You may have noticed lately that “6/7” seems to be everywhere. It’s become a viral phrase, repeated, joked about, and shared endlessly, often without anyone even knowing what it’s supposed to mean. It’s catchy, mysterious, and oddly powerful simply because everyone is saying it.
This week, as we mark Yud Shvat and read Parshas Beshalach, Shabbos Shira, we are reminded that Judaism has its own very real and meaningful story of six and seven.
At a farbrengen this past week with Rabbi Mendel Blecher of Chabad of The Woodlands, a remarkable story was shared that captures the true depth of 6 and 7.
On the night before the historic Yud Shvat farbrengen, as the Rebbe was preparing to say the maamar Basi L’Gani and formally accept the leadership of the Lubavitch movement, his desk was filled with seforim from all six Rebbes before him, along with his own handwritten notes. This was the moment when the work of six generations was about to be brought into the seventh.
And yet, in the middle of this sacred preparation, the Rebbe stopped everything. When he learned that a Jewish patient in the hospital needed care, the Rebbe personally ensured the doctor would go to see him, even accompanying the doctor himself in the middle of the night. At the most pivotal moment of the Rebbe, he demonstrated what the seventh generation truly represents. Taking all the holiness, depth, and learning of the six generations before, and bringing it down into real life, into care for another Jew.
In Chassidus, six represents preparation and structure, while seven represents presence and completion. The six Rebbeim elevated the world spiritually. The seventh brings it home. Making sure that no Jew is ever overlooked, not spiritually and not materially.
As we sing the song of Shabbos Shira, we are reminded that the greatest song is not only sung after miracles, but when G-d’s presence is felt in everyday life.
That is the real 6/7. Not a viral phrase, but a lived mission. A call to care deeply, act practically, and be truly concerned for every Jew.
Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie
THE COHEN CORNER
A good leader inspires people to have confidence in the leader. A great leader inspires people to have confidence in themselves.
This idea comes alive in the Torah’s description of the Song at the Sea. Moshe began the song, but Talmudic sages debate how the people responded. Some say they repeated his words after him, while others explain that they were so Divinely inspired that every individual sang together with him. Moshe’s greatness was not only that he led, but that he awakened a unity where every individual could find their own voice and participate harmoniously.
This is the essence of Yud Shevat, the day the Rebbe assumed the 7th generation of leadership of the Chabad movement. The Rebbe exemplified leadership not by directing others, but by awakening the potential for connection in every person. True leadership unites: it draws people closer to one another as Jews, strengthens the bonds of humanity, and elevates awareness of the Divine. The Rebbe encouraged each person to recognize their role in connecting with others and with Hashem, aligning the Jewish people in the common goal to permanently reveal Hashem’s presence here in this world.
Wishing you a harmonious Shabbos!
Rabbi Yosef, Chanale, Mushka & Mendel Cohen
UPCOMING CLASSES:
- Shabbos, Jan. 31, 9:00 am - Likkutei Torah - Kabbala of the Parsha - Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi's Masterworks on the weekly Parsha.
- Sunday 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, Feb. 2, 8:00 pm - שיעור שבועי בספר התניא עם הרב מני לע"נ יונה דוד ע"ה בן יפה תחי' פרנגר
- 4 Tuesdays, Feb 3-24, 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
- Thursday, Feb. 5, 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.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
- 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.
- Sundays, Feb. 15 (Winter theme) & March 1 (Purim theme), 10:30 am - Mommy & Me - Join a nurturing and engaging morning designed for mothers and babies (newborn to 2 years) to learn, play, and connect in a warm Jewish environment. www.chabaduptown.org/mommy
- Friday, March 6, 6:30 pm – Rodeo Shabbat – YJP First Fridays – Dress in your best Rodeo Houston gear and enjoy a spirited Shabbat dinner with Young Jewish Professionals in their 20s and 30s, great food, great people, and classic Houston vibes www.yjphouston.org/rodeoshabbat
SHABBOS SHIRA PARSHAS BESHALACH
FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, SHEVAT 12
5:40 pm Shabbos Candle Lighting & Mincha
6:00 pm Kabbalat Shabbat
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner celebrating the Bas Mitzvah of Shelly Karni
www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
SHABBOS, JANUARY 31, SHEVAT 13
9:00 am Chassidus
10:00 am Services
Followed by Shabbos Kiddush & Farbrengen
5:40 pm Mincha
Torah Study
6:36 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends
Living Torah
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1, SHEVAT 14
8:00 am Shacharis
MON. & THURS., FEB. 2 & 5, TU B'SHEVAT & SHEVAT 18
6:45 am Shacharis