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Is Houston an Answer to the High Cost of Jewish Living?
The question of where to set down roots has become a hot topic of conversation for many families. Appropriate schools, shuls, affordable housing, kosher food and sustainable employment are all factors in the search for an observant and improved quality of life. As cities where committed Jews have traditionally settled have suffered significant employment downturns, Houston has become an excellent relocation option.
Houston’s Orthodox community has recently seen substantial growth. The nation’s fourth largest city supports all the essential elements for Jewish continuity. Most important to many young families is the presence of a top-notch Jewish day school, offering equally impressive Judaic and general studies. Robert M. Beren Academy (RMBA), a Yeshiva University affiliate, offers classes from early childhood (18 months) through 12th grade. To provide the best learning environment for each child, RMBA has both a Traditional as well as a Montessori track in the elementary school. RMBA’s graduates are repeatedly accepted into top tier schools, including the University of Pennsylvania, University of Michigan, Barnard/Columbia, Yeshiva University and Harvard and a myriad of other top-tier colleges and universities.
Passionately committed to the Land and State of Israel, RMBA’s Israel programming includes a senior trip to Israel, and most graduates spend the year following their graduation at institutions such as Nishmat, Har Etzion, Sha’alavim for men and women, and Midreshet Lindenbaum.
Relocating families want dynamic, warm shuls to call home. Houston offers two O-U shuls with RMBA, United Orthodox Synagogues (UOS), and Congregation Ahavat Yisrael (AY) often joining forces to provide Bnei Akiva programming, Shabbat morning youth activities, learning opportunities, eruvim and a community mikva. Houston’s affordable housing brings it all together, making relocation to the nation’s fourth largest city even more attractive.
Dr. Barry Diner, an emergency medicine physician, relocated to Houston from Atlanta a year and a half ago. Dr. Diner, his wife Elena, and their three young children chose Houston after a six to eight month process researching relocation options. A solid Modern Orthodox Jewish day school and medical career opportunity were essential.
