Virtual Community Weekly Email

Join us for a week of programming, prayer, and Jewish learning.

Kulanu: Antisemitism on Campus
MONDAY, FEB 12TH 7:00P TO 8:30P
Join Kulanu for a speaker series to raise awareness and highlight resources available to combat antisemitism when we are confronted with antisemitism.  MORE INFO

Wisdom of Torah with Rabbi Brian Strauss
TUESDAY, FEB 13TH 7:45A TO 8:30A
Rabbi Strauss teaches Tuesday mornings as part of the Breakfast Club - learn Torah 4 days a week with our clergy!

Voices of Torah with Rabbi Steven Morgen
WEDNESDAY, FEB 14TH 7:45A TO 8:30A
Rabbi Morgen teaches Wednesday mornings as part of the Breakfast Club - learn Torah 4 days a week with our clergy!

Coffee & Ketubahs with Beth Yeshurun Sisterhoon
WEDNESDAY, FEB 14TH 10:00A TO 11:30A
In honor of Valentine's Day, Sisterhood invites you to a showing of the extensive collection of ketubot in our Kaplan Museum. Docent Carol Emery will give us the tour, and we will enjoy a light brunch afterward. MORE INFO

Jewish Meditation Group
WEDNESDAY, FEB 14TH 7:00P TO 8:00P
Explore tools for mindfulness, find a different way to talk to God, and deepen your prayer with meditation and chanting. MORE INFO

Breakfast Club with Rabbi Fort and Guests
THURSDAY, FEB 15TH 7:45A TO 8:30A
Join us for Torah and breakfast after services with Rabbi Sarah Fort this week.

Kids Meals/SEARCH Bags Assembly
THURSDAY, FEB 15TH 9:00A TO 10:00A
Join Beth Yeshurun Sisterhood and our Social Action team to assemble snack bags for Kids Meals and SEARCH. New volunteers are always welcome to join in this ongoing monthly project. MORE INFO

J.B. Greenfield Chapel Shabbat Evening Service
FRIDAY, FEB 16TH 5:30P MORE INFO

Shabbat Renewal with Scholar in Residence Yoram Ettinger
 "The Impact of the Israel-Hamas War on US-Israel Relations"
FRIDAY, FEB 16TH 6:00P
Join us at Shabbat Renewal in our Freedman Levit Sanctuary. Journalist, consultant, speaker, and former Ambassador Yoram Ettinger joins us for a weekend of events begining tonight. CLICK TO STREAM

Shabbat Dinner with Scholar in Residence Yoram Ettinger
"Israel's Contribution to the US Economy Exceeds US Foreign Aid to Israel" 
FRIDAY, FEB 16TH 7:15P
Yoram Ettinger continues his discussion on US-Israel relations and includes a Q & A Session after his talk at dinner. Cost is $20/p for this event. MORE INFO 

J.B. Greenfield Chapel Shabbat Morning Service
SHABBAT, FEB 17TH 8:30A MORE INFO 

Main Sanctuary Shabbat Morning Service
SHABBAT, FEB 17TH 9:30A
Join us for our Main Sanctuary Shabbat Morning Service. CLICK TO STREAM

Museum Minyan Shabbat Morning Service
SHABBAT, FEB 17TH 9:30A  MORE INFO

Shabbat Kiddush Luncheon with Scholar in Residence: Yoram Ettinger
SHABBAT, FEB 17TH 11:30A
A special Kiddush Luncheon where our Scholar, Yoram Ettiger, gives his final talk for the weekend: "The Myth of the Arab Demographic Time Bomb and the Reality of Israel's Jewish Demographic Momentum"

Stars of the Sixties Dinner & Show
SHABBAT, FEB 17TH 5:30P TO 9:00P
Join others from the Jewish committee for dinner and a show at the Stafford Centre. Schmooze at the dinner featuring some of Stafford's local restaurants, then enjoy the show, featuring some favorited of the 60's! MORE INFO

J.B. Greenfield Chapel Mincha/Ma’ariv
SATURDAY, FEB 17TH 5:45P MORE INFO 

Jewish Learning Project
SUNDAY, FEB 18TH 9:00A TO 11:00A
Join us Sunday mornings for learning opportunities with our clergy as well as special guest speakers. MORE INFO

A full list of upcoming events can be found here

Please know that your clergy is here for you. To reach out, please e-mail them directly or connect with  info@bethyeshurun.org  and we will direct you to a member of our team.

Kulanu: Antisemitism on Campus

Monday, February 12, 2024 at 7:00P

The ADL created Kulanu as an organization dedicated to empowering congregations to address antisemitism and hate in their communities through education, community engagement, and advocacy. Join us at Congregation Beth Yeshurun for a series this spring to raise awareness and highlight resources available to combat antisemitism when we are confronted with antisemitism. Our speakers will be followed by Q&A.

