While our enemies slept, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, one of the boldest and broadest preemptive strikes in the history of modern warfare, taking out much of Iran’s nuclear program, military brass, and who knows what else.
Just 24 hours ago, Iran was a dangerous and bellicose enemy on the cusp of nuclear capability. Today, it is in complete disarray.
Baruch Hashem!
The stage was carefully set, the brave soldiers of the IDF were meticulously prepared, and millions around the world prayed for success. For we know that our triumphs come from G‑d, who blesses the Jewish people wherever they may be with His “full, open, holy, wide hand.”
What a moment of gratitude this is for every single Jew!
We believe that we express the feeling of every peace-loving human being when we thank Hashem for His protection and kindness thus far (was it a coincidence that the prime minister had prayed in a tallis at the Kotel on the afternoon of the attack?), and we pray with faith and confidence that Hashem will continue to protect our brothers and sisters in the Holy Land and around the world.
In the words of King David, “Praise Hashem for [He is] good, for His kindness is everlasting.”
Let’s continue to add in tzedaka, prayer, and Torah study in complete faith and confidence that “the guardian of Israel neither sleeps nor slumbers” and will continue to protect His people in Israel and around the world.
And let us pray that Iran’s remaining leaders finally give up their evil aspirations of destroying Israel, and instead build a prosperous country that the Iranian people truly deserve.
With prayers for a peaceful Shabbos around the world,
Good Shabbos!
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie Lazaroff
THE COHEN CORNER
Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.
In Behaalotecha, the Torah commands two trumpet blasts for two very different moments: one for war, “When you go to war… blow a long blast,” and one for peace, “On your days of rejoicing… you shall blow the trumpets” (Bamidbar 10:9–10). One stirs courage against danger; the other awakens us in times of comfort. Both are calls to act with purpose and spiritual focus. This dual message was embodied by the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn. In Soviet Russia, he risked his life to preserve Judaism under oppression. In free America, he fought a quieter battle against apathy and assimilation. He taught that the call to spiritual vigilance must sound in both crisis and calm. In struggle, press forward. In peace, keep growing.
As the self defense mission in Iran unfolds, we are reminded to act. In merit of those defending our people, let each of us take on an extra mitzvah, whether lighting Shabbat candles, giving tzedakah, putting on tefillin, or studying more Torah. Just as our soldiers fight with courage, we strengthen them with faith. May our actions echo like a shofar, bringing merit, protection, and peace to all who defend Am Yisrael.
Have a wonderful Shabbos!
Rabbi Yosef, Chanale & Mushka Cohen
A strike against Iran and sirens blaring in Israel. Our extended Jewish family is in danger. And every Jew is asking him or herself: What can I do to help? Is there anything we can do? Most of us are hundreds or thousands of miles away, in our own communities. Yet our very being cries out: What can we do? The Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory, taught us that yes, there is something we can do. The Rebbe taught us the power of a mitzvah. more…
Give Tzedaka for Israel Here
Wednesday we had a fun night all around! 🏀 With Gilad Levy—the tallest man in Israel and pro baller with Hapoel Jerusalem—we hit the court at TDS’s brand new gym, while the ladies found the sweetest spot on earth at Sweet Spot 🍰✨ Check out some snaps here...
UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS:
- Tuesday, June 17, Noon - Community Lunch N Learn: The Role of a Rebbe - At the monthly Lunch & Learn, the community has an opportunity to enjoy an upscale lunch with like-minded friends for a spirited class and discussion! RSVP at www.chabaduptown.org/lunch
- Sunday, June 22nd 7:30pm - Couples Paint N’ Sip - Join us for a romantic and creative evening designed just for couples! Enjoy light refreshments and drinks as you and your partner bring a canvas to life. No experience needed — just come ready to laugh, connect, and create something beautiful together. RSVP at www.chabaduptown.org/couples
- Friday, June 27th 7:30pm - Community Shabbat Dinner - Join us for an engaging evening for the whole community! RSVP at www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
UPCOMING YJP EVENTS:
- Wednesdays, June 18 & 25 8:00 pm - YJP Dinner, Class & Social - Weekly Contemporary Jewish Classes for Young Professionals Come discuss, agree, disagree, mingle and network with other young Jewish professionals, singles and couples at series of classes / discussions on contemporary themes! Class, discussion and FREE DINNER!
- Thursday, June 26 at 8 pm - Met@Chabad Speeddating- www.metatchabad.com/speeddating
- Wed.-Thurs., July 2-10 - CYP Israel 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
SHABBOS PARSHAS BEHAALOSECHA
FRIDAY, JUNE 13, SIVAN 17
7:30 Mincha & Kabbalat Shabbat
8:05 Shabbos Candle Lighting
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
SHABBOS, JUNE 14, SIVAN 18
9:00 am Chassidus
10:00 am Morning Services
Shabbos Lunch Kiddush & Farbrengen
6:00 pm Torah Study
8:00 pm Mincha
Study of Pirkei Avos Ch. 2
9:05 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbat Ends
Living Torah Video Magazine
SUNDAY, JUNE 15, SIVAN 19
8:00 am Shacharis