Worship & Lifecycle
From Members:
Fellow Congregants,
Lauren and I just wanted to reach out to our Beth Israel community and discuss our recent experience with hosting our daughter’s wedding and reception at the Temple. In a nutshell, it was truly amazing. The wedding ceremony was absolutely beautiful and as expected, Rabbi Lyon and our new Cantor performed a beautiful service. Wolff-Toomim Hall was a perfect venue for the reception and party as our family and guests simply had to walk across the hallway to begin what was, a memorable celebration. This was so simple and at the end of the day an incredible convenience for everyone who attended, as there was no need to bus people across town to celebrate with us.
At every step along the arduous process of planning for such an event, the great folks that work at the Temple could not have been more helpful or more accommodating. Marsha and Michael were so helpful and were able to meet every one of our needs (and our daughter’s!). They allowed us to decorate as we wished, provided unfettered access to the kitchen facilities for our selected caterer, and were incredibly responsive during the planning process. Even the acoustics for the band were top notch. We could not have been happier with all the temple staff in their efforts on our behalf. Every expectation we had for our daughter’s wedding was met, if not exceeded. We certainly plan to hold another similar event at the temple when the opportunity arises for our second daughter.
We can think of no reason to even consider another venue for a family wedding. The ease of planning, the beauty of the facilities, the seamless execution of our individual choices, and the incredible convenience of comingling the wedding ceremony and reception (not to mention the ample parking) made for an unforgettable event in our lives. We highly recommend that anyone hosting such an event consider using the Beth Israel facilities. You will not be disappointed.
Lauren and Jeff Friedman
Marsha Gilbert, thank you so much for all of the guidance you gave me as we navigated our first B’nei Mitzvah in the family! You were invaluable in the process as I pulled this weekend together without a party planner or any experience in this area. The Kiddush Luncheon and all events at the synagogue were fabulous, and we so enjoyed celebrating with you by our side.
Jill Bell
From Vendors:
Congregation Beth Israel is such a great place to work on special events. I recently decorated a large wedding that required some innovative thinking on the use of the large reception room. The entire staff was accommodating and supportive of my team to create the unique look the couple wanted for the wedding. I work in many event spaces in Texas and few are as helpful or understanding as the event group at Beth Israel. It is a real pleasure to work with consummate professionals who actually still get excited about events!
Rebekah Johnson
Bergner & Johnson Design
We (Natural Expressions Photography) have worked with Beth Israel for several decades. And through the years, we have always been amazed at the warmth, the kindness, the caring that we have witnessed time and time again. Rabbi Lyon, Rabbi Scott, Cantor Feibush, as well as Marsha Gilbert – Director of Special Events and Catering, have always been both welcoming and very efficient in all of our interactions during the various events we have been privileged enough to be a part.
From a photographic prospective, the Sanctuary and the Gordon Chapel are very beautiful. The Margolis Gallery, Levit Hall, and the Meditation Garden also allow for beautiful options for more family photos prior to or during an event.
Again, with the warm and welcoming feel, we could not be happier with the many experiences we’ve had at Congregation Beth Israel – and look forward to many more!!
Dan – Owner
Natural Expressions Photography
It is always an honor and privilege to cater for the Beth Israel Community. The team is phenomenal and full of wisdom and insight. They always make it incredibly easy and welcoming for us to come into their space and do our job. We have seen the spaces dressed up and dressed down and the pride and attention to detail is always immaculate. We truly look forward to events within the walls of Congregation Beth Israel and always enjoy partnering with the staff.
Best Regards,
Michael Saghian and Riana Sherman
Houston Catering Concepts
I have had the great pleasure of working with Marsha Gilbert and the staff at Congregation Beth Israel for well over 15 years now. Our relationship began back while I was the Catering Director with Epicurean Catering and has continued through my work with Chef Smirnov Catering. No matter where I am, no matter the occasion, Marsha and her team make event planning a breeze. Whether it’s catering for Beth Israel or private events for clients like b’mitzvahs and condolence meals, I couldn’t ask for a better team or event space to work with.
Dorothy Thraen
Director of Catering
Chef Smirnov Catering
In the Media:
Inside Weddings Classic Wedding at a Jewish Synagogue in Houston, Texas (insideweddings.com)
“Beth Israel Transforms into Elaborate Garden Wedding” – Jewish Herald-Voice, October 2023