This week began with Guy’s Night Sushi and Sake produced by Rabbi Cohen. Fresh rolls, good vibes, and the kind of conversations that happen when friends gather simply to enjoy each other’s company.
The very next morning after shacharis we set out together on a spontaneous trip to Fredericksburg, Texas. It is a quiet little town filled with cowboy shops, antique stores, and vibrant art galleries. Though we had always heard about it, this was the first time we had actually seen it with our own eyes.
As we walked the streets, people wanted to know where we were from. “Houston, Texas,” we answered. But that was not enough. Rabbi Chaim had to say it again clearly, “My name is Chaim Lazaroff, and I was born right here in Texas.” The cowboy smiled wide and tipped his hat, saying how glad he was to meet a Jew. He added how much he loves the Torah, so right there in his shop we shared with him a crash course on the Sheva Mitzvos, the seven universal commandments for all of humanity.
That moment brought to life the opening words of this week’s parsha, Re’eh. “See, I place before you today blessing and curse.” To see means more than looking. It means recognizing the truth of what stands before you. We know who we are. They saw who we are.
Chassidim, shluchim of the Rebbe, born right here in Texas.
Good Shabbos!
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie Lazaroff
THE COHEN CORNER
In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer.
In this week’s parshah, the Torah warns about the rise of false prophets: individuals who seem convincing, even performing miracles, but whose goal is to lead us astray. The verse explains that such trials are allowed by Hashem not because He doesn’t know our faith, but because we don’t. These moments of confusion and challenge aren’t for Hashem to learn about us, but for us to uncover our inner clarity and resilience. The test isn’t the obstacle; it’s the tool.
During the wartime blackouts in London, a rabbi entered a shop seeking blackout curtains so he could continue studying Torah at night. The shopkeeper asked two questions: how strong was his light, and how close was it to the window? The closer and brighter the light, the thicker the curtain needed to block it. That simple exchange carried a profound message. When life feels especially dark, it may be because something bright and powerful is close by, waiting to be revealed. Often, the weight of a challenge reflects the strength of the light hidden within it.
Have a terrific Shabbos!
Rabbi Yosef, Chanale & Mushka Cohen
UPCOMING CLASSES & EVENTS:
- Shabbos, August 22, 9:30 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 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, 8:00 pm - שיעור שבועי בספר התניא עם הרב מני לע"נ יונה דוד ע"ה בן יפה תחי' פרנגר
- 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
- Wednesday, August 27, 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 28, 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.
- 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 MEVARCHIM ELUL, PARSHAS RE'EH
FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, AV 28
7:30 Mincha & Kabbalat Shabbat
7:37 pm Shabbos Candle Lighting
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
SHABBOS, AUGUST 23, AV 29
8:00 am Shabbos Mevarchim Tehillim
9:30 am Chassidus
10:00 am Services
Followed by Shabbos Mevarchim Kiddush & Farbrengen sponsored by the Benjaminov and Pfrenger families in honor of the IDF soldiers and in memory of Yonah Dovid a"h ben Yaffa tichye
6:30 pm Torah Study
7:35 pm Mincha
Ethics of Our Fathers Chapter 5
8:30 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends
Living Torah
SUNDAY, ROSH CHODESH ELUL I, AUGUST 24, AV 30
8:00 am Shacharis
Followed by Rosh Chodesh Breakfast
MONDAY ROSH CHODESH ELUL II, AUGUST 25, ELUL 1
6:45 am Shacharis
Followed by Rosh Chodesh Breakfast
THURSDAY, AUGUST 28, ELUL 4
6:45 am Shacharis