Our History
Houston Jewish Funerals is the only Jewish Owned and Operated Jewish Funeral Home in Houston. We are proud to be serving the Greater Houston Jewish Community. Our roots run deep in the Jewish Community, and our philosophy is doing business with heart. Philanthropically, we donate to various Jewish organizations throughout the year.
We partner with all local synagogues and cemeteries to ensure you and your loved ones are cared for in your time of need. We are able to transfer pre-need policies from any funeral home even from other cities. Our licensed Funeral Directors are available to meet with you at our offices, your home, any area hospitals, your synagogue, or wherever you feel most comfortable.
At Houston Jewish Funerals, we offer a better, more personal way to plan Jewish funeral services. True, the funeral industry is a business, but we believe it is also a Mitzvah to serve those in need with heart and provide as much Jewish Tradition in the time of death. All of our staff have a commitment to serving the Houston Jewish Community with passion, empathy, and the love of our Jewish heritage and tradition, when caring for your loved ones. We consider it our honor, privilege, and mitzvah.
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Andy Starr Owner, Executive Officer
Andy has a knack for business but has always wanted to use that talent to serve people at critical times in their life, whether suffering from an injury, dealing with aging & frail parents, or enduring the loss of a loved one. Accordingly, before getting involved in the funeral business, Andy was a Co-Founder and Senior Executive with Hearthstone Assisted Living, which he helped grow from scratch to over 30 communities in 10 states. Before Hearthstone, Andy was a Senior Member of the Founding Management Team for U.S. Physical Therapy, which he helped grow from scratch to over 75 clinics nationwide, and transitioned the business from a private company to being publicly traded on the Nasdaq exchange. As a prelude to his business career, Andy was a Real Estate & Banking attorney at the Houston firm of Hirsch & Westheimer, after graduating with Honors from the University of Texas School of Law. Andy also received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Tulane University in New Orleans.Andy grew up in Tennessee but married a native Houstonian (Wendy Kosberg), with whom he has three grown children, all of whom attended The Shlenker School (Jewish elementary) and the Emery/Weiner School (Jewish Junior & Senior High) in Houston, where Andy and Wendy each served on the respective boards. For many years, Andy & Wendy were also active members at Temple Beth Israel in Houston, and Andy was a Trustee of The Seven Acres Jewish Campus for the Aged in southwest Houston.
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Zane Belyea Owner, Community Relations
From an early age, Zane wanted to help people in need, so when he attended Southern Illinois University, he studied Social Work & Psychology. During his first year after graduation, Zane worked with abused and neglected children, before spending eleven years in the education industry, eventually becoming Vice President of Recruitment for a large education firm. In 2011, after many years of business travel, and a growing family in Dallas, Zane followed the advice of one of his mentors and began a new career in the funeral industry. True to his roots in social work, Zane finds it deeply rewarding to help families during one of the worst moments of their lives, and he has instilled that passion for service throughout the organization. “Every member of our team has a solemn commitment to serve all our families well beyond their expectations. We absolutely won’t let them down.”The Jewish community is extremely important to Zane and his family, and he continues to be involved daily. Whether it’s playing softball in the Temple Shalom Brotherhood Softball League, or putting on Tefillin with one of the Rabbis, every experience is beyond meaningful. In 2018, Zane had the fortunate experience of joining the Dallas Area Torah Association on the Momentum trip and experiencing Israel for the first time. This was certainly a trip of a lifetime full of laughter, deep reflection, and at times tears. Zane didn’t have a traditional Jewish household and unfortunately never had a Bar Mitzvah. During the Momentum trip, this important Jewish tradition was fulfilled on Masada! In 2019, Zane returned to Israel this time to celebrate the Bar Mitzvah of his oldest son. To see your children go through this experience at the holiest site on Earth can never be expressed in words. Zane is married to a Dallas native (Jill Liberman) and has two sons. However, members of Anshai Torah, Zane, and his family have a strong connection to Rabbi Block and Chabad Plano as well as Rabbi Zakon/Rabbi Nissel from Dallas Area Torah Association. We will forever be grateful to Rabbi Nissel and his efforts in tutoring Dylan in preparation for his Bar Mitzvah.
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Liz Vargas Owner, Human Resources
Liz Vargas is the VP of Accounting at Jewish Funerals USA where Liz has full responsibility for financials, procedures, budgets, and human resources for multiple locations.Liz has worked as an accounting professional for over 25 years in different industries and specializes in the direction and setup of accounting systems and establishing policies and procedures for financial and operational activities for startup companies.Liz enjoys working in her garden and watching her favorite sports team the Houston Astros in her free time.
