Handstands & Havdalah
2025-01-11 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Evelyn Rubenstein JCC, 5601 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77096, United States
Close out the end of Shabbat and welcome a new week with Handstands & Havdalah! Run, stretch and tumble in the gymnastics center followed by a musical havdalah program.
For kids ages 0-10 and their families
RSVPs are required and spaces are limited. Please RSVP PER CHILD.
Cost is $6 per child (includes fees).

Taylor Swift Cookie Decorating
2025-01-12 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-01-12 16:00 - 18:00 | Cramer-Jacobs Family Culinary Studio @ the J, 5601 S Braeswood Blvd, Houston, TX, 77096
Calling All Swifties!
Grab your bestie and join us for a Taylor Swift inspired cookie decorating class, perfect for any fan who wants to turn cookies into Taylor-made works of art! Led by Chef Velma, this class is perfect for all skill levels. So shake it off and join us for this sweet and creative experience.
Ages 10 and up are welcome on their own. Under 10 must have an adult accompany them.
Gluten-free options are available.
Share the fun! Members can add a friend for a discounted price- it’s a friendship bracelet kind of deal!
Members: $48 I Public: $68

Got That Swing: Celebrating Jewish and African-American Big Band Greats
2025-01-16 19:30 | Congregation Emanu El, 1500 Sunset Blvd, Houston, Texas, 77005, United States
Doors open: 7:15 PM | Program begins: 7:45 PM
Heading into MLK weekend, step back into the glamorous era of swing for a night of big band music, dancing, desserts, and drinks! Experience the influence of jazz legends: Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Duke Ellington and Count Basie performed by Phillip Hall (piano), Ernesto Vega (sax), Erin Wright (bass), and Cantor Rollin Simmons (vocals), along with their swingin’ big band.
Swing era chic and comfortable dancing shoes are encouraged!
Presented with Congregation Emanu El
$25 General Admission

Shishi Israeli - Israeli Friday
2025-01-17 17:30 | Merfish Teen Center, 9000 S. Rice, Houston, TX, 77096
Join us for an evening full of warmth, laughter and delicious homemade dishes at our potluck-style (dairy kosher) gathering. This is the perfect chance to reconnect with old friends and make new ones while celebrating the upcoming year in a festive and joyful atmosphere. Collaborating with JCC and IAC, we’re coming together to celebrate unity, hope, and the excitement of a new year.

Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center - Blood Drive
2025-01-19 08:00 - 12:30 | Evelyn Rubenstein JCC, 5601 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77096, United States
Join Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center for a blood drive at our campus. This will take place inside the Samuels Family Community Pavilion in Kehillah.

Parents, Planets and Starlets Dance Party, An Out of this World Experience!
2025-01-19 17:00 - 19:00 | Evelyn Rubenstein JCC, 5601 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77096, United States
Starlets, grab your best space crew mate and get ready for an out-of-this-world experience at the Parents, Planets and Starlets Dance Party! This family-friendly event is packed with fun for all ages.

Twirl through the galaxy with a live DJ, spinning out-of-this-world tunes.
Join in on exciting games and activities, and let your creativity shine with space-themed crafts.
Grab some cosmic snapshots at the photo booth.
Refuel with delicious food and drinks.

Whether you’re a little astronaut or a starry-eyed parent, this out-of-this-world celebration is one you won’t want to miss.
Join us for this special themed father/daughter dance. Grandparents and friends of all ages and genders are invited and welcome.
Cost: $20 includes one adult and one child. $5/any additional individuals
Registration closes January 17!

School's Out Camp
2025-01-20 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.

MLK Day: Cartwheels & Community
2025-01-20 11:00 | Houston Gymnastics Center, 5601 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77096
For ages 0-5 and their families
Join us on MLK Day for a day of play and giving back! Children will enjoy open gym in our gymnastics center and participate in a meaningful service project for Meals on Wheels.
This event is also an opportunity to bring in unopened pet food and new warm blankets for Meals on Wheels clients. Plus, create birthday cards for Meals on Wheels clients as well!
We hope to see you for this day of fun, kindness and community. Spaces are limited—sign up today!
Cost: $7 per child (includes fees, open gym play, and birthday card making materials).

