2023 Torch Award Application (submit here)
# | Submitted | User | IP Address | Award Year | Documents read | Club Name | Program Name | Existing Contact | First Name | Last Name | Email of Club Rep | First Name | Last Name | First Name | Last Name | Email Current President | Category | Program Overview Summary | Detailed Program | Detail Program Documents | Program Advance Planning | Marketing | Photos | Video | Impact | FJMC | Additional Input | Program Origin | Identify Source | Certification | Award Level (to be completed by Torch Award Chairmen after judging) | |
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| 52 | 2023-04-19 07:42 | davidj920 | 69.248.94.103 | 2023 | I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines. | East Brunswick Jewish Center Men's Club - E. Brunswick, NJ (953) | History Hikers | Dr. Jeff Shore | David | Julis | doovey920@gmail.com | Marty | Hoffman | martyhnj@aol.com | Marty | Hoffman | martyhnj@aol.com | Community Outreach | The Synagogue started what is called Common Interest Activities (C.I.A.) which is open to EBJC congregants and members of our community to connect in shared interest either in person and/or Zoom. One of these programs is called History Hikers, which Men's Club arranges and leads. | History Hikers - Join us as we scout out different locations to explore. Members of this C.I.A. are invited to an informal tour at a destination - local park, nature preserve, hiking trail - worth sharing. The walk lasts about an hour and covers gentle to moderate terrain. Once a date is selected, the event is sent out within our weekly newsletter called TidBits which is sent to the entire congregation where they are told to email the organizer/leader. We have given new meaning to the phrase "Take A Hike". | cia.docx (88 KB) | tidbits_april_14_2023.txt (6 KB) | hike.jpg (1224 KB) | This program has increased camaraderie among our membership to gather outside of the synagogue. While we have a core group that consistently participates, we have been able to include "newbies" and build friendships. Once the hike ends, we stand around and shmooze for another half hour or more. | Involvement of community. | Original Program | Yes | Honorable Mention | ||||
| 51 | 2023-04-18 22:46 | gpollack | 73.75.56.142 | 2023 | I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines. | Anshe Emet Men'S Club - Chicago, IL (608) | Sukkah Village | Dr. Jeff Shore | Gregg | Pollack | gdp5607@gmail.com | Alan | Mintz | mintzad@gmail.com | Alan | Mintz | mintzad@gmail.com | Fundraising | Worked with a member of our synagogue to bid on an auction of one of 11 custom sukkot to bring home for our rabbi in honor of his 40th Anniversary as our rabbi. Program sponsored by Jewish Federation of Princeton (NJ) Mercer Bucks. The event promotes the impact of design in addressing key social issues impacting New Jersey and the nation as a whole, such as Homelessness, Food Insecurity, Sustainability and Struggles of Refugees. We won the auction for $1000 (all donated to the cause) and brought the sukkah home to Chicago in time to build it for our rabbi and present it to him for Sukkot 2022. | Michael Landau, a member of our synagogue, is an architect who brought this program to our attention and encouraged our men's club to participate during Sukkot 2021. Michael designed the sukkah (named Sukkah Drash) with thematic input from our rabbi. We solicited (10) $50 bids from our members for half the cost ($500), and then our men's club treasury donated the other half ($500) to fill out our winning bid. All proceeds went to Sukkah Village to support awareness of the key social issues noted above. Michael then arranged to transport the sukkah that he had designed (and we had bought) to be brought back to Chicago so that we could set it up and dedicate it for our senior rabbi for Sukkot 2022, for which we organized a group of men's club members on Oct 9, 2022 (see attached photos). The gift to Rabbi Siegel was in honor of his 40th Anniversary with our synagogue. | sukkah_drash_32auctions.pdf (828 KB) sukkah_village_2021.pdf (290 KB) | gmail_-_fw_mens_club_project_-_sukkah_village_fall_2022.pdf (4521 KB) | img-0670_-_sukkah.jpg (3654 KB) img-0668_-_sukkah.jpg (3544 KB) img-0666_-_sukkah.jpg (3038 KB) img-0665_-_sukkah.jpg (3467 KB) | Our club was very proud to have supported our congregant Michael Landau in this unique and innovative program while raising $1000 for a worthy cause and providing a wonderful and generous gift of ritual significance to mark this special occasion for our rabbi. This was a team effort that made us all very proud and was highly appreciated by Rabbi Siegel and the other clergy. | Our members were encouraged to both donate to a worthy cause and to help observe the holiday of Sukkot, as well as honoring our rabbi. All about innovative programming which involved Jewish men in Jewish life promoting Jewish values across the country. | We encourage other clubs to seize unique opportunities like this that both support worthy causes and involve their members in Jewish observance. | Original Program | Yes | ||||
| 50 | 2023-04-18 16:40 | gpollack | 73.75.56.142 | 2023 | I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines. | Anshe Emet Men'S Club - Chicago, IL (608) | Violins of Hope | Dr. Jeff Shore | Gregg | Pollack | gdp5607@gmail.com | Alan | Mintz | mintzad@gmail.com | Alan | Mintz | mintzad@gmail.com | Yom HaShoah Yellow Candle | Co-sponsoring with JCCs of Chicago, Anshe Emet Men's Club brought the Violins of Hope to our shul for the Yom Hashoah Observance on April 17, 2023. Our Clergy led a short service and helped to organize the quartet to play the violins and also selected music for our volunteer choir. Program took place in the synagogue sanctuary (live) and was also livestreamed. 