The Jewish Federation of Greater Houston and the Houston Jewish Community Foundation have partnered to help our community with a joint COVID-19 Emergency Appeal. Funds raised will provide urgent basic needs to individuals and families, support community organizations, and help ensure the continuity and viability of Jewish life in Houston.
Our goal is to ensure we can act quickly to make funds available to assist those individuals in need. While the process of assessing and quantifying needs for our community partners continue, we anticipate significant impacts on individuals and organizations as the effects of the pandemic continue to propagate.
Mensch Out Supports Federation & Foundation COVID-19 Emergency Appeal
This May, the Jewish community is receiving an extra burst of support from the Mensch Out campaign. Three communications firms joined forces to create Mensch Out to help Jewish-owned and Jewish-run restaurants, retailers, and businesses which are struggling during the COVID-19 Stay Home, Work Safe order. READ MORE
The chart below contains resources intended to support individuals and institutions during this challenging time. Please scroll down and check back regularly for updates and new information. These resources are updated daily.
COVID-19 Resources
- Jewish Response & Action Network (JRAN) Updates
- JRAN Re-entry/Re-opening Toolkit
- 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 & Local 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.
- May 26 PM - JRAN Email
- May 22 PM - JRAN Email
- May 21 PM - JRAN Email
- May 20 PM - JRAN Email
- May 19 PM - JRAN Email
- May 18 PM - JRAN Email
- May 15 PM - JRAN Email
- May 13 PM - JRAN Email
- May 12 PM- JRAN Email
- May 11 PM - JRAN Email
- May 8 PM - JRAN Email
- May 7 PM - JRAN Email
- May 6 PM - JRAN Email
- May 5 PM - JRAN Email
- May 4 PM - JRAN Email
- May 1 PM - JRAN Email
- April 30 PM - JRAN Email
- April 29 PM - JRAN Email
- April 28 PM - JRAN Email
- April 27 PM - JRAN Email
- April 24 PM - JRAN Email
- April 23 PM - JRAN Email
- April 22 PM - JRAN Email
- April 21 PM - JRAN Email
- April 20 PM - JRAN Email
- April 17 PM - JRAN Email
- April 14 PM - JRAN Email
- April 13 PM - JRAN Email
- April 7 PM - JRAN Email
- April 6 PM - JRAN Email
- 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
JRAN Reentry/Reopening Toolkit
JRAN reentry/reopening health and safety toolkit includes guidelines for synagogues and other Jewish organizations planning a return to on-site work and worship when the time is right.
- JRAN COVID-19 Reentry Guidelines
- JRAN Conversation Starter Webinar
- HRA Statement about Reopening of Synagogues and Temples
- Harris Public Health Downloadable Graphics
- Security Community Network (SCN) Resumption of Operations
- The Rabbinical Assembly Update on Reopening our Institutions
- OU Guidance to Shuls and Communities on Reopening
- Reconstructing Judaism - Reopening Our Institutions
- Avoid Coronvirus Scams
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 & Local Restaurants
As restaurants are running limited takeout business, we encourage you to frequent our kosher & local 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.
- Harris Health
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- Houston Emergency Operations Center
- Work Safe 2.0: Principles to Guide Reopen Houston Safely
- City Council Member Abbie Kamin
- Harris County COVID-19 Cases
- Methodist Hospital Blood Transfusion Therapy
- Texas Medical Center COVID-19 Updates
- Make a Face Mask
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.
May 26 PM - JRAN Email May 22 PM - JRAN Email May 21 PM - JRAN Email May 20 PM - JRAN Email May 19 PM - JRAN Email May 18 PM - JRAN Email May 15 PM - JRAN Email May 13 PM - JRAN Email May 12 PM- JRAN Email May 11 PM - JRAN Email May 8 PM - JRAN Email May 7 PM - JRAN Email May 6 PM - JRAN Email May 5 PM - JRAN Email May 4 PM - JRAN Email May 1 PM - JRAN Email April 30 PM - JRAN Email April 29 PM - JRAN Email April 28 PM - JRAN Email April 27 PM - JRAN Email April 24 PM - JRAN Email April 23 PM - JRAN Email April 22 PM - JRAN Email April 21 PM - JRAN Email April 20 PM - JRAN Email April 17 PM - JRAN Email April 14 PM - JRAN Email April 13 PM - JRAN Email April 7 PM - JRAN Email April 6 PM - JRAN Email 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 EmailJRAN Re-entry/Re-opening Toolkit
JRAN Reentry/Reopening Toolkit
JRAN reentry/reopening health and safety toolkit includes guidelines for synagogues and other Jewish organizations planning a return to on-site work and worship when the time is right.
JRAN COVID-19 Reentry Guidelines JRAN Conversation Starter Webinar HRA Statement about Reopening of Synagogues and Temples Harris Public Health Downloadable Graphics Security Community Network (SCN) Resumption of Operations The Rabbinical Assembly Update on Reopening our Institutions OU Guidance to Shuls and Communities on Reopening Reconstructing Judaism - Reopening Our Institutions Avoid Coronvirus ScamsFederation 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 Israel-in-a-box kit 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.
J's Meals on Wheels JFS - Make Greeting Cards for Seniors Houston Food Bank ERJCC Blood Drive Sign Up - June 3 Give Blood. Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center Interfaith Ministries Volunteer Houston Kids Meals Inc. Star of HopeKosher & Local Restaurants
Kosher & Local Restaurants
As restaurants are running limited takeout business, we encourage you to frequent our kosher & local restaurants.
HKA Kosher Laykie's Cafe Kosher Menu for June 3 and June 5 Nosher Kosher Menu for June 5 Genesis Family Deal Meals Fresh Foods Catering Family Pack Menus Kenny & Ziggy's Shabbat MenuNational 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 Sick Face Mask RecommendationsGeneral 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 Work Safe 2.0: Principles to Guide Reopen Houston Safely City Council Member Abbie Kamin Harris County COVID-19 Cases Methodist Hospital Blood Transfusion Therapy Texas Medical Center COVID-19 Updates Make a Face MaskCyber 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 Seekers
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.