Whether you like to discuss books, participate in a men’s seder, schmooze, play on a sports team or play poker, help set up our Temple Sukkah, or prepare Hanukkah cards for Jewish soldiers serving overseas — BETC’s Brotherhood wants you!
Through our Brotherhood programs, men of all ages who are members of our congregation contribute to the community — both within and outside of the Temple — as well as organize popular events and make lasting friendships.
Along with our regular meetings on the second Tuesday night of each month, events are scheduled throughout the year.
Annual Highlights
- Friday night Brotherhood Shabbat Service
- Hanukkah latke party and contest
- Preparing food for those with severe illnesses through Community Servings
Last Hanukkah, Beth El Temple Center through the Brotherhood asked our Hebrew school kids to send personalized cards (decorated by our Sunday school students) to Jewish members of the armed forces serving in Africa, AFRICOM.
Regular Activities
Brotherhood meets monthly to plan programs and to connect with one another.
Most years, Brotherhood:
- Builds a sukkah for BETC Sukkot services and our “Sushi in the Sukkah” celebration.
- Distributes Holocaust memorial candles and raises money for charitable organizations in conjunction with our annual Yom HaShoah service.
Past beneficiaries include the renewed congregation of Rovno, Ukraine, once the site of a Holocaust massacre; the National Yiddish Book Center in Amherst, MA; Boston3G, a Boston-based group for the grandchildren of Holocaust survivors; and the Survivor Mitzvah Project. - Assembles the 6-foot-high menorahs (or hanukkiah) at the front of our Temple to celebrate Hanukkah.
- Hosts a latke party for children and parents.
- Hosts a Sunday morning breakfast talk.
In March 2026, to recognize Women's History Month, Brotherhood co-hosted — with BETC's Women of Reform Judaism — a session with author Christopher Gorham. He discussed The Confidante, his book about Anna Rosenberg, the Assistant Secretary of Defense under President Truman. - Celebrates Passover with a men’s seder.
- Watches Jewish-themed movies, both at the Temple and at the Boston Jewish Film Festival.
Book Club
The Brotherhood also has a very active Men's Book Club that reads and discusses books with Jewish themes or about Jewish history, such as Saul Bellow’s The Adventures of Augie March and Elie Wiesel’s Night.
Sports and Games
Softball Team
BETC assembles championship-caliber softball teams. In the 2024 season, BETC fielded 2 teams — the Beasts and the Nudniks. Both teams made it to the playoffs and ended up playing each other! Ultimately, the Nudniks won the 2024 Kiddish Cup.
Poker Nights
Poker nights are a great opportunity to schmooze and enjoy fellowship. All are invited! Snacks, drinks, and prizes are provided, even for those whose luck runs out early. Everyone wins, because the proceeds go to charity.
Join Us!
No matter what your background or tradition, we encourage you to join us in the Temple Brotherhood for some or all of these activities. It is a great way to connect with the welcoming Beth El Temple Center community.
If you are interested or want more information, feel free to send an email to
