During a festive celebration along Brays Bayou on Saturday, Feb. 8, the late Rabbi Samuel Karff’s daughters helped Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, Houston Parks Board President and CEO Beth White and community members officially open a pedestrian bridge named in honor of their father.
The Rabbi Samuel Karff Memorial Bridge, a 634-linear-foot structure that spans Brays Bayou from North Braeswood to South Braeswood boulevards between Stella Link and Buffalo Speedway, was constructed by the Office of Harris County Commissioner Ellis, who chose to honor Rabbi Karff.
“… I cannot think of a more powerful symbol for Dad than a bridge,” Rachel Karff Weissenstein said at a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by about 300 people. “In large and small ways throughout his entire life, he was a connector. He was a communicator extraordinaire.”
Amy Karff Halevy said her Dad often walked on the bayou for exercise.
“But when he was walking alone on the bayou, he could be quiet and contemplative,” Karff Halevy said. “ … I felt that the times he spent walking alongside the bayou was one of the times when he was particularly at peace.
“So that’s just another reason why this bridge and this location are a particularly wonderful tribute, and we are so appreciative.”
Elizabeth Karff Seitz said: “At a time when there is so much antisemitism, xenophobia, racism and other forms of prejudice, this tremendous tribute to our beloved father is immensely meaningful. This bridge carries the name of a man who stood for and represented everything that is good in this world.”
Commissioner Ellis said Rabbi Karff dedicated his life to fostering understanding, unity, and justice while faithfully serving Congregation Beth Israel – the oldest Jewish congregation in Houston.
“It is our profound honor to dedicate this pedestrian bridge in his memory – a bridge that symbolizes the connections he tirelessly worked to build across communities, ideologies, and racial divides,” Commissioner Ellis said. “Rabbi Karff’s journey – marked by compassion, intellect, and an unwavering commitment to social justice – brought him from the classrooms of Harvard to the bimahs of some of America’s most respected congregations.”
The bridge will expand recreational opportunities by improving the connection between surrounding communities and the Brays Bayou Greenway, which is part of the Houston Parks Board’s Bayou Greenways that consist of 150 miles of trails and more than 3,000 acres of greenspace around Houston’s bayous.
Houston Parks Board will maintain the bridge that creates safer opportunities for students to walk or bike to neighborhood schools, as well as improves access to nearby parks, libraries and businesses. The project included constructing a 428-linear-foot concrete trail, and the addition of bike racks and benches.
“Through this partnership with Commissioner Ellis, Houston Parks Board continues to expand and enhance safe connections along Brays Bayou Greenway,” said White with Houston Parks Board. “This bridge not only strengthens connections between communities across our region, but it also stands as a lasting tribute to the life and legacy of Rabbi Karff.”
Commissioner Ellis said parks, trails and green spaces improve community health, build social connections and expand environmental safeguards.
“The bridge expands equitable access to green space and trails as part of broader commitment to equity and environmental justice,” Commissioner Ellis said. “It’s about working together to make Harris County greener, healthier and more prosperous.”
