Create a Jewish Life Your Way

Friendship Runs in the Family!Join us at Godwin Park for our Day of Awareness, a celebration of friendship, inclusion, and joy! Whether you run the 5K or walk the 1 Mile, every step supports children and young adults with special needs and spreads awareness about the important work of Friendship Circle of Houston. And you can join the Hey Houston team! Every dollar we raise will advance Friendship Circle's great cause!

The 1492 edict expelled the Jews following more than 1,000 years of life on the Iberian peninsula. We will explore the events surrounding this infamous chapter in Spanish history and the events of the next several centuries (the late Middle Ages and Early Modern times) as the Jews resumed their role as a dispersed nomadic people. We will delve into the ways in which Ashkenazic and Sephardic Jews were forced to interact as well as the integration and anti-Semitism Jews encountered living amongst the various new lands in which they settled. Sundays, February 1, 8,22, March 1, 8 at 11:00 AM

Join pastry chef Stefanie Bishop for Eclairs & Cream Puffs: Classic French Pastries, a hands-on workshop where you’ll master the art of pâte à choux. Learn to pipe, bake, and fill delicate éclairs and airy cream puffs, then finish them with rich creams and glossy glazes. A deliciously elegant evening awaits!

Join ReelAbilities Houston for night 2 of ReelFilm 2026 as we watch a film about the importance of independence and purpose, and the presentation of the Inspirement award to Michelle BrooknerThe Paper Bag PlanDisability Represented: Intellectual Disability, Physical DisabilityDirector: Anthony LuceroAfter being diagnosed with cancer, Oscar realizes his overprotectiveness may be holding his son Billy back from gaining independence. Determined to secure Billy’s future, Oscar helps him build the skills needed for a job as a grocery store bagger. Their heartfelt journey highlights the challenges and triumphs of fostering self-reliance, revealing the deep love between father and son—and the courage it takes to let go.‍Inspirement Award Recipient- Michelle BrooknerMichelle Brookner grew up in Dallas and moved to Houston shortly after graduating from the University of Texas in 1990 with a degree in Geography. After several years of work, she changed careers and raised her two daughters, Lauren & Hannah. Michelle has been married to Brad Brookner for 33 years.Over the years, she has volunteered with and served on the boards of many organizations, including the Girl Scouts, various school parent organizations, Emanu El, The Becker Early Childhood Center, Helfman Religious School, Emanu El’s Sisterhood, ReelAbilities Houston Film & Arts Festival, and Alexander JFS’ Disability Committee. Michelle has also been active in the JCC tennis community since 2005, playing both league and fun matches with her many friends she’s made on the courts. Michelle enjoys being creative. She has been a volunteer twice a week at Celebration Company since the spring of 2013. She uses her creativity to help employees design fused-glass art and print napkins, among other tasks, as requested by Celebration Company leadership.‍

ntroducing your 2026 ReelPeople speakers!ReelPeople: features presentations from remarkable experts that will intimately and urgently reveal the world of disabilities. Join us for an extraordinary evening with extraordinary stories with: ‍Jim Abbott, born without a right hand, became an Olympic gold medalist and Major League Baseball pitcher, playing ten seasons and throwing a no-hitter for the New York Yankees. Since retiring, he has dedicated his life to advocating for the limb-difference community, demonstrating that determination can overcome any obstacle.‍Ali Stroker, a Tony Award-winning actress, made history as the first performer in a wheelchair on Broadway and has starred in acclaimed productions such as Oklahoma! and Spring Awakening, as well as TV series including Ozark and Only Murders in the Building. She is also an author and advocate, inspiring others through her motto: “Turning Your Limitations Into Your Opportunities.”

Through visual testimony and the context of art history, Nothing To Do But To Try is a first-of-its-kind exhibition about Boris Lurie, an acclaimed artist, writer, and Holocaust survivor. Centered around Lurie’s earliest work, the so-called “War Series,” as well as never-before-exhibited objects and ephemera from his personal collection, Boris Lurie: Nothing To Do But To Try presents a portrait of an artist reckoning with devastating trauma, haunting memories, and a lifelong quest for freedom. Learn about Boris Lurie’s life before the Holocaust, his experiences during the war, and his journey to find himself again through creative outlets. Sara Softness, Director of Cultural Affairs, Museum of Jewish Heritage, NYC, will join us as our special guest speaker.

Join Congregation Shma Koleinu for Shabbat Services. Our Oneg begins at 6 pm with Shabbat Services at 6:30 pm.

Please join Freedman’s Town Museum in a Genealogy Workshop that highlights the importance of beginning or continuing family research using valuable archival records in Harris County.

Please join Rabbi Scott Hausman-Weiss and Rabbi Steve Gross for our monthly Learner's Minyan.

