August 31, 2017
Reflection and Renewal after the storm at the Rothko Chapel
Prayer, song, and meditation featuring Cantor Rollin Simmons of Congregation Emanu El -- Wednesday, Sept. 6
HOUSTON – August 31, 2017 – In the aftermath at Harvey, the Rothko Chapel is offering a space – physically, emotionally and spiritually – to reflect and find renewal.
The event is slated for noon on Wednesday, Sept. 6 at the nonprofit, which is located at 3900 Yupon in downtown Houston. The event is free and open to the public with a suggested contribution of $10.
The Chapel originally planned the meditation in anticipation of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, featuring prayer and song led by Cantor Rollin Simmons of Congregation Emanu El.
Now that Houston is struggling with the tragic effects of the recent tropical storm, Rothko Chapel public programs and community engagement director Ashley Clemmer said the themes have become even more relevant.
“Emotions are frayed everywhere,” Clemmer said. “A lot of people still don’t know what to do. This is an opportunity for people to come together and help each other find peace and a new beginning.”
Simmons has served as cantor in Aspen, as well as student cantor in congregations in Dallas, New York, and Boston, before recently moving to Houston with her husband Rabbi David Segal and their two children.
She has worked to transform the worship experience at her previous congregations through creative uses of music and liturgy.
Most recently, she served as co-clergy with her husband at the Aspen Jewish Congregation in Colorado, where she was also director of the congregation’s Hebrew School.
The event is a continuation of Rothko Chapel’s educational meditation series, “12 Moments: Experiencing Spiritual and Faith Traditions.”
Clemmer said the series is designed to offer unique insight and new meditative practices for attendees, while celebrating the diversity of the world’s faith traditions.
“The 12 Moments series pairs the Rothko Chapel’s commitments to spirituality and diversity,” she said. “At noon on the first Wednesday of every month, we have a teacher from a different faith tradition who guides the community in a meditative and contemplative practice. It’s both educational and uplifting.”
During the months of July and August, the 12 Moments Series will be tailored toward families and children.
The series is co-sponsored by Ligmincha Texas Institute, The Jung Center of Houston, M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, and the Rothko Chapel.
For more information about the Rothko Chapel and the full calendar of upcoming programs, workshops and events, visit rothkochapel.org or call 713-524-9839.