125-150 people attended in person. | The Violins of Hope travel the world from Israel where they have been lovingly restored and cared for. Violins of Hope hosted by JCC Chicago and other partner organizations is in Chicagoland and surrounding areas across Illinois from April through September 2023. The collection of 70 string instruments played by Jewish musicians before and during the Holocaust, many of which were discovered in the concentration camps after the war and whose owners did not survive. They have been painstakingly restored and are now coming to our area for cultural exhibitions, performances, and community education with a message of hope, resistance, resilience, and unity. We brought 4 of these instruments to Anshe Emet Synagogue for Yom Hashoah and assembled a quartet to play them. The musicians chose period pieces to perform, some of which we know were played at Terezinstadt. Our program consisted of a brief memorial service with candle lighting by children of survivors, overview of the Yellow Candle Program and the Violins of Hope by Men's Club Past President and program organizer Barry Balik, additional background from a representative of the JCCs who read a passage from Elie Weisel's Night about a prisoner playing his violin, music performed by our string quartet (2 violins, 1 viola, 1 cello), and songs performed by our cantors and volunteer choir Shirenu. The musicians also told the stories behind each of the 4 instruments. Program ran just under 2 hours. | 3backyomhashoah2023program.pdf (269 KB) violins_of_hope_press_release_230401.pdf (200 KB) | img-0095_-_violins.jpg (2638 KB) img-0096_-_violins.jpg (2433 KB) img-0103_-_violins.jpg (1905 KB) | Very powerful and meaningful program. Very successful based on attendance, reaction of attendees and feedback from our clergy. The physical instruments and the music produced from them by our quartet made for a very tangible connection with the holocaust and its victims. We all became witnesses at Terezinstatdt watching and listening to the quarter play these instruments. The melodies were very haunting at times - certainly appropriate for the occasion. | We initiated this program for the benefit of our synagogue community, together with distributing (and promoting) yellow candles. Barry Balik then organized the program and highlighted FJMC's role in Yom Hashoah observance at the actual event. | Innovative programming for Yom Hashoah will draw more congregants and help keep this observance front and center in our communities. There are many organizations in addition to Violins of Hope that can help to make a special connection with people so the observance is more meaningful and enduring. | Original Program | Yes | Gold | ||||
| 49 | 2023-04-17 17:07 | gkeimach | 76.152.194.54 | 2023 | I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines. | Temple Israel of Sharon Brotherhood - Sharon, MA (738) | The Combined Charities Golf Tournament | Dr. Jeff Shore | Gary | Keimach | gkeimach@comcast.net | Gary | Keimach | gkeimach@comcast.net | Michael | Getz | mgetz27@comcast.net | Fundraising | Objective to have fun while fundraising for our Temple Israel Brotherhood and other community charities that are too small to run a golf tournament on their own. | This was Combined Charity Golf tournaments 14th year. 7 charities signed on as TCCGT partners in 2022: 1. Home for our Troops 2. AJC New England 3. New England friends of the March of the Living 4.World Boston 5. Temple Israel Brotherhood 6. YMCA Old Colony Council 7. American Friends of Magen David Adom. When you register online to play golf or become a sponsor, you will be asked to select any of the worthy causes above as your designated TCCGT beneficiary. Here is how your Combined Charities tournament participation helps the charity you choose: $50 of your $160 golfer fee will be donated to any of the Charity partners you choose. $75 of your Tee sign price of $150 will go to any of the Charity partners you choose. $100 of your Pin Flag Sign price of $200 will go to any of the Charity partners you choose. The balance of the proceeds covers our cost of golf, golf carts, snacks, Breakfast, Lunch and production costs of our tee & pin flag signs, swag items, raffles and golfer awards. | tccgt_key_assignments_and_tasks.docx (14 KB) | tccgt2022-r6.pdf (437 KB) tctcgf_43166_3_banner_vinyl_2019_rev2_proof.pdf (2430 KB) | tccgt_dsc_0058.jpg (93 KB) tccgt_fb_img_1660860723581.jpg (40 KB) | Largest fund raiser of the year for Temple Israel Brotherhood. Nets between $16k and $19k after expense. Helps in providing the income needed to support our synagogue, our Brotherhood programs, and many other charitable endeavors throughout the year. | We have consistently taken this tournament beyond the four walls of our synagogue to include participation and benefit of other Men's Clubs along with several Jewish and secular, local, national, and international causes and organizations. | 128 golfers supported by 25 members of our Brotherhood who volunteer in advance and the day of the event to ensure all who participate have an enjoyable day. | Original Program | Yes | Bronze | |||
| 48 | 2023-04-17 15:12 | dmschloss | 47.23.177.234 | 2023 | I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines. | Orangetown Jewish Center Men's Club - Orangeburg, NY (1886) | Community Seder 2023 | Dr. Jeff Shore | David | Schlossberg | david@schlossberg.net | David | Schlossberg | david@schlossberg.net | David | Schlossberg | david@schlossberg.net | Community Outreach | We held a First Seder open to the regional Jewish Community. Providing for any and all who needed a Seder to attend in order to fulfill the mitzvah. The program started with evening Minyan, and concluded with a Seder run by one of our Rabbis. | We started advertising the availability of a Seder open to any in the community who wished to attend starting the day after Purim. The intent was to provide a first Seder which most communities don't provide. We did all the cooking ourselves, which allowed the cost to be held to a level similar or below the cost if we had gone with an outside caterer. For 2023 we started cooking Sunday after the kitchen was kashered for passover. The menu consisted of : Vegetable soup - with Matzah Balls Roasted Chicken Braised Brisket Candied carrots Roasted Brussel Sprouts Roasted Broccoli Roasted Asparagus Roasted Potatoes Potato Kugel Quinoa salad Cake and Fruit for dessert We decorated the room and had toy plagues on the table to help enhance the seder as it went along. Every guest had their own personal seder plate to use as the Rabbi led the seder to keep everyone engaged beyond just the reading of the Haggadah. | The program was definitely a success. Everyone was very pleased and the leadership of the Men's Club was getting thanks throughout the holiday. We had 43 people in attendance ranging in ages from pre-bar mitzvah to people who were celebrating their second bar-mitzvhas | The co-president of the MC lead the preparation of the Seder and was actively and visibly leading the program. | It's a lot of fun and I highly recommend it. | Original Program | Yes | Honorable Mention | ||||||
