Future Foodies: Middle School Culinary Class
2025-02-16 15:30 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Cramer-Jacobs Family Culinary Studio @ the J, 5601 S Braeswood Blvd, Houston, TX, 77096
Join Future Foodies: Middle School Culinary Class, where your teen will learn essential kitchen skills and create delicious dishes from scratch. Perfect for beginners and teens who know their way around the kitchen. By the end of class, your teen will have mastered new skills and created a delicious dish they’ll be proud to share!
Member: $30 I Public: $42

Jon Nelson's Rockin' Kids Revue
2025-02-16 16:30 - 17:30, 2025-02-17 10:00 - 11:00 | Kaplan Theatre @ the J, 5601 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77096
Join us at the Kaplan Theatre for Jon Nelson’s Rockin’ Kids Revue on either Sunday, February 16 after the conclusion of Yom Limmud or Monday, February 17 when the kids are out of school!
Jon Nelson’s Rockin’ Kids Revue is an interactive performance rooted in rock and roll, humor and fun! Jon’s concert includes comedy, puppets, crowd participation, music, dancing and more. A wonderful time is guaranteed for children of all ages!
Jon Nelson’s inspirational music and high energy concerts have been a mainstay in Jewish music for over 20 years! Jon has performed hundreds of shows for audiences of all ages, from coast to coast. A rabbi, cantor, educator, M.Ed, composer and performer, Jon establishes a true connection with every audience, making for a wonderful, community-building show! He currently lives in the Houston area.
Cost: $12/person. Every person who attends must have a ticket.

School's Out Camp
2025-02-17 09:00 - 15:30 | Evelyn Rubenstein JCC, 5601 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77096, United States
School’s out, so let’s have some fun at the J! Kindergarten through 5th graders will stay active with counselor-led activities, camp crafts and board games plus tons of fun in the art studio, gymnastics center and aquatics complex. Camp hours are 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM and PM Care is available from 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM.

Horvitz 2025: Who Were the Philistines?
2025-02-17 19:30 | Evelyn Rubenstein JCC, 5601 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77096, United States
The 30th Bunny and Leo Horvitz Scholar-in-Residence Program Featuring Dr. David Ilan
NEW HORIZONS: The Incredible Story of Ancient Israel Told Through Archaeology
February 2 – 20, 2025
—–
Series 3: How Ancient Israel Began

Who Were the Philistines?
Monday, February 17 | 7:30 PM
In the biblical text, the Philistines are portrayed as a distinct ethnic group living in the southern coastal region of Israel and Gaza. The text also hints that they came from overseas—a place called Caphtor. What does archaeology have to say about who the Philistines were and where they came from? What’s with Goliath? What happened to the Philistines? Did they become Palestinians?
About Dr. Ilan
A native of Los Angeles, Dr. David llan was the director of the Nelson Glueck School of Biblical Archaeology at the Hebrew Union College in Jerusalem from 2003 to 2024. He has excavated at Tel Arad, Tel Malhata, Tel Yokneam and Tel Megiddo and directed the excavations at Tel Dan from 2005 to 2022. He teaches at the Hebrew Union College, has taught at Tel Aviv University, Hebrew University, Johns Hopkins University, and spent a sabbatical year in 2019-2020 at the Center for the Study of Origins of the University of Colorado, Boulder. Dr. Ilan specializes in mortuary archaeology, the archaeology of religion and ritual, ground stone artifacts, ceramic typology and technology, and the Chalcolithic period, the Middle Bronze Age and the early Iron Age of the southern Levant. He is the editor of the journal NGSBA Archaeology and the monograph series of the Nelson Glueck School. Dr. Ilan has published three final excavation reports and numerous articles in scholarly journals and in the popular press. His most recent articles deal with the praxis and paraphernalia of ritual action and religious belief in the ancient Near East, including the use of psychotropic substances.
Registration is FREE | Advanced Registration Requested for All Events
Dr. Leo Horvitz’s commitment to the Jewish community is legendary. The Scholar-in-Residence Program was originally established in 1989 by his wife, Bunny, to honor the memory of Dr. Horvitz who served the Houston Jewish community in many capacities. In 1995, to honor the blessed memory of Bunny Horvitz, the program was renamed the Bunny and Leo Horvitz Scholar-in-Residence Program. Due to a generous donation from Shirley and Sig Horvitz and Carol and Paul Horvitz, the series continues to reflect their dedication to excellence in Jewish education for the entire community. The Evelyn Rubenstein JCC thanks the Horvitz Family for their continued support of this program. Though registration is free, attendees are welcome and encouraged to contribute to the principal of the fund. Your contributions will help support the program’s continued growth and success.

