October 1, 2019
October Bulletin Article
A wise Indian elder once described his inner struggle: He reported that inside him are two powerful dogs. One of them is kind and good. The other is mean and
Continue readingBulletin Messages
September 1, 2019
Kosher Sex
In the Sheva Berachot, the seven traditional blessings recited at every Jewish wedding, our tradition elevates the importance of two aspects of marital connectedness. The first of these sacred connections
Continue readingAugust 1, 2019
Models for Civility in an Age of Controversy
Dear Friends, In today’s ever-more-polarized world, there seems to be a decline in civility. The norms which dictate decent behavior seem to be eroding, as our interactions have become angrier,
Continue readingJune 1, 2019
The Bar/Bat Mitzvah as an Ageless Ritual
Dear Friends, Few Jewish rituals celebrate life in a more complete way than that of a bar or bat mitzvah ceremony. From the perspective of a congregation, a bar or
Continue readingMay 1, 2019
Counting the Blessings of Melissa Wolfson
Dear Friends, Many Jews around the world are currently observing a sacred period of the Jewish calendar year called, “The Counting of the Omer.” This observance is based on the
Continue readingApril 3, 2019
April 3, 2019
Dear Friends, Baseball season is officially underway, and even if you are not a fan of baseball, it is extremely difficult to not to catch Astros Fever. This is especially
Continue readingApril 1, 2019
Living What We Learn
Dear Friends, I recently read an essay written by my son, Simon, who is currently 15 years old. The paper was on the pursuit of happiness, and I was pleasantly
Continue readingMarch 1, 2019
Progressive Dinner
Dear Friends, In the stated core values of Houston Congregation for Reform Judaism is the idea that a small membership base is the best way to preserve a warm and
Continue readingFebruary 1, 2019
A Driving Range for the Philanthropist
Dear Friends, A number of years ago, a congregant who was frustrated with dues, handed me a check for $86.00 and told me that he was covered for the year.
Continue readingJuly 18, 2018
July 18, 2018
Dear Melissa, This Sunday, Jews around the world will observe a solemn Jewish holiday called Tisha B’Av. According to our tradition, it was on the 9th of Av that both the
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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.