Temple Beth El of Huntington, Huntington, NY

Chai Note The purpose of The Chai Club is to promote Judaism through social and welfare activities. Membership is open to any Temple Beth El member who has been a member of one or more Jewish congregations for a cumulative total of eighteen (18) or more years. The Chai Club was founded in the 1970’s by Charlie Mayer. He realized that many people were leaving the Temple at the conclusion of their children’s religious education because they felt Temple had nothing more to offer them. Charlie felt there should be a way to meet these member's needs, and the Chai Club was born. We have many social activities, educational programs, trips, and dinners throughout the year.

Charlie’s vision must be working, as today the Chai Club membership totals more than 120 people. Many lasting friendships have been formed and 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.

Our membeship dues are a minimal $12.00 per person ($24.00 per couple).

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

On going:

Theatre Adventures - at the John Engeman Theater in Northport - For more information please contact Elaine Kaplan at 271-3989 or elykaplan@optonline.net.

Continuing Education Programs - to which the entire congregation is invited.

Monthly:

Shabbat services on the third Friday of the month.

Semi–annually:

Joint meeting with the North Shore Synagogue Chai Club - includes a catered lunch and a program of Jewish interest or a Jewish speaker.

Yearly:

Shabbat Welcome Back Dinner in September, followed by Shabbat Services.
Chanukah Latke party. Members bring home made soups, salads, latkes and desserts. A light hearted program follows.
Elections and Covered dish dinner, on a Friday in May. Featuring home made dishes, followed by Shabbat services.
Installation dinner, on a Friday in June. A catered affair, followed by Shabbat services.
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.

Bi-annually:

Retreat to the UJR Eisner Camp in Great Barrington, MA.

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.