This Shabbos, a group of us traveled together to the Ohel, the resting place of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. It was an uplifting experience to stand side by side, each of us carrying our own prayers, yet united in purpose. The atmosphere reminded us that Judaism isn’t just about the individual, it’s about helping each other reconnect to what truly matters.
In this week’s parsha, Ki Seitzei, the Torah teaches the mitzvah of returning lost objects. On the surface, it’s about finding something and giving it back. Perhaps it can be explained that it also means helping another Jew “return” to themselves, to their soul, to their faith, and to their deepest sense of belonging.
That’s exactly what the trip was about. By traveling to the Ohel together, we reminded ourselves and each other of who we really are. Each of us will return a little more focused, a little more uplifted, and a little closer to our truest self. And when we help each other in this way, we’re fulfilling the mitzvah of returning what is lost, not just an object, but the spark inside.
Good Shabbos,
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie Lazaroff
THE COHEN CORNER
Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.
In this week’s parsha, Ki Teitzei, we encounter the mitzvah of shikchah , the forgotten sheaf. If a farmer accidentally leaves behind a bundle while harvesting, the Torah commands him not to return for it. Instead, it must be left for the convert, the orphan, and the widow. What’s striking is the reward: “so that G-d your L-rd will bless you in everything you do.” But as Rashi asks, why is there a blessing for something done unintentionally? The Rebbe explains that even when a mitzvah isn’t consciously performed, it still expresses a deeper truth: the soul’s innate desire to do good. The mitzvah may not have been fulfilled with that intention, but the action reveals an alignment with Hashem’s will that can surface in the most ordinary, even accidental, moments.
This idea reframes how we view Jewish expression and identity in daily life. Judaism often appears in the unnoticed corners of daily life. The mitzvah of shikchah reminds us that our actions, even small or unintentional ones, have spiritual weight. That moment of kindness, that pause before speaking harshly, the check-in with a neighbor. Whether we meant it or not, those moments build something holy, revealing a connection to something far greater.
Have an inspiring Shabbos!
Rabbi Yosef, Chanale & Mushka Cohen
UPCOMING CLASSES & EVENTS:
- Thurs.-Sun. September 4-7 - Men’s NYC Shabbos Trip 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! www.yjphouston.org/chocoshabbat
- 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
- Monday, Sept. 8, 8:00 pm - שיעור שבועי בספר התניא עם הרב מני לע"נ יונה דוד ע"ה בן יפה תחי' פרנגר
- Wednesday, Sept. 10, 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!
- Sunday, September 14, 6:30 pm - Pre-Rosh Hashana Women's Honey Cake Bake - Join us for an evening of connection and inspiration as we learn the art of baking fresh honey cakes to welcome the new year. Prayers and Raffles in support of our brothers and sisters in the holy land. www.chabaduptown.org/honey
Mazel tov to Solomos Berezin on his engagement to Basya Segal!
SHABBOS PARSHAS KI SEITZEI
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, ELUL 12
7:21 pm Shabbos Candle Lighting & Mincha
7:30 Kabbalat Shabbat
RSVP for Chocolate Shabbat First Fridays Dinner www.yjphouston.org/chocoshabbat
SHABBOS, AUGUST 6, ELUL 13
9:00 am Chassidus
10:00 am Services
Followed by Shabbos Kiddush & Farbrengen
7:20 pm Mincha
Ethics of Our Fathers Chapter 1 & 2
8:13 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends
Living Torah
SUNDAY, AUGUST 7, ELUL 14
8:00 am Shacharis
MONDAY & THURSDAY, SEPT 8 & 11, ELUL 15 & 18
6:45 am Shacharis