Houston Congregation for Reform Judaism

Dad’s Day 5K, 3K Family Run/Walk and 1K Kids Walk

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Celebrate Father’s Day Weekend with HCRJ!

On June 18 at 7:30 AM, participate in a race with fellow HCRJ members and families in downtown Houston!   Run or walk in one of the three race options:  5K (3.1 miles), 3K (1.86 miles) and 1K (.62 miles).

The 5K and 3K race participants receive a technical, gender-specific t-shirt. All kids 12 and under who finish the Kids 1K, receive a commemorative medal and a super hero cape. Free family photos will also be taken!

Registration prices range from $10-$35 depending on race choice and age. This event benefits prostate cancer education and awareness.

To sign up, please contact Justin at 713-782-4162 or admin@hcrj.org.

Purim Carnival

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Get your gregors out. Purim is around the corner and we are ready to celebrate!

Moon walks, games, food and laughs!  Be part of the fun and wear a costume or a funny hat.

Last year, Rabbi Gross got a pile of pies in his face at the Purim party.  What will happen this year?  Check out photos from last year.

Sponsorships are available from $50 to $150 levels.  Contact Michelle at hcrjyouth@hcrj.org for more information.

HOUSTY Renaissance Festival Field Trip

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Come join your high school friends from Houston and surrounding areas as we chase goats and eat haggis at the Texas Renaissance Festival.

High School Students in Housty will meet at HCRJ at 9:30 AM for some scavenging, hunting, eating, shopping and more.

At 5pm we will make our way to the Congregation in the Woodlands for Havdallah and a pizza dinner.

$30 covers transportation to and from, admission and pizza dinner at CBSW.

Don’t forget to bring extra money for games, souvenirs, and more barbarian fun.

RSVP to Michelle Renfrow at hcrjyouth@hcrj.org

Youth Group Sukkot Pot Luck

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Sukkot Pot Luck celebration at HCRJ for 6 through 12 graders.  Join us at HCRJ with your favorite side dish (kosher style please) and enjoy a Sukkot celebration with games and music.  Come from 6:00 – 7:30pm with your family and friends.

Please RSVP to Michelle Renfrow at hcrjyouth@hcrj.org so we know the correct amount of food and drinks to provide.

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.

Splashtown for 6th – 8th Graders

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Cool down with your friends at Splashtown!

 

Join other 6th through 8th graders from around Houston for a day of fun. A bus will leave from ERJCC on North Braeswood between Chimney Rock and Hilcroft at 12 PM (Noon) and return around 6:00 PM.

The cost is $45 per person. Please register in advance by emailing Michelle Renfrow at hcrjyouth@hcrj.org.

Torah Tots

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Torah Tots is Back at HCRJ

 
 
Bring friends or make new friends!  Join us each week for hands-on activities, singing and fun as we explore together Shabbat, Jewish holidays and more.

Torah Tots is for children ages 18 months to 4 years, accompanied by an adult.  The program is fee and open to the public.  The program will take place on Sunday mornings when there is religious school from 10 AM to 10:45 AM beginning August 30, 2015.

If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Hilary Kamin at hilaryk@hcrj.org.

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.

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!