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.

Temple Sinai is a warm, welcoming Reform Judaism congregation on the West Side of Houston…read more With an active congregation, you can find what you need in the way of Religious Services, Education and Social Activities. Each Friday at 7PM, Temple Sinai holds a lively Shabbat service where community, family and religion are celebrated. Members and visitors usually mill about before and after the service visiting with each other and forming strong bonds. There are many active facets of the congregation, there is sure to be something for everyone within the organization. For social interaction and education for adults, children and the whole family, visit Temple Sinai for a beautiful Shabbat Celebration and stay for the camaraderie.

I have been a member of Temple Sinai for about 2 years now. This is a very welcoming, reform…read moreJewish community, who accepts people and encourages them to practice Judaism as they see fit. I find that I personally fall within a more traditional practice of Judaism, however, the Rabbi is inspirational, asks great questions, and truly loved Judaism and the Sinai community. The community is warm, respectful of others, welcoming and caring. There are plenty of opportunities to get involved at the synagogue and plenty of people who would love to welcome you into the Sinai family. Regardless of whether you are just looking into Judaism, or were brought up reform or conservative, if you are looking for a shul on the west side of Houston, stop in for services on Friday evening and say "hi." You are sure to meet some new friends and increase your connection with Houston's Jewish community!

Nice friendly Synagogue on Bellaire. Rabbi Teller is warm and welcoming to both congregants and…read moreother interested guests. They also host community events and cantorial concerts. The Montessori preschool that was relocated here after yet another flood devastated the UOS Goldberg Montessori preschool is one of the best in Houston. The purple class and green classes have amazing teachers. Kudos to Ms Ronnie, Ms Coleen, Ms Stacey and Ms Anna who have dedicated so many years to hundreds of preschoolers.

Most Houston synagogues are located further west, so Congregation Emanu El is kind of an Inside…read moreLoop anomaly of sorts - there was once a Jewish enclave and an old iteration of Beth Israel near Downtown which no longer exists as a synagogue. I had a very positive experience visiting this Reform synagogue (Emanu El) in West University. Visiting Emanu El proved to be inspiring and heartwarming. Going there reminded me so much of all the Jewish elders I've known, most of whom were mentors in some regard and have since passed away. It also reminded me of my childhood since I attended camp at the Jewish Community Center years ago and had lots of Jewish friends in those days. There is so much to love about this place that I am not sure where to begin. Normally, I am not one to be impressed with parking garages, but I really liked the one here. There's just a short walk from the garage to the synagogue. Once inside, the vibe is warm and welcoming. Sitting inside, I just looked around and enjoyed sitting amongst the crowd and seeing the torah, the beautiful black piano, singing songs, reading the Mishkan T'Filah (Reform Siddur) book and interacting with other attendees. Associate Rabbi Pam Silk gave a good, enlightening message, and I found her to be kind and friendly when talking to her later after the event. I savored the strong sense of community here and enjoyed the reception with delicious hors d'ouevres, which closed out the event. While visiting Congregation Emanu El, it is important to savor the part of the synagogue which feels like a multilayered art museum exhibition. My favorite part of this section are the portraits of Jewish heroes made by Andy Warhol: Gertrude Stein, Albert Einstein, Franz Kafka and Groucho Marx, to name a few. It felt like I was in MoMA or the Whitney for a second. The "Sacred Precincts" (1978) bronze sculpture by Alexander Liberman is just beautiful. I'm guessing this is the same Liberman who was a Ukrainian-American artist born in Kyiv. I also saw Salvador Dali's "Rachel Weeping Over Her Children," (1969). Yes, as an art nerd, I got lost in this part of the synagogue. (Haha!) On the way out, I saw scripture from the Old Testament, Exodus 25:8, which talks about building a sanctuary. All in all, I really enjoyed my visit to Congregation Emanu El and look forward to going back one of these days. On a different note, hopefully folks at the synagogue will have another Chicken Soup Cookoff contest in the future. That seems like it would be a cool event to attend!

This is wonderful, welcoming place. Emanu El makes available all kinds of resources for its…read morecommunity and has been incredibly supportive for my family through the years. I cannot say enough good things!

