hcrj.org blog

Dear Friends –

It is with great pride and pleasure that I share with you that our 6^th grade teacher, David Wizig, has been awarded the THE IRVING L. SAMUELS OUTSTANDING TEACHER AWARD FOR JUDAIC STUDIES.  This award is given annually by the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston to two outstanding Jewish Educators in the Greater Houston area whose current primary role is classroom teaching in Judaic subject matter.

In addition to this great honor, David Wizig’s wife, Debbie, was the recipient of this same award for the outstanding Jewish day school educator of the year!  As you might well imagine, the Wizig family household is buzzing with joy.

Mr. Wizig has taught in our religious school for the past eight years, and every student who has had him will agree, that Mr. Wizig knows how to make religious school fun and educational at the same time.  His teaching methods may be unconventional, but his passion for teaching and his boundless commitment to our students is something we have come to fully appreciate.

David is more than just a teacher.  He lives his subject matter, and makes the joy of learning contagious.  To say that he gives 100% of himself would be a gross understatement.  David weaves his soul into everything he does, and as a result of his boundless passion, he inspires students, parents and teachers alike.

A few years ago, when David was given the responsibility of teaching Eco-Judaism, he decided that the intricate web of nature would best be experienced by building a butterfly garden.  David and his students were given permission to plant on a small piece of land in the front of our building.  These plants, however, needed more water than was being provided for the lawn that surrounded them.  David would never allow such an obstacle to get in the way of a good lesson, so in addition to having his students water the plants every Sunday morning, he took it upon himself to come to the synagogue and water them himself during the week.

This is just one example of how David Wizig brings passion, love and devotion to every lesson he teaches.  In fact, there is so much “David Wizig” woven into the essence of his courses that teachers and parents alike simply refer to his class as, “David Wizig’s Class.”  In reality, it really does not matter what he teachers.  Every student he has leaves his class inspired and wanting more.

On behalf of a very grateful congregation, I wish David and Debbie Wizig a double Mazel Tov on their awards and express our deepest gratitude for the joy that David brings to the HCRJ religious school.

L’Shalom – Steve

Dear Friends,

This Sunday is Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day), and the following recipe (odd as it may seem) is something to consider as a way to remember:

How to Cook a Frog:

Never cook a frog by dropping it in boiling water; it will jump out immediately.

You must drop it in cold water and slowly raise the heat.

Such was the recipe that led to the Holocaust.  The intolerance and hatred that created a society that could systematically annihilate entire groups of people was not something that happened overnight.

Jews did not leave Germany when things started getting bad.  Why?

Because they could not imagine the death and destruction that was coming.

In Germany and most of Europe, centuries of hatred, prejudice, fear and intolerance were placed on simmer for years as the masterminds behind the Holocaust slowly and methodically turned up the heat.  By the time we realized what was happening to us, it was too late.

This recipe for human destruction exists today as well, and while we may not be able to eradicate hatred, fear and prejudice in society, we can turn down the rhetoric whenever the levels intolerance begin to heat up.  Yom HaShoah serves to remind us that our history of oppression and suffering compels us to wage a never-ending battle against these destructive forces as we strive to ensure that they never rise to such levels again.

Here are a few ways that you might consider observing Yom HaShoah this year:

• Attend the Community-Wide Yom HaShoah Observance on

Sunday, April 7 at 3:00 at Congregation Beth Israel

• Watch this 80 second video clip put out by the ADL: www.adl.org/imagine

• Visit the Houston Holocaust Museum

Our HCRJ observance of this important day of remembrance will take place a week from Friday on April 12.  This service will include music, meditations and a message to help us reflect on the importance of combating intolerance and hatred in society today.

L’Shalom – Steve

Dear Friends,

I don’t know how it is for you, but this is only the second day of Passover and I am ready for a toasted bagel.  In some ways, however, unless we start longing for bread, our week of Matzah would not be effective.  One of the primary reasons associated with this biblical mandate is to generate a sense of sacrifice and to allow that sense of sacrifice to remind us of the lessons of this ancient festival.

In the days ahead as we continue to deprive ourselves of leavened products, our longing for bread should be coupled with a longing for social justice in our world.  Each of us will have our own causes to consider, but whatever the cause may be, it is my hope that we can take time to commit ourselves to making the world a more fair and just place for ALL.

Beckye and my family join me in wishing each of you a Happy Passover.

Chag Pesach Sameach — Steve

Dear Friends,

It is often said that, “We make plans, and God laughs.”

This simple tidbit of wisdom is an ongoing reality for all of us, and the Jewish holiday which puts the spot light on this eternal truth is Purim.  Purim is a holiday which glorifies and celebrates role reversals and plot changes in the unfolding story of life.  This is based on the fact that the Book of Esther is filled with unplanned twists and turns.  Consider how many times the plot shifts in the megillah:

1. Queen Esther, who initially appears to be a demure, closeted Jew, puts her life on the line to save the Jewish people by standing up to the King and challenging his decree.