| 47 | 2023-04-16 13:22 | gkeimach | 76.152.194.54 | 2023 | I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines. | Temple Israel of Sharon Brotherhood - Sharon, MA (738) | Hearing Men's Voices | Dr. Jeff Shore | Gary | Keimach | gkeimach@comcast.net | Gary | Keimach | gkeimach@comcast.net | Michael | Getz | mgetz27@comcast.net | Hearing Men's Voices | The theme for this year’s HMV is sharing our feelings about inclusion and diversity. The uncertainty of using the right words can be paralyzing. Most of us are worried we will say or do the wrong thing. As a result, we simply don’t talk about race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, age, or other differences. Hearing Men's Voices is a series of discussion groups among members of the Brotherhood. It provides a safe, supportive environment in which men can delve into areas of mutual interest and concern. Discussions here are confidential, and this creates a safe space for us to talk about our feelings and experiences. Practically, each meeting is at the home of a Brotherhood member, with refreshments provided. We discuss our experiences related to the topic, led by a facilitator, and each discussion lasts about an hour and a half. | Here is a brief description of the six sessions from this year: 1. The Terminology of Inclusion The words we use both react to social change and also help drive acceptance of it. How do we choose the right words? What shouldn't we talk about? Have the words you've been using recently gotten discouraged? 2. Acknowledging our Preconceptions However we were brought up, it involved one kind of preconception or another. Modern inclusion and respect for diversity asks us to recognize, if not overcome, these preconceptions. What does it take to recognize our own preconceptions? How do we find ourselves reacting? Does Jewish tradition help or get in the way? 3. Old and New World Growing up, we were trained to live in a world that worked a particular way. The world is different now. What techniques have you found for coping in today's world? Is the Old/New gap today any different it was when WE were the new kids? 4. Sexuality and Gender Who you love, and who you feel you are, is a spectrum. For some people, this is a difficult realization; for others it is already who they are. Does either of these sound like it describes you, or someone else in your life? 5. Tolerating the Intolerant? Perhaps not everyone in your family or friends sees things the same way. Do you have difficulty talking with them? Do you need to cut them out of your life, or is there an alternative? What strategies do you use to find a pathway to talk? 6. From "Us" and "Them" to "We Are the World“ The world is a big place, with all kinds wanting to be included. Have you seen any trouble making room for them? How do we create a better world? | temple_israel_sharon-brotherhood_hearing_mens_voices_series_2022-23.docx (212 KB) | hmv_series_2022-2023.pdf (429 KB) | Hearing Men's Voices is a popular and welcome program in our Brotherhood. It fosters and reinforces not only discussions, but friendship and camaraderie. In addition, our program this year was chosen to harmonize with timely matters of inclusion and our synagogue's recent focus on that, and to hopefully encourage our participants to expand their comfort zones in this area. We held our meetings in person this year, which was a welcome change after two years of online discussions via Zoom. | HMV continues to play a key role in our mission to involve and support Jewish Men in all facets of Jewish Life. The sessions are coordinated by two of our board members. They effectively reach out and involve many individual Brotherhood members to be facilitators and hosts. This safe space discussion builds upon our community and core values. This year, in particular, coming back together in person, was powerful and meaningful for all participants. | Original Program | Yes | Gold | |||||
| 46 | 2023-04-12 16:41 | gkeimach | 65.211.0.254 | 2023 | I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines. | Temple Israel of Sharon Brotherhood - Sharon, MA (738) | Cause Without Applause | Dr. Jeff Shore | Gary | Keimach | gkeimach@comcast.net | Gary | Keimach | gkeimach@comcast.net | Michael | Getz | mgetz27@comcast.net | Inclusion | We started an initiative called 'Cause Without Applause' to hold ourselves accountable and to ensure we set aside time, at each monthly board meeting, to identify, discuss and vote for a charitable donation to a local, national, or international group or organization based upon need and/or under-representation. | We have always donated to worthwhile causes and organizations, usually upon request or proposal. Given the resources we have as a Brotherhood; how fortunate we all are in our personal lives, and our overall desire to support Tikkun Olam, we felt obligated to use each meeting as an opportunity to do something for a cause or organization. The groups we choose to support are not always Jewish-based but usually outside of our immediate sphere as well as any one person's particular agenda. Attached is a listing of the groups we have supported over the past 18 months. | cause_without_applause.docx (13 KB) | cause_without_applause_process_word_doc.docx (12 KB) | The initiative put structure and a process around our charitable giving. We still, from time to time, donate additionally to other causes and organizations, both local and national in scope, but this allowed for a more dedicated effort toward inclusion and Tikkun Olam. Consistency is critical. Over the first few months, it could have easily slipped through the cracks but we had one person champion the initiative to ensure we met our self imposed deadlines and continued the theme we were establishing until it became part of the fabric of each and every board meeting. | We are seen as leaders within our shul and community. This is a natural extension of our mission. | Original Program | Yes | ||||||
