A native of Houston and a long-time member of HCRJ, Mike began as Executive Director in November of 2024, overseeing membership, operations, facilities, security and financials. He has served as the congregation’s Cantorial Soloist for the past nine years and will continue to fulfill that role. With 40 years of corporate experience in Human Resources, Retail and Executive Recruiting, Mike brings a wealth of expertise to his new role. He has also made significant contributions to the Jewish and social services community, serving on multiple boards at both local and state levels.
Betti Buck has been the Religious School Director at HCRJ since August of 2021. Originally from Israel, and with an extensive background in education and Jewish learning, Betti brings a wealth of knowledge to our religious school program. Under Betti’s guidance, our students learn in an innovative, dynamic, hands-on environment. Her goal is to maximize students’ experience of Jewish learning by creating a nurturing, engaging, and inviting environment. HCRJ’s Religious School meets once a week on Sundays. Betti is a proud mother of two children, Talor (who is married to Bar) and Shira.
Beth Nelson came to HCRJ in the summer of 2023 from Sharon, MA where she had been the Education and Engagement Director for 10 years. Beth has been in the Jewish communal field for over 30 years. She has held a variety of positions through camps, schools, JCC’s and colleges which enabled her to work with all ages from pre-school to senior adults. Beth grew up in RI, and came to Houston for college, she spent 17 years working at Yong Judaea, the Houston JCC and Congregation Beth Am (now Or Ami). She moved back to New England in 2002 with the hope of returning to Houston. She was happy to find HCRJ and be a match for the Program Director’s position. Beth looks forward to continuing the work of all the amazing programs in place as well as bringing in some new innovations.
Our Musical Staff
Mike Kahn – Cantorial Soloist
Yana Didyk – Pianist
Jonathan Craft – Choir Director, High Holidays
Our Building Staff
Francisco Quintanilla – Facilites and Maintenance
Kiziah Winn – Kitchen and Programs Specialist