November 12, 2014
November 12, 2014 (Kristalnacht, Vets Day and Chaye Sara)
At the beginning of this week’s Torah portion, Sarah dies and Abraham sets out on a quest to find the perfect way to honor her memory. He finds a very
Continue readingWeekly Reflections
October 8, 2014
October 8, 2014
Dear Friends, If you looked into the sky last night, you may have noticed a magical moon. Interestingly enough this rather rare lunar phenomenon has a special name. It is
Continue readingSeptember 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 readingSeptember 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 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 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.