Horvitz 2025: David, Solomon and the United Kingdom: Myth or Fact?
2025-02-18 19:30 | Evelyn Rubenstein JCC, 5601 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77096, United States
The 30th Bunny and Leo Horvitz Scholar-in-Residence Program Featuring Dr. David Ilan
NEW HORIZONS: The Incredible Story of Ancient Israel Told Through Archaeology
February 2 – 20, 2025
—–
Series 3: How Ancient Israel Began

David, Solomon and the United Kingdom: Myth or Fact?
Tuesday, February 18 | 7:30 PM
Until the discovery of the Tel Dan Inscription, one school of scholarly thought held that David and Solomon were purely mythological figures. David is now considered historical, but questions remain. How much of the text is historically accurate? How large was his kingdom? What did he build? And what about Solomon, who is not mentioned anywhere outside the Bible? Did he exist? Did he build a great temple and conduct extensive international relations? Archaeology provides some answers to these questions, but it presents more conundrums.
About Dr. Ilan
A native of Los Angeles, Dr. David llan was the director of the Nelson Glueck School of Biblical Archaeology at the Hebrew Union College in Jerusalem from 2003 to 2024. He has excavated at Tel Arad, Tel Malhata, Tel Yokneam and Tel Megiddo and directed the excavations at Tel Dan from 2005 to 2022. He teaches at the Hebrew Union College, has taught at Tel Aviv University, Hebrew University, Johns Hopkins University, and spent a sabbatical year in 2019-2020 at the Center for the Study of Origins of the University of Colorado, Boulder. Dr. Ilan specializes in mortuary archaeology, the archaeology of religion and ritual, ground stone artifacts, ceramic typology and technology, and the Chalcolithic period, the Middle Bronze Age and the early Iron Age of the southern Levant. He is the editor of the journal NGSBA Archaeology and the monograph series of the Nelson Glueck School. Dr. Ilan has published three final excavation reports and numerous articles in scholarly journals and in the popular press. His most recent articles deal with the praxis and paraphernalia of ritual action and religious belief in the ancient Near East, including the use of psychotropic substances.
Registration is FREE | Advanced Registration Requested for All Events
Dr. Leo Horvitz’s commitment to the Jewish community is legendary. The Scholar-in-Residence Program was originally established in 1989 by his wife, Bunny, to honor the memory of Dr. Horvitz who served the Houston Jewish community in many capacities. In 1995, to honor the blessed memory of Bunny Horvitz, the program was renamed the Bunny and Leo Horvitz Scholar-in-Residence Program. Due to a generous donation from Shirley and Sig Horvitz and Carol and Paul Horvitz, the series continues to reflect their dedication to excellence in Jewish education for the entire community. The Evelyn Rubenstein JCC thanks the Horvitz Family for their continued support of this program. Though registration is free, attendees are welcome and encouraged to contribute to the principal of the fund. Your contributions will help support the program’s continued growth and success.

Yes, Chef: Egg 101
2025-02-19 10:00 | Cramer-Jacobs Family Culinary Studio @ the J, 5601 S Braeswood Blvd, Houston, TX, 77096
Elevate your home meals with professional cooking techniques that bring restaurant-quality dishes to your kitchen!
Led by Chef Emily from Hell’s Kitchen, this class is perfect for all skill levels. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your culinary expertise
Menu: Poached Eggs, Chocolate Chip Meringue Cookies, The Perfect Scrambled Eggs and Crème Anglaise

