Our Mission.

As our Kehilla continues to grow in vibrancy and depth, the need for a centralized, accessible resource for halachic guidance has become increasingly clear. The Bais Hora’ah was established to meet this need—serving not only as a responsive center for halachic questions, but also as a proactive hub for halachic education and empowerment.

We believe that halacha is not just a set of answers, but a living framework that guides every aspect of Jewish life. Our mission is to raise the level of halachic literacy across the community, helping individuals and families understand the “why” and “how” behind halachic practice—from Shabbos and Kashrus to Taharas Hamishpacha, business ethics, and professional conduct.

Led by dedicated poskim Rabbi Sheya Lazenga and Rabbi Naphtali Buchwald, and supported by our local rabbanim, the Bais Hora’ah offers:

Timely and clear responses to halachic questions submitted in person, by phone, or via email.
Shiurim and workshops designed to build halachic confidence and deepen understanding.
City-wide accessibility, serving all members of the Houston Jewish community while respecting the role of each shul’s rav as the primary posek for their congregants.

With clarity, confidentiality, and care, the Bais Hora’ah aims to strengthen our community and help each of us live Torah-guided lives with greater awareness and conviction.

Our Rabbanim.

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Harav Sheya Lazenga

Born and bred in Brooklyn, New York, Rabbi Sheya Lazenga attended Yeshiva Torah Vodaas in New York and the famed Kol Torah Yeshiva in Yerushalayim. Following his return to the United States he studied for thirteen years at the Kollel in Waterbury, CT, at the end of which he earned his Semicha from the Rosh HaKollel, Rabbi Chaim Cohen. In addition, he received Semicha for Dayanus from HaRav Tzvi Ausch, Av Beis Din of Karlsburg, and Rabbinic Advisor to Chaim Aruchim, an End of Life Counseling and Advocacy Organization established by Agudath Israel of America. He also received a rabbinic certificate specific to the halachos of Family Purity from Rabbi Feivel Cohen, noted author of Badei Hashulchan, a classic work on Halachah.

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Harav Naphtali Buchwald

Rabbi Buchwald grew up in Manhattan, New York, the son of Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald from the Lincoln Square Synagogue and Director of NJOP. Rabbi Buchwald studied at Yeshivas Toras Moshe in Israel for several years and then at Beth Medrash Govoha in Lakewood where he earned Semicha from the Roshei Yeshiva. He then joined the Kollel here in Houston and began a rabbinic internship under Rabbi Yehoshua Wender at the Young Israel of Houston. Over time, he rose to become Assistant Rabbi and eventually stepped into his current role of Rabbi at the shul.