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August 6, 2026

Jewish Life Survey Update

As part of our ongoing efforts to better understand the needs of Jewish Houston, we completed our Jewish Life Community Survey earlier this summer. We are deeply grateful to the more than 1,200 respondents representing 88 ZIP codes who shared their perspectives. The survey explored how individuals and families prioritize participation in Jewish life and the factors that can support or hinder engagement. A few key insights we learned include the complex challenges that affordability and geography factor into families’ engagement in Jewish life. It was also interesting to note that 54% of respondents see themselves as “very engaged” in Jewish community. In July, we shared key findings with local Jewish organizations through a community webinar. This survey will help guide future decisions as we work to strengthen Jewish life across greater Houston.

Kehillah High Early Bird Registration


You can register your teen today for Kehillah High! Early bird pricing goes until August 31. We look forward to another engaging and impactful year of our Jewish education program for teens in grades 8 - 12. If you are a member of Congregation Beth Israel, Congregation Beth Yeshurun, or Congregation Brith Shalom, register directly through your synagogue. If you are a member of another congregation that does not have a formal high school program or you are not affiliated with a congregation, please register directly with us using this form.    

Celebrating Our Leaders

Registration is now open for this year’s Community Leadership Awards on September 3 where we honor leaders who make an impact on Jewish Houston. Winners include: Teen Impact Award, Myles Mueller; Harold Reingold Yavneh Award for Jewish Educators, Cantor Mark Levine, Congregation Brith Shalom; Irving L. Samuels Outstanding Teacher Awards for Judaic Studies, Eli Abraham, Beth Shalom of Woodlands, and Andrea Feinman, Jack Segal Academy; Ben Susholtz Young Leadership Award, Orel Shoham; Barbara and Harold Falik Young Leadership Award, Stacy Soefer Gomar; Hans Mayer Jewish Communal Professional Award, Amy Rahmani, Arts & Culture Director, Evelyn Rubenstein JCC; and Gibor Hakehillah - Community Hero, Mike Levy. Register now and make a tribute gift to honor an award recipient. 

Welcome New Cabinet Members 



In July, the Houston chapter of Jewish Federations of North America National Young Leadership (NYL) Cabinet proudly welcomed five new members growing our cohort to 27.  New members include Joshua Bernard, Jennifer Davidoff, Jamie Davis, Melissa Fritts, and Brian Redick. Houstonian Orel Shoham was also promoted to serve as Public Affairs Vice-Chair on the National Cabinet Executive Team. Ali Bamberger will serve her second term as Houston Chair for the 2026/2027 season. Cabinet members serve a five-year term, make a minimum commitment of $5,000 to the Federation’s Annual Campaign, and participate in local and national events gaining leadership development and strategic philanthropy skills to evolve into lifelong leaders. Read the full article here.

YAD is all Tiles and Smiles



Our Minnette and Jerome Robinson Family Young Adult Division (YAD) program hosted nearly 60 people in July for an evening of mahjong, learning, and connection. From first-time players to experienced enthusiasts, the room was filled with Jewish joy. Event chairs Rachel Hunt and Lexi Zager helped bring the program to life, and we are grateful to our mahjong instructors, Alyssa O'Neill and Jennifer Davidoff who made the evening welcoming and accessible for all. The positive energy throughout the event was contagious, and the connections formed around the tables reflected the spirit of YAD. Join us as we continue this momentum with future programs that foster fun, friendship, and meaningful community-building.  

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