Federation Of Jewish Mens Clubs Inc

organization. In my view we used to get more work done with less reports, some of whicdh are submitted so late that the EC members may not have a chance to discuss thjem with their regiional and club friends. We also had our conventions once a year, and now we do not see our friends more than once every two years. In addition, we had real Board of Duirectors meetings where we would get to see each other more than twice during the year between yearly conventions. We are now worreying about entertainment at our conventions rather than just the abilityto get together. Now, we bring in paid entertainers and paid lecturers whereas years ago, we did our own work and presentations. The seemed to be an attempt to use some of our own people to make presentations and run seminars. Perhaps, I noticed a return to what was done years ago. We shouild remember that we have a great diversity of individuals with wide experience and intellectual ability and if they have had some activity with FJMC, they know what we need and what we should do to make our organization attractive to prospective members. Another change I have noticed is the "clicks" and if you do not agree wigth the majority you are out. The diversity we had was good for the organizaation and one learned from the differences of opinion. The organization now is too regimentated. I enjoyed the TORCH magazien and I used to read it slavishly because many articles were written by Lay individuals. The new movement magazine needs go through its growing pains and be more responsive to the lay components of the Conservative/Masorti movement. There was more discussion and divergent views in the TORCH than in the movement magazine. Perhaps, it is a sign of the times, now when we think of food and eating, we go to the least expensive establishment and yet years ago, we used to go to some of the more elegant places, and in fact one past president whose meetings used to tun into the wee hours of the morning would want to go some olaces we could not, or at least all of us could not afford, but I guess this changed for the better because it did not embarasse anyone. While we would discuss matters to death at some EC meetings, no President ever came in and said this what we should do and in effect the EC became a rubber stamp if someone wanted to advance. Negatviews and minority views are important and have to be considered. At some point, we have to do something so that the members get to know each other as well as their families. I cherish the frriends I made in FJMC as well as NFJMC, and I would venture to say my wife does also. In fact, some of my children are freiendly with children of members from other regions and that is a plus in ones eduction. I know I took too uch tiome, but i wqs reluctant to do this, but consider it as construcyive criticism because I wangt the organization to grow otherwise I am a partial failure withnrespoedt to the organization.

I have been a member in 3 differet shuls in 2 different states and have had great experiences in all 3. Each brought new life to my jewish knowledge and a range of new jewish friends. I rose to become an regional officer in the Southwest region and discover that the international organization does many wonderful things. What they need to be better is more volunteers so they can reach more people! I am glad to have found a place as a member of this energetic, creative tribe of Jewish men.

Past International President. I have served on my Regional Board as President, Served as Synagogue President as well as on the Board of Directors of Mercaz USA, World Council of Conservative Synagogues, United Synagogue Conservative Judaism, Board of Directors of The Jewish Theological Seminary.

I was generaly a shy perso, that is until I got involved with my Temple Brotherhood. Eventually I became the Brotherhood President and got involved with New England Region programs. As president, I started attending the NER Laymen's Institute and was tapped to join their committee as co-chair. After several years I was voted FJMC New England Region President. I have attended a dozen conventions, made many aquaintences and not shy any more. FJMC has enriched my life in many different ways.

I went to a convention with my son, and could not believe how close and friendly the men were to each other. It was an incredible experience and I will always remember it. I hope to attend more conventions in the future.

FJMC is not only the most innovative movement in the conservative movement but it is making a difference in all of conservative Judaism. FJMC has helped be confident in something other then my job but allowing me to be creative and innovative. They have given me a platform it which to express myself while teaching me the love and affection of forming lifelong friendships. They have truely formed leaders of today and no doubt will help to mold leaders of the future. I

This organizationhas been great. For so many Jewish men the childhood experiences with Hebrew school, the alienation of college days and the rigors of business life have left us without a personal feeling of connection to our jewish cultural, social and religious heritage. This organization is dedicated to and run by Jewish men for Jewish men to reengage in the full scope of Jewish life: family, community, ethics, politics, religion, culture, arts and just plain fun with others sharing the same niche. It provides volunteer opportunities for social action and mentoring of all types. It has created a mechanism for Jewish men to interact within the security of the group in working with youth, women's groups and with professional clergy in optimizing the community and personal Jewish experiences.