Our February Guests: Opening remarks by Mark Toubin, Regional Director of ADL Southwest; Rabbi Stephanie Max, Executive Director of University of Texas Hillel; Rabbi Jonathan Siger, Rabbi at Hillel Texas A&M University; and Rabbi Kenny Weiss, Executive Director of Houston Hillel Click here for more information and to Register!

Coffee & Ketubahs

Wednesday, February 14, 2024 at 10:00A

In honor of Valentine's Day, Sisterhood invites you to a showing of the extensive collection of ketubot in our Kaplan Museum, including many that are not on display. Museum docent Carol Emery will give us the tour, and we will enjoy light brunch. Click here to Register!

Scholar in Residence: Yoram Ettinger

Friday, February 16-17, 2024

Join us for our winter Scholar-in-Residence, Former Ambassador Yoram Ettinger. Yoram has accumulated over 40 years of experience as a researcher, diplomat, writer, lecturer, and consultant to Israeli and US legislators and their staffers. His weekly columns (The Ettinger Report) on US-Israel relations and Middle East affairs are disseminated  to 10,000 movers & shakers in the US and 5,000 in Israel. Click here for more information and to Register!

Friday, February 16
Shabbat Renewal: "The Impact of the Israel-Hamas War on US-Israel Relations"
Shabbat Dinner: "Israel's Contribution to the US Economy Exceeds US Foreign Aid to Israel" (Dinner - $20pp)

Saturday, February 17
Shabbat Kiddush: "The Myth of the Arab Demographic Time Bomb and the Reality of Israel's Jewish Demographic Momentum"

YES Lunch

Wednesday, February 21, 2024
11:30A - Lunch | 12:00P - Entertainment!

Enjoy lunch with friends, then head to the Freedman Levit Sanctuary to hear our very own Cantor, Rachel Goldman, and Accompanist, Julie Sacks. Open to the community, so feel free to share with friends who might enjoy our program. Thank you to our February Sponsor: The Tradition - Buffalo Speedway! Click here for more information and to Register!

100 Jewish Men

Wednesday, February 21, 2024
Dinner: 6:30P | Program: 7:00P

Our February guest is Dr. Doug Dow, a Board-Certified Urologist, speaking on "Understanding Prostate Enlargement and Prostate Cancer and Their Treatments." 100 Jewish Men is a group of men dedicated to improving themselves and each other as men, fathers, husbands, brothers, sons, friends, and Jews. Through controversial, thought-provoking speakers and small group discussions, we will explore what usually remains unspoken in men’s lives at work and at home. We have an incredible year planned, and we hope you choose to be part of it. Click here for more information and to Register!

Beth Yeshurun Members: Program Only - $12 | Dinner & Program - $25
Non-Members: Program Only - $25 | Dinner & Program - $38

STAR Shabbat

Friday, February 23, 2024 at 6:00 PM
Shabbat Renewal in the Barg Sanctuary

Dust off those cowboy boots and get ready for our first STAR Shabbat. Cantor Goldman and her band will blend the twang of country tunes with the spiritual harmony of Shabbat prayers. From ‘Neon Moon’ to ‘Deep in the Heart of Texas,’ we’re gonna have a foot-stompin’, hand-clappin’, hallelujah-singin’ good time. So put on your rhinestones and Stetsons, because, in the words of Johnny Cash, ‘We’ll walk the line’ between country and Shabbat. ‘Don’t fence me in,’ let’s ‘roam if we want to,’ and make Shabbat memories that’ll last longer than a George Strait love song. After the last chord has faded, stick around for a rootin’, tootin’, good time - an oneg as big is Texas! A mighty big ‘Thank you’ to our STAR Shabbat sponsor for making this hootenanny possible. Click here for more information and to Register!

STAR Shabbat is an opportunity to shake up our Friday Night Shabbat Service, musically that is! Thanks to our special STAR Shabbat sponsor we are excited to share TWO themed STAR Shabbats this year: Go Texan, February 23 and The Beatles, May 17.

Houston Kosher Chili Cook-off

Sunday, March 3, 2024 from 12:00 - 4:00 PM
Adults $20 | Children (4-12) $5

It’s official! The Houston Kosher Chili Cook-off is back and now the largest kosher food event in Houston. The 11th Houston Kosher Chili Cook-off will have MORE cooking teams, MORE food, MORE money raised for local charities, and MORE fun! The public is invited to sample chili, mingle, enjoy children’s activities, listen to music, and simply have a great time in an outdoor festival atmosphere. The event will conclude with the selection of the winning chili by celebrity judges. So don’t miss this “hot” event!

