They tried to make our Chanukah this year go dark, and they failed.
בימים ההם, בזמן הזה, Bayamim haheim, bi'zman hazeh.
The story of Chanukah is not only history. It is happening again, in our time.
As the first lights were ready to be kindled, the difficult news from Bondi, Sydney reached us, touching hearts here in Houston and across Jewish communities around the world. And yet, what followed was nothing short of inspiring. Jews everywhere chose light. Instead of retreating, they stepped forward in greater numbers, with renewed resolve and brighter flames. Across Houston and across the globe, Chanukah lights did not flicker. They grew.
Here in Houston, we saw that light grow night after night. From the massive crowds at Sunday’s BMX Chanukah celebration, to the beautiful Menorah of Monday’s Lone Star Galleria menorah lighting, to Tuesday’s Nurturing Mommy and Me, and then Wednesday for the seniors at Brookdale Galleria and that night’s YJP Chanukah dinner, class, and social dedicated in honor of the recovery of Yehuda Leib ben Manya and all those affected by the Bondi attack. The week continued with the Heights menorah lighting on Thursday, each gathering another declaration that Jewish light is alive, proud, and unstoppable.
In the midst of the terror at Bondi, Leibel himself embodied that light. As chaos unfolded, he ran toward danger to help others, using his own clothing to try to stop the bleeding of a wounded police officer. In those moments, he was not thinking of himself, only of another human being in need. Leibel was gravely injured while acting with courage, selflessness, and compassion. His heroism has inspired people far beyond our community, reminding us that even in the darkest moments, one act of goodness can illuminate an entire world.
One moment from this week captured that message in the most moving way. Because Leibel cannot light a menorah with fire inside his hospital room, an incredible nurse went far beyond what anyone expected. He arranged for all the machines to be temporarily disconnected and made mobile so Leibel could be brought outside to light a real menorah for the first time this Chanukah. As they spoke, the nurse shared something extraordinary of his own. He is Jewish, from America, and had not lit a menorah since he was a young child with his grandparents. He had also never had a bar mitzvah. One mitzvah led to another, and right there outside the hospital, a menorah was lit and a beautiful bar mitzvah took place with the putting on of Tefillin for the first time. Light giving birth to more light.
This Shabbos carries another rare and uplifting moment. We read from three Torahs! Parshas Mikeitz, Chanukah, and Rosh Chodesh. It feels like a mini Simchas Torah. Not with hakafos, but with three Torahs. When Torah and mitzvos are embraced with joy, their light spreads far beyond the moment. Join us this Shabbos as we gather around three Torahs. Three Torahs are mandatory. Kulehs? Those are optional! :)
Houston Chronicle published Rabbi Chaim's op-ed that reflects on this moment and the decision to continue celebrating Chanukah with pride and purpose:
- Houston Chronicle
- NBC Houston Channel 2
- CBS Houston Channel 11
- FOX Houston Channel 26
For those who wish to help the family with mounting medical expenses, please visit lightsforleibel.com. To support all of the victims and their families, visit supportsydney.org. In a powerful expression of shared goodness and kindness that reaches beyond borders, the NSW Government has also launched a meaningful initiative inviting acts of light and compassion at nsw.gov.au/onemitzvah!
May Hashem bring comfort to all the families who have lost loved ones, a complete and speedy healing to all those who are ill or injured, and strength and protection to our entire people.
May the light of Chanukah continue to grow, pushing away every darkness.
Good Shabbos, Good Chodesh, and a happy Chanukah.
Rabbi Chaim and Chanie
THE COHEN CORNER
Pressure doesn’t break what’s built to endure.
Pharaoh is shaken by a repeated dream of cows and stalks of grain swallowing others, and Yosef explains that the repetition itself is a call to act. Gather resources, prepare, and make disciplined choices today that will shape the future. We too, are given moments that ask us to pay attention through quiet awareness, and Chanukah reminds us that those small actions can create lasting light. When the Maccabees acted with what they had, one day’s worth of oil burned for eight. Pressure did not weaken them, it revealed their strength, and Jewish life continues to endure through homes, habits, and simple, consistent choices.
Rabbi Eli Schlanger, hy"d, recently launched Project Noah, introducing the Seven Noahide Laws to public school students across Sydney. Through synagogue visits, challah baking, and interactive workshops, students explore universal values such as respect, truth, justice, and responsibility. The program equips young people with the tools to make ethical choices, strengthen community, and develop a deeper sense of moral awareness. We can draw inspiration from this urgent work and help empower people of all faiths and backgrounds to recognize that G-d created us all in His image and to live with accountability. By modeling ethical behavior in our workplaces, neighborhoods, and communities, we contribute to a world guided by justice, compassion, and shared responsibility, paving its path towards the arrival of Moshiach now!
Have a marvelous Shabbos!
Rabbi Yosef, Chanale, Mushka & Mendel Cohen
UPCOMING CLASSES:
- Shabbos, Dec. 20, 9:00 am - Likkutei Torah - Kabbala of the Parsha - Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi's Masterworks on the weekly Parsha.
- 8 Sundays, Dec. 21-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
- Wed., Dec. 24, 8 pm - YJP & Community Chinese Dinner & (Mahjong and other) Game Night & Social (RSVP to the Cohens)
UPCOMING EVENTS:
- Dec. 14-22 - Celebrate Chanukah! - Check out the full calendar of our six Chanukah events and celebrate all eight nights in Uptown style! www.chabaduptown.org/light
- 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. RSVP: www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
- 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. www.yjphouston.org/fry
- 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
- Fri., Jan. 2, 6 pm - First Fridays 2026 Edition - Kick off the new calenday year right with other Young Jewish Professionals, ages 21 to 39! www.yjphouston.org/2026shabbat
- 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 of Jewish young professionals from around the world and experience an unforgettable weekend in Crown Heights. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity! www.yjphouston.org/nyc
SHABBOS CHANUKAH, ROSH CODESH TEVES, PARSHAS MIKEITZ
FRIDAY, CHANUKAH NIGHT 6, DECEMBER 19, KISLEV 29
5:00 pm 6th Chanukah Candle Lighting
5:08 pm Shabbos Candle Lighting & Mincha
6:00 pm Kabbalat Shabbat
RSVP for Chanukah Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
SHABBOS, ROSH CHODESH TEVES, DECEMBER 20, KISLEV 30
9:00 am Chassidus
10:00 am Services
Followed by Shabbos Kiddush & Farbrengen
5:05 pm Mincha
Torah Study
6:05 pm Maariv, 7th Candle Menorah Lighting, Havdalla and Shabbos ends
Living Torah
At home: Havdalla first, then 7th candle Menorah Lighting
9:00 pm YJP Houston Chanukah Donut Factory www.yjphouston.org/fry
SUNDAY, ROSH CHODESH TEVES II, DECEMBER 21, TEVES 1
8:00 am Shacharis
Followed by monthly Rosh Chodesh Breakfast sponsored by Avi Mesilaty & Family for the complete & speedy recovery of his granddaughter, Dalia bat Mai Naama, tichye.
5:27 pm Earliest time to Light 8th Candle Menorah, to burn until at least 6:24 pm
CHANUKAH DAY 8 MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, TEVES 2
6:45 am Shacharis
Chanukah Hallel & Torah Reading
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, TEVES 5
8:00 am Shacharis