Congregation Emanu El

09/08/2026

As we prepare for Rosh HaShanah and the High Holy Days, Rabbi Pam Silk offers this reminder: Lo bashamayim hi—Torah is “not in heaven.” It is not reserved for people who have all the answers, know every word, or feel completely certain.

In this meaningful reflection, Rabbi Silk reminds us that Jewish tradition is already close to us, “in your mouth and in your heart.” You do not need to have everything figured out before you show up. You belong here, questions and all.

Watch and reflect with us as we enter the new year.

09/07/2026

Today, we celebrate the people who make a difference through their work—every day. 💙

To everyone who serves, creates, cares, teaches, leads, builds, supports, and keeps our communities moving forward: thank you.

Wishing you a safe, restful, and well-deserved Labor Day.

09/07/2026

Can you say a Shehecheyanu?! This weekend’s Shabbat Morning Torah Study marked the first official gathering in the new Jerold B. Family Katz Center for Jewish Learning—a fitting beginning for a space dedicated to learning and Jewish life.

09/06/2026

Tell your story. Say the hard part out loud. Then find your basket.

Rabbi Pam Silk reflects on how a phone call can become a visit, a confession can become repair, and gratitude can become generosity. What meaningful action can you bring forward this week? Full video: youtube.com/shorts/2yCwchAFdqM?feature=share

09/04/2026

Not the résumé version of your life. The real one.

Rabbi Pam Silk invites us to tell someone we trust the part of our story we usually skip—and, if needed, to offer a real apology in specific words. Then comes the next step: putting our reflection into action. Full video:

Rabbi Pam Silk offers an invitation: share the real story with some...

09/04/2026

Rabbi Pam Silk reflects on a challenging teaching from Maimonides: regret alone is not yet teshuvah.

To begin real repair, we must name what happened honestly and specifically. As Elul invites reflection before the High Holy Days, what might it mean to turn private regret into accountable words? Full video: youtube.com/shorts/AyBR3Uz5dJI?feature=share

09/03/2026

Be part of the opening night of Music at Emanu El’s fifth season. Join us on Saturday, September 5, at 7:30 p.m. for a special S'lichot concert presented by students from Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music.

In recognition of America’s 250th anniversary, this inspiring program celebrates the Jewish American composers whose music helped shape the American sound, from Gershwin and Copland to Bernstein and beyond.

Then, stay for the full evening: enjoy a dessert reception following the concert and join us at 9 p.m. for our S’lichot service as we prepare our hearts for the High Holy Days.

Saturday, September 5 | 7:30PM
General admission: $18
Dessert reception and S’lichot service to follow.
Learn more and get tickets: emanuelhouston.org/mee/ -voices
The Shepherd School of Music

09/02/2026

“A light of a clear blue morning…” 💙

Cantor Rollin Simmons shares an excerpt from Dolly Parton’s “Light of a Clear Blue Morning” in tribute to Dolly. A heartfelt reminder that, even after difficult days, hope and brighter mornings can come.

Music & Lyrics by Dolly Parton.

09/02/2026

We are often very good at posting the harvest: the milestone, the good news, the highlight reel.

Rabbi Pam Silk reflects on the Torah's invitation to make room for the “wandering part” of our stories, too—the struggle, uncertainty, and growth that brought us here. Full video: youtube.com/shorts/MTvc8iyoPfY?feature=share

09/02/2026

Houston rabbis join Black clergy to renew historic alliance and fight against racism and antisemitism