FJMC is about involving Jewish Men in Jewish life and it accomplishes just that. I have seen it at the club level where marginally affiliated men became more Jewishly knowledgable, observant, and synagogue leaders just through their involvement with Men's Club. FJMC is also the most innovative and dynamic organization in Conservative Judaism. It tackles the hard issues such as intermarriage while the other arms of the movement lag far behind the times. It has enhanced the observance of Yom HaShoah with the yellow candle program and brought the mitzvah of tefillin back to younger Conservative Jews throgh the World Wide Wrap. All of the remarkable FJMC programs have been originated at the club level by volunteers and enhanced and propagated at the international level by other volunteers. All of the officers and decision makers are volunteers who will listen and engage any individual Men's Club member. Every member can make a difference in this organization. FJMC makes the greatest impact with the smallest budget than any other origanization I am aware of.

I am a past Men's Club President at our Synagogue and everything we did was to involve men in Jewish life and Jewish values. We did this trhough activities such as "Beer & Bible" with the Rabbi, we feed the homeless, participate in "Mitzvah Day" events for the community, lead a letter writing effort for Darfur and lead an annual Men's Club Shabbat service. This is all supported by the FJMC.

My experience with FJMC has been very positive. I feel that the FJMC is a very responsible, responsive, and innovative organization. It is not afraid to tackle sensitive issues in the Jewish community and it is an organization that makes a very real contribution to the American Jewish cimmunity.

I was asked to join a start-up effort within the FJMC, called Keruv, to welcome intermarried families into the Conservative Movement. My subsequent involvement was transformative. First of all, I was asked. Not only is FJMC's door open to volunteers, they seek to engage new people. Second, I was brought in to help develop a start-up effort. The organization is creative in what it does, and empowers members to own and shape direction. Third, the FJMC tackles issues of our time. For the Conservative Movement, intermarriage is a "third rail". It is too hot to touch for many, but an issue at the core of the of who we are and what we will become. Fourth, I have literally been transformed. My volunteer time makes a huge difference in my life and the lives of others. I have built a network of friends and colleagues across North America. I am empowered to take on new projects where my heart and mind lead me. This is a great organization.

The FJMC takes the first step to involve Jewish men in Jewish life that sets off a chain reaction to impact lives days, months and years later. I have not been part of any other organization with such far reaching goals.

FJMC has become one of the best support networks I have encountered in my 20+ years in professional life. I have met some of my best and most supportive friends through FJMC and we are always there for each other. FJMC also gives me a tremendous boost of confidence in my leadership abilities, which I bring to both my local chapter and my employer.

What's remarkable about FJMC is that it makes a significant, positive impact on peoples' lives by working from the grass roots level within the men's club at a local synagogue, all the way to the highest international leadership levels of the Conservative/Masorti Movement, and with only a professional staff of 3 but with a volunteer army of thousands! The FJMC's Mission is to involve Jewish Men in Jewish Life, and it accomplishes this in everything it does. At the local synagogue level, the men's club provides a safe entree for men who may not have a strong background in Judaism to become more involved in their religion and in developing their ritual skills. I've personally seen dozens of examples of men who joined their club simply for the fellowship, and then became more deeply committed to their Jewish heritage, ultimately becoming role models for their children as men who participate in religious services, perform acts of mitzvot, contribute to worthwhile causes, undertake social action and tikkun olam activities, and share the joy of Judaism with their families. At the other extreme, I've worked on various committees and initiatives and seen others in similar roles, providing much needed leadership to the Conservative Movement. From the development of programs to train men (and women) how to read Hebrew, to the Keruv program to provide a welcoming environment for interfaith families, to the latest initiative to engage our younger men in Jewish life, the FJMC has repeatedly developed and implemented programs and activities that clearly demonstrate its vision and forward thinking to address the issues facing Jewish men today.

My involvement with FJMC has principally revolved around my participation in Keruv, the efforts at trying to deal with issue of interfaith marriage within the Conservative movement. The FJMC is spearheading this movement and it has provided both me and my shul with the much-needed focus of trying to build a house of worship that is welcoming and attempts to integrate families with supportive non-Jewish spouses. This effort touches many people in my congregation and without the guidance and support of the FJMC, it would not be happening.

I was very impressed with FJMC untill a few years ago when i saw my shul going to the left. When i went to my board and international i was told that this was the trend and i shiuld bend. Two years ago we moved to the Orthodox shul and are very happy. our few returns to our former shul for simchas have generably been met with what are you doing here.

I've been involved with the FJMC since the early 1990's in many different roles. I've learned how non-profits work and how to initiate and lead new programs, enroll new members. It's also taught me how to be a leader in a very diverse organization. The organization is structured to help individual members and their clubs establish and achieve goals toward their mission. The relationships build amongst other FJMC members help fuel the organization to achieve and surpass these goals.