1. Haman, the Jew hating villain of the story, plots to annihilate the Jewish people and ends up setting the stage for his own demise.

1. And in the end, the Jews of Shushan, who were once powerless subjects, become powerful actors with a sense of control of their own destiny.

Each of these plot twists serve to remind us of the tensions which exist between free will and human destiny.  We can make all the plans we want, yet life can change in an instant through unexpected and uncontrollable events.  Similarly, we can find ourselves in a seemingly helpless situation, but as a result of the choices we make or circumstances beyond our control we find ourselves headed down a path of recovery, renewal and hope.

The story of Purim helps us remember that while human destiny may not be entirely under our control, our freedom to choose will always impact the world around us.  There are moments in life when we can be like Esther, and we must stand up for what we believe is right.  There are moments in life when we can be like Haman, and the choices we make lead to our demise.  And there are moments in life when we, like the Jews of Shushan, find that we are suddenly in a place where the choices we make can have a major impact on the destinies of others.

As we celebrate Purim this weekend, may we be aware of the fact that every choice we make has a consequence, but in the end, God always has the last laugh.

Happy Purim – Steve

Dear Friends,

Here is a staggering statistic to digest. . .

Recent figures indicate that 1 in 7 households are “food insecure.”  17 million families do not know if they will have enough food from week to week.

On a weekend as gluttonous as this weekend of the Super Bowl, as football fans around the world will be stuffing their faces with endless hot wings, chips and finger foods, hunger will not be on anyone’s mind.  However, the growing issue of hunger in households all over the United States is something that should concern us.

It is for this reason that a wonderful collective effort in the fight against hunger is launched every year at this time.  It is called, The Souper Bowl of Caring, and HCRJ has been participating in this nation-wide effort since 2009.  Each year we join millions of participants throughout the United States in collecting funds that go toward feeding the hungry.  To learn more about this wonderful organization and to donate directly, please visit their website at www.souperbowl.org.

Our own efforts at HCRJ will take place throughout the Super Bowl weekend.  Opportunities to contribute to this important cause will begin at our Family Shabbat Services this Friday night and will continue on Sunday morning at our monthly family breakfast.

At each of these congregational programs please look for an enormous soup pot and donate generously.  Every dollar you give goes directly to feed the hungry.

Last year, more than 260,000 youth participated in The Souper Bowl of Caring, collecting more than $9.5 million in dollars and food for local hunger-relief charities. That’s a total of more than $81 million collected since the movement began in 1990! This year’s goal is to empower 275,000 young people to collect $11 million for charities in their communities. Help us grow this movement and tackle hunger in America!

So . . . as we enjoy Super Bowl XLVII this Sunday and as we indulge in our annual super bowl fiesta fare, take a little time to share in the abundance we have at our finger tips.  Please give generously at the HCRJ collection pot or at the Souper Bowl of Caring or at www.souperbowl.org – because no matter who may win the game – we know we can create a winning scenario with the gift of sustenance for those in need.

L’Shalom – Steve

Dear Friends,

With the beginning of each new year, it is customary to set personal goals to improve our ourselves and the world around us.  These annual resolutions are part of the ever unfolding picture of who we are and what we seek to become.

For some of us, these resolutions relate to our health and happiness.  For others, goals are set for improving our temperaments and our personal relationships.  Many seek to be more present at home or more productive at work.  While others may search for ways to better serve those in need.

This article is in honor of a teenager in our congregation whose immediate act of kindness in the face of tragedy is a model for all of us as we begin this New Year.

The day after the tragic shootings that took place in Newtown, Connecticut, Lauren Czarlinsky, who is only 13 years old, could not sit idly by.  She felt in her heart a need to do something to help ease the pain of the children who witnessed the horrors that transpired on that terrifying day.   Driven by an inner sense of compassion, Lauren set out on a mission to collect stuffed animals.  Little did she know that, within a few days, she would be sending over 1,000 stuffed animals to the Newtown community.

For a full account of Lauren’s beautiful act of compassion and love, please Click Here.

Lauren’s effort to ease the pains of those in need demonstrates a way of seeing the world through eyes of collective responsibility.  We are all responsible for each other, and when we keep our eyes open to the needs of others, we will surly see that there are endless opportunities beckoning us to help make this world a better place.

One mitzvah at a time, each of us can make a difference.  May we, like Lauren, find ways to respond to the needs around us with an increased sense of personal responsibility.  Thus, with small acts of kindness, we can help make 2013 a year of blessings for all.

L’Shalom – Steve

Dear Friends,

As you read this week’s message, please consider participating in the three events listed below in RED.  If you are able to participate, please RSVP today by responding to this email.  This will help us plan ahead.

