This past Shabbos was filled with powerful moments of unity and inspiration. Some sixty five hundred Chabad rabbis and Jewish leaders from around the world gathered in Brooklyn from November thirteen to sixteen for the annual International Conference of Chabad Lubavitch Emissaries, the largest Jewish conference and rabbinic gathering in the world. 19 of Houston’s 24 Chabad rabbis were there, representing 17 institutions across our greater Houston community. The energy of thousands of shluchim standing together with a shared mission was deeply uplifting.
That spirit carried straight into our own community this week. Last night’s farbrengen in honor of Rosh Chodesh Kislev was warm and meaningful, followed this morning by a beautiful Rosh Chodesh breakfast sponsored by the Pfrenger Family in memory of Yonah Dovid AH ben Yaffa. The sense of renewal that comes with the beginning of a new month felt especially strong as we learned, sang and connected.
Maurice asked that we extend an invitation to all of you to participate in an important act of solidarity with Israel. This Sunday, we hope you will join us for a true display of Uptown love. Two fully outfitted MDA ambulances, on their way to Israel, will be parked briefly at the JCC parking lot at 5601 South Braeswood Boulevard from 1-2:30 pm. You and your friends are invited to come see them and to show support for this life saving mission.
You are also encouraged to join another meaningful event later that day as the Melnik family dedicates a new Torah at Chabad of West Houston in memory of their mother, Barbara Melnik. Her second yartzeit is near the sixth of Kislev, and the dedication will be a beautiful tribute to a cherished soul. Mazal tov to the family.
All of these moments come together in the message of this week’s parsha. We read about Yitzchak quietly redigs the wells of his father and reveals fresh water that was always there, just hidden. Toldos means “generations,” the story of how the inner flow of holiness is drawn from one generation into the next. From thousands of shluchim gathering at the Kinus, to our Rosh Chodesh farbrengen and breakfast, to ambulances on their way to save lives in Israel, to a new Sefer Torah in West Houston, our community is doing the same work as Yitzchak. We are uncovering the living wellspring already inside our people, so that the strength, faith and love of previous generations can flow more powerfully in ours. May we be blessed to keep opening these wells and to see only revealed goodness in our days..
May this spirit of unity carry us into the days ahead with strength and blessing.
Good Shabbos!
Rabbi Chaim and Chanie
THE COHEN CORNER
Sometimes what looks quiet on the surface is where the deepest strength is found.
Parshas Toldos centers entirely on Yitzchak’s life. Though his name means laughter, Yitzchak embodies calm discipline, steadiness, and inner awe. His greatness wasn’t loud or dramatic; it was discovered through digging, both literally and spiritually. While Avraham brought inspiration outward, Yitzchak uncovered the hidden wells within the world and within people. His ability to see potential in unlikely places, even in his wicked son, Esav, reflects the deeper “laughter” of finding goodness where no one expects it.
Yitzchak’s model is deeply relevant today. Jewish growth often happens not through dramatic leaps but through quiet consistency and the courage to dig beneath the surface. We do this by adding one small mitzvah we didn’t think we could manage, finding a spark of good in something or someone challenging, or uncovering a bit of depth in our own routine. By taking three focused minutes for Shema, lighting Shabbos candles even on a busy Friday, or asking our child one genuine question that opens their heart, we can echo Yitzchak’s wells. When we choose steadiness, depth, and persistence, we bring Yitzchak’s laughter into our own lives: finding joy in the places we least expect it.
Have a joyous Shabbos!
Rabbi Yosef, Chanale, Mushka & Mendel Cohen
Mazel tov Alexander and Lindsay Barsky on the birth of a baby boy! Mazel tov to the grandparents Julia & Oleg Barsky!
UPCOMING CLASSES:
- Shabbos, Nov. 22, 9:00 am - Likkutei Torah - Kabbala of the Parsha - Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi's Masterworks on the weekly Parsha.
- 11 Sundays, Nov 23-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
- Monday, Nov. 24, 8:00 pm - שיעור שבועי בספר התניא עם הרב מני לע"נ יונה דוד ע"ה בן יפה תחי' פרנגר
- 3 Tuesdays, Nov 25-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
- 2 Wednesdays, Dec. 3 & 10, 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
- Wed., Dec. 17, 8 pm - Chanukah YJP Dinner, Class & Social - Chanukah Edition of the weekly dinner, class & social
- Wed. Nov. 26, 7 pm - Chanie Birthday Farbrengen for Women
- Fri. Dec. 5, 6:00 pm - YJP Pink Shabbat - December First Fridays. Candle lighting at 5:04pm, Services at 6:00 pm followed by Shabbat dinner. RSVP before thursday $20, $36 after
- Mon. Dec. 8, 6:45 pm - 19 Kislev Dinner & Farbrengen - Rosh Hashana for Chassidus - Celebrating Rabbi Shneur Zalman's release from Czarist Prison and the Start of a New Era in the Teaching of Chassidus www.chabaduptown.org/chassidus
- Sun. Dec, 14, 4pm - BMX Chanukah and Annual Post Oak Menorah Lighting in cooperation with the Uptown Houston District. Giant menorah lighting, BMX Bike Show, Car Menorah Parade Drive-By, Fresh Donuts, Latkes, Gelt and Drinks, Festive Music. RSVP required, free admission
- Tues., Dec. 16, 10:30 am - Chanukah Mommy & Me - Join a nurturing and engaging Chanukah program designed for mothers and babies (newborn to 2 years) to learn, play, and connect in a warm Jewish environment. www.chabaduptown.org/mommy
- Thurs. Dec 18, 4:30-6:00pm - Heights Chanukah Celebration! Join us for a fun, family-friendly celebration filled with music, dancing, treats, and great vibes! Bring the kids, bring your friends, and come enjoy a beautiful afternoon of community
- Fri. Dec. 19, 5 pm - Chanukah Shabbat Dinner - Uptown style, where spirits run high! Candle lighting at 5:08 pm, Shabbat services 6 pm followed by dinner
- Sat. Night, Dec 20, 9:00 pm - YJP Houston & Moishe Pod Chanukah Donut Factory Party - Fry & decorate your own donut, latke grazing board, hot chocolate bar, the Dreidel wheel, themed drinks and music, and sufganiyot
- 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
SHABBOS PARSHAS TOLDOS
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21, KISLEV 1
5:06 pm Shabbos Candle Lighting & Mincha
6:00 pm Kabbalat Shabbat
RSVP for Shabbat at www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
SHABBOS, NOVEMBER 22, KISLEV 2
9:00 am Chassidus
10:00 am Services
Followed by Shabbos Kiddush sponsored by the Pfrenger family in memory of Yona David a"h ben Yaffa tichye
5:05 pm Mincha
Torah Study
6:00 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends
Living Torah
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23, KISLEV 3
8:00 am Shacharis
MONDAY NOVEMBER 24, KISLEV 4
6:45 am Shacharis
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27, KISLEV 7
8:00 am Shacharis