Helfman Religious School at Congregation Emanu El

This past Erev Shabbat, we were so grateful to gather with Helfman families for a beautiful Family Shabbat!

Our Youth Choir filled the room with song, and our hearts were full as we celebrated some very special moments.

We honored Todd Weiss for an incredible 25 years of dedication to Helfman Religious School — Todd, your commitment to our community is a blessing beyond measure. Thank you!

We also offered special blessings for Elizabeth Townsend and Becca Taylor as they prepare to begin exciting new chapters. You have each given so much to our students and families, and you will be deeply missed.

Last Friday, we gathered together for a truly special Erev Shabbat as we celebrated the graduation of our incredible 12th graders! These amazing young adults stood up and shared their reflections on their Helfman Religious School journey. We are SO proud of everything they've accomplished and the thoughtful, passionate Jewish adults they've become.

To the Class of 2026: you will always be part of the Helfman family. We cannot WAIT to see what you do next. 💙

This Sunday, after PreK–3rd grade t'filah, join fellow Helfman parents for a casual stroll around the beautiful Rice University campus. No pace, no pressure — just good company and fresh air. Whether you power walk or meander, we'd love for you to walk with us! Meet at the Rotunda at 9:30 a.m.

Thank you so much to our sponsors!

We appreciate you!

West University Dentistry

The Nash Family

Anonymous, Lurie Apartments, LP, The Pepper Family, The Schwaitzberg Family, The Witus Family, Jeff & Karen Basen-Engquist, DGZ Invitations and More, fredi & Paul Franks, The Madof Family, The Manne Family, Matco Tools, McKell Family, Diane Puschett, Jackie, Louis, Ethan, and Levi Williams.

Copy Dot Com, EZ Bar Mitzvahs, H-E-B, Houston Catering Concepts.

Today the Helfman Religious School Committee hosted Helfman parents and friends for our inaugural Mah Jongg and Mimosas event! Beginners learned as they played with our amazing teacher, congregant Rona Sonabend, while seasoned players jumped right in. We had a blast and look forward to playing again!

Purim is coming! Visit our Purim page to buy carnival tickets, sign up to volunteer, and become a sponsor. Join us on Sunday, March 1 - it's going to be a magical time! https://www.emanuelhouston.org/purim2026/

Stay safe and warm this weekend!

Safety is always our top priority at Congregation Emanu El. Due to this weekend’s weather forecast and potentially dangerous road conditions, our campus will be closed on Sunday, January 25 and Monday, January 26. Pending any power outages due to weather conditions, clergy and staff will work at home on Monday and will be available by phone or email.

A decision on building status for Tuesday, January 27, will be made Monday evening, using information available at that time, and communicated through email, text, and social media.

Please remain weather aware this weekend, paying attention to and following safety information provided by local officials. Stay safe and warm!

Thank you so much to Ziggy Gruber for this amazing experience!

If you haven't yet ordered your Helfman Religious School at Congregation Emanu El "Shalom Ya'll" hoodie... you've got today to get that done! This Helfman fundraiser ends today; all support is appreciated (and you get a 😎 hoodie out of it!). Order here: customink.com/fundraising/stay-cozy-fund-fun

🎉 Exciting News! 🎉
Our new Helfman sweatshirts are available to order NOW!
Stay cozy and show your Helfman pride with these comfortable sweatshirts. Perfect for crisp days, cooler evenings, or just lounging in style.
👕 Ready to grab yours? Visit https://www.customink.com/fundraising/stay-cozy-fund-fun
Don't wait!
Questions? Drop them in the comments below or reach out directly.