Rabbi Brian Strauss

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Meet Rabbi Brian Strauss, who, after serving for 18 dedicated years as one of Congregation Beth Yeshurun’s associate rabbis, assumed the role of senior rabbi on August 1, 2018. As our senior rabbi, Rabbi Strauss is deeply committed to bringing the wisdom and richness of the Jewish tradition into the lives of our congregational members. He strives to provide guidance and support in today's fast-paced world, helping individuals find meaning and purpose amid their daily challenges.

Rabbi Strauss is a graduate of the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies in Los Angeles and the University of Texas at Austin.  He has played pivotal roles in various Jewish organizations, including membership in the United Jewish Communities Rabbinic Cabinet and the United Jewish Communities National Young Leadership Cabinet. Additionally, Rabbi Strauss has also served on the Texas State Commission on Holocaust and Genocide and is a member of the prestigious Rabbis Without Borders program, sponsored by the National Jewish Center for Learning & Leadership (CLAL).  He sits on the Executive Board of the Zionist Rabbinic Coalition and was appointed to the Joint Placement Commission of the Rabbinical Assembly in 2021.  In recognition of his contributions, Rabbi Strauss received an Honorary Doctorate from the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies in May 2022.  He is also a former president of the Houston Rabbinical Association and a previous board member of the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston, Holocaust Museum Houston, and the University of Texas Hillel. 

Rabbi Strauss wrote “To Life, To Family, To Me: 6 Keys to a Good Family Life," which can be found on Amazon.com.  His writings have been featured in national and local publications, reflecting his commitment to sharing Jewish insights with a broader audience. 

Rabbi Strauss is married to Lisa Shapiro Strauss, a practicing attorney and a former fellow in the Wexner Heritage Program.  They are blessed with three adult children. Beyond his rabbinical duties, Rabbi Strauss enjoys staying active with pilates and following sports, particularly cheering on the Houston Astros and the University of Texas Longhorns.