The Brotherhood of Temple Beth El

Brotherhood is the social and service arm for the men of Temple Beth El. The group serves so many purposes at Temple Beth El. It’s sort of like the superhero of men’s groups. They’re always there when you need them. Do you need a helping hand? or do you need guys to cook? haul? assemble? transport? make arrangements? work on a project? plan an event? or just be there to help out? Well then, they’re just the guys you need…the Jewish Swiss army knife, if you will.

A primary reason that guys get together is fellowship… to have a good time. That checks off the first box for the Brotherhood of Temple Beth El. It’s a group of guys who listen to each other’s stories and complaints with genuine interest and share common experiences and understandings.

At regularly scheduled meetings we share this camaraderie over bagels and lox. We schmooze, laugh and enjoy each other’s company, as well as monthly programs. Over the past several years we’ve also met in person and via Zoom for ROMEO lunches (Retired Old Men Eating Out). We’ve also taken the show on the road to a variety of eateries including the Lido Beach Deli for pastrami & corned beef and Naomi’s of Flushing for falafel. We hold annual summer cocktail parties, wine & cheese parties, Super Bowl parties, and a celebration in the Sukkah. We’ve had road trips to the Cloisters, the Tenement Museum, Sagamore Hill National Historic Site, baseball games, hockey games, and so many more.

Service to Temple Beth El as well as the Temple community is a major commitment of the Brotherhood. As a member of MRJ (Men of Reformed Judaism), we recognize our obligation to our Jewish heritage and values. We are proud to have received MRJ’s prestigious Jerome Siegel Award in recognition of outstanding men’s programming.

Each June at a special Shabbat service, the Brotherhood gives out an award of its own. The distinguished Charlie Meyer Award is given out honoring those who’ve given years of meritorious service to Temple Beth El. Our service also includes members on the Temple Board of Trustees, ushers for the High Holy Days as well as other events, the annual construction of the Sukkah (as well as it’s deconstruction), working to set up the annual Chanukah Bash and running the dreidel table, cooking for the Purim Carnival, Temple barbecues, breakfasts and partnership events, serving on the Temple Community Celebration Committee, providing Yom Hashoah Candles to the religious school students, serving as the Temple’s beautification committee, setting up and maintaining the Temple’s kindness garden on the front lawn, and serving on both the caring and social action committees.

Why not be part of something that’s not only enjoyable but also gives back? We invite you to join the Brotherhood of Temple Beth El and show your support. Hope to see you soon.

Brotherhood Board 2024-25

Ian Weitz, President
Harley Kudler, Vice President
Mitch Kittenplan, Vice President
David Mullen, Vice President
Mark Goldman, Treasurer
Mike Widawsky, Corresponding Secretary
Neal Rotter, Recording Secretary
Richard Schoor, Past President