I have been a member of CSH for 40+ years. This is the place we raised our 3 kids to adulthood, and…read moreI am grateful to the congregation for being such a religious, social, and spiritual place for my family. I currently attend some social events, some Friday evening services, and on major Jewish holidays. Even though I am not as active as I used to be, I am happy to help with fundraisers and to be a present at lifecycle events when asked. The rabbi is amazing in his sincere caring, humor, religious knowledge, and welcoming nature. Now that I am older, and the world is a changed placed in so many ways, I appreciate that services are still offered over Zoom, and that I can assist the congregation from my home. Over the years, the synagogue has been a place were my family has found friendship, fun and religious support. I want to respond to the person who didn't think CSH was welcoming - please try coming back again for a service, a family event or a lesson with the rabbi (ie Lunch and Learn on Tuesdays, Israeli dancing, once a month Zoom Bingo for prizes, our an in-person or virtual Shabbat service). I think you will be happy with what you will find.

Congregation Shaar Hashalom is a warm and welcoming place for those of us who want to participate…read morein Jewish worship and activities on the east side of Houston. Playgroups with young families, a wonderful and caring Religious School from kindergarten through 10th grade, adult education events, sisterhood, men's club and a Rabbi who pours his heart into every Shabbat and Holiday Service. The services are in Hebrew and in English. If you want to know it is like to be a Conservative Jew on the East Side of Houston, join us on a Friday Night or a Saturday Morning Services. It is in Hebrew and in English. We discuss the weekly Torah Parsha early Saturday Morning. There is always a little Nosh after services. This is a congregation that cares about its members and helps make the world a better place with its service projects. We can always add more family members. The Rabbi provides a basic Judaism course for those who are interest in learning how to be Jewish. So if you know you love Shabbat or if you are searching how to have a relationship with G-d and your family of humanity, give us a call.

HCRJ is such a special congregation. It has a warm, intimate feel that makes everyone - whether new…read moreor longtime members - feel truly part of the community. The staff is friendly and welcoming, and there are so many great educational programs for all ages that make it easy to stay connected and keep learning. Rabbi Gross is truly the heart of HCRJ. He has a genuine way of making every congregant feel seen and valued. His approach to interfaith relationships and his commitment to working through differences with peace and understanding are inspiring and reflect the spirit of the congregation as a whole. Beyond services and learning, HCRJ offers plenty of volunteer opportunities and takes real pride in giving back to the community. The focus on social impact and inclusivity makes this congregation stand out as a place that not only practices faith but lives its values every day. If you're looking for a welcoming and meaningful Reform Jewish community in Houston, HCRJ is absolutely worth visiting.

About 20 years ago my husband and I wanted to convert to Classical Reform. The board was shocked…read moreand said "they never had a couple want to convert before". He was raised non-religious and I was raised as a casual Presbyterian. The board was full of rich doctors and doctors' wives, and they did not want us because we were unemployed. Rabbi LeBurkien was down with it, but I did not want to go where I was not welcome. We had both volunteered to do 40 hours work at no pay to make up for dues. It never occurred to them that they could give us jobs so we wouldn't be unemployed. My husband and I have three college degrees each. It's not as if we are unskilled. There are many things about Jewish values that I admire. We didn't want charity, we wanted jobs. Definitely too much to ask for. Even a membership was too much to ask for. We were sincere but we weren't good enough. Well, I have moved on to other forms of religious studies. I hope the new rabbi and the board are more welcoming now. I think that a lot of shuls have a real problem with not being welcoming, like it's an exclusive social club. These people were friendly and nice. The board was the problem.

Great family temple. Feels like home and you are part of a community.read more

A friendly congregation that welcomes everyone who walks through the doors. There is a spiritual…read morereform service every Friday evening at 7:15. .

On a cold, rainy day officers of this congregation were so nice to come out to greet us as we were…read morepassing through town. What we found in this remote section of the state is a community similar to our Connecticut community in size and attitude. If we lived closer we would be full time members, since we live far away, we are happy to be part of this congregation from afar, and happy to be counted as your newest members. We even played Jewography...and turns out we knew some of the same people! Thanks for reading this review. If you are inclined to do so, consider joining as an out of town member. It is a good thing to do!

I recently attended services at Beth El Congregation for the High Holidays. The Rabbi & fellow…read moremembers were unbelievably welcoming. As I am in Texas visiting, I did not know where to go. I emailed the Synagogue to ask if I could attend, I lost my son & it was very important to me. Not only did they welcome me with open arms, they read my sons name aloud. I spoke with the Rabbi after the service & she helped me tremendously with kind words & warm hugs. It was a wonderful experience. I hope to visit again soon

Nice conservative synagogue. The rabbi is very dynamic and the service is way better then the…read moreaverage. The members are very friendly and not stuck up. I was very impressed with the level of involvement of the members. Not a lot of talking during the service either.