Dear friends,
Every autumn, as the Days of Awe draw near, we return to the Psalmist’s plea: “One thing I ask of the Eternal, only this do I seek: to dwell in God’s house all the days of my life.” (Psalm 27:4) For generations, Jews have recited these words throughout the season of repentance, giving voice to our timeless longing to make God’s presence a place we can call home.
This year, that ancient yearning takes on a new meaning for our congregation: As the High Holy Days arrive, we will have our first opportunity to see the new Jerold B. Katz Family Center for Jewish Learning. Stepping into this remarkable new facility together, in this sacred season of renewal and return, will be a homecoming in the truest sense.
A home, of course, is not defined by its walls but by the warmth offered within them. In that spirit, this year’s holiday observances will be filled with cherished longstanding traditions and some meaningful new ways to gather and to belong. In this 250th year of American independence, we will explore the American Jewish story throughout the season: in a S’lichot concert celebrating Jewish American composers, in a conversation among Houston faith leaders about their hopes for the country’s next chapter, and in an aliyah honoring our congregation’s military veterans. And we will rejoice as the embrace of our community widens further still, when we extend special blessings for those who have chosen Judaism and for the beloved non-Jewish family members whose presence enriches us all.
We invite you to reflect on the spiritual invitations that Psalm 27 issues to all of us at this season: For what are you searching this year? Which parts of your life are you longing to repair and which parts of yourself are you hoping to strengthen? What kind of dwelling do you wish to build for yourself and your loved ones in the year ahead?
In just a few short weeks, our whole congregational community will cross the threshold of our renewed spiritual home together for the very first time. Our entire clergy and staff team joins me in our eagerness to greet you there, to welcome you warmly, and to share the awe and joy of these holy days with you and those you love.
May 5787 bring each of us — and the spiritual home we share together — a bountiful measure of blessing, renewal, and peace.
With every blessing,
Rabbi Oren Hayon, Rabbi Pamela Silk, Rabbi Joshua Fixler, Cantor Rollin Simmons