| 45 | 2023-04-10 23:00 | bflenett | 35.140.120.189 | 2023 | I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines. | Beth Shalom Men'S Club - Clearwater, FL (1328) | Mens Study Group | Dr. Jeff Shore | Blake | Lenett | blake.lenett@verizon.net | Jeff | Brown | jffbrwnjb@hotmail.com | Jeff | Brown | jffbrwnjb@hotmail.com | Educational Programming | A men’s only adult Education class focused on the issue of “finding relevancy within Judaism” in the world in which we live. | Our “Mens Study Group” is all about finding “relevancy” within Judaism. Giving men the opportunity to honestly discuss where they stand on basic theological issues such as: God, Prayer, Liturgy, Jewish Identity, Holy Living, Israel, Charity and anything else that the modern Jew is apt to wrestle with. Everything is on the table and the class promotes group participation, it’s not a lecture series followed by Q and A. We discuss in detail, a variety of subjects, which in most Congregations will not generally be addressed from the Bima. While the classes evolve around a text, the sessions are facilitated in such a way as to use the weekly readings as a segue into a variety of related topics. The classes and related questions, target a diverse adult audience with varying Judaic backgrounds. | mens_study_group_program_documents.docx (14 KB) facilitator_notes_for_a_class_session.docx (30 KB) | mens_study_group_program_documents.docx (14 KB) | mens_study_group_promo.pdf (1032 KB) mens_study_group_flyer.pdf (1140 KB) | pxl_20230212_141244515.jpg (2210 KB) pxl_20230212_141238230.jpg (2734 KB) | Anytime you can capture and retain an adult audience willing to invest the time to prepare for and attend classes on Judaic content - it’s clearly a win/win. We have succeeded in building a cadre of students who attend eagerly and with regularity. They actually look forward to the next book and class. | Our class at times calls for “soul searching” on core issues surrounding Jewish theology and identity. Our men at times share personal beliefs, concerns and experiences which serve to bond the participants in ways which was never anticipated when the class was conceived. | The key to the class success hinges on the facilitators, who must be prepared and enthusiastic. They need to guide the session, encourage participation, and create challenging questions based on the designated readings for the week - which in turn stimulates discussion. | Original Program | Yes | Honorable Mention | ||
| 44 | 2023-04-09 21:43 | bruce9 | 185.198.240.50 | 2023 | I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines. | Beth Emeth-Bais Yehuda Men's Club - Downsview, ON (404) | Mark Oppenheimer | Dr. Jeff Shore | Bruce | Martin | bruce@charitycards.ca | Allan | Snow | allan.snow@gmail.com | Allan | Snow | allan.snow@gmail.com | Educational Programming | Our Synagogue brought in Mark Oppenheimer for a Sunday Evening talk. Mark is the founder and host of Unorthodox, the most popular Jewish Podcast about Jewish Life and Culture. | We actually had 2 programs. In the morning Mark did a breakfast talk for our men's club and synagogue about his most recent book, Squirrel Hill: The Tree of Life Synagogue shooting and the soul of the area. Mark read his favourite passages from the book and took many questions. In the evening Men's club sponsored and Evening with Mark Oppenheimer where his topic was Jewcasting: Jewish Media from the Yiddish Press to the Podcast. The evening was well attended, was free of charge, courtesy of our Men's Club and from all accounts was a resounding success. | img_7644.pdf (392 KB) | The program not only invigorated the Club but the Synagogue. We became very relevant to the community by bringing in a high profile. well known guest. | Bringing in a high profile person like Mark was just what our Men's Club and Synagogue needed. Our Shule and club has been very slow to come back from Covid and the fact that we hundreds of people come live was a real plus. We were particularly excited by the number of young people that showed up. | Both of Mark's programs were directly related to involving people in Jewish Life. | Original Program | Yes | Honorable Mention | |||||
| 43 | 2023-04-09 21:07 | jbrody627 | 47.20.34.190 | 2023 | I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines. | Midway Jewish Center Men's Club - Syosset, NY (890) | Veterans Day Breakfast | Dr. Jeff Shore | Jonathan | Brody | jbrody627@gmail.com | Jason | Saltsberg | JSaltsberg@olshanlaw.com | Matt | Kogan | matt31974@hotmail.com | Community Outreach | The Midway Jewish Centers Mens Club Veterans Day Breakfast This annual program honors Midway members and community members who served in the military. We invite members who served this country from the Syosset/Plainview NY area. | The Veterans Breakfast happens once a year around Veterans Day. We have found this event to be very rewarding and fulfilling for the Mens Club, Midway Community and the especially the men and women who served. We invite the veterans and their families while we honor them with the breakfast. We ask them to make a presentation or just have a conversation about their experiences and answer any questions. We have had veterans who served including a 99 year old woman named Tess Garber, who enlisted in the military in 1943 and served as a teletype operator. She served as a US Marine Sargent. Tess was honored by a program called “Opening the Door”—honoring military women considered trailblazers for future females serving in the Armed Forces. We have also had members of the IDF who served. Our Rabbi Joel Levenson currently serves in our armed forces as a Chaplin for the National Guard. | the_veterans_breakfast_details.docx (12 KB) | veterans-breakfast_planning_.docx (14 KB) | vets_breakfast.pdf (154 KB) tessie_shirley_pierce_garbers_bio_2.pdf (519 KB) | img_3224.jpg (813 KB) img_3225.jpg (1145 KB) img_3228.jpg (706 KB) img_3230.jpg (843 KB) img_3229.jpg (798 KB) | The program is very well received and quite important for veterans to share their stories. | The FJMC has supported the community as well as honored those who served. We wanted to make sure we honor those who served our country as well as Israel. | Original Program | Yes | Honorable Mention | |||