FJMC has provided vast amounts of programming for mainstream American traditional Judaism. Its lack of overhead, in comparison to other religious institutions, is a marvelous example of how to draw in thousands of volunteers who not only fund but lead the organization. From board members to individual members, FJMC men find ways to contribute to their synagogues and communities and reach thousands of Jewish households. FJMC has pioneered a unique Yom HaShoah memorial program which involves over 200,000 special Yellow Candles distributed each year. And perhaps the most amazing thing about FJMC is its growing core of committed volunteers at the national level. Its last convention, held in the midst of our nation's economic troubles, was the biggest ever. Members paid their own way to visit Philadelphia, taking time away from families and jobs. I know of no other conference which has grown in these times. FJMC is building a Jewish future.

Due to our interaction with the regional and international levels of the FJMC, we have been able to emulate some of the best programs and practices of other clubs. Highlights include a year-long men's health initiative, developing creative religious tools, hearing men's voices sessions, and a number of other activities that result in getting more Jewish men involved in Jewish life.

I have been involved in FJMC in various aspects locally, regionally and international for approximately 30 years. I find the men involved knowledgeable and willing to help our clubs be successful. The programs of the FJMC are designed to assist us in being better Jewish men, assist our congregations and our communities. The friendships from this organization are deep and long lasting from all over our country as well as Canada.

Helps satifies my need for social interaction with friends and fellows sharing a common faith, as well as sports activities and public service.

I have been a member of FJMC since I became a member of my Synagogue, 1962. I have found that Synagogue life was much more meaningful because I was a member of our Men's Club. I have been an officer on the Board at both local and regional level and have found it to be very rewarding. Have attended many International Conventions and Regional Retreats,participating in the planning of many of the activities. Hope to continue as an active member and enjoy participating at all levels.

FJMC is an organization that has made me become a better person. By leading by example, they have made me see and live Judaism in a higher way. I was invited to their international convention last summer in Philadelphia. It exceeded my expectations. It showed me how to help other people from the Jewish perspective and to have fun on the way. It really has changed my life for the good.

FJMC is a global organization serving Men affiliated with the Conserative Jewish Movement. Getting men involved in Jewish life (or non-sports related matters, in general) has been a big issue for years. The issues that Jewish men face are shared across regions and FJMC helps us to see the issues effecting Conservative Jewish men and seeks to address them proactively. The FJMC is divided into regions throughout North America. I serve on the Northern New Jersey Region board of trustees and also as co-president of my local Men's Club (Beth El Synsgogue in East Windsor, NJ). Serving the region in addition to my local club provides global perspective. FJMC encourages its member clubs to develop and implement programs to address the issues at hand. Once a successful program has been launched by once club or region, it may be recognized by the FJMC. Then, using a best practices process, the recognized program can be implemented globally to effect positive results. To me, this process of dissemenating best practices to get Jewish men involved in Jewish life, is the hallmark of the FJMC.

I have been involved with FJMC for 27 years, serving at the club, region and international levels. My involvement has helped me make outstanding friends, help friends make a stronger commitment to the organization and heightened my own spiritual commitment.

A tremendous organiztion! Exceptional staff and volunteers who perform life-altering services for its constituent group. Its programs are well though out and the training documents are outstanding.

I have been involved in the FJMC for over 15 years. This organization assists over 200 Jewish Men's clubs all over the world in providing ideas and programs to get men involved in Jewish life.I have personally experienced clubs in major cities that were struggling to exist use specific FJMC programs such as our "Yellow Candle Program" or "World Wide Wrap" become successful clubs, gain membership and use the FJMC as a jump start to renew life in their clubs. We hold an international convention every two years in different cities and I was the local chairman when convention came to Chicago. Over 500 men represent clubs all over the world and spend five days learning from each other how to improve their clubs and make them stronger. Friendships have been made at this convention that last a lifetime. This last weekend I spent the weekend with one of the men I met at convention who lives in Toronto. He was visiting his son's family in Chicago where I live. This is an integral part of the organizaion. The men all over the country who work together to improve our clubs also bond in friendship for life. One more specific example. My son was visiting the East Coast as part of his medical schooling. Not knowing the area I reached out to the clubs in that region to assist. One of the men volunteered to pick up my son at the airport, introduce him to the clergy where he was staying, show him the area and drop him off at his temporary housing. This all happened because of this wonderful organization. Their are many stories similar to this of Men helping other men and their families personally and in business.Please endorse the FJMC as an organization that works. It brings men together both religiously and socially to improve their local community and give quality to their life and their family.