The Houston Kosher Chili Cookoff is all about bringing the entire Jewish Community together for a day of food, fun, and festivities to raise funds for important non-profit organizations in the Houston Jewish Community. Join in for all-you-can-eat chili, music, children's activities, and more! Click here to purchase Cook-Off Tickets!

Interested in supporting Beth Yeshurun as a member of our booth? No cooking required, just ruach! Email Jennifer Rosenzweig at jrosenzweig@bethyeshurun.org to sign up and more information.

Strength through Solidarity

June 17-28, 2024
Led by Lisa and Rabbi Brian Strauss

Embark on a journey filled with inspiration, education, and connections to Israel's current challenges. The itinerary is carefully crafted to provide a personalized, meaningful, and safe experience during this most crucial moment in time. This Solidarity Mission promises not just a trip but a transformative experience. Discover new worlds and explore your identity as part of the global Jewish community. We have a limited number of seats and expect this trip to reach capacity well before registration closes. We look forward to having you join us on this incredible journey! Click here to join us on this incredible journey!

Beth Yeshurun Stands in Solidarty with Israel
Today. Tomorrow. Always. Am Yisrael Chai.

We know everyone is hurting. Here is a way for you to take action. Jewish Federation of Greater Houston has opened a fund to meet the immediate and ongoing needs on the ground. Visit houstonjewish.org/supportisrael to donate now. Jewish Federations have identified the following urgent priority needs requiring our immediate collective assistance. 100% of the funds will be distributed to support victims of terror, medical support, trauma recovery, crisis management, and direct lifesaving relief efforts via our trusted overseas partners who know the needs on the ground such as the Jewish Agency for Israel, the Joint Distribution Committee, and others.

TAKE 45 SECONDS TO KEEP ISRAEL SAFE
We urge you to text “Israel” to 24722 to support AIPAC’s bipartisan, ongoing efforts to provide Israel with the security, diplomatic and materiel support that only our government can provide. For more on how you can support congressional action, visit aipac.org.

This flyer details how each of us can help ensure Israel has what it needs to defeat Hamas and defend its citizens.

SUPPORT ISRAEL BONDS
Every Israel Bonds investment, donation or gift by a synagogue member strengthens and renews the connection of the members of our congregation to Israel and each other. Celebrate the New Year 5784 by sharing an Israel Bond with a family member or with a Shalom Bond donation to the synagogue or your favorite cause or community institution. Click Here to Invest in Israel Bonds

ADVOCATE FOR THE RELEASE OF ALL HOSTAGES
On October 7, 240 people were atrociously abducted by Hamas to Gaza. Among them at least 33 babies and children, as well as women, people with disabilities, and elderly, from over 40 nationalities, including the United States.The U.S. has a singular role in ending this humanitarian crisis - but only if it makes it a priority. Take a minute of your day and make a call and save their lives. Click here for more information about ONEMINADAY

ALL MUST BEAR WITNESS
"As a rabbi, I often confront challenging decisions about what to share with my congregation, especially concerning sensitive subjects. Recently, I faced one such decision: whether to share graphic images of the Oct. 7 massacre with a B’nai Mitzvah service attended by young families. In this blog post, I want to explore why I ultimately chose to share these images and the importance of bearing witness to difficult truths, even in the presence of young teens." Read Rabbi Strauss' full article published in The Times of Israel.

Sisterhood Giftshop

Your Sisterhood Giftshop is here for all your Judaica needs! Whether you’re looking for a meaningful gift or a cherished addition to your home, our carefully curated selection awaits you. Shop with purpose, shop with heart, shop the Sisterhood Judaic Gift Shop. They have an extensive collection of beautiful Judaic Jewelry, including items from the Israel Museum in Jerusalem. Help support Israeli artists while they are currently closed.Their regular hours are: Tuesday-Thurs 10:00A - 4:00P; Friday 10:00A - 2:00P; Sunday 10:00A - 1:00P; Closed Saturday and Monday. Please support Sisterhood, call them at 713-255-8021 or emai giftshop@bethyeshurun.org.

Mazel Tov

We invite you to share with us your simchas - births, engagement, weddings, or award and recognitions. Fill our Mazel Tov form with your information a picture and share your great news with the rest of the congregation. Click here to Submit your Simcha!

Volunteer Opportunities

There are numerous ongoing opportunities waiting for you to make a difference. By volunteering, you'll not only enhance your community but also foster meaningful connections and create a positive impact that ripples through the lives of others. Click here for Volunteer Opportunities within the community.

QUICK LINKS

VIEW YOUR ACCOUNT | MAKE A DONATION | FACEBOOK PAGE | YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Your Sisterhood Giftshop is here for all your Judaica needs! 
Email them directly giftshop@bethyeshurun.org or call 713.255.8021.