On Sunday morning December 16^th, our hands became instruments for doing God’s work here at HCRJ during our Eighth Annual Mitzvah Day.  In the short amount of time we spent together, we engaged in scores of projects that helped make a difference in the lives of many men, women and children in the greater Houston community.

As our congregation came together in a very sacred way, the wheels of a “Mitzvah Mindset” started to roll.  One project spurred ideas for others, and by the end of the day, many newly inspired charitable ventures were being discussed.  This is truly what the sages meant when they wisely taught:  “One mitzvah leads to another.”

As our Mitzvah Minds have been activated, I’d like to call your attention to three important opportunities that currently need our response:

3^rd Annual Jewish/Muslim Christmas Event:

Facing the Narratives of the Palestinian / Israeli Conflict

Monday night, December 24 from 5:00 – 7:00 at HCRJ

Please RSVP now!

This will be our most ambitious event to date as we gather with our Muslim friends to share our feelings (not our politics) regarding the ongoing disputes between the Palestinians and the State of Israel.  These discussions will be moderated in small groups so we can really get to know each other while we address an issue that concerns us all.  After our discussions, we will share in a light meal to enjoy food and fellowship.  We will supply the Jewish treats as they provide us a taste of Pakistan.

Serve a Christmas Day Lunch at Turning Point Center:

Tuesday December 25 from 10:45 – 12:00

Turning Point Center located at 1701 Jacquelyn Dr.

Please RSVP now!

This year will be our 7^th annual Christmas Day Lunch Program with the Turning Point Center.  We will gather in the spirit of giving as we serve Christmas lunch and sing Christmas carols to the residents.  Directions are listed below.

• 610 North
• Exit:  I-10 (toward IKEA)
• Exit:  Wirt
• Right on Wirt
• Right on Long Point
• After 2 blocks right on Jacquelyn
• 1701 Jacquelyn

Stuffed Animals for Newtown

Lauren Czarlinksy, a middle school student in HCRJ’s religious school, is responding to the tragedy in Newtown, CT by collecting stuffed animals for the families of the victims and the community at large. Southwest Airlines has agreed to ship all animals in this mitzvah endeavor free of charge.  Please drop off your animals by Thursday at 8:00am to The Jewish Herald Voice at 3403 Audley St.

Torah, worship and acts of kindness are the cornerstones of congregational life.  May the efforts we make in responding to the needs of the world around us continue to shape who we are and how we see and understand our relationship with our fellow human beings.

L’Shalom – Steve

Dear Friends –

Chanukah represents a daring innovation in the ritual history of our people.  In that it is the first post-biblical holiday, our sages were confronted by the great challenge of creating a meaningful celebration commemorating the rededication of the Temple by the Maccabees in 156 BCE without any specific directions from the Torah itself.

The source of all our instructions regarding Chanukah may be found in the Talmud.  In tractate Shabbat 21a we are instructed to light the candles at nightfall, and to increase the number of candles each of the eight nights. In doing so, we enhance our sense of wonder at miracles both past and present and joyously commemorate the Maccabees’ military victory, the rededication of the Temple, the legend of the single cruse of oil that lasted for eight days, and the idea that, in every age, miracles are extended to us by a compassionate God.

This year at HCRJ innovation and celebration are at the heart of our Chanukah observance as we have multiple ways to enjoy our festival of lights.  Below is a list of all the creative ways we will be celebrating.  We hope you will be able to join us for all of them.

Mark your calendars with these dates and remember that the first night to light the Chanukah candles is Saturday night, December 8.

The 3^rd Annual Menorah Competition:

Design your own Chanukah Menorah for the HCRJ Menorah Contest.  To enter, please bring your menorah on Sunday morning, December 9.  Voting will take place during the Chanukah Carnival. This year we will award many categories, including a special category for adults.

Chanukah Carnival:

Join us as we re-dedicate our new building in a fun-filled way at the HCRJ Chanukah Carnival on Sunday, December 9.  The festivities will begin during religious school as students enjoy activities such as Chanukah-themed relay races, a bounce house, blow-up twister, gelt grabber and more. At 11:40 there will be a Chanukah play presented by the HCRJ Ozrim.

The congregation is invited to join the activities at 12:00 for lunch catered by James Coney Island. Lunch tickets will be available for purchase the day of the carnival.

Sup & Swap Chanukah Gala

Sunday, December 9 at 6:00

Sup: Julie’s bringing the brisket and homemade applesauce.

Bring your favorite side dish or dessert to share with the group.

Swap: Each person (not by couple) should bring a wrapped gift valued at $10 (new please)

to swap.  We will have a gift exchange.  Also, bring your favorite Jewish joke to

share with the group.

RSVP to Melissa Wolfson at (713) 782-4162 so that we know how many to cook for.

