Avraham had a once in a lifetime moment as Hashem’s presence, the Shechinah, appeared to him. And what did he do? He left that holy encounter to run after three dusty travelers in the desert. Our sages teach that “welcoming guests is greater than receiving the Shechinah itself.” Why? Because when we open our homes to others, we do not step away from holiness, we bring holiness inside.
At Chabad of Uptown and YJP Houston, we strive to live this teaching every day by opening our doors wide so every Jewish soul can enter, feel at home, and experience the light of the Shechinah.
This Sunday through Tuesday we launch our main annual campaign, raising $300,000 toward our $930,000 annual budget. That is double last year’s goal. Every dollar you give will be tripled thanks to our incredible team of matchers whose generosity and partnership make our work possible. Their belief in our mission inspires all of us to reach higher and give stronger, turning every gift you make into three times the impact.
With new shluchim, Rabbi and Mrs. Cohen, joining our team (mazel tov on their newest addition, a baby boy born yesterday!), we are doubling our efforts to serve the community and need your help to match that energy. Please double your impact, double your reach, and join the Uptown Triple Effect, where every gift welcomes the Shechinah into our shared home.
Good Shabbos,
Rabbi Chaim and Chanie Lazaroff
THE COHEN CORNER
Difficulties strengthen the mind, as labor does the body
Avraham’s life, as the Torah describes, was marked by ten tests, each one a challenge that revealed the depth of his faith and character. When Hashem asked him to bind his son Yitzchak, it was not to measure his devotion, but to magnify it. The Hebrew word for “test,” nisayon, shares a root with nes, meaning both “banner” and “miracle.” A test, then, is not only an evaluation but an elevation; a chance to raise the banner of one’s inner strength and to achieve something miraculous.
In our daily Jewish lives, we encounter our own nisyonot: moments that stretch our patience, faith, or courage. Like Avraham, we are invited to see each challenge as an opportunity to uncover hidden spiritual strength. When faced with struggle, we can remind ourselves that every test is also a banner waiting to be raised. It is a chance to transform difficulty into divine growth and to bring a bit more light into the world.
Have an outstanding Shabbos!
Rabbi Yosef, Chanale, Mushka & baby Cohen
- Friday, Nov. 7, 6:00 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
- Friday, Nov. 7, 9:30-11:30pm Shalom Zachor for Baby Boy Cohen - Read all about it here
- 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
- Shabbos, Nov. 8, 9:00 am - Likkutei Torah - Kabbala of the Parsha - Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi's Masterworks on the weekly Parsha.
- Sunday-Tuesday, Nov. 9-11, Uptown Triple Effect Annual Crowdfunding Campaign. GOAL: $300,000
- Monday, Nov. 10, 8:00 pm - שיעור שבועי בספר התניא עם הרב מני לע"נ יונה דוד ע"ה בן יפה תחי' פרנגר
- 5 Tuesdays, Nov 11-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
- Wednesday, Nov. 12, 7 pm - Special VIP Guest Speaker & Reception - Reply to this email for details.
- Thursday, Nov. 13, 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.
- 12 Sundays, Nov 16-Feb. 1, 11 am - Hebrew Scouts: Level Up Your Hebrew! Dive into an exciting 12-week adventure with Chabad of Uptown and YJP Houston! Strengthen your Hebrew reading, explore roots and word patterns, and boost your skills in a fun, friendly setting with Rabbi Yosef Cohen and team. www.chabaduptown.org/hebrew
- 3 Wednesdays, November 19 – De. 3, 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
- 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 Encounter 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 - CYP 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 Rabbi Yosef & Chanale Cohen on the birth of a baby boy!
Mazel tov to Sion Shamooelian & Family on his Bar Mitzvah!
SHABBOS PARSHAS VAYEIRA
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7, CHESHVAN 16
5:12 pm Shabbos Candle Lighting & Mincha
6:00 pm Kabbalat Shabbat
RSVP for November First Fridays Thanksgiving Shabbat Dinner www.yjphouston.org/fall
9:30-11:30pm Shalom Zachor for Baby Boy Cohen
SHABBOS, NOVEMBER 8, CHESHVAN 17
9:00 am Chassidus
10:00 am Services
Followed by Shabbos Kiddush in honor of the Bar MItzvah of Sion Shamooelian
5:10 pm Mincha
Torah Study
6:07 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends
Living Torah
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9, CHESHVAN 18
8:00 am Shacharis
MONDAY & THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10 & 13, CHESHVAN 19 & 22
6:45 am Shacharis