30 am - Mommy & Me with Chanale Cohen - Nurturing and engaging program designed for mothers and babies (newborn to 2 years) to learn, play, and connect in a warm Jewish environment. - www.chabaduptown.org/mommy
- Thursday, Feb. 20, 7:30 pm - YJP "Third Thursdays" Happy Hour at The Cellar Bar - No charge, no maximum capacity, no rsvp. Yes drinks, yes new people, yes fun. See you there! 3140 Richmond Ave
- Wednesday, Feb. 26, 8 pm - Virtual Speed Dating - Values Based Matches metatchabad.com/speeddating
- Wed-Sun., May 7-11 - CYP Encounter Guatemala - Join us for an adventurous weekend of nature, soulfulness, and connection with fellow young Jewish professionals. www.chabadyoung.com/gua
THIS WEEK'S CLASSES:
- Shabbos, Feb. 1, 9 am - Chassidus - Torah Or
- Monday, Jan. 2, 8 pm - Hebrew Language: The Tanya with Rabbi Menny Raichik
- Tuesday, Feb 4, 7:30 pm - JLI Decoding the Talmud
- Wednesday, Feb. 5, 8 pm - YJP Dinner, Class & Social
- Thursday, Feb 6, 8 pm - The Heart of Prayer
SHABBOS PARSHAS BO
Fri., Jan. 31, 2 Shevat
5:41 pm Light Shabbat Candles & Mincha
6:00 Kabbalat Shabbat
7:00 pm RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
Shabbos, Feb. 1, 3 Shevat
9:00 am Chassidus
10:00 am Morning Services
Shabbat Lunch Kiddush
5:40 pm Mincha
Torah Study
6:37 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbat Ends
Living Torah Video Magazine