Brotherhood’s strength as a community derives from its active membership participation. By volunteering to serve on one of our programming committees or by leading or participating in one of our groups or clubs, our community’s bonds deepen and grow.
Each year our activity groups grow and help further build our sense of community and camaraderie.
People from all segments of synagogue life participate and are encouraged to create their own group experiences. Some of Brotherhood’s activity groups include:
• Teens coming together to socialize and develop leadership skills
• Members and friends who gather once monthly on a Shabbat afternoon for an enriching learning experience
• Those who have lost loved ones supporting each other and enjoying New York City cultural life together
If you are interested in learning more about our groups and clubs or forming a new one, please feel free to contact Roberta Kahn, our Director of Programming, at any time.
Here’s a look at some of our Groups and Clubs
Brotherhood Book Club
The Brotherhood Book Club welcomes all with a love of reading to join us! We meet monthly at Brotherhood and discuss a book that has been selected in advance for a lively, informative discussion led by one of our members and for socializing over wine and snacks.
If you are interested in joining us, please email Gail Pierris for further details.
Brotherhood Social Club (BSC)
The Brotherhood Social Club welcomes community members aged 21-40ish to join us for curated social events to foster connections within our amazing community. If you’re interested in helping to plan events or in joining in the fun and meeting others, check out the weekly mail, monthly bulletin and Brotherhood's newly formed Instagram to learn when, where, and how to join us! BSC@brotherhoodsynagogue.org
Canasta at Brotherhood
Brotherhood holds a Canasta game night on Tuesday evenings, except on holidays. If you’re interested in joining a game, please reach out to Rebecca Koffler or Roberta Kahn, our Director of Programming.
Gardening Club
The Gardening Club at Brotherhood works to beautify the grounds of our historic building, including our biblical garden and areas of remembrance and peaceful reflection. To join or for more information please email Roberta Kahn, our Director of Programming.
Knitting Group at Brotherhood
If you'd like to spend some time knitting or crocheting with other community members, or if you’d like some knitting lessons to learn how to knit, or some help with your projects, the Knitting Group meets at Brotherhood on Fridays at 4:00 pm and on the first Sunday of each month at noon. Email Roberta Kahn, our Director of Programming if you're interested in joining.
Life Goes On
Life Goes On is a group for those who have lost a spouse or life partner and who want to experience the beauty, joy, and opportunities that New York City life offers, surrounded by supportive, understanding friends. The group meets monthly and enjoys a wide array of fun and interesting outings, ranging from private guided museum visits to sightseeing tours of interesting neighborhoods, landmarks, and parks - with every event including a meal together. In addition, the group hosts a monthly book club moderated by an NYU Professor. If you are interested in joining us, please email Agnes Marton for further details.
Mah Jongg at Brotherhood
Brotherhood holds weekly games for Mah Jongg players on Wednesday evenings, barring holidays. If you're interested in joining a game, please reach out to mahjongg@brotherhoodsynagogue.org.
Shabbat Club
The Shabbat Club meets one Saturday a month following Kiddush to discuss an issue or topic of general Jewish interest. Ideas for topics are always welcome and everyone is welcome to attend. If you are interested in joining us, please email Deborah Newman for further details.
Union BBYO
Union BBYO Chapter meetings are fun places to meet other teens and participate in exciting programs planned and led by teens. BBYO, the world's leading pluralistic youth movement for Jewish teens in grades 8-12, has a co-ed chapter that meets twice monthly at Brotherhood and offers a full array of activities — social, community service, and leadership development — all with Jewish teens in charge! BBYO fosters leadership and friendship and is an international movement of more than 80,000 teens. Contact Emmy Goodman, BBYO Regional Director, with any questions.
Program Committees
The strength of Brotherhood Synagogue lies in our dedicated and active membership.
While supported by an excellent team of clergy and professional staff, our committed member volunteers are the heart and soul of Brotherhood — the ones who make things happen and lift us to new levels.
If you are interested in learning more service on a programming committee, please feel free to contact Roberta Kahn, our Director of Programming, at any time.
Adult Education Committee
"Respect those who can teach you and seek ways to be close to them." —Pirket Avot
The Adult Education Committee is dedicated to fostering lifelong learning and spiritual growth within our community. We offer a variety of educational opportunities for adults to deepen their knowledge and connection to Jewish traditions, text, and values. For more information or to volunteer, please email adulted@brotherhoodsynagogue.org
Antisemitism Task Force (ASTF)
Raising awareness and providing tools to combat antisemitism for our teens, college students and the entire Brotherhood community is at the forefront of ASTF’s mission. Our diverse slate of programming includes current campus activists, educators, artists, filmmakers, journalists and security experts who offer up-to-date analysis on pressing issues that affect us all. We work closely with the Israel Committee, Social Action, and Special Events to reach the widest audience possible.
Brotherhood Committee on the Refugee and Immigration Crisis (BCRIC)
BCRIC was founded in 2018 to promote social justice and address the needs of immigrants, asylum-seekers, and refugees in NYC. BCRIC volunteers engage in a number of support projects, advocacy efforts, and information campaigns. We work collaboratively with the Social Action Committee, and with a citywide coalition of synagogues and interfaith organizations. For more information or to volunteer, please contact Barbara Stern at blee50@verizon.net.
Chesed Committee
Chesed is a Hebrew word often translated as “loving-kindness.” The Brotherhood Synagogue’s Chesed Committee aims to provide help and compassion to Brotherhood members in their times of need. Learn more about Chesed here.
To volunteer, please email chesed@brotherhoodsynagogue.org
Interfaith Committee
The Interfaith Committee does outreach to non-Jewish congregations and communities and creates interdenominational programs to further the building of relationships outside our walls to continue the mission of the Brotherhood Synagogue. We also work with our own interfaith families to develop inclusive programming that provides a warm and welcoming space for people of all faiths at the synagogue. Additionally, our programming includes volunteer opportunities to help needy New Yorkers. For more information or to volunteer, please email interfaith@brotherhoodsynagogue.org
Israel Committee
The Israel Committee serves to enhance our congregants’ relationship to Israel through educational, social, and cultural presentations and events which include film, food, speakers, musicians, and other entertainers. For more information or to volunteer, please email israel@brotherhoodsynagogue.org
Racial Justice Committee (RJC)
The Brotherhood Racial Justice Committee (RJC) was established with the mission of working towards reducing racial bias and the effects of racial bias in ourselves, our congregation, our city, our state, and the entire country by providing learning and action opportunities for Brotherhood congregants and the community at large to join us in these endeavors. For more information or to volunteer, please email racialjustice@brotherhoodsynagogue.org
Social Action Committee (SAC)
Embodying the Hebrew expression tikkun olam — repairing our world — the Social Action Committee (SAC) organizes our homeless shelter during the winter months; runs clothing, food, book, and blood drives; arranges visits to area cemeteries; and provides educational programs and direct service opportunities on a variety of subjects including veterans’ issues, food insecurity, healing and visiting the sick, the environment and more. We partner with the Jewish Climate Leadership Coalition/Adamah — 200 synagogues and Jewish organizations nationwide — to mobilize our community around climate action. For more information or to volunteer, please email socialaction@brotherhoodsynagogue.org
Special Events Committee
The Special Events Committee provides programming throughout the year targeted to the interests of our eclectic congregation. In addition to the annual Brotherhood Film Series, specific events change each year and may include museum visits, speakers of interest, games nights, book club, baking classes, and more. The committee also hosts three Shabbaton congregational dinners featuring notable speakers each year. For more information or to volunteer, please email specialevents@brotherhoodsynagogue.org
