The L'Chaim Center is thrilled to reveal that leading Houston-based photographer, accomplished musician and educator Janice Rubin will co-lead Thanksgiving Healing Service 6:30 p.m. Friday night at Bayou Manor.

Rubin is instrumental in creating innovative musical and family religious services at several congregations and is a 2008 graduate of the Davvening Leadership Training Institute. Known for her spirited concerts and engaging liturgical settings, Rubin has received worldwide critical acclaims for works like "Feels Like Family."

Daniel Greene may not offer spiritual succor to his mother's ministry, but his music certainly brightens the lives of the 20-something crowd. VerseCity, his band, is featured on the front page of today's Houston Chronicle! They're #1 in Indonesia at the moment. Read more and listen to a song or two.

The 27^th Annual Houston Interfaith Thanksgiving Service is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17  at the Rothko Chapel, 1409 Sul Ross at Yupon Street. Nine faith traditions will offer prayers and reflections on the theme, “The Challenge of Religion and Science”. L'Chaim Center Rabbis Marcy Greene and Michael Rascoe will represent the Jewish faith. Reception to follow.

Please join Rabbi Greene for a free, ecumenical Thanksgiving Healing Service  6:30 p.m. this Friday, Nov. 18 at Bayou Manor, 4141 S. Braeswood. The uplifting service is for anyone in need of healing as well as family and friends. Rabbi Greene is a Stage IV breast cancer survivor who's walking the talk she's offering.

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Just back from a presentation by author Amy Ephron, whose recent book, Loose Diamonds...and other things I've lost (and found) along the way, was featured at this year's Jewish Community Festival Book Fair. Spiritualfirstaid.org sponsored a table outside the auditorium where Ephron spoke.

What she talked about was the importance and value of saying "next." When you're going through life transitions, you have to be open to asking, "what's next?" Ephron says it's not true you can't get married after 42 and you can't find a job after 60.

No matter what the transition, teach yourself how to say, "Next!" This dovetails with The L'Chaim Center's mission to find the blessing in the midst of adversity.

You'll love our Talmud! I'm Stephanie Johnson, Rabbi Marcy's "PR" person. Many of you stopped by our booth at the JCC last Sunday to tell us our watermelon slices were one of the best things about the Kosher Chili Cook-Off! And yes, the watermelon was Kosher, sliced by a conservative rabbi.

Rabbi Marcy's pretty good at Talmud, too. Her refreshing, informal sessions begin at 11 a.m. Sundays at Seven Acres, 6200 N. Braeswood. Sessions are free and open to the public. Please plan to attend as she explains "what the ancient Rabbis are really telling us" through the Mishnah!