by astoundz | Nov 2, 2018
KIDS’ MEALS 5K Not a race, but a race to end hunger! CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE! Help us make 5,000 meals for Houston’s hungriest children! DETAILS DATE: Saturday, January 12th SCHEDULE: 10:45am – Registration & Breakfast...
by Rabbi David Lyon | Nov 1, 2018 | Uncategorized
“Kol Yisrael arevim zeh bazeh,” All Jews are responsible for each other I’m reeling from the shock and horror of the carnage in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill synagogue, Tree of Life. The aftermath of it put many matters into perspective for me. Jewish lives and...
by astoundz | Oct 30, 2018
Due to power outages, the Temple offices are closed today. This event will be rescheduled. Questions? Please email Dani Gardner, dgardner@beth-israel.org. Two Ways to RSVP: 1. RSVP online using the form below, or 2. Click here to email Dani Gardner, or contact her by...
by astoundz | Oct 30, 2018
Go beyond the basics of Judaism with David Scott, RJE! Join him in the Lewis President’s Room over lunch to focus on a particular topic, including the deeper understandings of Creation, family conflicts and resolution, and discussions of slavery and...
by astoundz | Oct 29, 2018
Click here to download your registration form!
by astoundz | Oct 29, 2018
by astoundz | Oct 29, 2018
Come do a little sipping and shopping with Sisterhood and the lovely selections from Sandy Chaskin’s boutique, The Finishing Touch! A portion of proceeds will be donated to Sisterhood.
by astoundz | Oct 29, 2018
by astoundz | Oct 29, 2018
Leah Lax, author of Uncovered and The Refuge, will discuss where the #MeToo movement intersects with immigration and religion.
by astoundz | Oct 29, 2018
by astoundz | Oct 29, 2018
by astoundz | Oct 29, 2018
by astoundz | Oct 29, 2018
Engaging Discussions on Parenting Jewishly Have you considered how Judaism and parenthood intersect? Join us over breakfast and coffee each month as we answer this very question. Our clergy and esteemed guest speakers will spark dialogue among MBJLC parents through a...
by astoundz | Oct 29, 2018
Engaging Discussions on Parenting Jewishly Have you considered how Judaism and parenthood intersect? Join us over breakfast and coffee each month as we answer this very question. Our clergy and esteemed guest speakers will spark dialogue among MBJLC parents through a...
by astoundz | Oct 29, 2018
Join us in the Sanctuary on Friday, December 7th at 6:30pm for our traditional Shabbat Chanukah Service. We welcome our Beth Israel family to come together as a community as we light the Maltz Menorah and celebrate this festive holiday. The night would not be...
by Rabbi David Lyon | Oct 24, 2018 | Uncategorized
“Anyone who thinks he understands Israel, hasn’t been fully informed.” “Anyone who thinks he understands Israel, hasn’t been fully informed.” I don’t recall who said it first, but it’s not an uncommon conclusion among those who do understand Israel. Complex and...
by astoundz | Oct 23, 2018
For more information about this film, visit www.abovethedrowningsea.com.
by astoundz | Oct 23, 2018
Congregation Beth Israel is delighted to host one of Oprah’s Top 30 Women Writers, Jenna Blum, as part of the ERJCC’s Ann and Stephen Kaufman Jewish Book & Arts Festival! Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of Kristallnacht, Blum will speak to the Houston...
by astoundz | Oct 22, 2018
Grab your tents and sleeping bags! We are camping out in the Temple Courtyard! Join Rabbi Chase Foster, family, and friends for an evening campout with singing, games, and prayer. There will be dinner and plenty of s’mores to go around. Stay ’til morning,...
by astoundz | Oct 22, 2018
Leah Lax, author of Uncovered and The Refuge, will discuss where the #MeToo movement intersects with immigration and religion. Please enter through the North Braeswood doors, which open at 6:00pm. Event by donation. RSVP: sisterhood@beth-israel.org.
by astoundz | Oct 22, 2018
On Sun., 10/21 the ABIDE (Advocacy at Beth Israel through Diversity and Education) committee invites you to join The Metropolitan Organization for a candidate accountability session (7:00pm, Gordon Chapel). Learn where candidates stand on issues such as flood...
by astoundz | Oct 22, 2018
Congregation Beth Israel’s Israel Advocacy Committee invites you to participate in an inspiring, educational event! Come experience an exciting, enlightening afternoon of presentations from innovative Israeli organizations in medicine, agriculture, disaster recovery...
by astoundz | Oct 22, 2018
Rabbi Sholklapper, Director and Co-Founder of the Jewish Mindfulness Center of Houston, has attended, managed, and facilitated retreats and mindfulness meditation groups all over the world. Join him at Congregation Beth Israel for an inspiring, transformational...
by astoundz | Oct 22, 2018
Rabbi Sholklapper, Director and Co-Founder of the Jewish Mindfulness Center of Houston, has attended, managed, and facilitated retreats and mindfulness meditation groups all over the world. Join him at Congregation Beth Israel for an inspiring, transformational...
by Rabbi David Lyon | Oct 18, 2018 | Uncategorized
“Diversity will be a non-issue and humanity will be highlighted as our 21st century achievement.” Civility is missing, today. It’s not a political statement. It’s an observation. Only a recluse would be oblivious to the increase in racism, bigotry, misogyny, and...
