This week, our community gathered to commemorate October 7 and honor those whose memories continue to inspire and unite us. We were proud to partner with the Consulate General of Israel and the Evelyn Rubenstein JCC for a community evening of memory and reflection at The Emery/Weiner School, and to partner with The J on a separate meaningful opportunity for Houston teens. Three years on, we stand firm in our commitment to support one another, strengthen connections with the land and people of Israel, and fight antisemitism and hatred in all its forms. | | |
Announcing our Lion Award Honoree
Mazel tov to our 2027 Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award honoree, Elyse Spector Kalmans! Presented every two years at the Lion of Judah conference, this award honors Lions with extraordinary philanthropy, volunteerism, and commitment to Jewish community. Elyse has served in positions throughout the Jewish community and beyond including immediate past Chair of Holocaust Museum Houston, Vice Chair of Board Engagement for the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston, a member of the Jewish Federations of North America's National Women's Philanthropy Board, and a Trustee of The Kinkaid School. Debra G. Cohen, our 2025 honoree, announced the award at our Fall Lion of Judah Luncheon on Sept. 23. Debra and her daughters, Hilary Cohen and Courtney Garson, are Chairing the 2027 Houston Delegation of the Lion Conference, which will be held in Austin this spring. See photos from our Fall Lion Luncheon here.
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An Educator Series: Teaching Jewish History and Identity Through Inquiry
We have partnered with other Texas Federations and The Institute for Curriculum Services to share a series of webinars about Jewish History and Identity that offer certified continuing education hours for public and private school teachers. There are still two opportunities available in December and May. If you know any teachers, administrators, or if you have a network or group you work with who has those connections (including parents of school aged children), please share this flyer! We can all encourage those in our circles to share this flyer with their networks and ensure that teachers have access to courses that help them teach these topics that are so important to our community.
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President’s Circle
In our commitment to convene organizations, our President’s Circle networking group continues this year. The inaugural meeting took place last March with board chairs of Houston Jewish organizations. This forum is an opportunity to support, strengthen, and connect board presidents across our communal organizations, recognizing their vital role. This new network provides a space for these leaders to ideate, share resources, and discuss key community issues.
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Impact: Building Shared Society in Israel
Join us on Oct. 15 for "Listening Across Difference: An Arab-Jewish Conversation," a thoughtful and candid conversation between Mohammad Darawshe, Director of Strategy-Givat Haviva, & 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. 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. Our CEO Renée Wizig-Barrios and Friends of Givat Haviva Board Member & Executive Director Jonathan Lack will share remarks. In 2026, we provided $15,000 to Givat Haviva from our Annual Campaign.
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Midterms Matter
Your voice matters, and midterm elections are approaching quickly. Early voting begins October 19 and continues through October 26, with Election Day taking place on Tuesday, November 3. The ballot includes races for governor, U.S. Senate, and all statewide offices. To help voters navigate the election process, we are partnering with the nonpartisan organization Midterms Matter to provide accurate, reliable voting information and resources. Learn more here. Also, save the date for Day at the State, February 1-2, 2027 – another way to use your voice. Complete this interest form to get more information.
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