Chai Guys Brotherhood appeals to men of all ages, interests
Dave Kogan has begun his third year as president of the Chai Guys Brotherhood at Temple Chai, a Reform Jewish congregation in Long Grove.
"It is my vision and hope that the Brotherhood will thrive at the temple," he said. "We try to reach out to men who want to be involved at any level, whether they just want to show up for a program or chair an event. Our goal is to offer activities that will appeal to men of all ages with different interests."
Kogan cited Guys Night Out where members meet at a restaurant getting to know one another while watching Monday night football or other sporting events. This event draws men from ages 18 to 80.
"Building a roomy sukkah at Temple Chai before Sukkot is another event that continually attracts men of all ages", said Kogan. This year, the Brotherhood is planning a barbecue in the sukkah for all members of the temple.
The CGB has scheduled events for the 2014-15 year that focus on relational, religious and social action programs as well as current events and sports. Its Distinguished Speaker series will feature Dann Gire, an award-winning reporter and film critic for the Daily Herald and president and founding director of the Chicago Film Critics Association; Rick Kogan, best-selling author of 14 books including "The History of The Billy Goat," and a senior writer for the Chicago Tribune's Sunday section and member of the Chicago Journalism Hall of Fame; and Scott Drury, representative of the 58th Congressional District and former assistant U.S. attorney.
The Brotherhood will also engage in diverse activities including participating in blood drives with Hope Lutheran Church, sponsoring a family bingo night, cleaning a stretch of highway, fielding a softball team for a summer league, attending a Wolves game, presenting a Shabbat service and dinner, and hosting a men's Passover Seder.
"At last year's Seder, the discussion concerned a man's place and role in the home," said Kogan. "The discussion was lively."
An important mitzvah-social action-program will involve the Ark, a nonprofit organization that provides medical and social services for distressed Chicago area Jews. Brotherhood members will work in the soup kitchen and donate food and clothing. They also hope to continue contributions to the Jewish War Veterans.
Events are generally scheduled Monday through Friday leaving weekends for family time.
"Our members determine our activities," said Kogan. "The Brotherhood board solicits ideas from our members and if a member has an idea, we want him to run with it and create the program. In September, we will survey temple members to better learn what men want and expect to see from the Brotherhood", he said. "We are also planning to invite small groups of men to wine and cheese evenings to discuss what programs will encourage their participation."
Kogan was born in Chicago. He, his wife Traci, and their son, Max, live in Buffalo Grove. He earned a bachelor's degree in communications from Chicago's Columbia College. He is an avid fan of the Cubs, Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, and Fire.
Kogan emphasized that the CGB has been and will continue to be an integral part of Temple Chai. Its members help ensure the safety of religious school students by monitoring the parking lot during school hours and preparing lunches during the temple's Purim carnival with proceeds going to the Temple's youth groups.
The Brotherhood has purchased computers, a snowblower and prayer books, and is planning a blue-jean breakfast with Senior Rabbi Stephen Hart. To kick off the school year, it hosts a pancake breakfast for all temple members who bring their children to religious school.
The CGB has partnered with temple committees including the Outreach committee to sponsor Passover Family Night and the Israel committee to present guest speakers. It has worked with the Membership committee and the temple's Sisterhood, on Chai-Sino fundraisers.
"We're there for the temple whenever it needs us," said Kogan. "We're always available. We want to be essential to Temple Chai and its members."
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