Rabbi's Blog - The Shul of Bellaire

Announcing Launch of Bellaire Torah Campaign

Friday, January 24, 2020 - 11:25 AM

We are very excited to announce the launch of the Raphael and Lila Sinuk - Unity Torah Campaign, generously dedicated by their son, our dear friend, Mr. Jack Sinuk.

For nine years The Shul has been serving as a vibrant hub of spirituality and social activities for Jewish adult professionals and children, right in the center of Houston. A new Torah scroll is a sign of a vibrant community—a healthy community, a robust and flourishing community that is brimming with a vigorous Jewish pride. Here at The Shul, we are writing a new chapter of Jewish history: We are in the process of writing our community’s second Torah scroll.

Please join in writing history for our bright Jewish future, by generously participating in the Bellaire Unity Torah.

You may refer to the Participate page to make your selection, honoring yourself and your family or to eternalize the memory of a loved one. For any inquiries, please feel free to reach out.

We look forward to completing and welcoming the new Torah at The Shul in the coming months, please stay tuned.

With endless gratitude,
Rabbi Yossi and Esty Zaklikofsky

Bellaire is grieving today

Wednesday, January 15, 2020 - 11:23 AM

Bellaire is grieving today. A young life snuffed out. Cesar Cortes had a whole life, a life of service, ahead of him. His family will never see him again. We are all in shock. How could this happen in our midst? Right here at Bellaire?

Firstly, Esty and I are here for anyone who needs assistance or support. Any student who feels the need to talk to a Rabbi, please reach out, whenever.

Second, when we encounter darkness and a tragedy of this nature, our job is to double down on bringing more goodness into our world, our community and our schools. I want to urge you to go out of your way today. Do something good and kind for another. Let's brighten the world today. Resolve a dispute, act selflessly to another, especially toward someone who thinks or looks different than you. Let's unite, let's begin to fix our broken world. You. Me. Now.

Is this the New Normal?

Sunday, January 5, 2020 - 1:11 PM

I spent a day in Brooklyn, NY this week.

This was the first time I actually felt the unsettling change in atmosphere. From the visible security beef up, to the signs in store windows, advertising: "We now carry pepper spray". We are all now asking the obvious question: "Is this the new normal?"

While we don't have a definite answer to that question, we Jews are very well primed in how to respond. Aside from the obvious need for extra security and vigilance we must also send a strong message: Anti-Semites and hate filled people will never dictate or define who we are as Jews, or how we practice our Judaism.

We are Jews and we are proud! If we hide that fact, and cower in fear, then they have won the battle!

We must not let them be victorious. Ironically, the very story of Chanukah demonstrates this message. The Jews refused to let the Greeks dictate their Judaism. They fought back against the tyranny. We need to increase in our Jewish pride at this time and never retreat!

Here are a few ideas:

1. Get yourself a Mezuzah ASAP. The mezuzah is the Jewish spiritual security blanket and every Jewish home and business should have one. Please contact me to help you purchase one and have it posted.

2. Educate yourself. Become a more knowledgeable Jew! Buy a Jewish book for yourself or another, as the saying goes "knowledge is power"! (feel free to reach out for suggestions). Attend a class on Judaism, a great opportunity is the upcoming JLI course entitled “Judaism’s Gifts to the World” click here.

3. Go to Shul. Strengthen your Jewish identity and join with community on Shabbat.

May G-d bless us that 2020 be a much better year for Jewish people everywhere.

Rabbi Yossi and Esty Zaklikofsky