And.... we are back!
We returned this week from Israel filled, strengthened, and deeply connected.
One of the highlights was Shabbos in Jerusalem. We lit candles in the Old City, then made our way to the Kotel for tefillah and dancing, shoulder to shoulder with fellow Jews, united in spirit and joy. Friday night continued with a meal held above an ancient mikvah, a powerful reminder that Jewish life is layered, continuous, and unbroken. We are standing where Jews stood before us, adding our own chapter to the story.
Shabbos itself was rich with Torah and togetherness. Some of the group learned and davened with Rabbi Chaim at Mayanot Yeshiva, while others learned Torah together with Chanie at the hotel. We shared Shabbos meals, thoughtful conversation, and meaningful learning. As Shabbos concluded, the shuk came alive, lights and voices filling the air, the rhythm of Jewish life moving forward with energy and confidence.
On Sunday, we quite literally followed in the footsteps of our people. We tied tzitzit for IDF soldiers, paused in tefillah at Kever Rachel where Jewish tears have never dried, enjoyed lunch at Gush Etzion Winery, and went jeeping along the muddy dirt roads of Derech Avot, the paths of the Patriarchs. Everywhere we went, the same truth became clearer. This land does not just tell our story. You can feel it.
Monday brought perspective and resolve. At Shura, we learned about the holy avodah of chesed shel emet carried out by the IDF Rabbinate, the sacred responsibility of honoring every soul with absolute dignity. The rabbi and rabbanit shared that they were confronted with sights no human being should ever have to witness, realities that no mind can fully comprehend. Standing there strengthened our clarity and our commitment to live purposeful Jewish lives, rooted in Torah values, responsibility, and unwavering devotion to Am Yisrael.
From there, the day turned forward. In Tel Aviv, we visited KPMG and heard from Shmuly Lazaroff about Israel’s resilient financial sector, its innovation and strength, alongside reflections on service and responsibility. We closed the mission with a meaningful dinner together in Tel Aviv, grateful, inspired, and confident in the future.
Now we are home, ready to gather again. Tonight we open First Fridays 2026, welcoming Shabbos together as a YJP and Chabad of Uptown community. This Shabbos is Chazak, Parshas Vayechi, a parsha of continuity, blessing, and forward vision. Yaakov strengthens his children before they step into what comes next.
Chazak! Strong in who we are. Strong in where we are going. And strongest when we move forward together.
Am Yisrael Chai!
Rabbi Chaim and Chanie
P.S. Click here to explore the photos that bring some parts of the endless journey to life.
THE COHEN CORNER
Behavior is intention made tangible
Jewish life is filled with countless actions from morning until night, from wrapping leather around our arms to lighting candles before sunset or choosing one food over another. On the surface these acts can feel simple or even mechanical, yet the Torah teaches that each is a vessel for something far deeper. When Yakov blesses Yehudah he speaks of garments being laundered in wine, an image the sages understand as metaphor. Mitzvot are like garments: closely associated with us yet not part of who we are. The Divine energy they draw into the world is immense, but it rests beyond our immediate awareness. We wear them rather than fully absorb them, which is why the spirituality within these acts is not always immediately felt.
The Torah offers a practical guide for bringing that hidden holiness to life: wash the garments in wine. Wine represents joy, and joy is what allows the deeper meaning of a mitzvah to be experienced in everyday life. When actions are performed out of habit they remain external, but when approached with joy and a sense of privilege the heart opens and effort feels lighter. Routine moments become meaningful, and the mitzvah begins to shape the inner self. Nothing more is required than intention. When mitzvot are infused with joy, their hidden holiness becomes tangible, and what once felt ordinary transforms into a living connection with the Divine.
Have a delightful Shabbos!
Rabbi Yosef, Chanale, Mushka & Mendel Cohen
UPCOMING CLASSES:
- Shabbos, Jan. 3, 9:00 am - Likkutei Torah - Kabbala of the Parsha - Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi's Masterworks on the weekly Parsha.
- 6 Sundays, Jan. 4-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, Jan. 5, 8:00 pm - שיעור שבועי בספר התניא עם הרב מני לע"נ יונה דוד ע"ה בן יפה תחי' פרנגר
- Wed., Jan. 7, 8 pm - YJP Dinner, Class & Social - Weekly Contemporary Jewish Classes for Young Professionals and FREE DINNER!
- Thursday, Jan. 8, 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.
- Tues. Jan. 13, 12 pm - Lunch N' Learn: The Universal Code - A deep dive into the 7 laws of Noach - www.chabaduptown.org/lunch
UPCOMING EVENTS:
- Fri., Jan. 2, 6 pm - First Fridays 2026 Edition - Kick off the new calendar 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 CHAZAK PARSHAS VAYECHI
FRIDAY, JANUARY 2, TEVES 13
5:17 pm Shabbos Candle Lighting & Mincha
6:00 pm Kabbalat Shabbat
RSVP for YJP First Fridays 2026 Shabbat Dinner - www.yjphouston.org/2026shabbat
SHABBOS, JANUARY 3, TEVES 13
9:00 am Chassidus
10:00 am Services
Followed by Shabbos Chazak Kiddush & Farbrengen
5:15 pm Mincha
Torah Study
6:14 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends
Living Torah
SUNDAY, JANUARY 4, TEVES 15
8:00 am Shacharis
MON. & TUES., JAN. 5 & 8, TEVES 16 & 19
6:45 am Shacharis