| 42 | 2023-04-09 12:04 | mgetz27 | 76.152.206.153 | 2023 | I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines. | Temple Israel of Sharon Brotherhood - Sharon, MA (738) | Brotherhood Shabbat & Scholar in Residence Weekend | Dr. Jeff Shore | Michael | Getz | mgetz27@comcast.net | Gary | Keimach | gkeimach@comcast.net | Michael | Getz | mgetz27@comcast.net | Mens' Club Shabbat | Our Brotherhood Weekend, officially known as the Temple Israel Brotherhood Shabbat and Annual Robert Zeitsiff Scholar in Residence Weekend, is named in memory of our club’s original founder, Robert Zeitsiff, and is typically held in early January. It is comprised of the following components: Brotherhood-led Shabbat services, a d’var Torah by our invited Scholar in Residence, a “Gala Shabbat Kiddush”, a Saturday evening social program, typically for members and their spouses, and a Sunday breakfast talk with our Scholar in Residence. | We were very proud of our club’s creativity these past two years in planning our Brotherhood Shabbat Weekend, officially known as the Temple Israel Brotherhood Shabbat and Annual Robert Zeitsiff Scholar in Residence Weekend. In January 2022, we welcomed as our Scholar in Residence Dr. Ephraim Isaac, Ethiopian Scholar of Ancient Semitic Languages for a Shabbat d’var Torah and as our Sunday morning speaker, and provided COVID-friendly “Gala Kiddush To-Go Boxed Lunches” and boxed Sunday brunches. We also held a “TV Sitcom Trivia Game Night” that Saturday evening. This year, in February 2023, we welcomed back as our Scholar in Residence Rabbi Menachem Creditor, the Pearl and Ira Meyer Scholar in Residence of the UJA Federation of New York, who served a Assistant Rabbi at our temple in the early 2000’s. At the last minute we had to scramble to reschedule the weekend from January when Rabbi Creditor came down with COVID. In addition, his wife, Neshama Carlebach, the award-winning singer/songwriter, performed a concert with her band that evening that was open to the greater community and brought in over 300 people. Our Brotherhood Weekend, officially known as the Temple Israel Brotherhood Shabbat and Annual Robert Zeitsiff Scholar in Residence Weekend, is named in memory of our club’s original founder, Robert Zeitsiff, z”l. We typically hold Brotherhood Weekend in early January, and it is comprised of the following components: 1) Brotherhood-led Shabbat services – with Brotherhood members leading all aspects of the services; 2) A d’var Torah by our invited Scholar in Residence; 3) A President’s Message, by our club president; 4) A “Gala Shabbat Kiddush” that features our famous glazed Kosher salami; 5) A Saturday evening social program, typically for members and their spouses, though in 2023, as we held a concert, we opened it to the greater community. In past years we’ve had parties in members’ homes, dances at the temple, game nights, etc. 6) Sunday breakfast talk with our Scholar in Residence. We host the Kiddush for the entire community, and invite sponsor and supporter donations for the weekend – with multiple sponsorship tiers, as can be seen in the program. We also charge a small fee for the Sunday morning breakfast. Over the past few years, our temple Sisterhood’s members have helped with set up and serving food at our Brotherhood Kiddush, and we have reciprocated at Sisterhood’s annual Shabbat and Kiddush. The smooth functioning of our Brotherhood Weekend involves many of our members and their spouses. We prepare flyers, advertisements and the program guide in Microsoft PowerPoint (attached) and PDF and use Google Forms and Google Sheets for volunteer sign-up sheets (Excel table attached). Our temple administrative office sets up a registration form with eCommerce on the temple’s ShulCloud-based web site. Given the importance of this year’s concert, we advertised throughout the temple and local Jewish community, in social media, and placed advertisements in Boston-area Jewish publications. We also reached out to other local clubs and synagogues and sent copies of the flyer. | 2023_brotherhood_weekend_concert_program.pdf (341 KB) 2023_brotherhood_weekend_concert_program.pptx (132 KB) 2023_neshama_carlebach_concert_flyer.pdf (177 KB) 2022_brotherhood_shabbat_flyer.pdf (810 KB) 2022_brotherhood_shabbat_flyer.pptx (302 KB) 2023_brotherhood_weekend_carlebach_concert_volunteer_list.xlsx (82 KB) | 2023_shul_pr_email.docx (71 KB) 2023_sample_concert_email_blast_1.pdf (781 KB) 2023_sample_concert_email_blast_2.pdf (354 KB) 2022_brotherhood_shabbat_flyer.pdf (810 KB) 2023_neshama_carlebach_concert_flyer.pdf (177 KB) 2023_brotherhood_shabbat_concert_dual_flyer.jpg (721 KB) | 2023_neshama_carlebach_photo_1.jpg (2840 KB) 2023_neshama_carlebach_photo_2.jpg (2307 KB) 2023_neshama_carlebach_photo_3.jpg (2912 KB) 2023_sunday_scholar_talk_1.jpg (2493 KB) 2023_sunday_scholar_talk_2.jpg (2676 KB) 2022_scholar_photo.jpg (2193 KB) 2022_tv_sitcom_trivia_prizes.jpg (3687 KB) | Our Brotherhood Shabbat Weekends in 2022 and 2023 were both very successful and well received, involving the participation of a large number of club members, and also bringing in a large number of synagogue and community members for the engaging Scholar in Residence, “Gala” Kiddush. This year, our synagogue President, Neil Aronson, thanked us with the following words: “Thank you all for an amazing weekend at Temple Israel. Your hard work resulted in an incredibly successful, meaningful and enjoyable weekend. From a wonderful Mishpacha Minyan and Kabbalat Shabbat to a great turnout (on a holiday weekend!) for Shabbat services and a scrumptious kiddush luncheon to a wonderful Sunday brunch and fascinating discussion with Rabbi Creditor, everyone is still kvelling. “All your efforts making this so successful was truly remarkable. And when one considers that Covid doubled the amount of work, our words cannot say enough for your redoubling (tripling?) of your efforts to make this weekend so successful. “It’s an honor to be President of a shul with such a vibrant, committed and caring Brotherhood. Please send along to the Brotherhood members the Executive Committee’s congratulations and utmost appreciation for all you do.” | Our annual Brotherhood Weekend has become an example to the entire synagogue community of ways that men can be engaged and participate in all aspects of Jewish life – with aspects of Brotherhood Weekend tying into ritual, leadership, education, and community. | Original Program | Yes | Silver | ||||
| 41 (draft) | 2023-04-02 15:29 | mikep2 | 73.197.57.108 | 2023 | I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines. | South Jersey Men'S Club - Cherry Hill, NJ (503) | Best Overall | Michael | Perloff | Mikep2@comcast.net | Abe | Ferdas | aferdas@verizon.net | Phillip | Godorov | PhillipGodorov@gmail.com | Best Overall Activities | |||||||||||||||
