Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov, founder of the Chassidic movement, taught that the people we meet in life are like mirrors, they reflect back to us something about ourselves. When we get irritated or judgmental toward someone else, it’s G-d’s way of nudging us to look inward. Maybe the thing that bothers us in them is something we need to work on in ourselves.
We see this idea in the story of Noah. After the flood, Noah experienced a moment of weakness. His sons responded very differently. Cham mocked him and exposed his shame, while Shem and Yaphet quietly covered him, preserving his dignity. Their reaction wasn’t just about respect, it showed that they chose compassion over criticism.
That’s a powerful lesson for us today. We live in a world where judgment comes easily. Social media, politics, and even family conversations can quickly turn harsh. But before we roll our eyes or write someone off, we should pause and ask, “What is this moment teaching me about myself?”
Instead of criticizing, try getting curious. What’s behind this person’s view or behavior? What might they be afraid of or hoping for? We don’t have to agree, but we can listen, respect, and look for the shared humanity underneath.
Like Shem and Yaphet, we can choose to “cover” rather than expose; to protect dignity, build understanding, and bring more kindness into the world. That’s how real unity begins.
Shabbat shalom,
Rabbi Chaim and Chanie Lazaroff
THE COHEN CORNER
When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.
This week’s parsha tells of the Flood and Noach’s Ark, a story that, beyond its literal meaning, mirrors the waves of pressure that so often flood our own lives. Chassidic teachings explain that the waters of the Flood represent the “waters of worry” that threaten to drown us, especially the constant strain of earning a living and meeting life’s material demands. Yet, just as the floodwaters lifted the ark above the earth, our worldly challenges can also elevate us when we face them with faith and perspective. The Hebrew word teivah means both “ark” and “word,” reminding us that our refuge lies in the “words” of Torah and prayer. What seems like the chaos of daily survival can actually become a current that carries us closer to Hashem.
Practically, this means learning to see our financial and emotional pressures not as punishments but as opportunities for spiritual growth. When the bills pile up, or when you find yourself worrying over a shrinking bank balance, pause and shift from panic to gratitude. Thank Hashem that the expense is for something joyous. Then take a small, grounded action: give a bit of tzedakah, recite a short prayer before making a payment, or take a mindful breath before opening another bill. These simple acts turn turbulent waters into gentle waves, transforming life’s floods into instruments of calm and blessing.
Have a remarkable Shabbos!
Rabbi Yosef, Chanale & Mushka Cohen
IN THE NEWS: JHV, Thu, Oct 23, 2025 - ‘Sukkah Night Live’ brings Jewish young professionals together for laughter, connection - Houston’s Jewish young professionals were treated to an unforgettable “Sukkah Night Live” on Oct. 11. The event was a vibrant collaboration among Olami Houston, YAD (Jewish Federation of Greater Houston’s Minnette and Jerome Robinson Young Adult Division) and YJP Houston. The evening, graciously hosted at Chabad of Uptown, drew an energetic crowd of approximately 150 participants. More,,,
UPCOMING CLASSES & EVENTS:
- Shabbos, Oct. 25, 9:00 am - Likkutei Torah - Kabbala of the Parsha - Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi's Masterworks on the weekly Parsha.
- Monday,.Oct. 27 - Registration for Encounter Crown Heights opens TODAY! Don’t miss the biggest international weekend for Jewish young professionals. Sign up during opening week and save $200! While you are at it, complete a CYP Academy course and go for only $99! www.cypshabbat.nyc
- Monday, Oct. 27, 8:00 pm - שיעור שבועי בספר התניא עם הרב מני לע"נ יונה דוד ע"ה בן יפה תחי' פרנגר
- Monday, Oct., 27, 8 pm Met@Chabad Virtual Speeddating www.metatchabad.com/speeddating
- Wednesday, Oct 29, 8:00 pm - YJP Dinner, Class & Social - Weekly Contemporary Jewish Classes for Young Professionals and FREE DINNER!
- Thursday, Oct. 30, 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.
- 6 Tuesdays, Nov 4-Dec. 9, 7:30-9 pm - JLI Course: The Kabbalah of Meaning - Jewish Wisdom for Finding the Purpose that Connects all Parts of Life - Register
- 4 Wednesdays, November 5 – 26, 7:30–9:00 pm - CYP Academy: Decoding the Talmud - Inside the Story, Substance, and Significance of the Book That Defines Judaism. Complete the course and receive a $200 voucher to any upcoming CYP trip! www.yjphouston.org/talmudacademy
- Friday, Nov. 7, 6:30 pm Thanksgiving Shabbat - Nov. First Fridays - Come celebrate a fall themed Shabbat with other Young Jewish Professionals over Shabbat Dinner & Cocktails www.yjphouston.org/fall
- Nov. 7-9, Dallas CYP Texas Encounter - Largest First Fridays in Texas! Young Jewish Professionals from across Texas unite for a Shabbat weekend of inspiration, connection, and community. www.chabadyoung.com/tx
- Thurs. Nov. 20, 12 pm - Lunch N' Learn: Kabbalah of Kosher - A peek behind the meaning and purpose of Kosher Dietary Laws www.chabaduptown.org/lunch
- Mon.-Wed., Dec 22-31- CYP Israel Volunteer Trip - Meaningful, memorable and amazing volunteering trip to Israel this summer, eligible ages 18-50 —and the price is insane - as low at $599! www.yjphouston.org/israeltrip
- Thurs.-Sun., Jan. 16-18 - Encounter Crown Heights Shabbaton - Join us as we head to NYC for the Encounter Crown Heights Shabbaton set to take place over MLK Weekend! A weekend like no other, a chance to connect with hundreds Jewish young professionals from around the world and experience an unforgettable weekend in Crown Heights. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity! www.cypshabbat.nyc
Mazel tov to Hon. Elad & Leor Shoshan on the birth of a baby girl!
SHABBOS PARSHAS NOACH
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, CHESHVAN 2
6:24 pm Shabbos Candle Lighting
6:30 pm Mincha and Kabbalat Shabbat
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
SHABBOS, OCTOBER 25, CHESHVAN 3
9:00 am Chassidus
10:00 am Services
Followed by Shabbos Kiddush sponsored in honor of the Bar Mitzvah of Noah Mart
6:25 pm Mincha
Torah Study
7:17 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends
Living Torah
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26, CHESHVAN 4
8:00 am Shacharis
MONDAY & THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27 & 30, CHESHVAN 5 & 8
6:45 am Shacharis