Rivky just returned from an incredible summer as a counselor at CTeen Balaton, held on the peaceful shores of Lake Balaton near Budapest. One special moment stood out: Ilana, a camper from last year, suggested they bring back an idea she loved, to have a nightly Shema group chat. The girls now say Shema each night, sending selfies with their eyes covered, creating a shared moment of meaning and connection across the world.
Closer to home, Bluma wrapped up her summer as a counselor at our local day camp, where she brought joy, warmth, and Yiddishkeit to so many children. Different places, different ages, but the same mission: to inspire Jewish life with heart and soul.
This week’s parsha, Va’eschanan, includes the verse of Shema Yisrael, the core of Jewish belief. In yesterday’s Hayom Yom (13 Av), the Rebbe explains how the verses that follow — “when you sit at home, when you walk on the way, when you lie down and when you rise” — represent the entire journey of the soul. From its place in heaven to its time on earth, from youth to old age, even in its return Above and ultimate return when Moshiach arrives, the Torah and Shema remain its constant companion.
These girls may be young, but their nightly Shema reminds us: wherever a Jew may be, whatever stage of life they’re in — we’re never alone. The words of Shema connect us, protect us, and uplift us.
Good Shabbos!
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie Lazaroff
THE COHEN CORNER
The true test of character is what one does when the spotlight turns off
As the Jewish people prepare to enter the Land of Israel without Moshe, he delivers an urgent message, one that our people have continued to proclaim daily since then: “Hear O Israel, the L‑rd is our G‑d, the L‑rd is One.” His words weren’t just theological; they were a moral challenge. In the desert, Hashem’s presence was obvious. But in “normal” life, on the battlefield, in business, or in private, the people would face real tests of integrity. Would they stay true to their values when no one was watching? Moshe was reminding them that true oneness with Hashem means being the same person inside and out, no matter who’s watching – or not.
This message hits close to home. It’s easy to do the right thing when praise is likely, but what about when no one notices, or even cares? Returning a missed item at the store, letting someone cut in traffic, doing the right thing without applause can feel thankless. But if our moral compass depends on validation, we’re not really in charge of it. Try this: once a day, do something kind or honest that no one will know about. Keep it secret. Track how it makes you feel. That quiet satisfaction? That’s integrity, and it lasts longer than any “thank you” ever could.
Have an incredible Shabbos!
Rabbi Yosef, Chanale & Mushka Cohen
UPCOMING EVENTS:
- Sunday, August 10, 6:30 pm - 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! SOLD OUT www.yjphouston.org/whiteboat
- Sunday, August 17, 7:30 pm - Guy's Night Sushi and Sake - Join us for a night of great food, good vibes, and solid company. We’re rolling into the evening with fresh sushi, premium sake, and laid-back conversation. No pressure, no agenda, just a good time shared together www.chabaduptown.org/guys
- Sunday, August 24, 6:30 pm - Women's Challah Bake - Join us for a fun hands-on evening of mixing, braiding, and baking fresh challah. No experience needed. Just come ready to connect, create, and enjoy! RSVP at chabaduptown.org/bake
- Thurs.-Sun. September 4-7 - Men’s NYC Shabbos Trip – It’s On! Prepare for Rosh Hashanah with an uplifting weekend at the Ohel! Reply to this email to secure your spot!
- Friday, September 5, 7:30 pm - Chocolate Shabbat September First Fridays - Shabbat & Chocolate? Pass the challah please! Join Young Jewish Professionals For a Chocolate Themed Shabbat Dinner at YJP Houston – where spirits run high!
- Tuesday, September 9, 12 pm - Lunch and Learn: Prayer: Private or Performance? Explore the High Holiday paradox of intimate prayer in a communal setting www.chabaduptown.org/lunch
- Sunday, September 14, 6:30 pm - Women's Honey Cake Bake - An evening to Uplift & Inspire, bake a decadent honey cake bake from scratch!
SHABBOS NACHAMU TU B'AV PARSHAS V'ESCHANAN
FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, AV 14
7:30 Mincha & Kabbalat Shabbat
7:51 pm Shabbos Candle Lighting
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
SHABBOS TU B'AV, AUGUST 9, AV 15
9:00 am Chassidus
10:00 am Services
Reading of the Ten Commandments
Followed by Shabbos Kiddush sponsored by Jason Fischer in honor of Mendel's safety in Israel and the Pfrenger family in memory of Bonnie’s stepfather Yisroel ben Eliezer Hakohen
7:50 pm Mincha
Ethics of Our Fathers Chapter 3
8:46 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends
Living Torah
SUNDAY, AUGUST 10, AV 16
8:00 am Shacharis
MONDAY & THURSDAY, AUGUST 11 & 14, AV 17 & 20
6:45 am Shacharis