Inside the Middle East | Navigating Through the Storm to the Horizon's Edge with Avi Melamed
2025-01-20 19:30 | Evelyn Rubenstein JCC, 5601 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77096, United States
In the face of escalating conflict, the Middle East stands at a historic crossroads – a defining moment for Israel, the Palestinians and the region as a whole. In this pivotal briefing, we’ll navigate the storm of challenges shaping the Middle East today, a region profoundly influenced by deep-seated forces and unfolding events that impact not only Israel and the Palestinians but extend far beyond.
As conflicts intensify and stakes rise, understanding the core issues driving this crisis is essential. This briefing will explore the forces fueling the current war, including the roles of Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran and other key players. We’ll trace the path that led to this critical moment and examine the implications for “the day after” – not just for Israel and the Palestinians, but for the region and the World.
By uncovering the intricate complexities beneath the surface, connecting past and present influences, and building a three-dimensional view of the region, we’ll guide you from the eye of the storm to the horizon’s edge. This briefing offers the clarity and the context needed to navigate these turbulent times and uncovers the valuable lessons this moment holds for the West.
Avi Melamed is a distinguished geopolitical Middle East expert, intelligence Analyst, Educator, and founder and CEO of Inside the Middle East Intelligence perspectives, ITME. His recent book is Inside The Middle East – Entering a New Era.
This event is made possible through a grant from Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and the JCC Association.
This program is FREE, though advanced registration is required.

Teen Travel Camp Info Meeting
2025-01-21 19:30 | Virtual
Come learn about the new Teen Travel Camp from camp leadership before registration day to find out if this camp is right for your teen.

J Camps Virtual Information Session
2025-01-23 19:00 - 20:00 | Virtual
J Camps registration is around the corner! Do you have questions about Pre-Check or Registration Day? Join us for a virtual information session on January 23 from 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM.

Sign Up: J Camps 2025 Parent Information Session

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Kids Nite Out
2025-01-25 18:30 | Evelyn Rubenstein JCC, 5601 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77096, United States
Get ready for an exciting Kids Nite Out!

HC68: Mini Ball & Laser Tag
2025-01-25 19:00 | Evelyn Rubenstein JCC, 5601 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77096, United States
Are you ready for adventure? Join HC68 at AGR Sports for mini ball and laser tag. Team up, strategize and aim for victory!

Resolution Recharge
2025-01-26 - 2025-01-31 | Laurie and Milton Boniuk Wellness Center, 5601 S Braeswood Blvd, Houston, TX, 77096, United States
Start 2025 on the right foot with Resolution Recharge! Explore all the J has to offer during the week of January 26-31.

Sunday, January 26
“Try New Things”
Explore the new group fitness formats and learn all you need to know about the fitness center! From beginners guides on gym equipment to reformer pilates demos, master the essentials and be ready to take on the year! Be sure to stop by these classes as well:

8:30 AM Special Power Cycle with Alyssa (30 mins)
9:00 AM Special Power Cycle with Stephanie (30 mins)
9:30 AM Experience the new format Cardio Sculpt with Taylor
3:00 PM Intro to Flamenco Workshop with Ana Maria Barcelo. Register now!

Want to learn more about the different kinds of equipment? Stop by our demos!
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Reformer with Unique
20 minute FREE Demos
SIGN UP HERE!
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Gym Equipment Tutorial
30 minute FREE Orientations
SIGN UP HERE!

Monday, January 27
“Practice Self Care”
Self-care is essential! Start your week off right with yoga and pilates; improve flexibility, clear your mind and boost mental focus. Or treat yourself to some relaxing skincare and gratitude journaling. Monday is all about focusing on “you!”

7:15 AM Aqua Pilates with Betsy
8:00 AM Mat Pilates with Adi
10:15 AM Power Flow with Alyssa
4:15 PM Yogalates II with Traci
5:30 PM Contemporary Pilates with Ellen
6:30 PM Hatha Yoga with Allison
7:30 PM Pelvic Floor Function Workshop with Adi. Register now!

Tuesday, January 28
“Healthy Together: Bring a Friend”
The best things in life are better when shared with a friend! For Tuesday, we invite you to bring a nonmember friend with you to the gym. Enjoy one of our partnered workout group exercise options and attend partner/small group personal training promotions. Any member who signs up for partner training will receive a 20% off discount!

