June 3, 2015
June 3, 2015 (Flood)
Dear Friends, The flood waters may have ebbed, but in their wake there has been so much loss and destruction. At such times, the knowledge that others care about us
Continue readingWeekly Reflections
May 27, 2015
May 27, 2015
Monday’s storm destroyed many homes and cars within the HCRJ community, and we are trying hard to reach families who may be in need. If you or someone you know
Continue readingMay 20, 2015
Shavuot
Dear Friends, At our Shabbat services this Friday we will be observing the Festival of Shavuot at HCRJ (the actual day for the holiday is Sunday). This ancient festival, commemorating
Continue readingMay 13, 2015
May 13, 2015 (Cantor Finkelstein)
When it comes to the music used in our worship services, everyone has a favorite melody. Some feel more spiritually connected with they hear the sound of the guitar and
Continue readingApril 22, 2015
April 22, 2015 (Yom Ha’atzmaut)
This week the Jewish community celebrates the 67th Anniversary of the establishment of the modern State of Israel. Founded in the face of enormous challenges and in the shadow of
Continue readingApril 1, 2015
April 1, 2015 (Passover)
For countless generations the Passover Seder has provided us with an ongoing reminder of our responsibility to work for freedom and justice in the world. By retelling the story of
Continue readingMarch 18, 2015
March 18, 2015 (Mosque Fire)
On February 13, a homeless man named, Darryl Ferguson, turned himself over to authorities for causing a fire that burned down the Quba Islamic Institute in Southeast Houston. The fire
Continue readingMarch 11, 2015
March 11, 2015 (Idols vs. Tabernacle)
In last week’s Torah portion, the Israelites gathered to build the golden calf. They pulled together their resources and built an idol for worship. This week the Torah recounts the
Continue readingMarch 4, 2015
March 4, 2015
Tonight is Purim, and Jews around the world will be reading the Book of Esther and celebrating in a wide variety of ways. At HCRJ, our custom is to celebrate
Continue readingFebruary 25, 2015
February 25, 2015 (Purim Festivities)
Of all the holidays in the Jewish calendar year, Purim is the only one which might be considered irreverent. Such irreverence is rooted in the fact that Purim is found
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.