Houston Congregation for Reform Judaism

Yom Kippur Youth Service

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Yom Kippur means “Day of Atonement” and refers to the annual Jewish observance of fasting, prayer and repentance. Yom Kippur is considered the holiest day on the Jewish calendar.

Our Yom Kippur Youth Service begins at 9:30 am.  No ticket required for this service.

Services continue throughout the day:
11:00 am Yom Kippur Adult Morning Service
1:00 pm Holy Day Discussion Hour
2:15 pm Meditation Period
3:00 pm Afternoon Service
4:00 pm Memorial and Concluding Service
Break the Fast at approximately 5:30 pm

 

For our High Holy Day packet, please click here.

 

 

Religious School

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Message from our Director of Education

2015 – 2016 Religious School Calendar

The HCRJ Religious School Philosophy

The HCRJ Religious School believes successful religious school programming invites each student on a journey of the spirit that includes learning, self-exploration and the establishment of life-long relationships.  At HCRJ, Jewish education is a joyful endeavor where students, teachers and parents work together to generate bonds with each other, the synagogue community and God rooted in shared faith, culture and heritage.

We believe that successful Jewish learning is maximized when it is in sync with the realities of modern secular life.  In response to the fact that families are highly overextended during the week, the HCRJ religious school is committed to maintaining a program only meets on Sunday morning.

Our innovative curriculum is designed to engage students of all ages. Project-centered programming invites students to explore faith, history, heritage and culture through camp style, five-week units on cooking, music, art and more.  As students rotate through these projects, classroom experiences become the foundations for a love of Jewish learning and a life-long connection to synagogue life.

We believe that every stage of Jewish learning must be meaningful and personally fulfilling.  It is our ongoing commitment to our students to provide boundless opportunities to master Hebrew reading skills and develop a strong foundation in Jewish values, beliefs and practices in ways that are engaging, intellectually stimulating and fun.

Yom Kippur Youth Service

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Yom Kippur means “Day of Atonement” and refers to the annual Jewish observance of fasting, prayer and repentance. Yom Kippur is considered the holiest day on the Jewish calendar.

Our Yom Kippur Youth Service begins at 9:30 am.  No ticket required for this service.

Services continue throughout the day:
11:00 am Yom Kippur Adult Morning Service
1:00 pm Holy Day Interfaith Discussion Hour
2:15 pm Meditation Period
3:00 pm Afternoon Service
4:00 pm Memorial and Concluding Service
Break the Fast at approximately 5:30 pm

For ticket and other High Holy Day information, please click here.

Message from HCRJ Director of Education (2015 – 2016)

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Hilary Kamin Director of Education

Hilary Kamin
Director of Education

 

Welcome Back Religious School families!

The new school year is just around the corner.  The HCRJ teachers cannot wait to see all of the smiling faces of your children and watch them reconnect with each other.  We have a fantastic year ahead filled with fun, friendship and fabulous programs!

For our youngest learners, our Torah Tots program is back by popular demand, under the guidance of Missy Bernosky.  We look forward to the addition of a 6th grade B’nai Mitzvah retreat this year, and are welcoming the largest confirmations class ever at HCRJ.  We are thrilled with the success of our Ozrim program and will continue to offer a training program to our 10th graders as a part of that program.  We will also be offering bimonthly opportunities for our 11th an d 12th graders to connect with Rabbi Gross and get prepared for life on campus.

Michelle Renfrow can’t wait to share more about our exciting  middle and high school youth group events.  Our events will be both local and regional; and there will be so many chances for our kids to connect.

We invite you to share your enthusiasm for our school  with friends and family.  Please invite anyone who may be interested to attend our Opening Day of Religious School on August 30th.  If you have not yest registered for Religious School, please do so by clicking here.

We look forward to seeing you!

Shabbat Services: Kids 4 Peace

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Kids 4 Peace 1

All are welcome to join us at 7:15 Join us for a profoundly moving service as a group of teens from Israel and the Palestinian territories grace us with their stories after having spent the previous week at a camp called Kids 4 Peace.

The purpose of this camp, which takes place outside of Houston, is to promote transformational encounters through a residential camp for Israeli, Palestinian and American teenagers.

These children have had the privilege of working with Billy Jonas, a nationally acclaimed star in the world of children’s music. Billy, who is most recognized for his magical music made from recycled materials, will join us on Friday, August 14 to lead us in worship with Rabbi Gross and Dr. Jane Becker.

Purim Carnival and Religious School

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Join us for some food and fun at our HCRJ Purim Carnival!  “Cast your Lot” to see who will have to face the dunk tank, compete against your foes on the obstacle course or just come for the fun of it all!

Wear your favorite costume and join us for a super fun-filled morning including a Purim Puppet Show, Hamantaschen, crafts and lots of fun with new friends and old.

Family Breakfast at 9:00 AM

Religious School at 9:30 AM

PreSchool Puppet Show at 10:00 AM

Carnival from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

It is a mitzvah to give “mishloach manot” (gifts of food) to increase friendship and community among Jews. Bring food and always needed items from home to donate to JFS to help those in need.

Activities will include: Face Painting, cake walk, carnival games, photo booth, prizes, raffles, food and fun!  There will be a separate play area for kids under 5.

$9 per person in advance, $12 per person at the door, Kids under 3 are FREE!

To register click here.

Family Shabbat

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We hope to see you on the first Friday in February for Family Shabbat!

At 6pm, join Elmo and Rabbi Gross for Shabbat Fun in Naman Hall! We’ll sing, we’ll dance, we’ll pray. Children 6 and under welcome with their siblings.  Open to the public.

At 6:15pm, we will enjoy Family Dinner. The dinner menu includes brisket, chicken, red beans, dirty rice, salad, chicken nuggets and macaroni and cheese. Dinner is $5 per person over four years old.

At 7:15pm, it’s Family Shabbat Services! Game night will follow services during the oneg.