Today at Camp Gan Israel, I walked through the activity room with a fresh cup of coffee when I noticed something curious: several campers had socks on their heads. I asked one, “Why are there socks on your head?” With confidence, one shouted, “Because it’s Topsy Turvy Day! And I’m a counselor!”
Curious, I asked, “You’re a counselor? Then what am I?”
With great confidence, the child replied, “You’re a nothing!”
I paused, smiled, and said, “A nothing? Wow. I’ve been working all my life to become a nothing!”
As funny as it sounds, there’s something deeply Jewish about that response.
In this week’s Torah portion, Parshas Pinchas, we read about Moses being told that his time as the leader of the Jewish people is coming to an end. His reaction? He doesn’t ask about his own future. Instead, he pleads with Hashem to appoint a new leader who will care for the people with compassion and dedication.
This is the essence of bittul—a Hebrew word meaning humility or self-nullification. It doesn’t mean thinking you don’t matter. It means recognizing that what matters most is not ego, but purpose. A person with bittul makes space for something higher—to serve others, to lift others up, and to let G-d's mission come first.
This was the spirit at this week’s Kinus (gathering) of Chabad emissaries to young Jewish professionals, held in the beautiful new center in Downtown Raleigh, North Carolina. Shluchim (emissaries) from across the globe came together—not to talk about how important they are, but to inspire one another in their shared mission of reaching, teaching, and building vibrant young communities.
Like topsy turvy day, they turn the world upside down—not by standing out, but by standing aside to let something greater shine through.
So yes, maybe becoming “a nothing” is actually the highest something there is.
Good Shabbos,
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie Lazaroff
THE COHEN CORNER
Eighty percent of success is showing up.
The Midrash brings a striking debate: which verse best captures the essence of the entire Torah? While some sages suggest “Shema Yisrael” or “Love your fellow as yourself,” the Midrash ultimately points to something found in our Parsha. This week, we read about the Tamid offering, brought in the Beis Hamikdash every morning and afternoon. It seems like a simple idea, but surprisingly, the Torah highlights it as foundational. Consistency is the backbone of spiritual life. As meaningful as love or faith may be, they often rise and fade. What truly sustains a deep relationship with G-d is not just passion, but quiet, steady commitment each day.
This teaches us a powerful lesson: greatness is not found only in moments of inspiration, but in the small acts we repeat, even when they feel routine. Life, just like faith, is built on showing up, especially when it’s hard. So choose something simple and spiritual you can do every day without exception. Say a short prayer when you wake up, give a coin to charity, or study one verse of Torah. Every day. It may seem small, but that is exactly the point. In Judaism’s view, the most meaningful verse is not the most emotional or poetic. It is the one that reminds us to keep going, day after day. Constancy is not boring; it is the deepest form of devotion.
Have a wonderful Shabbos!
Rabbi Yosef, Chanale & Mushka Cohen
UPCOMING EVENTS:
- Thursday, July 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. Enjoy breakfast for dinner with other Young Jewish Professionals over Shabbat Dinner including French Toast Challah, Smoked Salmon, Frittata, Spinach Fruit Salad & Granola, Dips, Hearty Chicken & Matzah Ball Soups, Chicken & Waffles, Hamburger Hash, Roasted Veggies, Mimosas, and much more! www.yjphouston.org/breakfastshabbat
- Saturday August 2, 9 pm - Tisha B'Av Evening of film, study and reflection - Reading of Megillat Eicha - Book of Lamentation followed by a special film.
- 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. Join Houston Young Jewish Professionals in their 20’s and 30’s for a sunset at sea and business networking in your summer white cocktail attire! $60 full price… But right now it’s just $35 with code flash (until July 24)! Grab your spot! www.yjphouston.org/whiteboat
SHABBOS MEVARCHIM AV PARSHAS PINCHAS
FRIDAY, JULY 18, TAMMUZ 22
7:30 Mincha & Kabbalat Shabbat
8:05 Shabbos Candle Lighting
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
SHABBOS, JULY 19, TAMMUZ 23
8:00 am Shabbos Mevarchim Tehillim
9:30 am Chassidus
10:00 am Morning Services
Shabbos Mevarchim Lunch Kiddush & Farbrengen
Sponsored in part by Bonnie Pfrenger welcoming Avi and Dalia Mesulati to the neighborhood
6:00 pm Torah Study
8:00 pm Mincha
Study of Pirkei Avos Ch. 1
9:02 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbat Ends
Living Torah Video Magazine
SUNDAY, JULY 20, TAMMUZ 24
8:00 am Shacharis
MONDAY & THURSDAY, JULY 21 & 24, TAMMUZ 25 & 28
6:45 am Shacharis
Thursday followed by breakfast sponsored by Rafael & Ruth Levy marking the fifth yartzeit of their son, Yonatan ben Rafael Halevi Levy