Houston Congregation for Reform Judaism

Member Login
  • Home
  • Who We Are
    • Get To Know Us
    • HCRJ Photo Gallery
    • Our Rabbi
    • Our Staff
    • Our Board Of Trustees
  • Worship with us
    • High Holy Days
    • Shabbat Services
    • Special Shabbats
    • Havdalah
  • Connect with Us
    • Contact HCRJ
    • Find Us
    • Media
    • Video Library
    • Connect with Our Friends
  • Learning
    • Religious School
      • Philosophy
      • Registration
      • Calendar
      • Special Programs
      • Pictures
    • Youth Learning
      • HOUSTY
      • URJ Greene Family Camp
      • Prayer Library
    • Adult Learning
      • Jews around the World
      • Film Screenings
      • Book Discussions
      • Jewish/Muslim Christmas
      • Watercolor Classes
  • Social
    • Groups
      • Social Action
      • Senior Chai
      • Boomers and Friends
    • Events
      • Bingo
      • Mah Jongg Game Day
      • New and Prospective Member Shabbat
      • HCRJ Open Golf Tournament
      • Cars, Coffee & Conversation
      • Bark Mitzvah
      • HCRJ at the Astros
  • Calendar/Events
  • Membership

July 10, 2019

July 10, 2019 by HCRJ Web Admin

Dear Friends,

In this week’s Torah portion, we read a passage which is often referred to as “The Song at the Well.” This song was sung by the Israelites upon the completion of their forty-years of wandering in the wilderness before entering the Land of Israel.

Through this brief song [see Numbers 21:17-20], the Israelites expressed their gratitude to God for providing them with a constant source of water through this well in the middle of the desert. In many ways, the “Song at the Well,” might be considered as the flip side of “The Song of the Sea,” where the Israelites celebrated their freedom and marked the beginning of their wanderings after their exodus from Egypt.

These ancestral songs reflect a truth that is as ancient as our existence. Sometimes, the events of life inspire us to express ourselves in song. Sometime, the beauty of the world inspires the soul to sing out in praise and gratitude.

As it was for our ancestors, so too it was for Katherine Lee Bates who was inspired to compose America the Beautiful in 1893 as she gazed upon the glorious views from the top of Pikes Peak in Colorado. These glorious vistas continue to inspire countless visitors today, and as my family enjoyed our time a Pikes Peak this past week, we too felt a desire to sing out songs of praise and joy.

Whether it is from the top of a mountain or in the middle of the wilderness of Houston, we are constantly surrounded by moments of inspiration. It does not take a poet to be able to see God’s handiwork around us. We need only open our eyes to God’s glory and open our mouths to sing God’s praises.

L’Shalom,
Steve

Filed Under: Weekly Reflections

Rabbi’s Message Categories

  • Weekly Reflections
  • Bulletin Messages
  • Sermons
  • Religious School
  • Events
  • Bulletins
  • Find Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us
  • Membership
  • Member Login

801 Bering Drive | Houston, Texas 77057 | Phone: 713-782-4162| Fax: 713-782-4167| hcrj@hcrj.org

Copyright © 2025 Houston Congregation for Reform Judaism All Rights Reserved

Website Development by Levy Marketing Group