On the boat this week for the Tu B'Av YJP White Party - Sunset at Sea, we played a game where each couple sat back-to-back and answered questions by raising either their own shoe or their spouse’s shoe. The couples were at all stages — dating, engaged, newly married, and… us, married for many years.
It was amazing to see how the longer a couple had been together, the more their answers matched. Baruch Hashem, Chanie and I got 9 out of 10 right. The only one we “missed”? The question was, “Who’s the better gift giver?” — and we each raised the other one’s shoe!
It reminded us of this week’s parsha, Eikev, where the Torah says to “fear Hashem… and to love Him.” Love means closeness, and like any relationship, the more time you spend together, the more you understand each other without even speaking.
The annual White Party on Tu B'Av is a celebration of Jewish connection — with Hashem and with each other. The more we invest in these relationships, through mitzvos and kindness, the more “in sync” we become, until loving and serving Hashem becomes second nature.
Good Shabbos!
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie Lazaroff
THE COHEN CORNER
Life’s sweetest work is done by those who know it’s not about them.
In Parshas Eikev, the Land of Israel is described as “a land flowing with milk and honey,” a phrase rich with meaning. Focusing on honey, the sages teach us to learn from the bee, an insect that spends its life gathering nectar, producing sweetness, and only stings in self-defense. The bee’s mission is clear: create, contribute, and avoid conflict unless absolutely necessary. This reflects our own spiritual path. We’re here to collect goodness from the world, turn it into something meaningful, and stay focused on that mission. When distractions arise, whether from people, challenges, or inner struggles, we're reminded to respond only when necessary and otherwise keep moving forward, creating and contributing.
The Talmud adds a deeper layer: honey is kosher despite coming from a non-kosher creature because it isn’t a true secretion; the bee is simply a channel. So too, we are meant to see ourselves as pass-through entities, vessels for something higher. When we remember that our soul’s mission is bigger than our pride or hurt feelings, we stop making everything personal. We don’t need to react to every slight or setback. We’re here to do something sweet in the world, so don’t let ego, fear, or frustration distract you. Just stay the course and keep making honey.
Have a superb Shabbos!
Rabbi Yosef, Chanale & Mushka Cohen
P.S. This Sunday, August 17, join me for Torah and Tea in celebration of my birthday. 11:00 am–12:00 pm at 4311 Bettis Drive. An inspiring Torah discussion, warm company, and light refreshments will be served. For women only. Hope to see you there! - Chanale
UPCOMING CLASSES & EVENTS:
- Shabbos, August 16, 9:00 am - Likkutei Torah - Kabbala of the Parsha - Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi's (ob"m) Masterworks on the weekly Parsha of Chassidic Philosophy, Torah Or & Likkutei Torah.
- Sunday, August 17, 11:00 am - Torah and Tea For Women - Celebrate Chanale’s birthday with an inspiring Torah discussion over tea. Connect, learn, and enjoy light refreshments together.
- 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
- Monday, August 18, 8:00 pm - שיעור שבועי בספר התניא עם הרב מני לע"נ יונה דוד ע"ה בן יפה תחי' פרנגר
- Wednesday, August 20, 8:00 pm - YJP Dinner, Class & Social - Weekly Contemporary Jewish Classes for Young Professionals Come discuss, agree, disagree, mingle and network with other young Jewish professionals, singles and couples at series of classes / discussions on contemporary themes! Class, discussion and FREE DINNER!
- Thursday, August 21, 8:00 pm - The Heart of Prayer - In depth look at the prayer book, picking apart the prayer structure and meaning exploring the mechanics and mysticism that comprise Jewish prayer.
- 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
- Monday, August 25, 8:15 pm - Largest Global Jewish Dating Virtual Event - Get serious about getting married and find your match and connect with Jewish singles from around the world in a fun, fast-paced setting. Sign up now at metatchabad.com/speeddating
- 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!
Mazel Tov to Dan & Shiffy Melnik on the birth of a baby boy and to the proud grandparents Moshe & Guitel Melnik and the entire Melnik family!!!
SHABBOS PARSHAS EIKEV
FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, AV 21
7:30 Mincha & Kabbalat Shabbat
7:44 pm Shabbos Candle Lighting
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
SHABBOS, AUGUST 16, AV 22
9:00 am Chassidus
10:00 am Services
Followed by Shabbos Kiddush sponsored in part by Sharon Lechtig in honor of the Chabad of Uptown community and by the Cohens in honor of Chanale's birthday
6:30 pm Torah Study
7:45 pm Mincha
Ethics of Our Fathers Chapter 4
8:38 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends
Living Torah
SUNDAY, AUGUST 17, AV 23
8:00 am Shacharis
MONDAY & THURSDAY, AUGUST 18 & 21, AV 24 & 27
6:45 am Shacharis