COVID-19 Resources and Emergency Appeal

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.

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)

Federation’s network dedicated to disaster response and preparedness. Daily updates made here.

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.

Federation Partner Resources

Virtual programs provided by Federation partners.

Guidelines for Lifecycle Events

The Houston Rabbinical Association has established guidelines for lifecycle events

COVID-19 HRA Guidelines

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.

Zoom University Hillel

Teen Programming

Teens can utilize these resources for ways to engage in Judaism online.

BBYO

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.

HKA Kosher

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)

Federation’s network dedicated to disaster response and preparedness. Daily updates made here.

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 Downloadable Graphics for the Workplace 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 Back to the Workplace Guidance Reopening: Guidance for General Office Settings

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

COVID-19 HRA Guidelines

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 Programs

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 Disaster

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 School

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 Events

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 Alone

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 Hillel

Teen Programming

Teens can utilize these resources for ways to engage in Judaism online.

BBYO

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 Give Blood. Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center Interfaith Ministries Volunteer Houston Kids Meals Inc. Star of Hope

Kosher & Local Restaurants

As restaurants are running limited takeout business, we encourage you to frequent our kosher & local restaurants.

HKA Kosher

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 Home

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 Recommendations

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.

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 Awareness

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.

Jewish Community in Times of Uncertainty

March 18, 2020

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Jewish Community Update on COVID-19

March 12, 2020

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Jewish Community Update on COVID-19

March 9, 2020

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COVID-19 Resources and Emergency Appeal