Dear Friends,
Sometimes the parsha we read feels like it’s speaking directly to us. That’s exactly what happened on this Shabbos Parshas Matos in 2020, during COVID—a time when even finding a minyan was a challenge.
That morning, we had nine. Just one short of a full minyan. With Shema time approaching, Oded and Omer took the initiative. “We’ll say Shema now,” they said, “and then go find a tenth.”
They walked upstairs in their apartment building and noticed a man they didn’t recognize. Unsure if he was Jewish, they hesitated.. but decided to ask.
“Are you Jewish?” The man looked surprised. “How did you know?! Yes, I am!”
They knocked on the door of the person they originally intended to ask, but, no one was home. Meanwhile, this man - who was only visiting from San Antonio - said, “I’ll help you make the minyan. Just need to drop my things at my mother’s place.” Incredibly, his mother lived right across the hall from the door they had just knocked on!
Later, he told us that he had only gone back upstairs to get a forgotten coupon—exactly when they were walking up the stairs. Perfect timing.
He came to shul and was called up for an aliyah. “What’s your Hebrew name?” the Gabbai asked. He replied, “Matis"... I was not sure I heard right, so I asked him, "What did you just say? How do you spell it"? He said, "Maybe Mateos? I’m not really sure how to spell it.”
I smiled and pointed out that he should look at the top of the Chumash he was holding.... “Look what parsha it is,” we told him.
There it was: Parshas Matos.
He was speechless. We were all speechless. And, it was his first aliyah since his Bar Mitzvah!
Parshas Matos speaks of the tribes of Israel and each one is unique, like individual branches (matos) of a greater tree. Yet the message is clear: our strength is in our togetherness.
This wasn’t just a story of finding a minyan, it was a reminder that every Jew counts, and when we show up for one another, Hashem orchestrates the rest.
May we always be blessed to see such open hashgacha pratis, and may we never underestimate the power of one Jew, one moment, or one mitzvah.
Shabbat Shalom,
Good Shabbos,
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie Lazaroff
THE COHEN CORNER
Open hands and open hearts can change the hardest conflicts.
In Parshas Matos, the Torah introduces the concept of a neder, a vow that doesn’t simply restrict a person’s behavior, but actually renders the object itself sacred. Instead of declaring something “bad,” the person elevates it, saying, “This is too holy for me to engage with right now.” This approach reflects a broader Torah mindset: when facing a challenge, we can either fight the negativity head-on or we can reframe the moment by adding meaning, light, and holiness.
This mindset helps both with life’s challenges and taking on new mitzvot. For example, highlight the peace and connection Shabbos brings instead of focusing on what you’re missing by turning off your phone on Friday night. See disagreements in relationships as chances to grow in patience and love. Shifting attention from frustration to meaning transforms resistance into growth and deeper connection.
Have a fabulous Shabbos!
Rabbi Yosef, Chanale & Mushka Cohen
UPCOMING EVENTS:
- 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 $45 with code advance (until Aug.7 ! Only a few tickets left, so, grab your spot! www.yjphouston.org/whiteboat
We share condolences to Olga Kotlyar, Sophie and Benji on the passing their husband and father, Gene Kotlyar, Yitzchak ben Avraham, a"h
SHABBOS CHAZAK ROSH CHODESH AV PARSHAS MATOS-MAASEI
FRIDAY, JULY 25, TAMMUZ 29
7:30 Mincha & Kabbalat Shabbat
8:01 Shabbos Candle Lighting
RSVP for Community Birthday Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
SHABBOS, JULY 26, AV 1
9:00 am Chassidus
10:00 am Morning Services
Shabbos Rosh Chodesh Lunch Kiddush & Farbrengen sponsored by Yocheved Shwarzman, marking the Yahrtzeit of her mother, Shayna Tziviya bat R' Aba Yosef, a"h on Tuesday, 4 Av
6:00 pm Torah Study
8:00 pm Mincha
Study of Pirkei Avos Ch. 2
8:57 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbat Ends
Living Torah Video Magazine
SUNDAY, JULY 27, AV 2
8:00 am Shacharis
MONDAY & THURSDAY, JULY 28 & 31, AV 3 & 6
6:45 am Shacharis