Brotherhood
Tree of Life Brotherhood
The Brotherhood is a support organization for the Temple and 100% of dues are used in supporting Temple activities. Come join us today! Typically dues are $18 but we are happy to accept more if so inclined. Send your check to the Temple Office c/o Brotherhood, or pay online with a credit card.
History of the Brotherhood
There is a long history of having a Brotherhood at Tree of Life, but unfortunately the organization lapsed into inactivity sometime during the 1990s. In the spring of 2002, some interested members began meeting monthly for dinner and by the fall of 2002, we officially reorganized and members began paying dues. The charter members of the recent resurgence of the TOL Brotherhood included Benar Amado, Marshall Diamond, Ed Hertz, Jerry King, Steven Langer, Marc Rapport, Steve Savitz, Brad Smith, and Todd Weiss.
In the first year of the new Brotherhood (2002-2003), we ultimately had about 36 members and established a useful and visible presence in the congregation. Highlights that year include giving copies of Pirke Avot to B’nai Mitvot celebrants, purchasing Chumashim to honor the Confirmation class, making jalapeno pepper latkes at the annual Hannukah party, serving lunch at the Purim play (which included TOL Brothers in crucial roles), and having Inez Tenenbaum speak about progress in the South Carolina schools at our first Annual Mother’s Day brunch. In the second year (2003-2004), we expanded our membership to over 50 members, continued with all of our major activities associated with Jewish holidays, and expanded our activities to include underwriting the Break the Fast following Yom Kippur, cooking dinner for Shabbat Across America, and supporting the TOL Cookbook and food festival.
Fri, April 19 2024
11 Nisan 5784
Mission Statement
To foster unity through service for our temple and the community at large.
Vision Statement
To facilitate a voluntary body of men to participate in acts of service with the intent to
promote brotherhood and share in the commitment towards the temple’s success.
Brotherhood Officers
President: David Turell
Vice President: Bryan Tucker
Treasurer: Steven Langer
Secretary: Gregg Helman
Programs: Marc Rapport
Immediate Past President: Jerry Emanuel
Fulfillment of the Mission
Progress toward our mission and vision is accomplished with a variety of service and
social activities. Highlights of our service activities have included:
- ‣ Setting up and taking down the Sukkah
- ‣ Cooking latkes at the Hanukkah party and Big Nosh
- ‣ Providing ushers and greeters for the High Holidays
On the social side of things, we meet several times a year for dinner and to attend
lectures or sporting events.