The Chai Club is open to any Temple Beth El member who can verify they have been members of one or more Jewish congregations for a cumulative total of eighteen (18) or more years. Chai Club was founded in the 1970’s by Charlie Mayer, who, realizing that a percentage of people were leaving the Temple at the conclusion of their children’s religious education, worked to establish a distinct community with activities specifically designed to appeal to such people. The primary goal was to be a “Fun” raiser not a “Fund” raiser. Charlie’s vision must be working, as today the Chai Club membership totals more than 120 people. Chai Club members rarely leave the Temple, unless they are moving away from the area, and even then many remain as associate members both of the Chai Club and the Temple, visiting from time to time.

Following are some of the activities and events found on Chai Club’s yearly calendar

· On going: Theatre series

· Bi-yearly: Retreat to the UJR Camp Eisner

· Monthly: Worship together at Shabbat services on the third Friday of the month

· Semi–annual: Continuing Education Program; to which the congregation is invited

· Semi–annual: Joint meeting with the North Shore Synagogue Chai Club, including a catered lunch and program of Jewish interest or Jewish speaker

· Yearly:

o ShabbatWelcome Back Dinner (in September); followed by Shabbat Services

o Chanukah Latke party. Members bring home made soups, salads, latkes and desserts. Light hearted program follows.

o Elections and Covered dish dinner on a Friday in May. Home made dishes, followed by Shabbat services

o Installation dinner on a Friday in June. Catered affair; followed by Shabbat services.

o Summer Barbecue at the Senior Beach in Centerport on a Sunday afternoon. Members supply salads, side dishes and desserts to supplement hot dogs and hamburgers.

These programs are supplemented by occasional trips to places of interest, Jewish and otherwise. Transportation is usually by car pools or hired bus.Chai Club members are strong supporters of all Temple activities

Officers

President     Lynn Geisler

1^st Vice President     Audrey Gold

2^nd Vice President     Howard Gary

Recording Secretary     Surelle Heiberger  

Corresponding Secretary     Phoebe Krane

Treasurer     Ruth Lilker

Membership     Elaine Eig

Programming and Trips     Audrey Gold

Theater     Elaine Kaplan

Historian     Phil Adelman

Chai Lites     Barry Eig

Ritual     Sandy Hoffman

Special Events/Hospitality     Eileen Darwin

Sunshine     Barbara Stern

Publicity     Howard Gary

Parliamentarian     Manny Darwin

*Chai Club Theater Adventures for 2010-2011 at the John Engeman Theater in Northport:

"My Fair Lady" on September 19th

"The Sound of Music" on November 21st

"Cabaret" on February 6th

Performances are on Sundays at 2 p.m., cost is $150 for all 3 shows. Checks made out to The Chai Club must be sent to Elaine Kaplan by July 1st to 24 Lake Place, Huntington, NY 11743. Contact Elaine at 271-3989 or click here for more information.