THE WANDERERS
2025-02-20 19:30, 2025-02-22 20:00, 2025-02-23 14:00 | Joe Frank Theatre @ the J, 5601 S Braeswood Blvd, Houston, 77096, United States
THE WANDERERS, by Anna Ziegler, will premiere in February 2025 at the Evelyn Rubenstein JCC in collaboration with Mildred’s Umbrella Theater.
Thursdays, February 13 and 20 at 7:30 PM
Saturdays, February 8 (Opening Night), 15, 22 at 8:00 PM
Sundays, February 9, 16, 23 at 2:00 PM
Two marriages have seemingly little in common: Esther and Schmuli are Orthodox Jews navigating strictly defined rules and roles, while Sophie and Abe are secular and free to make their own choices. But both couples are growing apart as they strive to balance their individual identities with the families they’ve created. As Esther tests the boundaries of her personal freedom, Abe falls into a correspondence with a movie star that will shake the foundations of his marriage and career. This funny, moving and thoughtful play asks if following one’s truth is worth it, no matter the cost.
Originally commissioned by The Old Globe in San Francisco in 2018, THE WANDERERS is the winner of The Blanche and Irving Laurie Theatre Visions Fund, a recipient of a Laurents / Hatcher Foundation Theater Development Grant, and an Edgerton Foundation New Play Award in 2018, as well as the 2018 San Diego Critics Circle Craig Noel award for Outstanding New Play and Germany’s prestigious Barbara Kisseler Theater Prize in 2023.
Directed by Jennifer Decker and featuring Christian Tannous, Sarah Sachi, Scott Searles, Nonie Hillard and Samantha Walker.

Horvitz 2025: The Politics of Archaeology in Israel and Palestine: Where Do We Go from Here?
2025-02-20 19:30 | Evelyn Rubenstein JCC, 5601 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77096, United States
The 30th Bunny and Leo Horvitz Scholar-in-Residence Program Featuring Dr. David Ilan
NEW HORIZONS: The Incredible Story of Ancient Israel Told Through Archaeology
February 2 – 20, 2025
—–
Series 3: How Ancient Israel Began
Community Lecture Closing Night

The Politics of Archaeology in Israel and Palestine: Where Do We Go from Here?
Thursday, February 20 | 7:30 PM
Most archaeologists working in Israel or Palestine try to avoid politics, claiming that what we do is apolitical— strictly academic. Really? On this closing night, we will look at how archaeology in Israel and Palestine operates, how it is budgeted and what its agenda is. We will examine the priorities of different stakeholders and the ways in which archaeology is used to forward political and cultural narratives. On the surface, archaeology may appear to be apolitical, but it almost never is. How can archaeology negotiate our political divides and existential fears? Might it be a tool for reconciliation?
About Dr. Ilan
A native of Los Angeles, Dr. David llan was the director of the Nelson Glueck School of Biblical Archaeology at the Hebrew Union College in Jerusalem from 2003 to 2024. He has excavated at Tel Arad, Tel Malhata, Tel Yokneam and Tel Megiddo and directed the excavations at Tel Dan from 2005 to 2022. He teaches at the Hebrew Union College, has taught at Tel Aviv University, Hebrew University, Johns Hopkins University, and spent a sabbatical year in 2019-2020 at the Center for the Study of Origins of the University of Colorado, Boulder. Dr. Ilan specializes in mortuary archaeology, the archaeology of religion and ritual, ground stone artifacts, ceramic typology and technology, and the Chalcolithic period, the Middle Bronze Age and the early Iron Age of the southern Levant. He is the editor of the journal NGSBA Archaeology and the monograph series of the Nelson Glueck School. Dr. Ilan has published three final excavation reports and numerous articles in scholarly journals and in the popular press. His most recent articles deal with the praxis and paraphernalia of ritual action and religious belief in the ancient Near East, including the use of psychotropic substances.
Registration is FREE | Advanced Registration Requested for All Events
Dr. Leo Horvitz’s commitment to the Jewish community is legendary. The Scholar-in-Residence Program was originally established in 1989 by his wife, Bunny, to honor the memory of Dr. Horvitz who served the Houston Jewish community in many capacities. In 1995, to honor the blessed memory of Bunny Horvitz, the program was renamed the Bunny and Leo Horvitz Scholar-in-Residence Program. Due to a generous donation from Shirley and Sig Horvitz and Carol and Paul Horvitz, the series continues to reflect their dedication to excellence in Jewish education for the entire community. The Evelyn Rubenstein JCC thanks the Horvitz Family for their continued support of this program. Though registration is free, attendees are welcome and encouraged to contribute to the principal of the fund. Your contributions will help support the program’s continued growth and success.

