Matt Samuels

Houston

Chief of Operations and Multimedia Manager at Jewish Herald-Voice

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Articles

Jewish Federation honors Houston educators

2 weeks ago | jhvonline.com | Matt Samuels

Three Houston educators will be honored at the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston’s Community Leadership Awards Night in September along with young adult leaders and a Jewish communal professional. Jack Segal Academy of Beth Yeshurun head of school Jennifer LeVine has been named the Harold Reingold Yavneh Award winner. Robert M. Beren Academy Rabbi Asher Block and Miriam Browning Jewish Learning Center of Congregation Beth Israel teacher Daniel Smith will receive the Irving L.
Beth Yeshurun cemetery vandalized in broad daylight

3 weeks ago | jhvonline.com | Matt Samuels

Congregation Beth Yeshurun’s cemetery on Allen Parkway was vandalized in what police are looking into as a possible hate crime. The incident happened in the middle of the day, Friday, March 21, and included shattered flower pots, knocked-over headstones and broken irrigation pipes and hose bibs. Groundskeeper Jose Ramirez discovered the damage when he returned to close the gates at 5 p.m. Beth Yeshurun officials said the damage is estimated to be close to $10,000.
HCRJ’s Bark Mitzvah enjoyed by dogs, human companions

1 month ago | jhvonline.com | Matt Samuels

Shortly after Rabbi Steve Gross raised his guitar and asked the audience to join him in singing, a chorus of enthusiastic howls filled Houston Congregation for Reform Judaism’s parking lot. Dozens of dogs, large and small, wagged their tails and shook their tuchuses in time to the music, along with their human companions, at HCRJ’s seventh annual Bark Mitzvah on March 30.
Teen wins Houston Marathon’s youngest age bracket with a message for Israeli hostages

2 months ago | jhvonline.com | Matt Samuels

Among the thousands of runners taking part in the 2025 Chevron Houston Marathon weekend, Aden Opperer definitely stood out in the crowd. Opperer was one of the youngest participants in the full marathon and finished first in the 12-15 age group with a time of 3:29:00. While the bib number on the front of his shirt was recorded as a top-finisher, it was the message on the back of his shirt that many people will remember.
Star power: Beren girls basketball team finishes perfect season on court

2 months ago | jhvonline.com | Matt Samuels

Star power: Beren girls basketball team finishes perfect season on court Robert M. Beren Academy’s boys basketball program has made national headlines over the years for its success and resilience both on and off the court. In 2025, however, the school’s young girls team is the one stealing the spotlight. Beren’s middle school girls team finished an amazing undefeated season with a 24-16 win over The Honor Roll School on Jan. 28.
Bernstein Realty celebrates 40th anniversary full of gratitude

2 months ago | jhvonline.com | Matt Samuels

More than four decades ago, Amy Bernstein enrolled at The University of Texas at Austin to major in elementary education, seeing teaching as a good path to make a positive impact in the world. Little did she know that before she ever would step foot in a classroom, she would discover another way of helping people during their lifelong journey – finding the perfect home.
Jewish actress excited to star in TUTS production of Frozen

Nov 25, 2024 | jhvonline.com | Matt Samuels

Jenna Lea Rosen was born to be a Disney princess. Rosen literally entered this earth while her parents were on the national tour of “Beauty and the Beast.” She then grew up right outside Disneyland in Orange County, Calif., and began working as the singing voice of several Disney princesses on television. Now, Rosen will take center stage in Houston as one of Disney’s biggest princesses of all time.
Seven Acres, The Medallion name Cayton new CEO

Nov 20, 2024 | jhvonline.com | Matt Samuels

Longtime leader a natural fit for new role at Houston’s only Jewish senior homeThirty-six years ago, Marsha Cayton began working as a nutritionist in the Dining Services department at Seven Acres Jewish Senior Care Services. On Saturday, Nov. 16, Cayton officially became CEO of Houston’s Jewish senior home and The Medallion Jewish Assisted Living Residence.
Re-imagined ‘Peter Pan’ Broadway musical coming to Houston

Sep 24, 2024 | jhvonline.com | Matt Samuels

Jewish cast member shares thoughts on new production“Peter Pan” has entertained audiences of all ages for nearly 70 years. Now, a newly imagined production is bringing the high-flying adventure to the next generation. Memorial Hermann Broadway at the Hobby Center will present the national tour of the all-new Broadway classic, “Peter Pan” to Houston, Oct. 1-6. Directed by Emmy Award-winner Lonny Price, “Peter Pan” stars 17-year-old Nolan Almeida in the title role and Cody Garcia as Captain Hook.
Houston rabbi travels to Rome for meeting with Pope Francis

Sep 11, 2024 | jhvonline.com | Matt Samuels

You may have heard the story of a rabbi and a priest walking into the same room together, but what about the Houston rabbi who traveled to Rome and read from the Mishna to the pope? Congregation Beth Israel Rabbi David Lyon recently returned from Italy after spending a week in Rome, including a 90-minute meeting at the Vatican with Pope Francis.