RABBI JOSHUA LOBEL

Rabbi Lobel cannot wait to welcome you to our warm and friendly community! He would love to meet you for a cup of coffee and learn about you and your family. Rabbi Lobel is passionate about teaching Torah, rabbinic texts, and Jewish thought to Jews of all ages. He has a wide variety of Jewish interests, including, but not limited to, Midrash, liturgy, Mussar Reform Jewish history and thought, and Jewish mysticism. Rabbi Lobel also enjoys using social media to strengthen and support synagogue life.

Rabbi Joshua Lobel assumed the spiritual leadership of Congregation Beth El in Missouri City in 2014. Originally from New York, Rabbi Lobel is thrilled to call Texas his new home! After receiving his ordination in the Hebrew Union College—Jewish Institute of Religion (Class of ‘07), Rabbi Lobel proudly served as an associate rabbi at Temple Chaverim in Plainview, New York, and Congregation Shir Hadash in Los Gatos, CA. He also worked at the Hillel of Greater Baltimore as a student rabbi.

Rabbi Lobel is married to Dr. Elizabeth Lobel, and they are proud parents of two boys.

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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 bat mitzvah at Congregation Emanu El. She makes her home in Southwest Houston with her husband, Dave, and son, Zev.

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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 Lobel is 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.