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Micah Rappaport Director of Marketing
Micah Rappaport is a born and raised Texan. He is a marketing professional specializing in innovative techniques, with a focus on digital marketing, e-commerce, and social media marketing. Micah graduated from Arizona State University’s W.P. Carey School of Business with a degree in marketing and has supported sales and marketing teams with lead generation, CRM maintenance, and content that closes transactions. Micah’s Jewish identity is at the heart of who he is. He grew up in a Jewish home that valued traditions, learning, and community service. Micah continues to stay involved through a variety of local programs and events. These experiences shape his approach to work. Micah listens first, then responds, always striving to build genuine lasting relationships and create marketing that serves people and the community. Outside of work, Micah enjoys spending time with family and friends, as well as attending local sporting events. He looks forward to contributing his skills, meeting new people while contributing to our company's mission.
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Shawn E Simon Location Manager/Funeral Director
Shawn is a 1993 graduate of Commonwealth Institute, holding an Associate’s Degree in Funeral Service. He is licensed as a Funeral Director in Texas and is an active member of the Texas Funeral Directors Association and the National Funeral Directors Association. With over 30 years of experience, Shawn has served as a funeral director and location manager, providing professional, empathetic service to thousands of families across Houston’s premier funeral homes and cemeteries, including Geo. H Lewis & Sons, Forest Park Westheimer, Forest Park Lawndale, J.B. Earthman – Tanglewood, and Memorial Oaks Funeral Home. He has dedicated the past seven years to providing exemplary professionalism and support to the Jewish community, ensuring compassionate service, respect and maintaining the highest standards for all families served by Houston Jewish Funerals.Shawn is originally from Crowley, Louisiana, and relocated to Texas in 1988. Outside of his professional duties, he enjoys his two dogs, landscaping, hunting, traveling, and relaxing with his friends and family. He is a proud father to Kristin and grandfather “Pops” to Layne, Jaxon, and Rylan, emphasizing his commitment to family values and community service.
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Eric Bishop Funeral Director
Though not a native Houstonian, Eric relocated to Houston at age 12 from Detroit, Michigan, with a brief period in Beaumont, TX. His educational journey included attending schools in Austin and working at the New Orleans JCC for two years. Despite these experiences, he currently has established Houston as his primary home.The Houston Jewish community has played a significant role in Eric's life. During his middle and high school years, he was actively involved at the JCC, serving as a camp counselor and a member of Cyrus Adler AZA. His college years at the University of Houston and the University of Texas saw him engaging with the community through Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity and Hillel, where he held leadership positions as president of both organizations. He also continued his involvement with summer camps at the JCC and participated as a Federation Pilgrimage leader in 1994.Following graduation, Eric dedicated 18 years to the JCC, serving as summer camp director, teen director, and sports director. His career path shifted upon the recommendation of Jeff Friedman, founder of Houston Jewish Funerals. Since 2014, Eric has been employed and has been a licensed funeral director since 2019. He finds fulfillment in supporting families and actively contributing to the Jewish community.Outside of his professional commitments, Eric values spending quality time with his family, which includes his wife, Dr. Rachel Bishop, and their children, Dylan and Marissa Bishop. His personal interests encompass supporting Houston sports teams, watching films, enjoying live music and theater, and traveling, with a particular fondness for Walt Disney World Resort. Additionally, he serves as President of Lodge Galil in The Hebrew Order of David and is a board member and past president of Houston Hillel.
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Margaret Little Funeral Director
Margaret was born and raised in Kemah, Texas, and spent summers in Port Aransas, Texas, with her parents and older sister, with whom she shares a close bond. In 2015, she made Houston her permanent residence. Initially, Margaret earned an Associate Degree in American Sign Language Interpretation in 2016. However, following the unexpected loss of a close friend, she pursued her true calling in the funeral industry. In 2020, she graduated with honors from the Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service, earning an Associate Degree in Funeral Directing. She is an active member of both the Texas Funeral Directors Association and the National Funeral Directors Association, reflecting her dedication to her profession. Margaret truly feels a deep sense of purpose in helping families honor and celebrate the lives of their loved ones. During her free time, she enjoys spending quality moments with her husband, Andy, and their two dogs, Abby and Crow. Her hobbies include sailing, watching movies, and visiting family and friends.
