Our Clergy
RABBI ARIEL SHOLKLAPPER
Rabbi Ariel Sholklapper earned a degree in philosophy and Jewish Studies at UCLA and was ordained at the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies. He also holds an MBA in Nonprofit Management. A native of Los Angeles, Rabbi Sholklapper trained as a Jewish mindfulness meditation teacher through the Institute for Jewish Spirituality. He loves to teach in a variety of settings including businesses, schools, nonprofits, and religious organizations and currently, is on the staff of The Jung Center in Houston and The Jewish Mindfulness Center of Texas. He has facilitated retreats and mindfulness meditation groups all over the world. He lives in Houston with his wife, Rabbi Sarah Fort, and his adorable son, David.
CANTOR RENE WAGHALTER
Cantor Waghalter has served the Jewish community as a cantor since 1996, and as a Jewish educator since 1988. She was among the first to graduate from the Cantorial Internship of the Cantors Assembly program and earned her bachelor's degree in Judaic studies with honors at Brown University.
Passionate about active participation during services and in all aspects of synagogue life, Cantor Waghalter strives to make Jewish praying, living, and learning accessible, meaningful, and joyful.
Cantor Waghalter grew up in Houston and became a bat mitzvah at Congregation Emanu El. She makes her home in Southwest Houston with her husband, Dave, and son, Zev.
Click here to email Cantor Waghalter
CANTOR RALPH KATZ
Cantor Emeritus, Ralph Katz, a native of New York, is the son of a cantor. He has been with Congregation Beth El since its beginning in 1982 serving as cantor for Shabbat, B’nei Mitzvah, and holy days. He conducts services when Rabbi Sholklapper or Cantor Waghalter are not present.Cantor Emeritus, Ralph Katz is active in local musical productions, such as with the Jewish Community Center, and has been the leading baritone for the Houston Gilbert & Sullivan Society for more than twenty years.
Cantor Emeritus, Ralph Katz is married to Carol Katz; they are proud parents of four children and proud grandparents of four.
Sat, September 19 2020 1 Tishrei 5781