Social Groups
At Temple Beth-El, our chavurot are small, self-directed groups that offer meaningful opportunities for connection, friendship, and Jewish living.
Whether formed around shared interests, life stages, or spiritual exploration, chavurot provide a sense of belonging within our larger congregational family.
Some gather for Shabbat dinners or holiday celebrations, while others focus on study, social outings, or community service. Each chavurah is unique—but all share a commitment to building deeper relationships and Jewish community. We invite you to join an existing chavurah or help us form a new one that fits your interests and stage of life.
Chavurot
חֲבוּרוֹת
Chavurot are groups of people within the congregation who get together regularly (usually monthly) to study, celebrate, and socialize.
Auxiliaries
Temple Beth-El’s Brotherhood and Sisterhood have been essential to the life and spirit of our congregation for generations. Grounded in community and volunteerism, these dedicated groups support every aspect of Temple life—hosting social events, celebrating holidays, and leading acts of lovingkindness. Their ongoing investment of time, energy, and financial support plays a vital role in sustaining Temple Beth-El as a vibrant hub of Jewish life in San Antonio.
Temple Beth-El Sisterhood
Sisterhood is the organization of the women of Temple Beth-El who come together in friendship for programs that support the Temple, the community, and each other.
Founded in 1920 and an affiliate of Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ), Temple Beth-El Sisterhood has long played a vital role in supporting both the congregation and the broader community. Many of its current members recall how their mothers and grandmothers were active participants, carrying forward the mission to support Temple Beth-El, its youth, and the community at large.
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Sisterhood’s efforts are varied and impactful, from gifting each b’nai mitzvah student with a personalized Tanach to providing pre-Shabbat noshes, cooking for congregational dinners, and underwriting programs that benefit the youth and the entire Temple community. In addition, Sisterhood partners with local and national organizations to promote social justice and support those in need. Over the years, Temple Sisterhood has worked with the San Antonio Food Bank, The Salvation Army, Corazon Ministries, the Battered Women's Shelter, and the Alzheimer's Association, among others.​
Each year, Sisterhood honors an exemplary member with the Ner Tamid award for outstanding service to the congregation. Many of the recipients have served as Sisterhood presidents or held leadership positions within the Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ) at the regional and national levels. Temple Beth-El Sisterhood also supports numerous national programs and projects, demonstrating its commitment to strengthening both the Temple and the wider Jewish community.
Current Sisterhood Presidents: Robin Long & Patricia Marcus
Email Sisterhood at tbesisterhoodsa@gmail.com
Temple Beth-El Brotherhood
Temple Beth-El Brotherhood is dedicated to performing and promoting acts of lovingkindness for all—supporting the poor and the wealthy, the frail and the strong, the elderly and the young alike.
Since its founding in 1920, Temple Beth-El’s Brotherhood, an affiliate of Men of Reform Judaism (MRJ), has maintained its mission to engage in acts of loving kindness that benefit all members of the Temple community, from youth to elders. The Brotherhood aims to be a fellowship of men who aspire to Tikkun Hanefesh (self-improvement) and Tikkun Olam (repair of the world).
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The Brotherhood has long been involved in providing Shabbat candle holders and kiddush cups to all b’nai mitzvah students. They have also been steadfast in supporting youth education, having established the “Brotherhood Youth Scholarship Fund” with a generous $50,000 donation in 2006. The Brotherhood can always be counted on to lend its support to Temple Beth-El’s fundraising efforts.​​
​In recent years, the Brotherhood has taken on many community service initiatives, including cooking and serving dinner at the citywide Martin Luther King Interfaith Event, preparing the Temple’s 50+ Beth-Elders Sabbath Dinner, organizing the annual Chanukah dinner, and hosting the Holiday Christmas Day Food Service, which distributes over 1,000 meals. They also participate annually in the Congregation Agudas Achim Texas Kosher BBQ competition as "The Burnt Offerings" and regularly prepare the monthly Shabbat Chavurah Luncheon. Other Brotherhood events have included Poker Nights, an annual Men’s Seder at the Barn Door, and monthly weekday lunchtime study sessions.
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Through these varied activities, the Brotherhood proudly contributes to the Temple Beth-El community and supports important initiatives that strengthen both the Jewish and broader San Antonio communities.
