Houston Congregation for Reform Judaism Records

Collection

Identifier: MS 1097

Staff Only

Finding aid note: Forms part of the Joan and Stanford Alexander South Texas Jewish Archives Stored off-site at the Library Service Center

Content Description

The Houston Congregation for Reform Judaism collection contains materials in 10 boxes and 1 map drawer spanning from 1957 to 2023 including scrapbooks, news clippings, committee and board meeting minutes, administrative documents (rabbinical search, bylaws, membership info), sermons, financial documents, photo albums and loose photos, awards and certificates, calendars, building documents (plans, manual, surveys, contracts, sketches, etc.), legal documents, event materials including 3 VHS and 2 DVDs, and HCRJ newsletters. Many images are labeled to identify the events, dates, and individuals at the events. There are certain names and photos that occur frequently in documents that identify key members in the synagogue over the years. The materials are in good condition, and would be ideal for researchers interested in the history of the synagogue through photos of events that include names of individuals present.

Forms part of the Joan and Stanford Alexander South Texas Jewish Archives

Dates

Creation: 1957 - 2023

Conditions Governing Access

Collection open for research without restrictions, except for folders in Series IV: Board Meeting Notes and Agendas (Folders 3.11-3.15, 3.17-3.19, 3.24-3.29, 3.31-3.32, 4.1-4.6, 4.14-4.15, 4.17-4.22, and 4.24), Series VI: Fundraising (Folders 5.9-5.10), and Series VII: Rabbinical Searches (Folders 5.15-5.19 and 5.21), which are restricted from all viewing and use until 2055. Permission to view these items must be obtained from the director of the Joan and Stanford Alexander South Texas Jewish Archives or the director of the Woodson Research Center.

Stored off-site at the Library Service Center. Please request this material via woodson@rice.edu or call 713-348-2586.

Conditions Governing Use

Permission to publish material from the Houston Congregation for Reform Judaism Records must be obtained from the Woodson Research Center, Fondren Library. The Woodson Research Center use policy is that researchers assume sole responsibility for any infringement of privacy, literary rights, copyrights, or other rights arising from their use of the archival materials. In addition to any restrictions placed by donors, certain kinds of archival materials are restricted for the life of the creator plus 50 years. These materials include, but are not limited to, student grades, transcripts, and any job applications or recommendations.

Biographical / Historical

The Houston Congregation for Reform Judaism (HCRJ) is a Reform Jewish congregation located in Houston, Texas. It traces its origins to 1957, when a group dissatisfied with Beth Israel's drift from classical Reform Judaism broke away to start their own congregation. Excerpt from the Encyclopedia of Southern Jewish Communities - Houston, Texas: "The new congregation built a small temple in 1962. By 1971, the Houston Congregation for Reform Judaism had 100 members." (https://www.isjl.org/texas-houston-encyclopedia.html) Ceremonies and liturgy are conducted in English.

Extent

13.5 Linear Feet (10 boxes; 1 map-drawer)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

This collection is made up of 10 boxes and 1 map drawer containing photographs, news clippings, committee and board meeting minutes, administrative documents, and building documents, spanning from 1957-2023.

Arrangement

The materials in this collection have been arranged into twelve series as follows: Series I: Congregational Organizations and Education Series II: Building and Construction Documents Series III: Newsletters Series IV: Board Meeting Notes and Agendas Series V: Worship and Events Series VI: Fundraising Series VII: Rabbinical Searches Series VIII: Publicity Clippings Series IX: Administrative Materials Series X: Photos and Scrapbooks Series XI: Media