This week’s Torah portion tells the story of Balaam, a non-Jewish prophet who was hired to curse the Jewish people. But instead of curses, only blessings came out of his mouth. One of the most famous blessings he gave was: “A star will come forth from Jacob.”
Our sages explain that this “star” isn’t just about someone in the future—it’s about each one of us. Every Jew has a spark of the Divine inside—a part of us that’s connected to something greater, something holy.
Right now, the world conceals that light. But when Moshiach comes, the G‑dliness that’s been hidden in our world and in ourselves will be completely visible. We won’t have to search hard to feel close to Hashem, it will be clear as day.
But we don’t have to wait for the future to start living that way. Every time we do a mitzvah or learn a bit of Torah, we reveal that spark within us. And when we treat others with respect and help them see their own light, we’re spreading that spark further.
So our job is to find that G‑dly spark inside ourselves, and help others find theirs. If we all do our part, together we’ll light up the world—and bring Moshiach one step closer.
Good Shabbos,
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie Lazaroff
P.S. Thank you to all those that wished me Happy Birthday on my legal and Facebook birthday. 19 Tammuz is my actual Jewish birthday that I celebrate. As is customary among Chabad Chasidim, I will be making a birthday " farbrengen" (FOR MEN) in honor of my birthday on Monday evening, eve of 19 Tammuz, at my home at 4311 Bettis beginning at about 8 p.m. I fully understand if your schedule does not allow you to attend. Please let me know if you can make it. (For more about celebrating birthdays read: What is a Jewish Birthday?
and related articles there on the right).
In that vein, we will dedicate the next month with a Jewish birthday awareness campaign including a special Shabbat dinner and Lunch and Learn, all curated and lead by the Cohens. I hope you will join.
THE COHEN CORNER
Always be a first-rate version of yourself and not a second-rate version of someone else.
In this week’s Torah portion, the non-Jewish prophet Bilaam looks over at the Israelite camp and offers unexpected blessings and praise: “How goodly are your tents, O Jacob.” Rashi explains that their tents were arranged so no entrance faced another, protecting each family’s privacy. It wasn’t just good urban planning, it reflected a deeper Jewish value: minding one’s own space and not intruding into others’ lives. The Jewish People built their community on modesty and discretion, resisting the urge to compare or compete with neighbors.
This perspective is just as relevant today, especially when it comes to physical, emotional, or spiritual growth. Sometimes we hesitate to take on a new challenge or mitzvah because we’re looking around and thinking, “I’ll never be like him or her.” But Judaism doesn’t ask us to be someone else, it asks us to grow from where we are. Instead of comparing, trust your own inner strength and take one step that’s meaningful for you. Whether it’s lighting candles and experiencing the beautiful peace of Shabbat, giving more tzedakah, or learning Torah a few minutes a day, your next mitzvah isn’t about matching someone else’s journey. It’s about starting yours.
Have a superb Shabbos!
Rabbi Yosef, Chanale & Mushka Cohen
UPCOMING EVENTS:
- 2 Thursdays, July 17-24 - Mommy and Me - Join us for a 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
- Friday, July 25th - Birthday Shabbat : Celebrating Jewish Birthdays in the Month of Av. RSVP at www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
- Sunday, July 27th, 7:30pm - Women's Jerusalem Crafting Experience - Create a Jerusalem-inspired tambourine masterpiece to display in your home! RSVP at www.chabaduptown.org/jerusalem
- Friday, August 1st - First Fridays YJP Breakfast for Dinner Shabbat. For more info: www.yjphouston.org
- Tuesday, August 5th at Noon - Lunch & Learn: Mazel and Zodiac Signs: A glimpse into the Jewish Perspective. Does your Mazel define who you are? 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, August 10th - The White Party: Sunset Boat at Sea. YJP Houston's annual celebration. For more info: www.yjphouston.org
SHABBOS PARSHAS BALAK
FRIDAY, JULY 11, TAMMUZ 15
7:30 Mincha & Kabbalat Shabbat
8:07 Shabbos Candle Lighting
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
SHABBOS, JULY 12, TAMMUZ 16
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. 6
9:05 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbat Ends
Living Torah Video Magazine
SUNDAY, JUNE 13, FAST OF TAMMUZ 17
5:03 am Fast Begins
8:00 am Shacharis w/Selichos & Torah Reading
8:00 pm Mincha w/ Torah Reading
8:52 pm Maariv & Fast Ends
MONDAY & THURSDAY, JUNE 14 & 17, TAMMUZ 18 & 21
6:45 am Shacharis