Brotherhood: Showing up, giving back, and having a good time

By Brian Orgen, Brotherhood President

This past year, we restarted Brotherhood with a focus on reconnecting — with each other, with our community, and with the purpose that brings us together. We’re creating space for the men of Temple to connect with each other, build friendships, share laughs, and do a little good along the way.

We’ve leaned into low-key, high-impact events — like an afternoon at Top Golf, a film screening of Israel Swings for Gold (complete with a visit from two Israeli Olympic baseball players), and a book event featuring Adam Nimoy and his powerful new memoir, The Most Human. And of course, there was our preeminent event – the second annual Tournament Tipoff, celebrating opening night of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament with food, games, and a great crowd at the Dog Haus Beer Garden in Bethesda.

These events are designed to be easy to attend, low-pressure, and genuinely fun — because we know that time is precious, and connection should feel like a break, not a burden. With that in mind, Brotherhood members come from all walks of life — young dads with toddlers, parents of teens or college kids, empty nesters, and those enjoying a little more flexibility in their schedules. Whatever your stage in life, you’ll find someone to connect with, laugh with, and maybe even compete with.

For those with a competitive streak, Brotherhood fields two synagogue softball teams — the multiple champion Washington Hebrew Nationals and the slightly more casual Washington He’Brews — and we’re open to expanding into other activities too. Whether pickleball, pickup basketball, running groups, or even bowling, if there’s interest, we’re game to try it.

While socializing and building fraternity is our focus, Brotherhood is about more than just hanging out. We’re committed to supporting WHC and our greater community by promoting tikkun olam — repairing the world through volunteer work, service projects, and raising funds to support Temple programs. Whether lending a hand, showing up for a cause, or simply being present for each other, we believe small acts have a big impact.

We see Brotherhood as a vehicle for making friends, expanding your network, and developing new connections within our Temple community. With so many competing demands — work, family, and everything in between — we’re also mindful of creating a mix of events: some that are family-friendly, and some that are just for the guys.

This isn’t about adding another obligation to your calendar. It’s about building connections that make you want to show up and participate — to laugh, learn, give back, and belong.

We hope you’ll join us.

To join, or to see what other events are coming up, visit whctemple.org/brotherhood.

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