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Rebecca Evans Funeral Director
Becca, a lifelong Texan, relocated from West Texas's desert and mountains to Fondren Southwest in 2011. With 15 years of experience as a synagogue administrator in El Paso and Houston, she pursued an Associate’s Degree in Funeral Directing at Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service. Graduating with honors in December 2022, she became part of the Houston Jewish Funerals team. As a funeral director, Becca is dedicated to offering guidance, compassion, and comfort to grieving families. She provides attentive, calming support with meticulous care during difficult times. She is an active member of Congregation Or Ami, where she chairs the Membership Committee and serves on the Board of Directors. Outside her professional life, Becca enjoys reading, binge-watching Netflix shows, and exploring adventures with her teenage daughter, who is her greatest joy. Her commitment to service and community, combined with her personal passions, exemplifies her compassionate approach to her work and life, making her a trusted figure in her community and a caring presence for those she serves.
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Jane Shapiro Pre-Planning Advisor
Jane moved from the Boston area to Houston in the 1980s. She earned her degree from Boston College, obtained a certificate as an Assisted Living Administrator, and is licensed as a Pre-Planning Advisor. For over 40 years, she has been an active member of the Houston Jewish community. Her career includes roles in various healthcare organizations, where she provided staff training, fostered relationships within medical and religious circles, and counseled families on senior living options.Her professional background includes positions at HCA, US Physical Therapy, Aetna Health Plans, the Alzheimer’s Association, Brazos Towers, and Seven Acres Jewish Senior Care Services. She actively volunteers at the Evelyn Rubinstein JCC, Seven Acres, WU, and Bellaire Senior Centers. Jane is a member of the Jewish Federation’s Business and Professional Group, Houston Jewish Chamber of Commerce, Bellaire Business Association, and is a lifetime member of Hadassah. Since joining Houston Jewish Funerals in 2018, Jane has focused on educating families about the importance of pre-planning. She is a member of Congregation Beth Yeshurun, and her daughter, Hannah Shaw, teaches at the Shenkler School, part of Congregation Beth Israel. Jane considers her work a calling, a mitzvah, and a gift—an opportunity to share her knowledge, life experiences, passion, and empathy with those in need. Her dedication reflects her commitment to serving her community with compassion and understanding.
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Cindy Kaplan Pre-Planning Advisor
Cindy is a second-generation Houston native with a diverse professional background spanning various industries, including fashion and insurance. Her broad experience reflects her adaptability and commitment to her career development.Beyond her professional pursuits, Cindy has been an active and longstanding member of Houston’s Jewish community. She was part of the inaugural sixth-grade class at Beth Yeshurun Day School, attended Pershing Middle School, and graduated from Bellaire High School. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Texas and completed a master’s in education at the University of Houston.Cindy’s community involvement includes serving on the Board of Trustees at Congregation Beth Yeshurun, holding the position of Vice President of Membership for its Sisterhood, and maintaining a lifetime membership with Hadassah. Recently, she contributed her skills and community connections as a Philanthropic Officer at The Jewish Federation of Greater Houston.Married for 25 years, Cindy is a mother to two sons and a grandmother to four grandchildren. Her personal experience with her husband's passing has given her insight into hospice and funeral services. She now channels her empathy and knowledge into her role as a Pre-Planning Advisor at Houston Jewish Funerals, aiming to support others through similar life transitions.
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Lu Dorfman Pre-Planning Advisor
Lu Dorfman has a passion for all things Jewish. Following a 30-year career in private industry, Lu served as Executive Director of Congregation Beth Yeshurun for 17 years, retiring at the beginning of 2019. Prior to his entrée into the professional Jewish world in 2002, Lu established a 23-year “career” in leadership in Jewish volunteering in local, national, and international organizations. During his 40 years in organized Jewish life, Lu has counseled families with their life cycle needs from births to deaths, including officiating at brisses, funerals, and unveilings. Lu is married to Robin for nearly 49 years. They have 3 children and 6 grandchildren in Atlanta, Memphis, and Houston.“I knew when I was retiring as Executive Director at Beth Yeshurun that I wanted to stay somewhat busy with something, most likely to stay involved in the Jewish community. That’s where my passion is. But first I wanted to take some time off and do nothing. Not a lot of time, but some time. Thinking about how to stay involved, I thought about what gave me the most satisfaction during my years at Beth Yeshurun, and that was helping people in their time of most need – when they had a life cycle need, and mostly when they had a death or serious illness in their family. That’s when people need someone to talk to, someone to guide them, somewhat to help them navigate along an uncertain path they may not have been on before. It was those opportunities that gave me maximum satisfaction. Realizing that it just made sense to associate with Houston Jewish Funerals. This, I think, will give me the opportunity to continue to connect with the Jewish people in a meaningful way.”
