Temple member Russell Kahn participated in the TBE Men's Club retreat on August 3rd 2008, in which 21 Temple men came together to share camaraderie, some good conversation, food & laughs. Russell kindly offers us this report from his perspective as a new member of Men's Club:
"A group of mature men beating their chests while davening is what you'd expect from a Jewish Men's Club retreat to the Goodman Campus. As a newcomer, I was pleasantly surprised to find it much more civilized than that, and quite an enjoyable experience.
I also always imagined the "Men's Club" at any synagogue would be a bunch of alter kakers kvetching about some policies or other members. I was happy to find a bunch of guys of varying ages participating in a fun, well organized, and thought-provoking experience.
The retreat was branded as a study of men in Jewish history with Rabbi Biatch providing the education and Dan Esser and Brian Lavendel serving as facilitators. Except for a walk in which there was both an unexpected and unwelcomed march into a marsh area, everything went smoothly. With memory game ice-breakers and relaxed conversation, I was really able to get to know some good guys. Rabbi Biatch and the Tanach provided some interesting insight into the history of Jewish men.
One lesson we learned on the retreat is that many of the great biblical figures like Abraham and Noah were admirable but imperfect men who received direct guidance from God. For regular guys who belong to Temple Beth El in 2008, without verbal direction from God, the Men's Club is an excellent way to connect with other Jewish men, and perhaps find guidance from mentors and friends."
The Men's Club would like to thank Rabbi Biatch for so generously sharing his time, expertise and guidance with us. We hope to have a retreat again next year and invite all Temple Men to join us. For information about Men's Club programs, call Co-Presidents Dan Esser at 833-2323 or Brian Lavendel at 244-1930.