| 40 | 2023-03-31 07:52 | Dale | 134.228.138.72 | 2023 | I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines. | Park Synagogue Men's Club - Cleveland, OH (335) | Discussion of Heart Health - Combined FJMC & MRJ Learning Opportunity | Dr. Jeff Shore | Dale | Levy | dlevy82@gmail.com | Richard | Price | parkmcpresident@gmail.com | Richard | Price | parkmcpresident@gmail.com | Health and Wellness | This is a combine FJMC and MRJ event on Heart Health education. It is presented by Dr. Dale Levy, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, President of KIO at the Temple Emanuu El (TEE) a Reform Shul in Cleveland, Ohio. It is a hybrid in-person and zoom event reaching people from New York to Ohio. | On March 19th, Dr. Dale Levy spoke at TEE in Cleveland, Ohio on Heart Health. The talk was called Heart Health, Don't Eat The Schmaltz! (Of course schmaltz was served for breakfast!!!) The talk focused on the risk factors for developing heat disease and how to change your risk factors. Since most risk factors are due to lifestyle decisions, making lifestyle changes will impact the heart health in your life! The talk finished with an educational session on using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). The AED is present in nearly every institution, yet nearly no one knows where it is! So we showed where it is. We discussed how long it takes to get the AED (seconds) compared to getting EMS (Minutes) to show the importance. We also had a demonstration to show how east the AED is to use. The temple had nearly 40 people in attendance and about 35 people attended by zoom. Zoom attendees were from MRJ in NY anf KIO in Ohio. This is the 1st combined FJMC & MRJ event in our region. I'm not sure how many othe regions have done combined events, but this is a model event for regions to use to develop for combined events. As time goes on, the differences between MRJ and FJMC decrease! It is to both of our benefits to have combined programming. I met Len Gold from TEE over a year ago when he approached me to have a zoom event with KIO with Ron Blomberg (the first designated hitter in MLB - A Jew) which was a successful event. When he approached me about this event I thought that KIO should be actively involved. Park Synagogue Men's Club promoted this event locally and TEE promoted it in the Cleveland Jewish News. We sent promotion to KIO and members from Columbus, Dayton and Cincinnati connected by zoom. TEE promoted to synagogues in NY and Westchester connected by zoom. The Hybrid model is here to stay and is to be used to our advantage! We are now able to have NY and Ohio attend an event in which we discuss important information like heart health! Not only that, we are able to have men from reform and conservative shuls come together and learn together. When I looked around the room, I saw friends from elementary school, high school, synagogue in Cleveland and then on zoom, friends from Columbus, Cincinnati and NY. This is amazing! The Torch Award Designation is kind if irrelevant! - Health, Combined, Programming, Whatever! This event IS A TORCH AWARD. Prove me wrong! | event_flyer.pdf (567 KB) | This was a successful event that reached many people across many divisions: men & women, young & old, Reform & Conservative. | The program was a complete success. After we finished i received texts from people on zoom telling me they loved the event. Those present were very happy and congratulated me. Most importantly, both the reform and conservative communities were happy with the event and llok forward to similar events in the future. | This program is an important step in advancing relations with FJMC & MRJ. It can be a model for other FJMC regions to build relations with their brothers in MRJ in their own cities!!! As membership in FJMC locally diminishes and likewise in MRJ we need to acknowledge our commonalities and get together! Common programming is the way of the future! In addition hybrid programming is the way to reach more people! Think about it! | Original Program | Yes | Gold | |||||
| 39 | 2023-03-23 09:46 | sarbital | 69.119.105.62 | 2023 | I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines. | Temple Beth Ahm Men's Club - Aberdeen, NJ (923) | The Holy Temple LEGO Model - A Unique Experience | Dr. Jeff Shore | Seth | Arbital | smarbital@gmail.com | Seth | Arbital | smarbital@gmail.com | Seth | Arbital | smarbital@gmail.com | Joint Programming | On March 19, 2023, five temple Men's Clubs joined together to bring Scholar and LEGO Master builder, Yitzy Kasowitz to Temple Beth Ahm. He brought the Second Holy Temple to life using his accurate 1/613 scale LEGO model as a tool. We flew Ytizy in from Florida. He used his model as a tool to discuss details of the Temple that most people never knew. The model and his presentation was based on extensive research. His presentation was about 90 minutes, followed by a question and answer session that lasted another half hour. This Q&A was followed by many gathering around his model and continuing the conversation with him for another hour. | LEGO Master, Yitzy Kasowitz of jbrick.com has done extensive research of the Second Holy Temple from a variety of sources such as Maimonides, the Talmud, and other scholars to develop his expertise of the Second Holy Temple. He used his research to build what has been identified as the most accurate model of the Second Holy Temple in existence. The model contains over 6000 LEGOS, and is 1/613 size of the actual Temple. It is amazing all the minor details included for accuracy. Ytizy used the model to bring the Temple to life in full detail, including: the Antonia Fortress, Tiropian highway, Kidron Valley, bridges and the grand stairs of the Chulda gates. The different modules of the temple were lifted to show the attendees the details of the different parts of the Temple. He also has a larger model of one of the entry doors and wall with a LEGO figure that showed the enormous size of the Temple, relative to the size of an average man. As he discussed the main sanctuary, the walls of the Holy and Holy of Holies were peeled away exposing the magnificence of the structure, and provided details we never knew. His lifting the Temple Mount section revealed many hidden and unseen