Houston Congregation for Reform Judaism

September 7,2023

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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 for the High Holy Days, it is important to take time to consider the actions and behaviors of this past year for which we are sorry.  This process will officially begin on Friday night at a special service called, Selichot (which means “apologies”).  Through special songs and meditations, we will formally mark the beginning of the penitential season at Houston Congregation for Reform Judaism.

Please join us this Friday Night, September 8 at 8:00 pm as we begin our spiritual preparations for this season. Whether it is through a special worship service or through private moments of introspective contemplation, this is the time to begin to examine our behaviors over the past year and prepare our spirits for the Days of Awe.   I pray that the ensuing weeks of personal reflection and introspection will be productive and cathartic for each of us.

Shanah Tovah — Steve

 

August 30,2023

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Dear Friends –

If you looked into the sky last night, you may have noticed a magical moon.

Interestingly enough, this lunar phenomenon has a special name.  It is called a “supermoon.” The moon will be massive and bright, but what makes tonight’s even MORE super, is that it will be the second full moon in August. The first full moon of this month happened on August 1. This occurrence is extremely rare.

This full moon has one additional level of meaning. This moon is the full moon of the Hebrew month of Elul. Beautiful as it may be, whenever I see the full moon of Elul, I begin to get very stressed. This moon signifies that there are 15 days until we celebrate the first moon of the new year (Rosh HaShanah).

Enjoy the moon! May its light bring all of us a little inspiration!!

L’Shalom,
Steve

August 24,2023

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Judaism is a faith structured around relationships, and the synagogue is one of the most common places where those relationships are formed and nurtured. These relationships are established as we learn each other’s stories and meet each other’s families. For newcomers, however, entry points into an already established community can be challenging and intimidating.

At HCRJ, we want everyone to feel welcome, connected, and engaged from the moment they step foot into this building. Join us on Friday night as we extend a warm welcome to the newest members of HCRJ at our annual New Member Shabbat.

Our evening will begin with a wine and cheese reception at 6:15 pm followed by Shabbat services at 7:15 pm. During services, we will install our new Board of Trustees, reminding us that leadership and membership go hand in hand.

L’Shalom,

Steve

August 10, 2023

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Dear Friends,

There is an old story of 5 blind men who are asked to describe an elephant  just by touching it. One by one, each gives a report. Their descriptions were all very different. Rope, fan, pillar, wall, and hose were each defining descriptions depending on what part of the elephant was being touched.

Of course, each of the five men correctly described what they were feeling, but each was also blind to the bigger picture. Such blindness can be true of us as well – for it is often true that limited perceptions of the world can prevent us from understanding a much bigger landscape.

In our Torah portion this week (R’eih), Moses repeatedly tries to remind the Israelites of the big picture regarding living a life of Torah. Moses recognizes that with so many laws the Israelites could easily get overwhelmed. In his wisdom, Moses warns against getting stuck in the weeds of the what and  how of rituals and laws and tries to help us understand the why.

In many ways, Moeses is trying to help us see the elephant. Through his words we come to understand that all of the laws and directives, which have been given to us, ultimately serve to define us as a sacred community and help guide us to become better partners with God in making this world a better place.

L’Shalom,
Steve

August 2, 2023

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Dear Friends,

Every summer, an amazing group of teens come to Houston from Israel for Peace Camp. These young leaders are Jewish, Christian, and Muslim, and despite countless differences, they all share one goal. They are all committed to building bridges towards peace.

Yesterday, I had the joy of spending the day with this amazing group, and I was inspired as I observed them listening and learning from each other (see photos below). Central to the work they are doing is a collective refusal to allow hatred and violence to squelch their hopes for peace.

These campers will be joining us this Friday night for Shabbat Services. They will share their experiences and maybe even sing a song for us.  Please consider bringing friends to services as we seek to spread a message of hope. As a community we can learn about this groundbreaking camp and how it strives to build bridges of peace by planting seeds of trust and understanding in the next generation of leaders.

July 26, 2023

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Dear Friends,

Tonight begins the holiday of Tisha B’Av (the 9th day of the Hebrew month of Av). According to our tradition, it was on the 9th of Av that both the First and Second Temples were destroyed (first by the Babylonians in 586 BCE and then by the Romans in the year 70 CE).  Jewish tradition further teaches that throughout our history many of the worst atrocities against the Jews fell on Tisha B’Av.

Throughout history, Tisha B’Av has served to keep Jews intimately linked to the value and importance of Jerusalem in our faith. By morning the loss of our ancient Temple, we have remained steadfast in our concern for the future of Jerusalem in every generation.

Observant Jews will begin fasting this evening and conclude tomorrow at sundown. This custom is an expression of solidarity in sadness. Most Jews, however, are not fasting – and yet – an urgent call for solidarity within our community is as strong as it has ever been.

On Monday, the Israeli parliament approved a sweeping proposal to overhaul the judiciary. This highly contentious decision has fractured the nation pushing Israel to a state of internal instability.

It is in the light of what is unfolding in the streets of Israel today that Tisha B’Av takes on new meaning. Whether you choose to fast or not, there is much to be concerned about. Jerusalem and the State of Israel are facing grave threats from within, and while there is little, we can do to change the destructive forces at hand, I encourage all of us to allow Tisha B’Av (and its lamentation of past destructions) to remind us of the importance and the fragility of Israel in the unfolding story of our people and our faith.

L’Shalom,
Steve

July 5, 2023

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Dear Friends,

Despite the political polarization that plagues our national rhetoric on issues concerning the economy, health care, immigration, and more. . . July 4th invites every American (regardless of what we may believe is best for our future) to stand proudly in celebration of something we do share – democracy, freedom and a unique American way of life.

Yesterday’s celebration of the Fourth of July invited our entire country to share in one of our only purely, American holidays. Indeed, the Fourth of July, with its fireworks that filled our night skies, serves as an annual reminder that we live in a country where diversity is celebrated and ingenuity of thought and belief are part of the fabric of our national identity.

These are values worth defending, and it is important to remember that if we fail to embrace what our fireworks are all about; if we fail to appreciate the liberties we have been afforded; and if we fail to stand up for the liberties of others, then the Fourth of July is reduced to a meaningless day for consumer discounts on furniture and mattresses.

L’Shalom,
Steve