Wednesday, January 29
“Make Healthy Choices– even when busy/tired”
Maintain optimal health with nutrition. Stop by the J and learn all about the basics of nutrition with registered dietitian nutritionist and certified diabetes care and education specialist Macy Diulus. She will be outside the Fitness Center offering ways to add more healthy foods into your diet using SMART goals from 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM.

Thursday, January 30
“Stick to a Workout Plan”
Consistency is key! Hear from the J personal trainers about setting up a basic workout plan catered to your personal goals. Build your workout plan with a well-rounded approach by experiencing sample classes with group ex instructors and varying formats.
And meet our new Les Mills instructor, Jordie Roitsch, who will lead the new format Les Mills BodyCombat. BodyCombat is a high-energy martial arts-inspired workout that is totally non-contact. Learn moves from Karate, Taekwondo, Boxing, Muay Thai, Capoeira and Kung Fu. Release stress, have a blast and feel like a champ!

Friday, January 31
“Rest and Relaxation: Shabbat and Slowing Down”
Experience ultimate rest and relaxation with the J’s whirlpools, sauna, steam room, candles, music and more. We will also announce the raffle winner!

8:00 AM Pop-Up: Relaxing Aqua Yoga Special Pop-Up with Betsy at the Indoor Pool
9:45 AM Foam Roll Recovery with Randi– a new format here starting January 24!

THRIVE - Teen Mental Health Day
2025-01-26 13:30 - 16:30 | Merfish Teen Center, 9000 S. Rice, Houston, TX, 77096
THRIVE is a day created by teens, for teens, focusing on the challenges teens face regarding mental health and how to cope with these challenges in a healthy manner through mindful eating, gratitude journaling, yoga, and much more!

Opera to Go! - Mo Willems’s Bite-Sized Operas!
2025-01-26 14:30 | Kaplan Theatre @ the J, 5601 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77096
Presented in partnership with Houston Grand Opera
Opera To Go! is Houston Grand Opera’s fully staged, high-energy, 45-minute opera designed with students and families in mind. Join HGO in the Kaplan Theatre at Evelyn Rubenstein JCC on January 26 at 2:30 PM for a sensory-friendly performance of this year’s Opera to Go!, Mo Willems’s Bite-Sized Operas!
What is a sensory-friendly show?
Sensory-friendly performances are designed to create a welcoming and supportive environment for families with members on the autism spectrum and others with sensory sensitivities. Tickets are free with registration.
About Mo Willems’s Bite-Sized Operas:
Slopera!: A Bite-Sized Opera  and  Don’t Let the Pigeon Sing Up Late!: An Opera with Wings
In HGO’s 2024–25 season, Opera to Go will be performing a double bill of touring operas, Mo Willems’s Bite-Sized Operas!, presented as a bilingual English and Spanish edition. The show is based on two children’s books by the Emmy Award-winning author, illustrator, and playwright, with music by Grammy-nominated composer Carlos Simon.
Slopera! shares the story of Elephant and Piggie, two best friends who learn to appreciate one another’s differences. And Don’t Let the Pigeon Sing Up Late!, starring The Pigeon and some delightful new companions, recounts The Pigeon’s losing battle against bedtime. Perfect for introducing students and families to opera in a 45-minute, high-energy production!
Tickets are FREE! Please reserve a ticket per person requiring a seat.

Yes, Chef: Pickling 101
2025-01-28 10:00 - 12:00 | 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!
Members: $30 I Public: $42

Challah Club: Sweet and Savory Challah 2 Ways
2025-01-28 19:00 - 20:00 | 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.

