Sometimes, the universe weaves together moments that seem unrelated, bringing together people, causes, and purpose in the most unexpected ways. How could a non-profit dedicated to helping families of children battling pediatric...Read more...
In a heartwarming ceremony that underscored the enduring power of faith and community, five women from Congregation Beth El in Missouri City recently celebrated their B'not Mitzvah. This milestone, traditionally marking the coming-of-age for Jewish youth, was embraced by these women as a...Read more...
Congregation Beth El in Missouri City proudly launched an initiative to “Amplify Jewish Life in Fort Bend County”, funded by a grant from the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston, at a special Shabbat Service held on February 21, 2025. Congregation President Irene Helsinger, who wrote the proposal, reached out to Mazal Hadassah and...Read more...
Dear Friends,
By now we’ve all heard about the terrible destruction of the LA wildfires.
LA’s Jewish community, many members of which have been deeply affected by this tragedy, is coming together to support each other, and have already vowed to rebuild, even while the fires...Read more...
The haftarah (prophetic reading) for the Shabbat of Chanukah is from the book of Zechariah, who sees a menorah and asks an angel what it means. The angel answers, “This is the word of Adonai to Zerubavel, ‘Not by might and not by power but by my spirit', says Adonai Tzevaot. Whoever you are, great mountain, before Zerubavel...Read more...
“All eyes on Amsterdam”. I’ve seen that meme in my Facebook feed, and I want to talk about it a little bit with you.
Amsterdam is only the latest incident of antisemitic and anti-Israel violence in Europe. On this side of the pond, the only kosher restaurant in Washington DC was vandalized, its glass smashed,...Read more...
High Holy Days 2024 Thank You List
Alison Hernandez, Cantor Waghalter, CBE Board, Concha Tobar, Detective Zimmer and his security team, Erin Bersin, Gerald Davis, Irene Helsinger, Jodi Kessler, Larry Rushefsky and the Ritual Committee, Leticia Himmelstein, Marilyn Gorel, Michael Bersin and Michelle...Read more...
High Holy Days Speech from the President of Congregation Beth El--Shana Tovah Congregation Beth El, I love this Congregation, and I am honored to serve as your President. We have a lot of great things going for us. At the heart of our synagogue is a warm and welcoming culture. We are a community that opens our doors to all,...Read more...
As many of you know, I do not (intentionally) bring politics to the bimah. I don’t make my political beliefs known because it is important to me to be the clergy for the whole congregation, not just those who share my political views. I want you to be able to feel comfortable to come to me, and, I hope,...Read more...
What is this?
The Jewish Federation of Greater Houston wanted to help you encourage people to vote this November. This effort will remain completely nonpartisan. Our goal is to help you engage, inspire, and mobilize voters to participate in the upcoming elections. Jewish values have always emphasized the...Read more...
Are You Feeling Overwhelmed by High Holidays Planning? Let Us Help with Your Rosh Hashanah Menu! The High Holy Days are just around the corner, and if you're feeling the weight of planning your Rosh Hashanah celebration, don't worry—we've got you covered! This special time of year, starting October 2-4 with the...Read more...
Have you noticed our new look and style? The CBE Board has approved a more expansive social media program to make CBE more visible in our community. We are introducing Amber Rose as our new social media developer. Amber has extensive experience in helping organizations use social media and digital...Read more...
Dear Friends,
As I write, it is erev Tish’a B’Av, the 25-hour day of fasting and mourning for the destruction of the first and second Temples and the sacking of...Read more...
Beginning in 2023 and culminating in 2024, Erin Bersin and I worked on behalf of Congregation Beth El on getting a FEMA grant that will enable us to update our synagogue’s security. We would like to share with you the changes that have already taken place as a consequence of the grant and changes that are in the...Read more...