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September 17, 2026

Renée Celebrates Five Years 



This month our CEO Renée Wizig-Barrios celebrates her five-year anniversary at the Federation. We are proud to look back on our growth and accomplishments during what has been a challenging time for our community. Just before Rosh Hashanah, Renee shared five key insights she has learned during her tenure. You can read her full message here. And this week, in the Jewish Herald-Voice, she shares more about her vision for the direction of the Federation and Jewish Houston. Read the full article here. 

Community Awards Recap  


Mazel Tov to our Community Leadership Award honorees who help our community thrive! At Awards Night earlier this month we celebrated:  Gibor Hakehillah (Community Hero): Mike Levy; Hans Mayer Jewish Communal Professional Award: Amy Rahmani, Arts & Culture Director, at the J; Barbara and Harold Falik Young Leadership Award: Stacy Soefer Gomar; Ben Susholtz Young Leadership Award: Orel Shoham; Harold Reingold Yavneh Award for Jewish Educators: Cantor Mark Levine, Congregation Brith Shalom; Irving L. Samuels Outstanding Teacher Awards for Judaic Studies: Eli Abraham, Congregation Beth Shalom of The Woodlands, and Andrea Feinman, Jack Segal Academy of Beth Yeshurun; and Teen Impact Award: Myles Mueller. View photos.

Calling all Jewish Providers   

Therapeutic professionals serving the Houston Jewish community are invited to join the Federation’s Jewish Provider Network (JPN). The group includes diagnosticians, therapists, and related professionals who serve adults, families, and children seeking educational and mental health support. JPN gathers at least three times each year and is comprised of 100 members. JPN also features a professional speaker series and contributors present at Yom Limmud, Mifgash Parent/Caregiver gatherings, Kehillah High, and educator professional development. Enrollment is on-going – register here.

Welcoming New Federation Faces  



Please join us in welcoming new faces to the Federation team. We are excited to have their energy, perspective, and expertise supporting our work across the community: 

Tal Bande, Israel Engagement Manager, a native Israeli is building on our Israel connection, locally. 

Bill Hoffmann, Regional Security Director, with 30-years of law enforcement experience is co-leading the Federation’s security and preparedness efforts across the region. 

Bar Maor, Shaliach, our Israeli emissary is also enhancing our Israel education.  

Jamie Rubenstein, YAD Coordinator, a native Houstonian and former educator is creating meaningful experiences and memories for our young adults. 

Know someone who would be a great fit for the Federation? We are hiring! Check out our current job postings and share with someone who may be interested. 

Impact: Volunteer in Israel this December



Register now for a unique opportunity to travel to Israel for a hands-on volunteer experience, in partnership with Birthright Israel. This December 7-16, participants will contribute to Israel's recovery and rebuilding efforts and make unforgettable connections with the people, land, and sites of Israel. Learn about the experience directly from past participants who traveled to Israel this summer. You can find additional details and registration here.

Stay up to date on current Federation events and happenings in our community:



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