This week’s Torah portion describes the events at Mount Sinai, where Hashem gave the Jewish people the Ten Commandments, and within it the entirety of the Torah.
The Talmud describes two perspectives on how the Jewish people responded to Hashem at Mount Sinai. One view suggests they said “yes” to positive commandments—embracing the “do’s”—and “no” to prohibitions—the “dont's.” Another view holds that their response to all commandments, positive and negative, was a wholehearted “yes!” This teaches us that Judaism welcomes both approaches.
For those beginning their spiritual journey, a “yes” mindset is crucial. Embracing mitzvot with enthusiasm, even when they feel unfamiliar or challenging, helps lay the foundation for a life rooted in Torah and mitzvot.
For those more seasoned in observance, the “no” is equally meaningful. It represents the discipline to avoid the negative while appreciating the boundaries that sustain a Torah life. At the same time, even within the comfort of routine, we must remain ready to say “yes” to growth, to stretch beyond what feels easy when circumstances call for it.
Whether you find yourself naturally saying “yes” or “no,” Judaism embraces your unique personality and offers countless opportunities for spiritual growth. Hashem meets us where we are and guides us to where we’re meant to be.
Shabbat shalom,
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie
COHEN CORNER
"Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, working together is success."
Throughout their desert journey, the Jewish people, with their diverse intellects and emotions, often clashed. Yet at Har Sinai, they united in shared purpose, setting aside differences. We too can emulate this unity, valuing connection over division by filling our days with a higher purpose.
It was so amazing to see everyone's creativity last night at the Tu Bshvat watermelon carving event! We look forward to sharing more enjoyable experiences together with this beautiful community!
Have a splendid Shabbos!
Rabbi Yosef and Chanale Cohen
UPCOMING EVENTS:
- 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
- Thursday, March 13, 8 pm - YJP Purim Night in the Shuk - YJP 20s and 30s Celebrate Purim in Style with Open Bar, Music, Juice Bar, Spice Making and more www.yjphouston.org/shuk
- Friday, March 14, 5 pm - Community Purim at the Stadium - Sports themed Purim featuring a human foosball and sports challenge, join us for a Purim Feast and Megillah Reading! www.chabaduptown.org/stadium
- 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. 15, 9 am - Chassidus - Torah Or with Rabbi Chaim Lazaroff
- Monday, Feb. 17, 12 pm - Community Lunch & Learn Living Life to the Fullest with Rabbi Yosef Cohen - RSVP
- Monday, Feb. 17, 8 pm - Hebrew Language: The Tanya with Rabbi Menny Raichik
- Tuesday, Feb 18, 7:30 pm - JLI Decoding the Talmud with Rabbi Moishe Traxler - REGISTER
- Wednesday, Feb. 19, 10:30 am - Mommy & Me with Chanale Cohen - REGISTER
- Wednesday, Feb. 19, 7:30 pm - CYP Academy Jewish Course of Why - YJP Dinner, Class & Social with Rabbi Chaim Lazaroff - REGISTER
- Thursday, Feb 20, 8 pm - The Heart of Prayer with Rabbi Chaim Lazaroff
Mazel tov to Alex Wolansky & Ally Totah on their engagement!
SHABBOS PARSHAS YISRO
Fri., Feb. 14, 16 Shevat
5:52 pm Light Shabbat Candles & Mincha
6:00 Kabbalat Shabbat
7:00 pm RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
Shabbos, Feb. 15, 17 Shevat
9:00 am Chassidus
10:00 am Morning Services
Shabbat Lunch Kiddush sponsored by Elyse & Andrew Goldstein marking the Yartzeit of her father, Chaim Leib ben Shmuel Binyamin, a"h
5:50 pm Mincha
Torah Study
6:47 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbat Ends
Living Torah Video Magazine