The Temple Beth-El Brotherhood helps build a strong congregation by offering a variety of social, religious, cultural and educational activities. Brotherhood is committed to providing opportunities for the Men of Temple Beth-El to interact, socially and fraternally on a regular basis. The Brotherhood of Temple Beth-El is a member of the Men of Reform Judaism (MRJ), an affiliate of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) and as such follows their Guiding Principles.

The Temple Beth-El Brotherhood provides opportunities for the men of the congregation to engage in events across the spectrum of Temple life. Each year, we join in a Friday night Brotherhood Shabbat and Shabbat morning service, each with a community meal to follow. For years we have constructed and maintained the Temple Beth-El Sukkah. The Brotherhood provides greeters for various services. Several times a year, Brotherhood brunches provide the Temple community with an excellent Sunday morning lox and bagel brunch while listening to presentations by outstanding educational speakers. The Brotherhood Spring Dinner is one of the social highlights of the Temple Beth-El year. Other well-loved Brotherhood events include our opening BBQ, March Madness at a local watering hole, and religious school luncheons.

Brotherhood also helps maintain all the technology at Temple Beth-El. We recently replaced the phone system and updated the internet via a wired or wireless connection to the entire Temple complex. We also helped with the Temple business office remodeling.

The Temple Beth-El Brotherhood always has some interesting and exciting project up our shirtsleeve to involve the men of Temple Beth-El. All the men of Temple Beth-El are invited to join Temple Beth-El Brotherhood and help us support each other, Temple Beth-El and our community.

The Brotherhood of Temple Beth-El is a member of the Men of Reform Judaism (MRJ), an affiliate of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ). Founded in 1926 as the National Federation of Temple Brotherhoods (NFTB) it officially changed its name in May 2007 to the Men of Reform Judaism. Men of Reform Judaism (MRJ) has been organized to:

A. Promote the establishment of affiliated brotherhoods and other local organized men’s groups in congregations affiliated with URJ;

B. Stimulate men’s fellowship, interest in Jewish worship, Jewish studies, tikkun olam, and service to the congregation, Jewish Community and the Community at large.

The following guiding principles have been adapted from MRJ:

Meeting the social and spiritual needs of our brothers. We recognize our diversity. Some of us are young and some old. Some of us are straight, others gay. Some of us are gifted with intellectual abilities; others are blessed with physical or artistic talents. Some of us are rich and some are poor. Some of us were born Jewish, others have become Jews. With all our diversity, we are brothers.

Transmitting our religious values to future generations. As biological or adoptive fathers and as teachers in our community, we fulfill the ancient commandment”…you shall teach them to your children.” We seek to teach future generations of Jews through our words and our deeds.

Fulfilling the ethical and ritual mitzvot of Judaism. We search for ways to express our uniquely masculine spirituality through meaningful rituals, both ancient and contemporary.

The right of Jewish women to full and equal participation in all aspects of Jewish life. We recognize the uniquely feminine spiritual energy women bring to our religious traditions.

The pursuit of knowledge of Torah. We study the ancient and modern teachers of our faith. We make the teachings of Judaism the foundation of our moral being.

Supporting the State of Israel and our fellow Jews around the world.