Under live fire on the first night of Chanukah, in the middle of chaos and terror, my nephew Leibel Lazaroff did not run during the terror attack at Bondi Beach.
He tore the shirt off his own back and used it as a tourniquet to save the life of police officer Scott Dyson. Only after stopping the bleeding did Leibel himself fall, shot and gravely wounded.
Leibel would spend twenty days in the ICU. He would undergo more than ten surgeries. Pain became constant. Recovery at first was uncertain.
And yet last night, just weeks later, he stood at the Sydney Opera House.
He did not walk up alone. He needed help to ascend the steps. His body was still fragile. His voice was weak. But it was steady. Composed. Present.
The moment his name was announced, the hall erupted. Applause turned to cheers. A standing ovation rose instinctively from thousands, including the Prime Minister of Australia. Before a single note was played, the room understood that this was not a performance. It was a moment.
The prayer that has become one of the most poignant songs of our time, recited in synagogues around the world every Monday and Thursday, then began.
“Gaze down from heaven and see that we have become an object of scorn and derision among the nations.
We have become considered like sheep led to the slaughter, to be slain, to be obliterated, to be stricken and disgraced.”
Those words were sung in perfect harmony in Habeit by vocalists Meir Wilenkin and Rabbi Chaim Koncepolski, filling the hall with grief, memory, and longing.
Then the music shifted.
For the final lines, Leibel sang alone.
וּבְכָל זֹאת שִׁמְךָ לֹא שָׁכָחְנוּ, נָא, אַל תִּשְׁכָּחֵנוּ
“Nevertheless, we have not forgotten Your name. Please, do not forget us.”
Afterward, Leibel told me, “It hurt a lot to sing. But I needed to do it. A week and a half ago, I told the doctors, ‘What do I need to do to get out by next Thursday?’ They looked at me like I was crazy. They gave me a checklist, and I said, ‘Prepare for discharge. I’ll be ready.’ Somehow, by thinking that way, I made it happen.”
When his voice emerged for that final plea, the crowd roared again. Tears mixed with applause. A standing ovation followed him off the stage and continued even after he disappeared from view.
This week’s Parshas Bo tells of the moment Pharaoh finally breaks. After the plague of the firstborn, he does not negotiate. He does not delay. He drives the Jewish people out of Egypt with urgency and fear. So suddenly that they leave with Matzah as bread unfinished, still raw, still wounded.
But they do not leave empty handed.
They leave with gold, silver, and garments. With dignity. With proof that suffering did not erase who they were.
Leibel walked onto that stage the same way.
Still healing. Still fragile. Still unfinished.
But not broken.
And today, just a few hours ago, very aware that others were killed that day, Leibel returned to the very place where his own life was nearly taken. Standing at Bondi Beach, he gave thanks for his own survival and recited the blessing said at the site of a miracle, "שעשה לי נס במקום הזה" — Blessed is He Who performed a miracle for me in this place!
He gave his shirt to save a life. He gave his voice to sanctify pain. And he stood before the world as living testimony that even when we are wounded, we rise.
That is how redemption begins.
This is how light wins.
Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie
P.S. This past weekend in New York was unforgettable as YJP Houston joined young Jewish professionals from around the world for a powerful leadership summit. From inspiring speakers and meaningful learning, to Shabbat together, moments at the Ohel, and incredible energy throughout the weekend, these photos capture connection, Jewish pride, and the strength of community. Grateful for our Houston delegation and excited to bring this inspiration back home.
THE COHEN CORNER
A society may announce its values loudly, but a home whispers what is truly believed.
In the final moments before the Exodus from Egypt, the Jewish people were commanded to place the blood of the Korban Pesach on their doorposts. Hashem obviously needed no assistance in identifying Jewish homes, nor was the night’s redemption dependent on markings or symbols. The doorposts were marked for the Jewish people themselves. The door represents the threshold between public identity and private reality; between how we present ourselves to the world and how we actually live when no one is watching. By placing the blood specifically there, the Torah teaches that true redemption begins when a Jew’s inner life aligns with his or her outer commitments.