Open Gym & Tot Shabbat
2025-02-21 10:30, 2025-02-28 10:30, 2025-03-07 10:30 | Evelyn Rubenstein JCC, 5601 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77096, United States
Celebrate Shabbat with your friends and family with open gym in the gymnastics center followed by Shabbat fun.
Open gym will begin at 10:30 AM in the gymnastics center, followed by music and services at 11:30 AM in the atrium of the Samuels Family Community Pavilion. RSVPs are required and spaces are limited.
Cost: $6/child for open gym
Space is limited and reservations are required.

Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center Blood Drive
2025-02-23 09:00 - 13:30 | Evelyn Rubenstein JCC, 5601 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77096, United States
Show some love this February! Give blood at the J on February 23 and receive a sleek quarter-zip pullover as a thank you. Your donation is a powerful way to share love with our community and help save lives.
Located in the lower level of the J.

Shoulder Workshop
2025-02-23 13:00 - 14:30 | Evelyn Rubenstein JCC, 5601 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77096, United States
Shoulder Workshop for Healing, Prevention and Enhanced Athletic Skill with Instructor Allison Rush
This interactive workshop is a conversation and movement practice combined. It is designed for athletes and people healing shoulder pain, alike. The sessions will address persistent neck and shoulder tightness and pain. We’ll address common complaints and learn movements and adjustments in your own practice that help correct shoulder and neck posture and train using the proper muscles to create better alignment and movement in the shoulder. You will walk out breathing better, feeling stronger and more spacious in the upper body.
Will take place in room 109– the lower level dance studio.
Non-Member $21.00 Member $15.00

Fuel Your Brain: The Power of Healthy Fats
2025-02-25 10:00 - 12:00 | Cramer-Jacobs Family Culinary Studio @ the J, 5601 S Braeswood Blvd, Houston, TX, 77096
Discover the brain boosting benefits of healthy fats in our “Fuel Your Brain: The Power of Healthy Fats” led by Instructor Chef Macy Diulus. Learn to prepare delicious dishes that support focus, memory and overall wellness.
Instructor: Macy Diulus, Nutritionist
Menu
Kale Farro Salad with Creamy Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Tortellini with Avocado Basil Pesto
Banana Bread Energy Bites

Challah Club: Braid and Bake Basics
2025-02-27 13:00 - 14:00 | Cramer-Jacobs Family Culinary Studio @ the J, 5601 S Braeswood Blvd, Houston, TX, 77096
Experience the art of challah making with the “Challah Fairy” Hilary Kamin. Learn various braiding techniques, secret tips and the joy of baking challah together.
Skill level: This class is open to all skill levels. You will work with other students in groups of 2-4.
Please wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes and have long hair tied back. You will be standing, cooking and working for most of the class.
Instructor: Hilary Kamin
Advance registration is required for all classes 24 hours before the class begins. We request that all participants arrive on time for classes. For some classes, late arrivals may not be able to participate in the class.

Cooking with a Twist: Risotto and Affogato
2025-02-27 19:00 | Cramer-Jacobs Family Culinary Studio @ the J, 5601 S Braeswood Blvd, Houston, TX, 77096
Dive into the art of cooking with alcohol in this flavorful class, where you’ll learn to incorporate wine, beer and spirits into your dishes. These classic Italian dishes are sure to add flavor to your table.
Led by Chef Emily from Hell’s Kitchen, this class is perfect for all skill levels. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your culinary expertise!
Menu: Parmesan Mushroom Risotto, Affogato and Salted Caramel Sauce

Children's Scholarship Ball 2025
2025-03-01 19:00 | The Royal Sonesta, 2222 W Loop S, Houston, 77027
On Saturday, March 1, 2025, the Evelyn Rubenstein JCC of Houston will host the 35th Annual Children’s Scholarship Ball, It’s a Small World at the J, at The Royal Sonesta Houston Galleria. The gala will honor Dana and Kenneth Katz, two longtime community leaders whose dedication has profoundly impacted children and families in Houston. An elegant evening with dinner, entertainment and a silent auction, the Ball benefits the Irvin Kaplan Children’s Scholarship Fund, providing financial assistance for early childhood education, summer camps and special needs programs.
Sponsorship opportunities, tables and tickets are on sale now! For more information, to purchase tickets or tables, make a donation or contribute to the silent auction, visit the Children’s Scholarship Ball online at www.erjcchouston.org/csb or contact Natalie Fabe Ubias at nubias@erjcchouston.org.

