Jewish Federation COVID-19 Resources
Updates From Federation Board Chair and President & CEO
While we continue to focus on supporting vulnerable populations in the wake of the COVID-19 virus, we also know that social distancing has unleashed a spirit of creativity and community that has the potential to accelerate new and innovative approaches to Jewish life, learning, and identity.
People and organizations across our community are responding. Remote learning in Jewish day schools and synagogues is up and running. Many of us have already attended virtual Shabbat services, learning webinars, cooking classes, and other programs that help us feel connected.
In the coming weeks, the Federation will lift up the work of our partners to ensure that there are opportunities for everyone to feel engaged. Our team is curating the incredible virtual programs being offered throughout the community. This is a great time to connect or reconnect with a synagogue, to find a learning opportunity, or to explore new ways to “do Judaism” in your own home.
Please scroll down for a full list of resources, and check back regularly for updates and new information, updated daily.
Points of Contact
- For information about the Federation’s Jewish Response Action Network (JRAN), please contact Jackie Fisherman.
- For media inquiries, please contact Taryn Baranowski.
- To add resources to this page, please contact Barbara Eisenbaum
COVID-19 Resources
- Jewish Response & Action Network (JRAN) Updates
- Federation Partner Resources
- Guidelines for Lifecycle Events
- Congregation Services & Resources
- Mental Health & Wellness Resources
- Jewish Schools
- Education Resources for Families
- Young Adult Virtual Programming
- College Students
- Teen Programming
- Service Projects & Volunteering
- Kosher Restaurants
- National Jewish Resources
- CDC Resources
- General COVID-19 Resources
- Cyber Security Resources
- The Texas Workforce Commission Resources
Jewish Response & Action Network (JRAN)
Federation’s network dedicated to disaster response and preparedness. Daily updates made here.
- April 3 AM - JRAN EMAIL
- April 2 PM - JRAN Email
- April 1 PM - JRAN Email
- March 31 PM - JRAN Email - (SBA Loan Application Released!)
- March 30 PM - JRAN Email- Important SBA Info!
- March 26 PM - JRAN Email
- March 24 AM - JRAN Email
- March 23 Noon - JRAN Email
- March 22 PM - JRAN Email
- March 20 PM - JRAN Email
- March 19 PM - JRAN Email
- March 18 PM - JRAN Email
- March 16 PM - JRAN Email
- March 16 AM - JRAN Email
Federation Partner Resources
Virtual programs provided by Federation partners.
- ERJCC Virtual Programming
- Jewish Family Service
- American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee
- Birthright Israel Trip Cancellation Information
- Consulate General of Houston - Israel Travel Information
- Israeli American Council Virtual Programs
- Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI)
- Leo Baeck Education Center in Israel Virtual Shabbat
Guidelines for Lifecycle Events
The Houston Rabbinical Association has established guidelines for lifecycle events
Congregation Services & Resources
Many congregations are offering virtual services for the community to participate in.
Mental Health & Wellness Resources
This time can be challenging for each of us. Please utilize these resources for support.
Jewish Schools
Jewish schools are helping families navigate the complexities of distance learning. Here are some local resources provided by our schools.
Education Resources for Families
Families can utilize these resources for ways to engage children in Jewish educational activities.
Young Adult Virtual Programming
Young adults can utilize these resources for ways to be a part of community during this time.
College Students
The Zoom University Hillel Facebook group has connected thousands of Jewish students in a space where they can share jokes, hang out virtually, and even do a little matchmaking.
Service Projects & Volunteering
If you are looking to give back, these organizations need help with volunteerism and service projects.
Kosher Restaurants
As restaurants are running limited takeout business, we encourage you to frequent our local Kosher restaurants.
National Jewish Resources
These resources are provided nationally to help you continue to remain connected Jewishly during this time.
CDC Resources
Here are some general resources from the Center for Disease Control to keep you healthy.
General COVID-19 Resources
These resources help you understand the local, county, state and national response to this pandemic.
Cyber Security Resources
People are more at-risk for cyber threats during this time. These resources help you navigate those challenges.
The Texas Workforce Commission Resources
The Texas Workforce Commission has set up resources for Employers and Job Seekers alike during this challenging time.
Jewish Response & Action Network (JRAN) Updates
Jewish Response & Action Network (JRAN)
Federation’s network dedicated to disaster response and preparedness. Daily updates made here.
