Jewish Federation of Greater Houston

10/06/2026

Join Mifgash, our group for parents & caregivers of children with special needs and learning differences, for Mingle & Mahjong on Tuesday, October 20. Learn, play, relax, and mingle. No prior maj experience necessary! Link in bio to register.

10/02/2026

We were honored to participate in a Raksha Bandhan ceremony with our friends from Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh. Traditionally observed between siblings, the tying of the rakhi string bracelet symbolizes a bond of mutual care, respect, and responsibility.

Together, we reflected on our shared values of our two ancient traditions, fostering a unique sense of understanding and friendship. We concluded our time together by sharing traditional snacks, celebrating another cherished aspect of both of our cultures: the importance of community, hospitality, and bringing people together around food!

10/02/2026

📢Your voice matters, and an important election deadline is approaching. 📢

⏰Monday, October 5, is the last day to register to vote in the upcoming election.

Before the deadline, visit votetexas.gov to verify your voter registration status or register to vote if needed.

10/02/2026

We're growing! Join a vibrant and supportive team to make an impact in our community! We're excited to have new positions available in our Philanthropy Department. If you're interested or know someone who would be a good fit, apply today or share with a friend. https://houstonjewish.zohorecruit.com/jobs/Careers

10/01/2026

When you think of the Federation what comes to mind?
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As we celebrate Renee Wizig-Barrios's 5 years of leadership, we asked her a simple question: What's the Federation's superpower?
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Watch her answer, then tell us yours in comments.

09/30/2026

We are grateful that the FlyDubai passengers and crew are safely home in Israel.

Jewish Federations of North America are relieved that the passengers and crew of the FlyDubai flight bound for Israel are safely home, following an apparent attempt to bring down the aircraft mid-flight.

We are deeply grateful to the pilot who, while injured, managed to open the cockpit door, to the crew members and passengers who acted swiftly to bring the plane to safety, and to the Saudi authorities for shepherding the passengers home. Their courage prevented what could have been an unspeakable tragedy. We wish the captain, and all those injured, a full and speedy recovery.

While the full details of what occurred are still emerging, what is clear is that in a moment of crisis, people came together to protect one another. That instinct — to stand up, to help, to refuse to let terror define the outcome — reflects the very best of the human spirit, and stands in stark contrast to whatever motivated this attack.

Jewish Federations will continue to monitor the situation closely and stand with our community and our partners across the region as more information becomes available.

09/30/2026

Join us on Oct. 15 for "Listening Across Difference: An Arab-Jewish Conversation," a thoughtful and candid conversation between Mohammad Darawshe, Director of Strategy of Friends of Givat Haviva, and Congregation Emanu El's Rabbi Oren Hayon. They will explore the complexities of Arab and Jewish identities, and the possibilities that can emerge from making space to listen, engage, and learn from each other. Mohammad brings a unique perspective shaped by his experience as an Arab citizen of Israel. Givat Haviva aims to build a shared society among Jewish and Arab citizens in Israel. The event will also feature remarks from our CEO Renée Wizig-Barrios and Board Member & Executive Director of Friends of Givat Haviva Jonathan Lack. In 2026, we provided $15,000 to Givat Haviva from our Annual Campaign. Register here: https://www.emanuelhouston.org/event/listening-across-difference-an-arab-jewish-conversation/

09/30/2026

As part of our partnership with the University of Houston Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic, we presented Judaism 101 to more than 50 graduate students who are providing screening services in our Jewish day schools. Federation Teen Education & Engagement Director Danielle Alexander, Federation Israel Engagement Manager Tal Bande, and Rabbi Sam Rhiens of Congregation Beth Israel - Houston, TX shared about Jewish culture and traditions.

09/28/2026

Thank you to our extraordinary Lions of Judah for making our Fall Luncheon meaningful and memorable. We were proud to celebrate our 2027 Lion of Judah Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award recipient, Elyse Spector Kalmans. And The Flower Doctor, Jenny Barker, inspired us to bring more “Flower Energy” into our lives. Thank you to our chairs, Nancy Freed and Joy Freed Doustan, and Women's Philanthropy Chair Stacy Soefer Gomar, for their vision and leadership. See more pics from the day here: https://show.pics.io/2026-lion-luncheon

Photo Credit: Jeff Fitlow

09/25/2026

Chag Sukkot Sameach! Wishing you a joyful holiday!