Depart from the J at 8:00 AM and return to the J by 8:00 PM. Travel with Sam’s Limosine on a mini coach bus, with a pit stop at Buc-ee’s! Price: Member $12* Public $17* *Price subsidized by our sponsor, Memorial Hermann SW

Come hungry and ready to party! We'll be serving steak, lamb, burgers, veggies, rice, corn and s'mores. Next BBQ is 3/10 & 4/14

Come stay warm and make a blanket with us! RSVP required!

Join ReelAbilities Houston for our Mental Health Night Screening of Blind AF, a deep dive into the cross-sections between grief, trauma, and disability. Blind AFDisability Represented: Vision Loss and Blindness, PTSDDirector: Gina LeVayShawn Cheshire, an army veteran, Blind Paralympic champion, and world-record holder, takes on an unprecedented 3,600-mile cross-country bike journey on a single, non-tandem bicycle. As she adapts to new ways of navigating both her physical terrain and personal history, Shawn's experience showcases the creative ways blind athletes develop innovative techniques for independent movement. Her story interweaves athletic achievement with candid explorations of identity, adaptation, and blazing one’s own trail.Content warning: The following film contains themes of sexual violence and child abuse, which may be disturbing to some viewers.‍

An Insider Briefing with ADL EVP George SelimJoin young professional leaders for a powerful evening of connection, conversation, and impact with George Selim, ADL Executive Vice President and principal deputy to ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt.As the Executive Vice President, George serves as the principal deputy to ADL CEO and National Director Jonathan Greenblatt. George provides a critical external voice for ADL to policy makers and the press, particularly on topics of national security, civil liberties, and public policy. He chairs ADL's executive management team, oversees global physical security operations and protective programs, and leads engagement with the Board of Directors and regional advisory bodies nationwide. Since joining ADL in 2017, George held multiple senior leadership roles including management and oversight of national programs, development and marketing, government affairs, andChief of Staff.Prior to joining ADL, George served in theadministrations of Presidents Bush, Obama and Trump.He served as the Department of Homeland Security's first Director of the Office for Community Partnerships. Concurrently, George was selected to lead a newly created Countering Violent Extremism Task Force to coordinate government efforts and partnerships to prevent violent extremism in the United States. George also served for four years at the White House on the National Security Council Staff where he focused on policy development and program implementation matters for both domestic and international security threats. Prior to his work at the White House, George served as a Senior Policy Adviser at the DHS Office for Civil Rights & Civil Liberties. He began his federal service at U.S. Department of Justice.

A powerful musical experience featuring internationally acclaimed Israeli artist Gilad Segev. Blending live performance with moving storytelling, the concert honors extraordinary Jewish heroism—from the Holocaust to today’s modernday heroes. Through uplifting music and inspiring narratives, audiences are invited into a journey of remembrance, resilience, and unity. This unforgettable program celebrates the strength that continues to shape the Jewish people. The concert transforms remembrance into a hopeful experience, uniting the Jewish people through somber reflection and uplifting celebration.

Join Holocaust Museum Houston for this program featuring music from distinguished violinist Ilana Zaks Nederlander with a lecture by Boris Lurie Art Foundation Executive Director Stephanie Stebich. The evening will shine a light on the life and legacy of Boris Lurie who survived the Holocaust and went on to become an artist, writer, activist, and founder of the NO!art movement.

Join Congregation Shma Koleinu for Shabbat Services. Our Oneg begins at 6 pm with Shabbat Services at 6:30 pm.

Cantor Shira Ginsburg returns to present her one-woman musical. Bubby’s Kitchen is a moving exploration of family, identity, and self-discovery, set against the backdrop of the Holocaust and contemporary American life. Throughout the show, Ginsburg transforms into seven different family members—each of whom helped shape her personal journey. At its heart, Bubby’s Kitchen is the story of one young woman’s struggle to honor the remarkable legacy of her grandparents while forging a path of her own.

Join us for our fifth Trivia Night hosted by George Starkschall and Frada Boxer. Bring your own team (up to 6 participants) or join a team already there. Please register below! (Participants need to be 16 or older.)

Join nutritionist Chef Macy Diulus for Whole Grain Baking, where you’ll discover how to create delicious treats that boost fiber, flavor and nutrition in every bite. The menu features whole grain blueberry muffins and whole grain apple scones—wholesome bakes that prove healthy can taste amazing.

Join Chef Yotam Dolev, executive chef of Hamsa and Októ, as he shares his passion for modern Israeli cuisine in this hands-on class. Learn to make mujadara, a fragrant lentil and rice dish with caramelized onions, served alongside perfectly spiced fish kebabs bursting with fresh Mediterranean flavor.

REGISTER BY 2/19! Sisterhood is excited to present Ernie Manouse – the man the Houston Chronicle crowned “The Ultimate Interviewer.” Whether you’re a media junkie, NPR devotee, pop culture enthusiast, or love a great storyteller who knows how to work a room, the night is set to celebrate the art of asking questions that matter. Then get insights into public media’s evolution and what’s next for NPR in an ever-changing landscape. With eleven Emmy Awards, a career spanning from NBC News to HoustonPBS (now Houston Public Media), and “Manor Of Speaking” — a legendary national talk show inspired by Downton Abbey, Ernie has sat across from everyone from Suze Orman to stage legends to political candidates to cultural icons. Ernie’s commitment to public television extends beyond creating compelling programs. As a pledge spokesman, he is instrumental in raising over $2 million annually for Houston Public Media, and his talents have helped PBS affiliates across the country raise over $100 million in support of educational outreach, broadcasting, and programming needs.

