This week’s Parsha, Shelach, recounts the tragic episode of the spies. Sent by Moshe Rabbeinu to explore the Land of Israel, ten of them returned overwhelmed by fear, focusing only on the threats and obstacles. Their panic spread to the nation, leading to decades of delay and loss. Only Yehoshua and Calev held their ground, insisting that with Hashem’s promise, we had nothing to fear.
Their voices still echo today.
Since Simchas Torah of last year, Israel has faced a brutal war. And just this past week alone, over 520 ballistic missiles and 400 drones were launched at our people, with more than 50 direct impacts. Twenty-four were killed, more than 1,200 wounded, and over 30,000 property damage claims have already been filed. More than 8,000 people have been evacuated from their homes.
And yet, again and again, we are seeing open miracles.
Yesterday in Be’er Sheva, Iran targeted Soroka Medical Center — the only major hospital in Israel’s entire southern region, serving over a million people. A direct hit struck the surgical building. Just one day earlier, the top floors had been evacuated. Had the missile landed ten hours earlier, the outcome would have been catastrophic. Even more chilling: if it had veered just a few feet, it would have landed in the maternity ward filled with women in active labor who hadn’t yet made it to shelter.
Instead, out of thousands of patients and staff on site, only five suffered minor injuries.
And amidst the rubble, something beautiful happened. Survivors lined up not just to tell their stories, but to put on tefillin and thank Hashem. One patient, Oren, who had only recently begun donning tefillin again after years, looked at the rabbi and said, “I put tefillin on my head every day—and that’s why my head was spared.”
This is not just a military campaign—it is a moment of awakening. A moment where the fire of faith shines brighter than the flames of war.
The Lubavitcher Rebbe taught that Eretz Yisrael is constantly watched over by Hashem, “from the beginning of the year to the end of the year,” and that when we act with clarity and faith, Hashem responds with revealed good. What we are seeing now is just that: miracles of Biblical proportions.
Let us take these moments to strengthen our emunah, to appreciate the miracles around us, and to rededicate ourselves to the values and mitzvos that sustain us.
Last night, the spirit of unity and prayer was alive at Chabad of Uptown. Thirty women gathered to braid challah and daven for the safety of Israel, while others joined Rabbi Chaim in a meaningful session learning The Heart of Prayer. Together, we uplifted each other—and our people—with faith, action, and connection.
May we merit continued protection for our brothers and sisters, peace for Eretz Yisrael, and the ultimate Geulah, now.
Good Shabbos,
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie Lazaroff
THE COHEN CORNER
Not all those who wander are lost
In this week’s Torah portion, we read about the punishment given to the generation that accepted the spies’ negative report about the Land of Israel. Rather than settling in one place, they were made to wander the desert for forty years. At first glance, this seems like an added cruelty, why force them to live a life of constant movement and upheaval? But the Midrash reveals a deeper purpose. Wherever the Israelites camped, the land flourished. Their journey through the desert brought life and holiness to barren places, transforming the wilderness into something meaningful. Their wandering was not just a consequence of sin, but a mission of spiritual renewal.
This idea carries a profound message for our own lives. Each of us encounters moments that feel like wandering, times of confusion, regret, or hardship that seem disconnected from any clear purpose. But the Torah teaches that these deserts in our lives are not empty. They are opportunities to bring growth and meaning to places that feel broken or unimportant. Even when we find ourselves in difficult circumstances, we are not there by accident. With the right perspective and effort, those very challenges can become the ground on which something beautiful and lasting is built.
Have a delightful 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
UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS:
- 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
- Thursday, June 26 at 8 pm - Met@Chabad Speeddating- www.metatchabad.com/speeddating
SHABBOS MEVARCHIM TAMMUZ PARSHAS SHELACH
FRIDAY, JUNE 20, SIVAN 24
7:30 Mincha & Kabbalat Shabbat
8:07 Shabbos Candle Lighting
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
SHABBOS, JUNE 21, SIVAN 25
8:000 am Shabbos Mevarchim Tehillim
9:30 am Chassidus
10:00 am Morning Services
Shabbos Mevarchim Lunch Kiddush & Farbrengen
6:00 pm Torah Study
8:00 pm Mincha
Study of Pirkei Avos Ch. 3
9:06 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbat Ends
Living Torah Video Magazine
SUNDAY, JUNE 22, SIVAN 26
8:00 am Shacharis
ROSH CHODESH TAMMUZ
THURSDAY & FRIDAY, JUNE 26-27, SIVAN 30-TAMMUZ 1
6:45 AM Shacharis
Followed by breakfast, Friday's sponsored by Uriel Netanelov marking the yartzeit of his parent