September 17, 2014
September 17, 2014 (Holy Day Prep 5775)
The Hebrew translation of the phrase, “I am sorry,” is selicha. It is a concept that weighs heavy on our minds during this season. As we begin to prepare ourselves
Continue reading
HCRJ Web Admin
September 10, 2014
September 10, 2014–Blessed in Coming and Going
I was only a cub scout for a few years, and of all the things I learned as a scout, the following tidbit of wisdom has remained with me every
Continue readingSeptember 3, 2014
September 3, 2014–Amalek and Evil
In this week’s Torah portion, we read the story of the Amalekite attack on the Israelites as they wandered in the dessert (Deuteronomy 25:17-19). This biblical passage describes a brutal
Continue readingSeptember 1, 2014
Global Tensions Remind Us of Local Responsibilities
Interfaith relations in the United States have experienced a summer of trial and tribulation. In the context of Jewish relations with Christians and Muslims, these stresses have been relentless and
Continue readingAugust 27, 2014
August 27, 2014 –Elul (40 Days)
Today is the first day of the Hebrew month of Elul. Today is a day of incredible significance to the Jewish people in the process of atonement, because from this
Continue readingAugust 20, 2014
August 20, 2014 — Texts of Intolerance
In recent weeks the images and news reports regarding the barbaric acts of the Islamic State have been horrifying. We read about the deceptions of unbelievers; crucifixions, burying women and
Continue readingAugust 13, 2014
August 13, 2014
This Friday night is our second “Welcome Shabbat” of the summer. Please join us and bring friends to our Sabbath service that promises to warm your heart and fill you
Continue readingJuly 23, 2014
July 23, 2014 (Israel Talking Points)
The name of this week’s Torah portion, Mas-ei, means “journeys.” This chapter in the Book of Numbers addresses some of the challenges the people of Israel take as they wander
Continue readingJuly 16, 2014
July 16, 2014 (Interfaith Iftar)
Last Friday night after Shabbat services, members of HCRJ caravanned to a mosque in Katy to participate in a brief program entitled, Ritual Fasting in the Abrahamic Faiths. After a
Continue readingJuly 16, 2014
July 9, 2014
Over the course of the past few weeks, the goodwill and emotions of those who pray and work for peace between Israel and the Palestinians have been strained. The appalling
Continue readingRather hear it in person?
Rabbi Gross writes most of what is on this page, and says the rest of it on a Friday night. Everyone is welcome at a service, and you do not need to tell anyone you are coming.