Social Groups
BROTHERHOOD
Join the Brotherhood and experience the fraternity of Congregation Etz Chaim men. The group serves many social, philanthropic, religious, and community needs. Enjoy fun, Judaic, and community-based activities. You’ll experience friendship, camaraderie, fellowship, and support. At its core, the Brotherhood enhances the lives of self-identified men at Congregation Etz Chaim. Join us!
SISTERHOOD
The Etz Chaim Sisterhood provides a place for self-identified women of all ages and stages to enrich their lives through programs that encourage the pursuit of Jewish values and communal learning. Members are able to share meaningful moments, ideas, and experiences. Fundamentally, the Sisterhood is about nurturing strong relationships with other self-identified women. That’s done through various events throughout the year.
YOUTH
We strongly believe that children have to enjoy coming to the synagogue or they simply won’t come. We’ve planned our activities accordingly and as a result, our young people continue their involvement with Etz Chaim well past their bar/bat mitzvah. We have four youth groups including B'ychad (Birth-1st Grade), Kadimah (2nd-5th Grade), JYG (Junior Youth Group, 6-8th Grade), SYG (Senior Youth Group, 9-12th Grade). In addition to youth group, we have a Junior Choir, a partnership with multiple URJ Summer Programs including Olin-Sang-Ruby Union Institute (OSRUI) in Wisconsin, access to the JUF Send-a-Kid-to-Israel Partnership (SKIP) where money can be used towards JUF supported Israel programs, and programming geared towards a variety ages and stages.
SENIORS
It’s well-established that seniors tend to feel lonely, but that’s not the case for Etz Chaim congregants! The Seniors Group gives participants the opportunity to learn, connect, and socialize with people in their age group (older than 50).
We have a “Lunch ‘n Learn” on the third Wednesday of the month where optional bagels and lox are served followed by a presentation, documentary, movie, or discussion. Other programs have included the following: Field trips to the Milwaukee Jewish Museum and the Oriental Institute in Hyde Park, Jewish music concerts, Legacy writing, and Movie screenings.
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
Aimed at congregants in their 20s to 40s, the Young Professionals Group offers a chance to socialize with Jewish peers. The group strengthens the bonds between young professionals by engaging in fun activities once a month such as karaoke, WhirlyBall, hiking, and more!
MID-LIFE ADVENTURES CLUB
Coming Soon
Wise Aging
Coming Soon
Pinochle
Coming Soon
West Suburban Chaverim
This inclusive cohort is centered around people with disabilities and provides opportunities to get together and have fun as a community. Read what one of the members says about one of their events here.
ROMEOS
Coming Soon
Ladies who lunch
Coming Soon
Torah Study
Coming Soon
Mahjong
Coming Soon
Bridge & Partner Bridge
Coming Soon
Qigong
Coming Soon (Advanced and General)
