JEWISH COMMUNITY BLOG

In response to Hurricane Harvey in Oct. 2017, JCRS delivered 115 Hanukkah boxes for Greater Houston children, families and special needs adults, many of whom were affected by flooding in large areas of the Jewish community. Photo courtesy of JCRS. By JCRS staff Jewish...

Adina Traub and Vanessa Kibbel were just two students Chabad at the University of Texas connected with through Rosh Hashanah programs. Photo courtesy of Rohr Chabad Jewish Student Center at the University of Texas. Written by Esti Hecht As students returned to...

Student board member and safeTALK Ambassador Alex Meltzer strategizes with Rabbi Zev Johnson in a sukkah. Credit: Ariela Johnson By Ella Steinmetz The world's challenging climate under lockdown has sparked a sharp increase in mental health issues, including...

Close representation of the final design of the new Dell Jewish Community Center building front facade. Credit: The Beck Group By Tonyia Cone Shalom Austin’s Generations Campaign will continue its progress building a brighter future for our community, with a major...

Senior Rabbi Neil F. Blumofe plays the shofar at CAA’s Rosh Hashanah morning picnic, as Rabbi Gail Swedroe calls the shofar notes. Credit: Jennifer Rubin By Tonyia Cone At a time when many people are craving togetherness and spiritual connection, Austin-area ...

Ken Davidson, Congregation Beth Israel executive director. Credit: Susan Davidson By Tonyia Cone Over the summer, Congregation Beth Israel named Ken Davidson its new executive director. His first day at CBI was July 1.  With more than 15 years of synagogue...

Pamela Benson Owens. Courtesy of ADL.  By Renee Lafair Aug. 18, Shalom Austin, Anti-Defamation League Austin, Temple Beth Shalom, Congregation Agudas Achim and the Asian Chamber of Commerce presented a special program about Austin’s history entitled “The ‘It’ You...

By Arielle Levy Shalom Austin Women’s Philanthropy, in close partnership with Shalom Austin Adult 60+ Programs and Shalom Austin Jewish Family Service, helped the adult 60+ members of the community celebrate the Rosh Hashanah holiday this year. Typically, the Adult...

AJFF Director interviews “Breaking Bread” film director Beth Elise Hawk from Los Angeles and Rabbi Alan Freedman from Austin. Screenshot courtesy of AJFF. By David Finkel, AJFF Director One year ago, the AJFF audience gathered at the Long Center for the Performing...

The Austin Chapter of Hadassah is honoring Dolly Golden at the organization's 2020 Virtual Luncheon and Silent Auction. Credit: Amber Kilgore By Leslie Goltzman Suez Dolly (Moskowitz) Golden is being honored by the Austin Chapter of Hadassah at the 2020 Virtual ...

Michelle Feibus. Credit: Marcellina Kampa By Jennifer Lava Since public gatherings are currently unadvisable, the AJBN has moved activities to the organization's Facebook group. Those activities include discussions, mentorships, job postings, sharing business...

Harvey Burg. Courtesy of ADL. The evening of Dec. 6, ADL Austin will present Harvey Burg with ADL Austin’s Lifetime Achievement Award as part of ADL’s Virtual Concert Against Hate. The community is invited to hear how Burg dedicated his life to civil rights and to...

AJA students began school outdoors Sept. 8. Credit: AJA Principal Chris Aguero By Austin Jewish Academy Principal Chris Aguero It started with an email and continued in a few conversations. Videos online were emerging from communities around the world. Classrooms were...

By Ken Davidson Synagogue worship and programming are never going to return to the normal known before COVID-19. Online worship services are now commonplace. For many congregations, simply setting a camera in front of the bimah, or having clergy leading services from...