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Josh Reinitz Pre-Planning Advisor
Since childhood, Josh has been instilled with the Jewish value of chesed, or loving-kindness. This emphasis on caring for others and the community-led Josh to pursue a career in the funeral industry. Josh’s heartfelt approach to educating individuals and families about their end-of-life decisions brings ease and comfort to difficult conversations. Josh feels privileged to work alongside families to ensure that they have an exceptional experience when preparing for the inevitable. In joining Houston Jewish Funerals, Josh brings several years of experience as a pre-planning advisor and a friendly face to the Jewish community.When Josh is not working at Houston Jewish Funerals, he is serving the Houston community as an HFD firefighter at Station 37 on Stella Link. Being a firefighter has further strengthened Josh’s passion as a helping professional. Josh is the co-founder and director of The Captain Renaud Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides financial assistance to Houston firefighters and their families after a line-of-duty death, catastrophic injury, or work-acquired cancer diagnosis.Josh is a member of Congregation Beth Israel. He has two sons and a daughter, Henry, Bowen, and Maeve, who attend The Shlenker School.
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Jacquelyn Gitschel Community Liaison
Jacquelyn was born and raised in Crowley, Louisiana, as the youngest of nine children in a Lebanese family. She attended LSU on an academic scholarship and earned a degree in Fashion Merchandising. After college, she moved to Houston, where she built a career in retail management and buying before transitioning to roles that allowed her more flexibility and deeper community involvement.During this time, Jacquelyn married her husband, a California native, and they started their family together. Their two children were born in California before they moved back to Houston in 2012 to be closer to loved ones.Her passion for helping others led her to work in client support and planning, where she guided families in making informed decisions about their future. She values connection, advocacy, and providing resources to those in need. With years of experience in relationship-building, she is dedicated to being a compassionate presence for individuals and families navigating important life decisions.Jacquelyn looks forward to serving as a trusted resource in the community, offering guidance and support to those she meets.
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Sassy Kaplan Unofficial Canine Grief Counselor
Sassy holds the title of the youngest among the Unofficial Canine Grief Counselors at Houston Jewish Funerals. At 6 months old, she's a delightful apricot toy poodle weighing in at 3.5 pounds. Sassy's role involves offering comfort and warm cuddles to individuals navigating the challenging waters of grief and sadness. Beyond her crucial role in providing emotional support to grieving families, Sassy also brightens the days of individuals engaged in Pre-Need planning, spreading joy and bringing smiles wherever she goes.If you'd like Sassy to be with you during your appointment, please call 713-588-5358.
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Violet June Shapiro Unofficial Canine Grief Counselor
Meet Violet June, our Unofficial Canine Grief Counselor at Houston Jewish Funerals. She is a 2 ½-year-old Goldendoodle weighing in at a mere 57 lbs. and believes she is truly a lap dog. Her traits include being playful, affectionate, obedient, being responsive to emotions whether happy or sad, and enjoys providing comfort and support to those she encounters. Violet doesn’t know a stranger, she will be your best friend, she always greets everyone with licks, tail wagging, sitting for treats, and overwhelming affection. Violet June is here to provide comfort and support during times of grief and sadness.If you'd like Violet to be with you during your appointment, please call: 713.725.1542.
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Community Ownership
Houston Jewish Funerals (HJF) is owned by over twenty active members of our Jewish community (some of whom are pictured below), who came together with the belief and commitment that our community shall always have a Jewish-owned and operated funeral home to serve our families at their most difficult time, with full knowledge and respect for the rituals and traditions of our faith. Our community owners represent many congregations and all levels of observance, and come from a variety of backgrounds. In addition to their involvement with HJF, our owners have made Tikkun-Olam a priority in their overall life, and have served in leadership roles with a variety of organizations that care for all facets of the Jewish community. As such, our community owners set the tone and mission for the whole team at HJF, and we strive on a daily basis to fulfill their vision, and meet the needs of every family who honors us with the care of their loved ones.