Judaism asks us to think about the “doors” of our homes and our workplaces. What do they say about who we really are? A Jewish home is shaped by conscious choices: a kosher mezuzah on the doorpost, Jewish books on the shelves, tzedakah boxes within reach, Shabbat candles lit with intention, and words of Torah and gratitude shared at a table filled with guests. A Jewish workplace should reflect the same values: honesty in business, respect for others, setting aside time for a study or prayer, and being mindful of brachot and ethical conduct. These modern “doorpost markings” are quiet but powerful declarations that Judaism is not just something we display outwardly, but something we live where it matters most: behind our own doors.
Have a meaningful Shabbos,
Rabbi Yosef, Chanale, Mushka & Mendel Cohen
UPCOMING CLASSES:
- Shabbos, Jan. 24, 9:00 am - Likkutei Torah - Kabbala of the Parsha - Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi's Masterworks on the weekly Parsha.
- 3 Sundays, Jan. 25-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. 26, 8:00 pm - שיעור שבועי בספר התניא עם הרב מני לע"נ יונה דוד ע"ה בן יפה תחי' פרנגר
- 5 Tuesdays Jan. 27-Feb 24, 7:30-9 pm - JLI Course: Captivating Cases in Rabbinic Responsa Listen in on the surprising, practical questions your ancestors asked rabbis across Jewish history. Registration required
- 4 Wednesdays, Feb. 4-25, 7:30–9:00 pm - CYP Academy: How Success Thinks - Jewish Secrets for Leading a Productive Life. Complete the course and receive a $200 voucher to any upcoming CYP trip! www.yjphouston.org/success
UPCOMING EVENTS:
- Wednesday, Jan. 28, 8:00 pm – Farbrengen Marking 10 Shvat – Join us for an inspiring farbrengen commemorating the yahrzeit of the Previous Rebbe and the assumption of leadership of the Rebbe, with insights by Rabbi Mendel Blecher, video presentation, and dinner served. RSVP via call or WhatsApp to Rabbi Cohen 832-269-9170.
- Saturday Night, January 31st, 8:00-9:30pm - Broth & Bourbon: Tu B’Shvat Guy’s Night - Veggie soups, Smooth bourbon. A warm, relaxed evening celebrating growth and good company. Graciously hosted by Dr. Jose and Vivian Cohen. RSVP at www.chabaduptown.org/guys
Sunday, Feb. 1, 6:30 pm – Tu B’Shvat Women’s Event: Focaccia Floral Art – Celebrate Tu B’Shvat with a beautiful hands-on evening creating edible floral focaccia art, connection, and inspiration for women at Chabad of Uptown. RSVP: www.chabaduptown.org/focaccia - Friday, Feb. 6, 6:00 pm - Shabbat Shaloha - YJP First Fridays in Hawaii - Celebrate “Shabbat in Hawaii” with Young Jewish Professionals in their 20s and 30s at this month’s Hawaiian Style First Friday Shabbat Dinner & Cocktails www.yjphouston.org/shabbatshaloha
- Saturday, Feb. 7, 1 pm – Shabbos Lunch Kiddush in Memory of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson – Join us for a Shabbos Kiddush and Farbrengen marking the 38th yahrzeit of the Rebbetzin, held on Shabbos Parshas Yisro.
SHABBOS PARSHAS BO
FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, SHEVAT 5
5:34 pm Shabbos Candle Lighting & Mincha
6:00 pm Kabbalat Shabbat
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner - www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
SHABBOS, JANUARY 24, SHEVAT 6
9:00 am Chassidus
10:00 am Services
Followed by Shabbos Kiddush & Farbrengen
5:25 pm Mincha
Torah Study
6:30 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends
Living Torah
SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, SHEVAT 7
8:00 am Shacharis
MON. & THURS., JAN. 26 & 29, SHEVAT 8 & 11
6:45 am Shacharis