International Women's Day: Mother-Daughter Yoga
2025-03-06 18:30 - 20:00 | Evelyn Rubenstein JCC, 5601 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77096, United States
Come celebrate this International Women’s Day with an exciting Mother – Daughter event. We will start the evening with an exploration of powerful and inspiring stories of Israeli women through the ages and continue with an invigorating yoga class taught by Instructor Traci Silverman. Enjoy this unique opportunity to bring together a celebration of womanhood through movement. On this International Women’s Day let’s empower one another and deepen the connection between mothers and daughters.
Room 109, Dance Studio LL

Spring Break Camp
2025-03-10 09:00 - 15:30, 2025-03-11 09:00 - 15:30, 2025-03-12 09:00 - 15:30, 2025-03-13 09:00 - 15:30, 2025-03-14 09:00 - 15:30 | Evelyn Rubenstein JCC, 5601 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77096, United States
Spring is in the air, and we have an exciting lineup of activities planned! Kinder – 2nd graders will have a blast with art projects, swimming, sports, culinary creations, camp crafts, ga-ga and more! Each day will feature a theme, and we’ll wrap up the week with an unforgettable Purim Carnival.
3rd – 5th graders will explore Houston’s most exciting spots in Best of Houston.
Monday – Bowling
Tuesday – AGR Sports
Wednesday – Dave and Buster’s
Thursday – Museum of Illusions
Friday – Carnival at the Merfish
Tennis Camp
1st – 8th graders can level up their tennis game while being taught by professional certified pros.
All levels welcome.

Safe Sitter Babysitter Training Class
2025-03-10 09:30 - 15:00 | Evelyn Rubenstein JCC, 5601 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77096, United States
Do you have a teen in grades 6, 7 or 8? Make sure they are ready for anything that comes their way. Sign them up for the J’s upcoming Safe Sitter class on March 10, 2025. Register early as classes fill quickly!

Shushan Shindig: A Family Purim Celebration
2025-03-16 13:30 | Merfish Teen Center, 9000 S. Rice, Houston, TX, 77096
Presented in partnership with the Israeli American Council (IAC)
Dust off your groggers, masks and costumes for a Purim celebration designed for the whole family! This event will feature a variety of activities, including delicious Purim treats, festive crafts and exciting entertainment.
· Get your hands messy as you shape and fill traditional Purim hamantaschen!
· Let our face painters transform you into your favorite Purim character!
· Make groggers (noisemakers) for the Megilla reading!
· Create your own Queen Esther crown!
· Cheer on your favorite IAC and JCC staff in a funny interactive Purim Spiel! Don’t forget your newly made grogger so you can “boo” and “hiss” and make lots of noise when you hear Haman’s name!
Whether you’re celebrating for the first time or continuing a long-standing tradition, this Purim celebration offers something for everyone. Join us for an afternoon of joy, laughter and fun!
Cost: $18 per family

Have You Heard of This Dish? Moroccan Fish
2025-03-20 19:00 | Cramer-Jacobs Family Culinary Studio @ the J, 5601 S Braeswood Blvd, Houston, TX, 77096
Kick off the film festival with a flavorful culinary adventure inspired by the movie Seven Blessings! Join Chef Emily as she guides you in preparing traditional Moroccan fish, blending vibrant spices and cultural heritage in this hands-on cooking class.
Advanced purchase required by March 17

2025 Houston Jewish Film Festival
2025-03-22 - 2025-04-05 | Evelyn Rubenstein JCC, 5601 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77096, United States
Tickets now on sale!
New promising, entertaining and exceptional award-winning films are featured this year, bringing Jewish lives and stories to the big screen. With venues across town, the Festival, now in its 21st year, shines the spotlight on Jewish and Israeli culture, art and history and features filmmakers and guest speakers/programming.
We are excited to welcome you to this two-week immersion in Jewish cinema!
Follow #JHouFilmFest on Facebook and Instagram to join the conversation!
For more information about the Houston Jewish Film Festival, please contact Guy Cohen at gcohen@erjcchouston.org.