details (tunnels, archways, etc.). He also made a prediction of where the arc of the covenant may be buried. We brought together 5 Men's Clubs from Old Bridge, Aberdeen, Marlboro, and Manalapan. About 90 attendees were in gathered around to learn about the Holy Temple. We did have sponsorships, that were recognized and had preferred seating. Even those most learned about the Holy Temple learned details that were previously unknown. Refreshments were served at the event (cookies, pastries, hot & cold beverages). | jbrick_sponsors.pdf (420 KB) jbrick.xlsx (11 KB) jbrick_0.xlsx (11 KB) | jbrick.pdf (422 KB) | 337146074_3425502534359537_7047491046083720722_n.jpg (179 KB) 337035433_799872594810620_4898640039489086350_n.jpg (56 KB) 336994880_748634476720655_2495636483966379311_n.jpg (52 KB) 336877955_746346320356988_1661584121520688398_n.jpg (82 KB) 337039108_157716520164574_2480254358295077831_n.jpg (35 KB) 337126992_1233124690934584_7384453275028909795_n.jpg (73 KB) 20230319_142755.jpg (2550 KB) | This event brought the Jewish community of 5 shuls across 4 towns together. There was the social aspect of the program. In addition, the presentation brought knowledge of Holy Temple that was previously unknown. Feedback received from attendees was extremely positive, some saying that they will take a sort of pride with them from what they learned, and that it brings more meaning to some of their prayers. Everyone was engaged. Our club, like all has suffered from lack of programming due to Covid. This program ws a great way to show that the Men's Club programming is back and relevant. We are also positioned as the Men's Club that is actively working to strengthen Jewish community both within our shul and across the Jewish Community at large. | FJMC promotes the idea of Jewish Community and Jewish learning. This program achieved those goals. In addition, 2 of the clubs were from reformed congregations, who have now expressed possible interest in joining the FJMC. Follow-up meetings will be had between our local regions and those clubs. | Yitzy is very open to joining the FJMC speakers bureau. | Original Program | Yes | Silver | |||
| 38 | 2023-03-20 12:14 | jimhandler0711@... | 70.231.35.134 | 2023 | I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines. | West End Synagogue Men's Club - Nashville, TN (1706) | Yom Hashoah Yellow Candle Distribution | Dr. Jeff Shore | Jim | Handler | jimhandler0711@gmail.com | Jim | Handler | jimhandler0711@gmail.com | Jim | Handler | jimhandler0711@gmail.com | Yom HaShoah Yellow Candle | We distribute our Yellow Candles in our Sisterhoods mishloach manot bags, each bag is hand delivered to each congregant by another member. | By doing this we save about $1,000 in postage and boxes. We hesitated to do this because our members would receive these 6 weeks early, also afraid to ask for donations at the same time we are giving out treats. We put the candle in a yellow bag, with a letter on Men's Club letterhead (see attached), and a return envelope to Men's Club for a check. he yellow bag goes into the mishloach manot bag. Our Rabbi wrote a perfect letter, it should be attached. About 2 weeks prior to Yom Hashoah we send a follow up reminder letter with a meditation to recite while lighting the candle and another return envelope for a contribution. Our members help Sisterhood deliver the bags. If our receipts are larger than our expenses, we donate a portion to Sisterhood. We also put a blurb in the Synagogues weekly Email the 3 weeks prior to Yom Hashoah, telling them if they did not receive the candle in their masloach manot bag, to let us know and we send them one, also a reminder when to light the candle. | yom_hashoah_letter_2022x.doc (25 KB) | The program is a success. We have no complaints, can't tell you how many people actually light their candles. Everyone gets a candle. | This program is a reminder to all our congregants that Men's club is a valued part of our community. It supports a program that is extremely important to the entire Jewish World | Original Program | Yes | Honorable Mention | ||||||
| 37 (draft) | 2023-03-20 12:14 | jimhandler0711@... | 70.231.35.134 | 2023 | I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines. | West End Synagogue Men's Club - Nashville, TN (1706) | Yom Hashoah Yellow Candle Distribution | Jim | Handler | jimhandler0711@gmail.com | Jim | Handler | jimhandler0711@gmail.com | Jim | Handler | jimhandler0711@gmail.com | Yom HaShoah Yellow Candle | |||||||||||||||
| 36 (draft) | 2023-03-19 17:30 | bruce | 67.83.69.79 | 2023 | I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines. | New City Jewish Center Men'S Club - New City, NY (1850) | test | Bruce | Sicherman | bruce@sibro.biz | Bruce | Sicherman | bruce@sibro.biz | Bruce | Sicherman | bruce@sibro.biz | Shomrei Ha'aretz | |||||||||||||||
| 35 | 2023-03-18 11:16 | Hal Marcus | 67.243.96.238 | 2023 | I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines. | Temple Sinai Men's Club - Middletown, NY (1858) | Hall of Remembrance Program | Dr. Jeff Shore | Hal | Marcus | hmarc57@yahoo.com | Hal | Marcus | hmarc57@yahoo.com | Hal | Marcus | hmarc57@yahoo.com | Jewish Observance | The Hall of Remembrance is a Temple Sinai Men's Club program for honoring those of blessed memory of loved ones. The program creates a beautiful and touching physical focal point in the Synagogue lobby during Yom Kippur and Yom Hashoah. Yahrzeit candles are personalized with the names of those being remembered, as well as the name(s) of those honoring their memory. There is one honoree per yahrzeit along with up to three names of those honoring their memory. The candle label also includes the Temple Sinai Men’s Club logo, identifying it as a Temple Sinai Men’s Club project. | The Hall of Remembrance is a Temple Sinai Men's Club program for honoring those of blessed memory of loved ones. The program creates a beautiful and touching physical focal point in the Synagogue lobby during Yom Kippur and Yom Hashoah. Yahrzeit candles are personalized with the names of those being remembered, as well as the name(s) of those honoring their memory. There is one honoree per yahrzeit along with up to three names of those honoring their memory. The candle label also includes the Temple Sinai Men’s Club logo, identifying it as a Temple Sinai Men’s Club project. We use LED tea lights for safety and