Second Annual Latke & Vodka:  For Young Professionals in their 20′s & 30′s

December 13 from 8:00-10:00pm

For Young Professionals in their 20′s & 30′s are invited to stop by to schmooze, nosh, and have some Chanukah fun!  Latkes, apple sauce, and sour cream.  Contact Jess Faerman for more info at programs@brithshalom.org.

Chanukah Shabbat at HCRJ

Join us on Friday Night December 14^h for our congregational observance of Chanukah.  On this 7^th Night of our Festival of Lights, we will celebrate with great music from an ensemble of HCRJ musicians and light the award winning menorahs from our HCRJ Menorah Competition.

At the oneg, we will enjoy a fabulous latke spread prepared by our HCRJ chefs.  Rabbi Gross enjoyed a latke tasting last week and has give the latkes two thumbs way up!!!!

Do not miss this wonderful night of joy and celebration.

HCRJ’s Annual Mitzvah Day is a day not to be missed!

Sunday, December 16th

9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Please make every effort to join us as we gather as a congregation in the spirit of Tikun Olam, the Jewish ideal of repairing the brokenness of the world.

Each year on Yom Kippur, we make promises that respond to the following passage from the Book of Isaiah.

This is the fast I have chosen:

to unlock the shackles of injustice,

to loosen the yoke of tyranny,

to let the oppressed go free,

and to break every chain asunder.

Surely it is to share your bread with the hungry,

and to bring the homeless into your house;

when you see the naked, to cover them,

never withdrawing from your own kin.

– Isaiah 58:3-7

These powerful words remind us that religious life is inextricably bound to issues of social justice.  They compel us to consider the idea that our relationship to God may be actualized as we strive to take care of the world in which we live.

With every mouth we feed,

With every body we clothe,

with every heart we heal,

with every person we help – God is with us.

Join us for our Eighth Annual Mitzvah Day.

Join us and make a difference in the lives of many.

Join us as we strive to translate the words of Isaiah into action

Save the date and consider the way that you can make a difference through the following projects:

HCRJ’s Knitzvah Group – knit scarves, lap blankets, baby hats, and other items for women’s shelters, Memorial Assistance Ministries, and Seven Acres.

Feeding the Hungry - make sandwiches and package a day’s worth of meals.

Make Fleece Blankets – for HCRJ newborns and congregants in the hospital.

Assemble Toiletry Gift Bags – for people served by AIDS Foundation Houston.

Make Holiday Cards – for our friends at Seven Acres, Turning Point Center and AIDS Foundation Houston.

Make small dog blankets for the Dachshund Rescue - They have 150 dogs that are up for adoption or for fostering and need our help.

Fingerprinting for children done by the Houston Police Department

Buffalo Bayou Project – Help remove invasive plants from the banks of the bayou and plant native trees at the Taply Tributary – This is an off-site project.

2nd and 3rd Graders -  will be singing for the residents of Seven Acres

The Dinner Garden - sort and package seeds to be used to help people learn to grow their own food.

Plant a Smile – help to decorate small flower pots, add a plant and send them off to the residents at Seven Acres

Overseas Coupon Exchange – cutting out and sorting coupons to be sent to our military who are stationed overseas.

Beautify HCRJ this will require working on different projects to help clean up some of the mess that was created by our new construction

Collection Drive for Sleeping Bags, Towels, Blankets, Jackets, Socks  and Pillows to deliver to a homeless shelter

L’Shalom – Steve

Dear Friends,

This Thursday we will gather with family and friends to indulge in great food and share time with those whom we love the most. Thanksgiving invites us to pause as a nation and appreciate what we have in our lives. Thanksgiving is a truly American holiday that transcends faith and heritage.  Regardless of one’s belief or country of origin, this long standing American tradition permits us to celebrate and be grateful as Americans.

As American Jews, we can fully appreciate how special it is to be able to share in such a custom.  Schooled in a history which has pushed us to the fringes of society, our successes in the United States is something we should be keenly aware of as we celebrate and give thanks on this national holiday.

This year, however, our celebrations are tempered with concern.  As our brothers and sisters in the Land of Israel are embroiled in violent battles against Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip, we measure our gratitude with a sense of collective unease.

Therefore, as we allow ourselves to celebrate the blessings we share, let us also pray for blessings to fall upon all who are ensnared in the escalating crisis between Israel and the Palestinians living in Gaza.  Let us pray for a cessation of violence.  Let us pray for a de-escalation of tensions.  Let us pray that all will pause long enough for considerations of diplomacy to begin.   And let us hold in our hearts and minds an ongoing prayer for the safety and security of our brothers and sisters living in the land of Israel.

If each of these prays can be realized in the days ahead, we, our people and all the world will have something for which we can feel truly thankful.

L’Shalom – Steve