Dear friends,
Greetings from New York!
Our delegation of ten YJP arrived in Crown Heights and joined nearly one thousand Young Jewish Professionals from communities around the world for the Encounter weekend. From the moment we arrived, there was a palpable sense of energy, connection, and shared purpose.
Friday morning and early afternoon were filled with touring Crown Heights, meaningful learning, and powerful conversations with participants and shluchim from across the globe. One of the highlights of the day was witnessing what became the largest in person Jewish speed dating event of its kind, with hundreds of young men and women participating. The room was filled with optimism, seriousness of purpose, and the simple but profound hope of building Jewish homes and futures together. It was inspiring to see such intentionality and commitment expressed on such a global scale.
As we move toward Shabbat, we are about to gather for a powerful pre Shabbos keynote by Eliya Cohen, who survived 505 days in Gaza as a hostage under terrorist captivity. His story of resilience, faith, and survival will help frame our entry into Shabbat with deeper perspective, gratitude, and spiritual focus.
As Shabbat begins, our group, along with many others, will be welcomed into homes throughout Crown Heights. We will be sharing the Shabbat meal with Rabbi Chaim’s brother Zalmen and his family, enjoying meaningful conversation, warmth, and the beauty of authentic Shabbat hospitality.
Looking ahead, we are excited for a Shabbat filled with prayer, learning, farbrengens, and meaningful connection, followed by a powerful communal gathering on Motzei Shabbat. On Sunday, we will travel together to the Rebbe’s Ohel for a moment of reflection, prayer, and inspiration that many consider the heart of the Encounter experience.
In this week’s Parshas Va’eira, the process of redemption begins while the Jewish people are still in Egypt. Circumstances have not yet changed, but something deeper has. Perspective, courage, and faith begin to shift first. That idea feels especially present as we prepare to hear from Eliya Cohen, whose strength and faith endured even in captivity. Redemption often starts not when life becomes easier, but when meaning becomes clearer.
In a similar vein, as we mark what would have been Yona David Ben Yaffa (Jonas Pfrenger's), obm eighteenth birthday at this week’s Shabbos Kiddush, he is deeply missed, yet we are reminded that the light he brought into the world continues to shine.
We feel privileged to represent our community as part of this global gathering and look forward to sharing more as the weekend continues.
Wishing you a meaningful and peaceful Shabbat.
Warm regards,
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie
THE COHEN CORNER
A mentch tracht un Gut lacht
Modern life encourages the belief that careful planning and effort can secure every outcome. Over time, that confidence turns into the quiet assumption that we are fully in charge. The Torah challenges this at the very start of the Exodus. When Aaron casts his staff before Pharaoh and it becomes a serpent and then returns to a staff, swallowing the others, it delivers a message. The staff represents Divine energy flowing into the world, connected to its Source. The serpent represents ego and the illusion of self made power. Pharaoh claimed he made himself and led Egypt to embody that belief. This first miracle announced that such thinking would ultimately collapse and give way to recognition of G-d.
That same tension plays out in everyday life. We value Shabbat, yet rush to send one last email as if everything depends on us. We pride ourselves on honesty, yet keep an extra package that arrives by mistake. A friend disappoints us, and instead of pausing, we harden our hearts or plot our response. Each moment asks whether we are living like a serpent grasping for control or a staff rooted in trust. Remembering that G-d runs the world softens our reactions, sharpens our integrity, and frees us from constant anxiety. That inner shift is the beginning of a personal Exodus.
Have a peaceful Shabbos!
Rabbi Yosef, Chanale, Mushka & Mendel Cohen
UPCOMING CLASSES:
- Shabbos, Jan. 17, 9:30 am - Likkutei Torah - Kabbala of the Parsha - Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi's Masterworks on the weekly Parsha.
- 4 Sundays, Jan. 18-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. 19, 8:00 pm - שיעור שבועי בספר התניא עם הרב מני לע"נ יונה דוד ע"ה בן יפה תחי' פרנגר
- 6 Tuesdays Jan. 20-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/winning
UPCOMING EVENTS:
- 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/ny
- 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 MEVARCHIM SHEVAT PARSHAS VA'EIRA
FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, TEVES 27
5:28 pm Shabbos Candle Lighting & Mincha
6:00 pm Kabbalat Shabbat
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner - www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
SHABBOS, JANUARY 17, TEVES 28
8:00 am Shabbos Mevarchim Tehillim
9:30 am Chassidus
10:00 am Services
Followed by Shabbos Mevarchim Kiddush & Farbrengen sponsored by the Pfrenger and Benjaminov families in honor of Yonah David Ben Yaffa’s 18th birthday.
5:25 pm Mincha
Torah Study
6:25 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends
Living Torah
SUNDAY, JANUARY 18, TEVES 29
8:00 am Shacharis
MON. & THURS., JAN. 19 & 24, SHEVAT 1 & 4
6:45 am Shacharis
On Monday, monthly Rosh Chodesh Shevat breakfast follows minyan (sponsorship available)