They say, nostalgia is not what it used to be.
It is a funny line, but maybe it is also true. We often look back and wonder about the way things used to be. With all the ways we are connected today, are we more productive or less? Are we more present or more distracted? Are we building more, or simply moving faster? I am not sure.
This Shabbos, we mark the chassidic holiday of Yud Beis Tammuz, the day of liberation of the Frierdiker Rebbe from Soviet prison.
One thing is clear. The Frierdiker Rebbe did not allow the pain of the past to define the present or limit the future. This Shabbos, on Yud Beis Tammuz, we celebrate his redemption, which allowed him to continue his sacred work and eventually reestablish Lubavitch on American shores, helping spark a renaissance of Jewish life around the world in the difficult years after the war.
The Frierdiker Rebbe himself wrote that his liberation was not a personal event alone, but a celebration for every Jew. “It was not me alone whom Hashem redeemed on Yud Beis Tammuz, but also all who cherish our holy Torah, who observe mitzvos, and even one who is merely called by the name Israel.”
In this week’s parsha, Chukas, the Torah tells us of the passing of Miriam and Aharon. Their passing was not only a personal loss. Chazal teach in Taanis 9a that the Jewish people received three great gifts in the desert through their three great leaders, the well in the merit of Miriam, the clouds of glory in the merit of Aharon, and the manna in the merit of Moshe.
When Miriam passed away, the well ceased. When Aharon passed away, the clouds of glory departed. The manna, of course, continued, because Moshe was still alive. Yet the well and the clouds did not remain only memories of a better yesterday. Chazal tell us that they returned in the merit of Moshe.
Moshe did not allow the Jewish people to become a nation defined by what they had lost. He led them forward. The blessings of the past became strength for the future, and the Jewish people continued their journey with faith, courage, and joy.
As America prepares to celebrate 250 years, we can and should look back with gratitude at what this free country has given us. Here, we have been able to live openly and proudly as Jews, to build shuls, schools, mikvaos, camps, kosher institutions, and vibrant Jewish communities.
Fighting antisemitism is important. We must stand up against hate and protect our people. But a Judaism defined only by our enemies is a Judaism of yesterday. The Jewish people of today need living Judaism, proud Judaism, Jewish Judaism, Torah and mitzvos, Jewish homes, Jewish joy, and the confidence to make a difference in the world.
The past can inspire us, but it cannot replace our mission today.
Good Shabbos,
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie
THE COHEN CORNER
Peace is not the absence of differences, but the ability to live together with them.
This week's Parshah contains one of the Torah's most famous prophecies about Moshiach. Bilaam foretells that a future king will arise who will "crush" and "uproot" the nations of the world. At first glance, it sounds as though Redemption will come through conquest. Yet the prophets describe a very different future, one in which all humanity serves Hashem together. The Rebbe explains that what Moshiach will uproot is not people, but selfishness. He will not erase our differences or force everyone to become the same. Rather, the ego that drives hatred, jealousy, and division will give way to a world where every individual and every nation contributes its unique strengths toward a common purpose.
In many ways, we have already seen a glimpse of this possibility. Modern society has shown that people of different cultures, religions, and backgrounds can work together, build communities, and pursue shared goals while remaining distinct. The challenge is that we often become consumed by what separates us instead of what unites us. The Torah's vision of Moshiach teaches us to stop defining people by their differences and start building around our shared values and common purpose. We do not have to agree on everything to move in the same direction. Every time we choose common ground over conflict, and shared purpose over personal pride, we bring the world one step closer to the Redemption for which we are waiting.
Have a marvelous Shabbos!
Rabbi Yosef, Chanale, Mushka & Mendel Cohen
UPCOMING EVENTS & CLASSES:
- Shabbos, June 27, 9:00 am - Likkutei Torah - Kabbala of the Parsha - Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi's Masterworks on the weekly Parsha.
- Sunday, June 28, 4:30 pm - Siyum Sefer Torah in Bat Ayin, Israel - Torah Scroll Dedication in memory of R. Avraham and Shoshana Feldman a’h, the parents of Dorit Kamman. The celebration will begin at Beit Shlomo Hall in Bat Ayin, Israel, and the completed Torah will later be brought to Houston to be housed at Chabad of Uptown. If you are in Israel, join us!
- Monday, June 29, 8 pm - Hebrew Language: The Tanya with Rabbi Menny Raichik
- Wednesday, July 1, 8:00 pm - YJP Dinner, Class & Social
- Thursday, July 2, 8:00 pm - Evening Chassidus
- Friday, July 3, 7:30 pm - All-America 250 BBQ Shabbat First Fridays for young Jewish professionals, with services at 7:30 pm, candle lighting at 8:08 pm, and BBQ themed dinner at 8:45 pm. $20 with promo code advance until Thursday, $36 after. RSVP at www.yjphouston.org/250shabbat
- Sunday, July 26, 5:00 pm - YJP White Party at the Lanes: White Out or Strike Out at Lucky Strike Houston, 925 Bunker Hill Rd. Bowling, drinks, eats and vibes! www.yjphouston.org/whiteout
- Shabbos Weekend, August 21-23 - Men’s Shabbos at the Ohel - Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, this Shabbos is a chance to recharge, reflect, and connect with the Rebbe’s timeless vision during an inspiring weekend of Jewish growth and brotherhood.
SHABBOS PARSHAS CHUKAS-BALAK
FRIDAY, JUNE 26, TAMMUZ 11
7:30 pm Mincha & Shabbat Services
8:08 pm Shabbos Candle Lighting
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
SHABBOS, JUNE 27, CHAG HAGEULAH YUD-BEIS TAMMUZ
9:00 am Chassidus
10:00 am Services
Shabbos Lunch Kiddush & Yud-Beis Tammuz Farbrengen
8:05 pm Mincha
Ethics of our Fathers, Chapter 5
9:07 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends
Living Torah
SUNDAY, JUNE 28, CHAG HAGEULAH YUD-GIMMEL TAMMUZ
8:00 am Shacharis
4:30 pm Siyum Sefer Torah Bat Ayin, Israel
in memory of R. Avraham and Shoshana Feldman a’h, the parents of Dorit Kamman
MONDAY, JUNE 29, TAMMUZ 14
6:45 am Shacharis
THURSDAY, JULY 2, FAST OF 17 TAMMUZ
4:56 am Fast Begins
6:45 am Shacharis w/ Fast of 17 Tammuz Selichos & Torah Reading
7:45 pm Mincha w/ Torah Reading
8:54 pm Maariv & Fast Ends