economy. The LED candle batteries last up to 100 hours. The Hall of Remembrance is installed any time before Kol Nidre, Yom HaShoah or any other Yizkor event where it will be promoted, and the LED tea lights are turned on shortly before the holiday or event begins, so it is illuminated when people begin arriving. After the end of Yom Kippur or other program the candles are turned off, labels removed, glasses wiped with alcohol to remove any adhesive residue and they are ready for their next use. If someone asks, we let them take their candles home, but we do not actively promote that. We are promoting “sponsoring” rather than “buying” the memorial candles. We promote the candles at $10 for one, $18 for two and $5 each additional above two. They cost less than $1.00 to produce initially, and are reused, so there is an excellent fundraising potential. We also promote the program through social media. If you would like more information or have any questions, please feel free to contact Hal Marcus at hmarc57@yahoo.com. | hall_of_remembrance_program_description_final.docx (38 KB) | hall_of_remembrance_timeline_1.pdf (93 KB) | yom_hashoah_hor_marketing.pdf (205 KB) yom_hashoah_hall_of_remembrance_form.pdf (148 KB) yom_hashoah_holocaust_rememberance_flier.pdf (205 KB) hall_of_remembrance_candle_components_costs.pdf (107 KB) | yom_hashoah_hall_of_remembrance_picture.pdf (5493 KB) hall_of_remembrance_yom_hashoah.pdf (5493 KB) | The reception and response from the Temple Sinai congregation to the Hall of Remembrance Program for both Yom Kippur and Yom Hashoah has been tremendous. Candle purchases have averages between $900 and $1000 for each ceremony. The inserts of 2 names from people who have died during the Holocaust in the Yom Hashoah Candle packets with a request to read their names on Yon Hashoah as they light the candles has received much appreciation from members who have lost family members during the Holocaust. Seeing their loved ones names on the candle glasses amongst several other Temple Member's relatives on one table also gives the impression of unity. Members have said that their loved one's memory is among many loved ones and that they are not recognized alone. Since first introduced in 2017, this program has been a success and reportedly is being duplicated in other synagogues around the country. | The observances of Yom Kippur and Yom Hashoah, two ongoing memorials recognized each year, continues to remind us that loved ones and people who died during the Holocaust are not forgotten. As those who have survived the Holocaust are aging out, we need to continue to recognize this tragic and historic event so that we make sure it never happens again. The Hall of Remembrance is just that kind of program we need to do this. It is also a way of bringing the Jewish Community closer together, especially in lieu of the Hate crimes directed toward the Jewish Community. This program perpetuates leadership and innovation, while involving the entire Jewish Community in its mission and purpose. | I hope the Hall of Remembrance program will become one of the FJMC's premier programs to unite the Jewish Community in its efforts to "Never Forget" our Jewish heritage and Jewish roots. | An adaptation or enhancement of a previous Torch Award entry TAxx-xxxx| | Hall of Remembrance adaptation & update | Yes | Gold | |
| 34 | 2023-03-16 21:13 | gersonl | 99.166.173.40 | 2023 | I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines. | Beth Torah Sha’aray Tzedek’s Men’s Club - Tamarac, FL (1321) | Yom Hashoah Candled program | Dr. Jeff Shore | Larry | Gerson | gersonl@bellsouth.net | Larry | Gerson | gersonl@bellsouth.net | Larry | Gerson | gersonl@bellsouth.net | Yom HaShoah Yellow Candle | This program is to inspire our youth to never ever ever forget about the Holocaust | We mail out approximately 250 candles along with a letter that was designed by fjmc that list a person from the Holocaust and we also invite our complete congregation to a program that is put on by our youth. In the past we had some survivors but as you know there are very few left | 20230316_191541.jpg (2894 KB) 20230316_191159.jpg (3225 KB) 20230316_191151.jpg (3256 KB) 20230316_191137.jpg (3148 KB) 20230316_191130.jpg (3692 KB) 20230316_184937.jpg (3227 KB) 20230316_184925.jpg (2998 KB) 20230316_184916.jpg (3950 KB) | This yellow candle program ensures that every congregation member has a chance to light the candle and think about the Holocaust and how it affected everyone in the world | Fjmc has helped us so much with the whole candle project from obtaining the candles to helping us with our letters helping us with our mailing and it's a great organization to be part of | Hopefully nobody will ever ever forget the Holocaust | Original Program | Yes | ||||||
| 33 | 2023-03-15 23:27 | jsalant | 100.15.88.93 | 2023 | I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines. | B'nai Israel Men's Club - Rockville, MD (1103) | Yellow Candles | Dr. Jeff Shore | JONATHAN | SALANT | jds15@aol.com | JONATHAN | SALANT | jds15@aol.com | JONATHAN | SALANT | jds15@aol.com | Yom HaShoah Yellow Candle | Many synagogues participate in the Yellow Candle program to mark Yom Hashoah. But at B'nai Israel, we send a candle to every member of our congregation, all 1100 of them. | Using Men's Club volunteers and often sixth graders in our Hebrew School, we make sure that every member of our congregation gets a candle to light on Yom Hashoah. | candle.pdf (69 KB) mensclubletter.pdf (173 KB) yom_hashoah_signed_rabbis_ltr_2023.pdf (728 KB) | helpus.pdf (628 KB) | help.pdf (6 KB) | 20230315_203719.jpg (2945 KB) 20230315_203710.jpg (2886 KB) | The Yellow Candle program engages the entire congregation as everyone gets a candle, even members who have moved far away but remain connected to the synagogue. It also engages our Hebrew School sixth graders as they learn about the Holocaust while helping to ensure everyone in the congregation is able to mark Yom Hashoah by lighting a candle. In addition, we include a donation envelope and ask for contributions to help cover the cost of the Yellow Candle program.We get a wonderful response. | The program engages our members in helping to mark one of the most solemn occasions on the Jewish calendar and gets the entire synagogue community to participate in Holocaust remembrance. | Original Program | Yes | Bronze |
