Welcome!

As you can tell from our mission (above), at Temple Sinai we pride ourselves on being a warm and welcoming community.  We are thrilled to be entering our 33^rd year, and our 3^rd year with energetic yet learned spiritual leader.  After only 2 years with us, Rabbi Annie Belford is as beloved as if she had been here since our beginning.

We are the only Reform congregation on the west side of Houston and we are a diverse community.  Our members hail from many different backgrounds and upbringings, and include native Texans, transplants from all across the U.S. and foreign born.   As you can see, all are welcome at Temple Sinai.

We are proud to be designated as an ADL “Community of Respect’®, committed to creating an environment of respect and appreciation of all, both at Temple Sinai and in the greater Houston community.

We invite you to come and experience our many activities and programs.  Whether it is Shabbat services, our classes for children and adults, our special events, social gatherings or community celebrations, you are sure to find something to suit your interests and needs.

Shabbat Services:  Our services are held every Friday night and the second Saturday of each month.  Rabbi Annie Belford leads services that are upbeat and warm and filled with song, friendship and reflection.  By the end of services you are sure to feel released from the week’s tensions as the Shabbat atmosphere at Temple Sinai envelops you.  Services are also held for all holidays and festivals throughout the year.

Religious School:   We have built a great school for our kids under the leadership of our outstanding Education Director, Rina Mesarwi.  Rina is a recent Jewish Federation of Houston Yavneh Award recipient for her outstanding contributions and commitment to Jewish education.  Rina has put together a staff of dedicated teachers and a curriculum for all children from pre-school through high school.  Of course the curriculum includes preparation for B’Nai Mitzvah and Confirmation, but it also includes a Post Confirmation class which has been a huge success, as it provides a venue for our young adults to discuss relevant issues including Israel and the Middle East, anti-Semitism, sex and Jewish values, all in an open and respectful environment.

Adult Education:  Our Adult education program is sure to have offerings to interest you.  A wide range of programs and classes are offered including Hebrew classes for different levels, Adult B’Nai Mitzvah, Introduction to Judaism as well as classes, discussion groups and guest speakers on many different and varied topics.

Auxiliary Groups:  Our Sisterhood and Brotherhood are both very active within the Congregation and in the outside community.  Each group meets once per month and, aside from the fact that each gives a lot back financially to the Congregation, they both also serve a social purpose.  There is also an active Senior Sisters group.  TESTY, our youth group for High School students is very successful and active within the congregation, the community and regionally.  It is one of the most active youth groups within the Texas/Oklahoma region and some members have gone on to regional leadership roles.  We even have a large number of college students and graduates who have stayed connected to the congregation.

Temple Sinai Is A Caring Community:  We have a devoted Caring Committee that ensures that congregants are being helped in times of need and distress.  Our Social Action Committee spearheads our work in the community, whether building a home through Habitat for Humanity, visiting veterans at the local VA Hospital, working with the Westside Homeless Partnership, or helping needy families every holiday season.   Through Rabbi Belford, we are also active in interfaith relations within the west Houston community.

As you can see, we have built a home of warmth, friendship and caring in which we pray, socialize, and study.  We have a thriving home because we never stray from our mission.  We invite you to join our Temple Sinai family and we look forward to meeting and welcoming you!

Roger Rochman

President