Brotherhood

Dear Temple Beth El Member,

For more than a century, Temple Beth El Brotherhood has brought people together through service, connection, and shared purpose. For over 100 years, Brotherhood has played an active role in enriching Temple life while strengthening the greater Detroit Jewish community.

Brotherhood marks life’s milestones by honoring each B’nai Mitzvah celebrant with a donation to the Prentis Memorial Library and co-sponsoring the Tzedakah boxes gifted to our students. These traditions reflect our commitment to learning, generosity, and passing Jewish values from one generation to the next. Brotherhood also sponsors Chanukah gift bags for TBE college students and makes meaningful contributions to the Temple’s Braille Bindery, helping ensure accessibility for all.

Community and camaraderie are at the heart of Brotherhood. Members enjoy discounted admission to Detroit Symphony Orchestra concerts and Jewish Ensemble Theatre performances, along with opportunities to gather at fun, welcoming social and charitable events throughout the year, including the Temple’s annual Super Bowl celebration.

For those who enjoy friendly competition, Brotherhood fields two teams in the Intercongregational Men’s Club Softball League—one of which has earned first place four years in a row. Whether you’re interested in playing or cheering from the sidelines, there’s always room to be part of the team.

We invite you to join Brotherhood—by becoming a member or by making a contribution—so we can continue creating meaningful experiences and strengthening our Temple community together. Please reach out with any questions, ideas, or ways you’d like to get involved.

Thank you for your interest and for being part of Temple Beth El.

Craig Matichuk
President, Brotherhood of TBE

About the Brotherhood

The Brotherhood of Temple Beth El, established in 1919, was one of the first brotherhoods in the country. In 1923 we helped found the National Federation of Temple Brotherhoods.

The founders of Temple Beth El Men’s Club sought a way for men to become more active in congregational life, while enhancing camaraderie and enriching the social and cultural life of members. The concept was an immediate success from the very first project held in December 1919.

The Men’s Club rapidly grew to over 800 members. Its members over the years offered support to existing Temple programs, routinely created new programs where there was a need, built fraternal bonds, and provided a pool of volunteers for the congregation ranging from ushers to those visiting the homes of the bereaved. This vibrant and dynamic group existed for the next 60 years until the social forces of the late 20th century began to take their toll. Traditional male roles changed both within and without the congregation. Many no longer perceived the pivotal position played by Brotherhood and saw Brotherhood membership as a less valued asset in their lives. Temple members often found ways outside the congregation to express their interests and concerns.

​The Temple Beth El Brotherhood of the 21st century has treated these challenges as obstacles to overcome. We have expanded membership to the entire community. Our programs are open to all – not just Brotherhood members. Brotherhood has formed linkages to other synagogues and faith communities for purposes of joint action to address social ills. We have attempted to convert Brotherhood to an organization of action and one of leadership, while being cognizant of our 94-year commitment to Temple Beth El, the Reform Movement, and Detroit’s Jewish community. Brotherhood no longer tries to fit members into “little boxes,” but seeks to have each member express the person’s interests and meet the person’s concerns. Our goal is to make Brotherhood a value added component in the lives of each of its members.

Brotherhood Board 2025-2026

President – Matichuk, Craig

Vice President – David, Donald

Treasurer – Jacob, Bruce

Corresponding Secretary –  Prince, Julian

Recording Secretary – Schonberger, Mark

Immediate Past President  – Beigler, Leonard (Lenny)

Director – Cohen, Josh

Director – Hollander, Jeff

Director – Kaplan, Barry

Director – Plisner, Bruce

Director – Wiseman, Billy

Director – Zupmore, Marc