David Scott, Congregation Beth Israel
Houston's oldest Reform Jewish congregation, offering worship, lifelong learning, and community for over 1,500 households across Greater Houston.
Upcoming Events
Live Taping of the Being Jewish Podcast featuring Jonah Platt in Conversation with Debra Messing
Jonah Platt hosts a live podcast taping interviewing Emmy Award-winning actress Debra Messing on Jewish identity, antisemitism, and Israel.
About David Scott, Congregation Beth Israel
Congregation Beth Israel is an active and vibrant Reform Jewish congregation serving more than 1,500 households throughout the Greater Houston area. Established in 1854, it is the oldest Jewish congregation in Texas, with roots tracing back to a Jewish cemetery founded in 1844 and a charter obtained in 1859. Over more than 160 years, the congregation transitioned from Orthodox to Reform practice and has occupied several historic buildings, including its Streamline Moderne temple on Austin Street, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Today, Beth Israel is located at 5600 N. Braeswood Blvd. in southwest Houston, led by Senior Rabbi David A. Lyon along with Rabbi Adrienne P. Scott and Cantor Kenneth J. Feibush. The congregation offers weekly Shabbat services, Torah study, robust lifelong learning programs for children and adults, and operates the Shlenker School.
As a center of Jewish life in Houston, Beth Israel supports a wide range of religious, educational, and social opportunities for its members, emphasizing inclusion, community connection, and engagement with Israel.