This is the shul in which I converted to Judaism back in January of 1979. I was a student at Texas…read moreA&M at the time and drove down to Houston every week for conversion classes that I had started a few years earlier at the University of Iowa (thanks to Rabbi Jeff Portman). That final day at the United Orthodox Synagoges' mikvah and Bet Din will be in my heart and mind always. So does the experience of self "mutilation" as I was fulfillng the requirement to extract that ritual drop of blood! And many heartfelt thanks to Rabbi Moshe Cahana. Your kindness and teachings have done we well as my life-long relationship with the Jewish Community and my Judaism evolves with it's many ups and downs.

Some years ago I had a friend who was a member of this synagogue. She even had her child's bar…read moremitzvah there. So, when she was threatening suicide--and I knew she was serious--I called the Rabbi there and told him. He seemed so sincere as if he cared and stated he would get in touch with her himself . Years pass, and she is still alive. I mention this episode to her asking if the Rabbi called her and helped. Guess what? No call, nothing from him. This had to happen around the late 80's-early 90's, so whoever was Rabbi then I say "pffft" to you. You stink.

A good Houston friend of mine refers in jest to this shul as Beth Jesus. However, based on my…read moreprevious attendance here over the years (including this friend's daughter's Bat Mitzvah), I think the Beth Israel experience is closer to High Reform. It's one of the few synagogues that I have attended where wearing a kippah and tallit during services is the exception. On the other hand, Beth Israel is a handsome and comfortable congregation that provides a spiritual home to many Houston-area Jews. I have always felt welcome here. However, if I ever lived in Houston again, I would probably pick a shul that was considerably smaller and a bit more conservative.

This evening the Lyon Cohen Ethics Symposium Ethics in Journalism with Lisa Falkenberg and Evan…read moreSmith among others on the panel

Years ago, I attended UOS over the High Holidays with the family of a good friend from my Texas A&M…read moredays. I particularly remember driving to the shul just before Kol Nidre and then walking home (past the JCC) afterwards. The next day we would walk to UOS and then drive home after Neilah for break the fast. Those were also the days that UOS had mixed seatings and the shul's team of Rabbi Joseph Radinsky and Cantor Irving Dean were in full bloom. And although praying all day when you're hungry and thirsty can make for a long day (including all the repetitions), I had a great time. And never mind the fact that my Conservative conversion had no validity in this Rabbi's eyes. At the same time, UOS helped get me started on my Jewish journey. This is where my Bet Din met (led by Rabbi Moshe Cahana) and my dip in the Mikvah occurred just prior to my conversion on that January 1979 day.

Great place to work! Warm community and supportive environment with staff who strive to provide an…read moreexcellent education for every child.

From the owner: The mission of Torah Day School is to provide and promote the highest quality Judaic and general…read moreeducation to a diverse community of Jewish children. Our aim is to motivate students to reach personal excellence, and to be concientious members of American society. Within a warm nurturing environment, our focus is to inspire a love for learning, develop academic and social skills, and foster responsibility in each individual. A well-balanced education will foster a commitment to using Torah values as a guide to the decisions of life, community, and life-long learning and teaching.

Very loving and caring families in this shul. The shul is able to offer a religious experience to…read moremany different individuals. Unlike other reviews, I found the rabbi caring the community truly concerned for one another.

Do you want to live in a community where the Rabbi is uncaring of his congregants? Then join Young…read moreIsrael of Houston! Here you will find a very cold synagogue with very selfish individuals. They pretend to be your friends, but when you need help, too bad! The Rabbi will never call you when you are in the hospital sick, nor will he call you back when you are in need. If you lose a loved one, who cares?!!! He threw out several congregants and made them start their own shul because he couldn't make peace in this temple. The name of this new synagague is Ahavat Yisroel. It is now located in the Siegal's backyard, since one man, not mentioning names, who controls (or thinks he does) the neighborhood, will not let them purchase a property to build a proper synagague. Recently, an out of town speaker was brought to the synagogue to address the hatred issues in this Jewish community. I just want to let people know what type of politics they will be dealing with when they move here. I moved here a few years ago and am sorry I did!

Great church. Following Jesus and loving all people. What a great place to worship!read more

From the owner: Grace Episcopal in Houston offers outreach with our Grace2Go, Grace4Youth & community garden. Also…read morea labyrinth & prayer garden. Our building also houses a 96-student pre-school, open M-F 6:30 am to 6 pm