April 3 AM - JRAN EMAIL April 2 PM - JRAN Email April 1 PM - JRAN Email March 31 PM - JRAN Email - (SBA Loan Application Released!) March 30 PM - JRAN Email- Important SBA Info! March 26 PM - JRAN Email March 24 AM - JRAN Email March 23 Noon - JRAN Email March 22 PM - JRAN Email March 20 PM - JRAN Email March 19 PM - JRAN Email March 18 PM - JRAN Email March 16 PM - JRAN Email March 16 AM - JRAN EmailFederation Partner Resources
Federation Partner Resources
Virtual programs provided by Federation partners.
ERJCC Virtual Programming Jewish Family Service American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee Birthright Israel Trip Cancellation Information Consulate General of Houston - Israel Travel Information Israeli American Council Virtual Programs Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) Leo Baeck Education Center in Israel Virtual ShabbatGuidelines for Lifecycle Events
Guidelines for Lifecycle Events
The Houston Rabbinical Association has established guidelines for lifecycle events
COVID-19 HRA GuidelinesCongregation Services & Resources
Congregation Services & Resources
Many congregations are offering virtual services for the community to participate in.
Congregation Beth Israel’s Friday Shabbat Services-Livestream Congregation Beth Yeshurun Virtual Community Congregation Brith Shalom Livestream Services & Classes Emanu El Shabbat Worship Emanu El YouTube Shma Koleinu Streaming Events HCRJ Shabbat Worship HCRJ Virtual ProgramsMental Health & Wellness Resources
Mental Health & Wellness Resources
This time can be challenging for each of us. Please utilize these resources for support.
Jewish Family Service Virtual Support Groups Mental Health America of Greater Houston CDC Steps to Cope With a DisasterJewish Schools
Jewish Schools
Jewish schools are helping families navigate the complexities of distance learning. Here are some local resources provided by our schools.
Pre-School Shabbats with Becker School Shlenker School Parent Resources Helfman @ Home series Emanu El Religious SchoolEducation Resources for Families
Education Resources for Families
Families can utilize these resources for ways to engage children in Jewish educational activities.
PJ Library Virtual Programs Make Your Own Haggadahs Greene Family Camp Virtual Programs Camp Young Judaea Virtual Programs Jewish Camp From Home EventsYoung Adult Virtual Programming
Young Adult Virtual Programming
Young adults can utilize these resources for ways to be a part of community during this time.
YAD (Coming Soon!) Moishe House (Coming Soon!) Hillel @Home Virtual Resources J-HYPE: Weekly Virtual Torah Study Chabad of Uptown Live Classes Jewston: Cooking Class Jewston: Virtual Shabbat One Table: Shabbat AloneCollege Students
College Students
The Zoom University Hillel Facebook group has connected thousands of Jewish students in a space where they can share jokes, hang out virtually, and even do a little matchmaking.
Zoom University HillelTeen Programming
Service Projects & Volunteering
Service Projects & Volunteering
If you are looking to give back, these organizations need help with volunteerism and service projects.
Houston Food Bank Interface Ministries Meals on Wheels Volunteer Houston Give Blood. Gulf Coast Regional Blood CenterKosher Restaurants
Kosher Restaurants
As restaurants are running limited takeout business, we encourage you to frequent our local Kosher restaurants.
HKA KosherNational Jewish Resources
National Jewish Resources
These resources are provided nationally to help you continue to remain connected Jewishly during this time.
JFNA-Jewish Together Jew It At HomeCDC Resources
CDC Resources
Here are some general resources from the Center for Disease Control to keep you healthy.
How to Protect Yourself How to Prepare What To Do If You Are SickGeneral COVID-19 Resources
General COVID-19 Resources
These resources help you understand the local, county, state and national response to this pandemic.
Harris Health Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) World Health Organization (WHO) Houston Emergency Operations Center City Council Member Abbie KaminCyber Security Resources
Cyber Security Resources
People are more at-risk for cyber threats during this time. These resources help you navigate those challenges.
Safety and Security Considerations for Facility Closures Addressing Cyber Safety and Security in the Age of COVID-19 CyberSECURE Initiative Overview How to Spot a Phishing Scam Social Media AwarenessThe Texas Workforce Commission Resources
The Texas Workforce Commission Resources
The Texas Workforce Commission has set up resources for Employers and Job Seekers alike during this challenging time.
Employers Job SeekersPassover Resources
For many of us, Passover will be different this year. Please utilize these resources as you are planning your Seder and celebrating Passover.
- Passover Catering & Resources - Kosher
- Passover Catering & Resources - Non-Kosher
- Synagogue Passover Information
- The Haggadah
- Fun for the Family
- Other Passover Resources / Sell Your Chametz