Beth Israel reaches out to welcome all those who want to learn more about Judaism. Whether you were born Jewish, are considering or choosing to convert to Judaism, you’re in an interfaith relationship or raising Jewish children, you’re unaffiliated, or just want to learn more, we want to get to know you. Please join us for any of our many interfaith programs and let us help you explore the many paths and rewards of Jewish life. Inquiries about Interfaith weddings are also welcome. You are invited to discuss these and any other issues you may have with our Senior Rabbi David Lyon. Please contact him at (713) 771-6221 ext.640 or by email dlyon@beth-israel.org.

We look forward to welcoming you to any of our Outreach Interfaith programs:

Basic Judaism
This is a 13-week introduction of Judaism offered each spring and fall for anyone interested in learning more about the Jewish faith, whether you were born Jewish or not, and for those interested in conversion. Sessions are led by Rabbi David Lyon, Rabbi Adrienne Scott, Rabbi Mark Miller and Cantor Robert Gerber, and feature a variety of presentations and discussions on topics such as:

• Foundations of our Faith
• Choosing Judaism
• Understanding Jewish Prayer
• Shaping Sacred Time: Shabbat, Holidays, & Festivals
• Living a Jewish Life
• Life Cycle Events
• Reform Judaism
• Jewish Music
• Jewish History and Anti-Semitism
• Israel: The Land and People

We will also celebrate Shabbat and the holidays together.

Check the calendar for course schedules. Classes usually meet at the Temple on Tuesday evenings from 7:30-9:00 p.m. Registration is $18 and is open to anyone wishing to deepen their level of Jewish knowledge.

For more information or to register, please contact Jayne Nathan at (713) 771-6221 ext 329 or jnathan@beth-israel.org

Adult Hebrew
"This year, I’m really going to learn how to read Hebrew." How many times have a lot of us said that? Well, wait no more. You can soon be reading Hebrew like a pro and enjoying services and your prayers even more. Adult Hebrew at Beth Israel is fun, friendly, non-stressful, and just one hour a week! Don’t know an Aleph from a Bet or a Gimel? Or just need a refresher course and don’t want your kids to keep showing you up? Get ready and get your Aleph Bet game on…we have just the right class for you.

Hebrew I is designed for the beginner or someone needing a refresher course to get comfortable with the basic Aleph Bet.

Hebrew II is for those who already recognize their Hebrew letters and might be feeling a little rusty, as well as for those who successfully graduated from Hebrew I and are ready to move up to the next level. That could be you!

Our acclaimed adult Hebrew classes are a big hit with our students, many who wonder why they waited so long to do this. A big part of their success is due to our outstanding Hebrew instructor Dorothy Robbins, a nationally recognized Hebrew teacher and curriculum specialist.

So don’t put it off any longer. Call now to join a class, or sign up for the next fall or spring session. Just one hour a week and you can be reading Hebrew easily in no time!

Fall Sunday classes will begin on September 7th; Wednesday evenings will begin on September 10th. 

Wednesday evenings:
Hebrew I meets Wednesday nights 7:45-8:45 p.m.
Hebrew II meets Wednesdays 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Sunday mornings:
Hebrew I –for beginners 9:15-10:15 a.m.
Hebrew II –intermediate 10:15-11:15 a.m.

For more information and to see which class is the best fit for you:

Wednesday evening classes contact:
Jayne Nathan at (713) 771-6221 ext 329 or 
jnathan@beth-israel.org

Sunday morning classes contact:
Claudine Kamrath in the Religious School office (713) 271-7369 or
ckamrath@beth-israel.org.

B.I. Buddies – Outreach Committee members, who often have interfaith relationships within their own families, are matched with interested Basic Judaism students who are converting to Judaism. The "Buddies" act as mentors throughout the class, welcome the students into their own homes to celebrate Shabbat, accompany students to services, and help to introduce students to the warm and welcoming celebration of living "Jewishly."

Interfaith Couples Support Group – Join other interfaith couples for fellowship and mutual support at our monthly Sunday morning meetings. Please click on this link for more information.

Interfaith Families- For those in interfaith families, or parents of intermarried children or grandchildren, join our Interfaith couples support group or any of our special programs or workshops to help you navigate the many challenges and rewards of an interfaith family.

Holiday Workshops – Holiday time, don’t worry! These workshops help you understand and prepare for both the High Holidays and Passover.

Chanukah Party - Join us for this annual celebration of the Festival of Lights. Light the candles, share some latkes and apple sauce, and join in song to celebrate with present and past participants of the Basic Judaism classes and members of the Interfaith Couples Support Group.

Shabbat Dinners - Come celebrate Shabbat at our annual spring and fall Shabbat dinners for our Basic Judaism class members. Every table is hosted by a Beth Israel member who will help introduce students to the joys of Shabbat with good food, good friendships, Shabbat prayers and blessings, and songs.

Witness Conversion Ceremonies – When the time comes for this important final step in your journey to enter the Jewish faith, members of the Outreach Committee will join you as a witness at the Conversion ceremony and at the Mikvah to help you, and welcome you and your family into the Beth Israel congregational family.

Interfaith Resources
Today nearly one out of every two Jewish families in the United States has an interfaith relationship or marriage. Our clergy and Outreach/Interfaith Committee have prepared a list of resources to assist you in navigating the many challenges and rewards of interfaith relationships. The list is updated periodically so check back often. Please click on Resources now.