Shabbat Shalom from Jerusalem.
As we are grateful for the Cohens lead Shabbos at home, we are here in Jerusalem with the YJP Houston volunteering mission to Israel, entering Shabbos filled, grateful, and deeply moved.
Since landing Monday morning, our days have been a blend of giving back, bearing witness, and feeling the land with our feet and our hearts.
Monday
We began in Tel Aviv volunteering at a special needs home for adults. From the very first hours, hands on chesed grounded us in why we came. To serve, to show up, and to be present with love.
Tuesday
We volunteered at a senior home, listening to stories that carry decades of strength and memory. From there we traveled north to Rosh Hanikra, walking the cliffs and taking in the breathtaking views. Later, for a Keshet nature walk, surrounded by quiet beauty that speaks without words.
Wednesday
We volunteered cleaning up fire damage at the beautiful Ein Kashtot. Pulling weeds, planting trees and restoring dignity to a place of history felt like rebuilding in the most literal sense. We then traveled to Tzfat, touring the mikvah and walking the old city, where holiness and resilience are etched into every stone.
Thursday
The day took us south. We volunteered in Sufa, giving support where it is needed to help them rebuild their lives to their they just recently returned to. We heard from a Nova Festival survivor at the Nova Festival site in Reim, standing in silence where music once played. In Sderot, at the Chabad House, we heard Oct. 7 testimony from Rabbi Pizem, words that still echo. The day concluded with a BBQ and dance party for IDF soldiers at the Tzanchanim commanders training base, bringing joy, strength, and gratitude to those protecting Am Yisrael.
Friday
We exploredJerusalem. The Kotel. The Old City. The shuk. The sights, sounds, and scents of Erev Shabbos wrapping around us as we prepare to welcome the day of rest in the heart of our people.
As we enter Shabbos here, Parshas Vayigash feels especially close. Yehuda steps forward. He does not look away. He draws near. Vayigash eilav Yehuda. This week has been about stepping forward, drawing close to our people, our land, and our responsibility to one another. Not from a distance, but face to face.
We cannot wait to see you and tell you more when we come back. Until then, Shabbat Shalom from Jerusalem.
Rabbi Chaim and Chanie
THE COHEN CORNER
Most of the things we worry about never happen.
We stand before situations that feel overwhelming, convinced that every door is closed, when in reality the answer may already be standing nearby. The Torah illustrates this powerfully in the story of Yosef and his brothers. At their lowest moment, accused, imprisoned, and facing the loss of Binyamin, the brothers believed everything was falling apart. Then Yosef revealed himself and, in an instant, the entire picture changed. Nothing external shifted. No miracle broke the laws of nature. The reality had been there all along, hidden in plain sight. The perceived enemy was actually a brother, and what felt like catastrophe was the very path that preserved their family. The Torah is teaching that sometimes redemption is not about something new entering our lives, but about a deeper truth finally coming into focus.
This idea translates directly into daily life. We all encounter moments when challenges pile up and solutions seem distant or unrealistic. Finances, relationships, health, or personal direction can feel so tangled that hope itself begins to fade. Yet often the breakthrough comes not from dramatic change, but from a subtle shift in perspective, an honest conversation, a small act of trust, or the courage to see what we have been overlooking. The Torah reminds us to pause before despair, to trust that Hashem’s perspective is larger than ours, and to look carefully at what is already in front of us. Very often, the moment we stop assuming the worst and allow space for faith, clarity arrives, and what once felt impossible becomes manageable, even meaningful.
Have a remarkable Shabbos!
Rabbi Yosef, Chanale, Mushka & Mendel Cohen
UPCOMING CLASSES:
- Shabbos, Dec. 27, 9:00 am - Likkutei Torah - Kabbala of the Parsha - Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi's Masterworks on the weekly Parsha.
- 7 Sundays, Dec. 28-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. 31, 8 pm - YJP Dinner, Class & Social
UPCOMING EVENTS:
- 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 PARSHAS VAYIGASH
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 26, TEVES 6
5:12 pm Shabbos Candle Lighting & Mincha
6:00 pm Kabbalat Shabbat
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
SHABBOS, DECEMBER 27, TEVES 7
9:00 am Chassidus
10:00 am Services
Followed by Shabbos Kiddush
5:10 pm Mincha
Torah Study
6:09 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends
Living Torah
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, TEVES 8
8:00 am Shacharis
MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, TEVES 9
6:45 am Shacharis
TUESDAY, FAST OF ASARA B'TEVES, DECEMBER 30, TEVES 10
5:56 am Fast Begins
6:45 am Shacharis w/ Asara B'Teves Torah Reading
5:00 pm Mincha w/ Asara B'Teves Torah Reading
5:59 pm Fast Ends and Maariv
THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, TEVES 12
8:00 am Shacharis