Join ReelAbilities Houston for night 4 of ReelFilm 2026 as we look into the life of this year's ReelPeople speaker, Jim Abbott, and his story of athleticism and perseverance. Southpaw: The Life and Legacy of Jim AbbottDisability Represented: Limb Difference (Born without a right hand)Director: Mike FarrellThrough archival footage, interviews, and intimate storytelling, Southpaw chronicles the extraordinary journey of Jim Abbott, a Major League Baseball pitcher born without a right hand. From his childhood in Flint, Michigan to his unforgettable no-hitter at Yankee Stadium, the film explores Abbott’s resilience, ingenuity, and impact on generations of disabled athletes. With commentary from teammates, journalists, and Abbott himself, the documentary reveals not just a sports triumph but a powerful legacy of advocacy and inclusion.‍

Design a meaningful, one of a kind glass mezuzah with artist Michelle Renfrow. Participants will select, cut and arrange colorful glass pieces to build their design during this hands-on workshop. Michelle will then fire each piece in her studio, with the finished mezuzah ready for pick up one week later as a beautiful, functional artwork.

Due to popular demand, Chef Stefanie Bishop is back for round two! Step back in time and learn the art of classic cake decorating with our expert pastry chef. In this hands-on class, you’ll refine vintage techniques like delicate piping, elegant borders and charming floral designs—perfect for creating show-stopping cakes with timeless appeal. Whether you joined us last time or are new to the craft, this encore session offers fresh inspiration, skill-building and plenty of creative fun.

Learn about the evolution and implications of artificial intelligence (AI) from its philosophical beginnings to current advancements, highlighting pivotal breakthroughs and the societal impact of automation in the transportation sector. Dr. Vardi will address the potential job displacement due to automation, contrasting views from neo-liberals and neo-luddites on whether technology will ultimately create or destroy jobs, and examining the broader socioeconomic effects. Free program but registration required.

Celebrate music’s power to connect us, unite us, and lift us up at ReelMusic 2026, which showcases the talents of jazz, rock (and more!) musicians and performers who live with disabilities. ReelMusic 2026 will feature ReelMusicians from the past, new-to-the-Festival ReelMusicians, and our ReelMusic house band.

It’s Shabbat, but make it sporty. Wear your favorite team gear and join us at Beth Yeshurun for a spirited Shabbat service, tailgate-style oneg, and some friendly football talk with the tribe.

Join Congregation Shma Koleinu for Shabbat Services. Our Oneg begins at 6 pm with Shabbat Services at 6:30 pm.

The evening will start with a professional Purim spiel and morph into a fun night of casino games, food, drink and prizes.

CSK is going to Israel! We embark on our Journey to Israel led by Rabbi Scott Hausman-Weiss and J2 Adventures in March of 2026. Nancy and Jon Sheiman, our CSK Israel Trip Team Captains, invite you, along with Rabbi Scott and Yonatan Milo of J2 Adventures (our tour company) to join us on this adventure. For all the details, click HERE. Also, join us for an informational meeting on Tuesday, November 4 at 7 pm via Zoom.

To honor those who have died by suicide and those who are forever affected by suicide, the 3rd annual Poppy's Run For Life will be held on Sunday, March 8, 2026. All proceeds from the row will be donated to the suicide prevention and awareness programs and services at Alexander JFS and the Montrose Center. Please join in supporting the efforts to increase prevention, education and awareness so that those suffering with a mental illness will seek help.

Between 1940-1945 the sheer luck of where you were living made a world of difference to the Jews of Scandinavia. For unique political and geographic reasons, the Scandinavian Jews of Sweden, Norway, and Denmark had very different experiences. During the German occupation, Jews were rounded up and sent to concentration camps. Defying the occupying German forces, and protecting fellow citizens, spontaneous and dramatic rescue operations were conducted to save thousands of Jewish lives. First hand personal accounts also convey the extraordinary ways Swedish diplomats leveraged their political position to save Jews from within Hungary and Germany. Join us for a screening of the film followed by a talkback with Director Suzannah Warlick.

Hey Houston! Join us for the Never Is Now Summit March 16-17, NYC – This is the 10th anniversary of the world's largest summit on antisemitism and hate.​

Join other Jewish women for a special retelling of the Passover story through chocolate, highlighting the many important roles of women along the way. Our Chocolate Seder is a special way to get ready for Passover, and reminds us that freedom is sweet!For Jewish women (Bat Mitzvah and older)$18 per personSunday, March 22nd | 4:00pmPlease register by Friday, March 20th