2024 Book Festival: Marina Gerner
2025-01-30 19:30 | Rice University, 6100 Main St., Houston, TX, 77005
MARINA GERNER
The Vagina Business
Thursday, January 30 | 7:30 PM | Rice University
Presented with Rice University Center for the Study of Women, Gender, and Sexuality and the Department of Sociology
Award-winning journalist and adjunct professor at NYU, Marina Gerner takes an in-depth and sometimes shocking look at the inequities found in the funding of female-focused health companies and scientific research. From periods and childbirth to menopause and heart health, Gerner reveals that female pain has been normalized and unexplored. Gerner’s work has been widely published in The Economist’s 1843, The Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, Financial Times and Wired and exposes the many obstacles entrepreneurs face when it comes to innovating for women’s health—even today.
Gerner has crafted an eye-opening exploration of the business of women’s health. Women make 80% of all health care decisions, yet only 4% of all medical research and development is focused on women’s health.
Patron Sponsors:
Maxine and Steven Goodman
Sherry and Gerald Merfish
Community Partners: Jewish Federation of Greater Houston – Women’s Philanthropy and NCJW

Open Gym & Tot Shabbat
2025-01-31 10:30, 2025-02-07 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.

Horvitz 2025: The Bible and Archaeology: Where They Meet, Where They Don’t, and Why
2025-02-02 15:30 | 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
—–
OPENING RECEPTION & LECTURE
The Bible and Archaeology: Where They Meet, Where They Don’t, and Why
Sunday, February 2
Reception: 3:00 PM | Lecture: 3:30 PM
In his introductory session, Dr. Ilan will explain how archaeological findings and the biblical narrative often do not correspond with one another, which is troubling to some people and fascinating for others. Most importantly, it raises questions about the nature of the biblical text and the archaeological method. Dr. Ilan will discuss how the biblical text was compiled and what its motivations were by examining selected parts of the biblical narrative to hone in on why some biblical texts are not born out of archaeological evidence and others most definitely are.
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: Genesis: Archaeology and the Patriarchal Narrative
2025-02-03 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 1: Biblical Texts and Ancient Artifacts: A Dialogue

Genesis: Archaeology and the Patriarchal Narrative
Monday, February 3 | 7:30 PM
In the patriarchal narratives, we are told of Abraham’s emigration from Ur of the Chaldees to the Land of Canaan via Haran. Is there any evidence for this story? It turns out that there is, but as usual, it gets complicated.
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: The Tabernacle in the Desert, the Cult Place in Shiloh and Solomon's Temple
2025-02-04 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 1: Biblical Texts and Ancient Artifacts: A Dialogue

The Tabernacle in the Desert, the Cult Place in Shiloh and Solomon’s Temple
Tuesday, February 4 | 7:30 PM
The biblical text lays out the architectural plans and the ritual equipment of the tabernacle and Solomon’s temple in great detail. These details were not made up; cultic buildings and ritual equipment like those described actually existed. The trick is to identify their sources and counterparts in the ancient world.
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: How Archaeology Works and Why it Matters
2025-02-05 19:30 | Congregation Beth Yeshurun, 4525 Beechnut Street, Houston, 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
—–
COMMUNITY LECTURE
For Kehillah High Students at Congregation Beth Yeshurun

How Archaeology Works and Why it Matters
Wednesday, February 5 | 7:30 PM
In this talk, we will learn how archaeologists decide where and what to excavate, how they date things, and what they do with what they find. Then we will tackle “fake” archaeology on Netflix, “mysterious” civilizations, and of course, aliens. On a more serious note, we’ll talk about how archaeology in Israel and Palestine is political, and why it matters. Then Dr. Ilan will share the most interesting thing he found.
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: Fermenting 101
2025-02-06 17:30 | 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! Learn all there is to know about fermentation. Fermentation has been used for thousands of years to preserve food, enhance flavors and improve the nutritional value of ingredients. It’s also the foundation for many beloved foods and drinks, like bread, yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, beer, wine and cheese.
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!

Horvitz 2025: Now You’re Talking! – Iron Age (1200-500 BCE) Archaeology and the Book of Kings
2025-02-06 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 1: Biblical Texts and Ancient Artifacts: A Dialogue

Now You’re Talking! – Iron Age (1200-500 BCE) Archaeology and the Book of Kings
Thursday, February 6 | 7:30 PM
While the earlier books of the Bible are partly mythological and partly a collection of hazy collective memories, the Book of Kings is historical and can be correlated to extra-biblical sources and archaeological finds… well, usually. We will look at the correspondences and divergences and discuss the biblical text’s political and theological tendencies.
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.

THE WANDERERS
2025-02-08 20:00, 2025-02-09 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.