by astoundz | Oct 5, 2018
by astoundz | Oct 5, 2018
by astoundz | Oct 5, 2018
by astoundz | Oct 5, 2018
by astoundz | Oct 5, 2018
by Rabbi David Lyon | Oct 4, 2018 | Uncategorized
“Access to truth before passing judgment is our moral duty” The news about this past week’s confirmation hearings doesn’t require another commentary, but the purpose of an FBI investigation after the confirmation hearings of Judge Kavanaugh is oddly enough explained...
by Rabbi David Lyon | Sep 27, 2018 | Uncategorized
“Behold, A Grandson!” A Sweet New Year happens in many ways, but this year it happened in a way I’ve never experienced before. On September 14th, my grandson, Ronen Baker Lyon, was born to my son, Jeremy, and his wife, Melissa (Mimi). Though he was due the day after...
by astoundz | Sep 14, 2018
by astoundz | Sep 12, 2018
by astoundz | Sep 12, 2018
The Membership Committee and the Adult Education Committee invite you to celebrate the festival of Sukkot in the sukkah on Sat. 9/29 (5:30-7:30pm, Sukkah Courtyard). Join us for a special Havdalah service, light bites, and a wine tasting led by an expert who...
by astoundz | Sep 12, 2018
Join us on September 28th for a Family Shabbat in the Sukkah! Our service, led by Rabbi Foster, will start at 6:00pm and will be followed by a dinner at 7:00pm. We are also happy to welcome YAD from the Jewish Federation! This is sure to be an evening of fun for the...
by astoundz | Sep 12, 2018
We welcome you to join us for our Sukkot Festival Service on Monday morning, 9/24. Rabbi David Lyon, and Rabbi Adrienne Scott will lead this special holiday service (10:30-11:30am, Gordon Chapel).
by astoundz | Sep 12, 2018
by astoundz | Sep 12, 2018
As Sukkot nears, Brotherhood invites the congregation to lend a hand (or two!) in building the sukkah. The build will take place Saturday. afternoon, 9/22 (1:30pm, Beth Israel Sukkah Courtyard). All are welcome – no prior experience needed! For more information...
by Rabbi David Lyon | Aug 30, 2018 | Uncategorized
“Will they honor her memory by choosing to do the same?” The Jewish New Year 5779, is just a week away. Before it comes, we’ll read in Torah, the portion called Ki Tavo, which means “When you enter.” It’s the portion in Deuteronomy that is part of Moses’ final...
by Rabbi David Lyon | Aug 30, 2018 | Uncategorized
How apropos that this week’s Torah portion is Shofetim (Deuteronomy 16:18ff), which includes the familiar phrase, “Tzedek, tzedek tirdof,” justice, justice shall you pursue. A familiar commentary on the verse explains that the repetition of the...
by Rabbi David Lyon | Aug 30, 2018 | Uncategorized
“The time is ripe for renewing health, well-being and peace.” In Torah this week, Re’eh (see) is the first word of the portion. “See, this day I set before you blessing and curse…” Our Sages teach that the word is written here in the singular form....
by Rabbi David Lyon | Aug 30, 2018 | Uncategorized
“Thank God for the blessings we’ve been granted and the privilege to enjoy them.” I’m back. Since June 1st, I was able to tour around Israel, be French in Paris, and laze in Colorado. Writing, reading, study and research filled in the gaps between hiking,...
by Rabbi David Lyon | Aug 30, 2018 | Uncategorized
“Beware of Falling Rocks!” In Jerusalem, a large stone fell from the Western Wall (Kotel) onto the egalitarian prayer space near Robinson’s Arch. It was a piece of Herodian stone set some 2,000 years ago. When it fell out of its place and landed on the...
by Rabbi David Lyon | Aug 30, 2018 | Uncategorized
“An animal’s eyes have the power to speak a great language.” Martin Buber In 2006, a 2.5 pound Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Buddy became part of our family. He was so small that he couldn’t jump onto the backyard patio from the grass where he ran in...
by Rabbi David Lyon | Aug 30, 2018 | Uncategorized
“I am a Jew because Israel’s promise is a universal promise.” Just one month ago, following our congregational trip to Israel, I spent time in Paris with my wife and special friends. While in Paris, we visited the usual sites and experienced many familiar...
by Rabbi David Lyon | Aug 30, 2018 | Uncategorized
“There’s no issue today for which we have to kill, defame, or alienate others, beginning with fellow Americans and fellow Jews.” Pinchas is a Biblical personality who was known for his remarkable passion to serve God. In this week’s Torah portion, we...
by Rabbi David Lyon | Aug 30, 2018 | Uncategorized
If you’re moving the pins on your map, then you’ll find me now in Colorado. Today, I’m surrounded by books and my laptop. In the early afternoon, I sat outside to read. The breeze and wind were magnificent. The bugs, however, were unusual with odd wings and multiple...
by Rabbi David Lyon | Aug 30, 2018 | Uncategorized
Don’t cite Biblical verses. Don’t make historical references. Don’t recite poetry and rhymes. When we forcibly separate children and parents, for any reason, we violate and ignore every natural human instinct. It makes monsters of us. Monsters don’t listen or learn....
by Rabbi David Lyon | Aug 30, 2018 | Uncategorized
The Beth Israel travelers returned home from Israel this week. They learned many new Hebrew words, like “arba” (four), “boker tov” (good morning), and “todah rabbah,” (thank you). But, they never needed to use words like fear, hate, or anti-Semitism....