Current Brotherhood President: Roger Ojeda
Email Brotherhood at rogerojeda@aol.com
Social Groups
Shabbat Lunch Chavurah
For over 15 years, Temple Beth-El has hosted a monthly Shabbat Lunch Chavurah program, initially in collaboration with San Antonio Jewish Senior Services (SAJSS). This program has provided a meaningful way to enrich the lives of our senior population and foster connection. Each gathering includes a specially prepared meal (prepared and sponsored by dedicated Brotherhood and Sisterhood volunteers) and program, which is free of charge for those aged 65 and older.​ The program also includes activities like film screenings, games, and more, making it a cherished tradition for Temple’s senior members.
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Shabbat Lunch Chavurah is hosted one Saturday a month. Check out the 2025 dates here.
Kol Simchah Volunteer Choir
Kol Simcha, meaning "Voice of Joy," is Temple Beth-El’s volunteer choir, which has played an essential role in bringing music and spirituality to our Worship Services.
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Starting in 2016, Kol Simcha joined forces with a choir from Antioch Missionary Baptist Church for a Martin Luther King Jr. Sabbath exchange. Other annual events include partnering with the Agudas Achim choir for Yom HaShoah, leading a Chanukah sing-along for the residents of Adante Independent Living, and participating in the annual Purim Shpiel. Kol Simchah is led by Cantor Seth Ettinger and Accompanist Erin McAdams. Email Cantor Seth Ettinger at settinger@beth-elsa.org if you're interested in joining.
Volunteering
Temple Beth-El is proud to serve our community through hands-on volunteer work and acts of tzedakah. For nearly 40 years, we’ve partnered with the San Antonio Food Bank, feeding thousands through our annual High Holy Day Hunger Drive and monthly Tzedek Thursday volunteer days. We also support Meals on Wheels, bringing food and care to homebound neighbors.
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Want to make a difference? Email Ross Halfant at Ross@beth-elsa.org
Etz Chayim - Tree of Life Social Groups
At Temple Beth-El, we’ve named our social groups after parts of the Etz Chayim, the Jewish Tree of Life, to reflect the beauty and interconnectedness of our community. Each group celebrates life at a different stage: the Roots nurture our 60+ members with wisdom and connection, while the Flowers bring together 20–30-year-olds for growth, exploration, and blossoming friendships. Everyone, at any age, is welcome to attend any social group event—our goal is connection, celebration, and growth for all members of our Temple family. See all of our Tree of Life Social Groups below.
Arbol (Latin & Jewish)
¡Bienvenidos! Temple Beth-El’s Latin Group invites Hispanic and Latin members of our congregation to come together in celebration of culture, community, and connection. Join us to socialize, share stories, and build strong, lasting relationships within our vibrant Jewish community.
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Interested in joining Arbol? Email Ross Halfant at Ross@beth-elsa.org
Flowers (Young Jewish Adults)
Temple Beth-El’s group for people in their 20s and 30s is all about building authentic Jewish community through meaningful connection—to Judaism, arts and culture, spirituality, tradition, San Antonio, and each other! Whether you're looking for social events, deep conversations, spiritual exploration, or just a good time with great people, this group creates experiences based on what YOU want. Events include happy hours, pool parties, holiday gatherings, and more!
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Interested in joining Flowers? Email Ross Halfant at Ross@beth-elsa.org
Branches (Ages 40-65)
Branches is Temple Beth-El’s group for adults in their 40s to early 60s—whether you're single, married, with kids at home or an empty nester. If you're looking to build community, reconnect with old friends, make new ones, and enjoy meaningful time out of the house, Branches is the place for you! Events include cocktail nights, museum visits, cultural outings, and more.
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Interested in joining Branches? Email Ross Halfant at Ross@beth-elsa.org
Roots (Ages 65+)
The 60s+ group, a cornerstone of Temple Beth-El and the vibrant San Antonio Jewish community, plays an essential role in Temple life. Members of this dynamic group, aged 60 and over, enrich every facet of Temple communal activities and often plan their own social gatherings outside the walls of Temple for their enjoyment. These events include dinners, movies, concerts, and day trips, all enjoyed by participants in the 60s+ group. Their active participation adds to the spirit and vitality of Temple Beth-El, strengthening the bonds within the congregation.
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Interested in joining Roots? Email Ross Halfant at Ross@beth-elsa.org
Leaves (LGBTQ+)
Leaves is Temple Beth-El’s group for LGBTQ+ Jews and allies—a welcoming space to celebrate identity, community, and connection. If you’re LGBTQ+ and Jewish, this group is for you! All ages are welcome to come together for inclusive, meaningful, and joyful gatherings throughout the year.
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Interested in joining Leaves? Email Ross Halfant at Ross@beth-elsa.org