Helfman Religious School at Congregation Emanu El

Helfman Religious School at Congregation Emanu El Helfman Religious School offers an innovative, experiential, and compelling religious educational pr Wednesdays: 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. Thursdays: 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. M.

SCHOOL PROGRAMS

School Grade Level Schedule

Lower School

“Hunger Walk”
Religious School is in session Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. The program for 4th-6th grade includes both Judaic and Hebrew language studies. Grades: Pre‑K – 7th
Sundays: 9am-12pm
Chapel Service: 9:00am- 9:30am,
PK – 3rd Grade meet in the chapel for service on Sundays only. Grades: 4th-6th, Kulam

Mitzvah day- 7th

graders at Richmond State School dancing for the residents
Wednesdays: 4:30pm – 6:30 pm
Chapel Service: 4:30pm – 5:00pm,
4 – 6th, Kulam meet in chapel for service on Wednesdays Only. Gesher
Grade: 7th grade Hebrew Class
Tuesdays: 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. (Until students begin Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparation)

Upperschool
Grades: 8th-12th

SPCA comes to Emanu El. Kindergarten children learned about different types of animals and had the opportunity to pet some up close. Dinner: 6:45 p.m (optional - cost: $6.50)

Bar/Bat Mitzvah Preparation
Tuesdays: 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. In the Fall of 1944, our Religious School (conducted at MacGregor Elementary School) opened with 125 students. Hebrew classes were organized by Mrs. Slotnick. PTA was organized as a committee of the congregation under the chairmanship of Herman Krakower. In 1945, Marvin Rich celebrated his Bar Mitzvah, the first at Emanu El. The first Confirmation class in May, 1945, had 6 young men and 6 young women and took place at the Warwick Hotel. In September, 1945, Julia Kaplan was named supervisor of the Religious School. In 1947, Theba Jean Gold (Feldman) celebrated her Bat Mitzvah (a first at Emanu El) and the Steinberg Confirmation Award, given by Mr. & Mrs. Ben Steinberg, was presented for the first time. By September 1949, the Religious School had 384 students and the congregation was growing. By May 1954, 20 youngsters had celebrated their Bar/Bat Mitzvah. By 1957, the 13th Annual Meeting of Emanu El records reflected 834 Religious School students, 59 faculty members, 102 Hebrew School students and 31 youngsters to become Bar/Bat Mitzvah. To relieve a somewhat overcrowded school, storerooms were turned into classrooms. In April, 1958, the first Teacher Appreciation Awards were given to 5 teachers for 10 years of service. That same year, 66 students were confirmed. In 1962, Harold Reingold was named full-time director of Religious Education and served in this position until he was named Educator Emeritus in 1991. In the late 1950's, a youth lounge and four classrooms were added to our facility, and in the mid-1960's, two temporary buildings were purchased, each having two classrooms. In the fall of 1990, the Al & Ethel Hertzstein Education Center was dedicated. This facility includes the Nathan J. Klein Religious School Wing and houses our Becker Early Childhood Center and Helfman Religious School.

This past Erev Shabbat, we were so grateful to gather with Helfman families for a beautiful Family Shabbat!Our Youth Cho...
05/06/2026

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 12t...
04/29/2026

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 Uni...
04/20/2026

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!
03/03/2026

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 ...
02/08/2026

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 Su...
02/03/2026

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!
01/23/2026

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!
01/16/2026

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

12/16/2025

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 thes...
11/12/2025

🎉 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.

Address

1500 Sunset Boulevard
Houston, TX
77005

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