2023 Torch Award Application (submit here)

Show 20 | 50 | All results per page. 91 results total.
#sort ascendingSubmittedUserIP AddressAward YearDocuments readClub NameProgram NameExisting ContactFirst NameLast NameEmail of Club RepFirst NameLast NameEmailFirst NameLast NameEmail Current PresidentCategoryProgram Overview SummaryDetailed ProgramDetail Program DocumentsProgram Advance PlanningMarketingPhotosVideoImpactFJMCAdditional InputProgram OriginIdentify SourceCertificationAward Level (to be completed by Torch Award Chairmen after judging)
922023-05-01 09:25martinmantis335898.185.178.1112023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.Kol Haverim Mens Club - Glastonbury, CT (207)Yellow Candles April 19, 2023Dr. Jeff ShoreMARTINMANTISdba.mantis.sales@cox.netMARTINMANTISdba.mantis.sales@cox.netMARTINMANTISdba.mantis.sales@cox.netYom HaShoah Yellow CandleYellow Candle Program summary Our Brotherhood makes it a mission for all congregational families to receive the Yellow Candles for Yom Hashoah We do the program on Wednesday Nights - school takes place on Wednesday and hope some students and family members stay for the service which is at 6PM Our Congregational Community fully supports this program and any donations we receive go back to Holocaust program within our congregation and the ADL does some programming too. We deliver the Yellow candles to all congregants homes prior to Yom Hashoah.. If congregants are out of town - we mail the yellow candles to them. Our Rabbi Kari performs our Yom Hashoah service in person and via zoom We get wonderful letters from congregants after the service with donations that go back to Holocaust programming. We, The Brotherhood of Congregation Kol Haverim started doing Yellow Candles 3 years ago when we joined FJMC Connecticut Valley Region Our mission is to reach all members of our congregation with a candle at their home. for all our local families - we have a few guys that drive to our congregants homes and personally deliver the candles to them. Some of our congregants who come to our building can pick up but after April 9th, the CKH brotherhood drivers head out and deliver. Some of our members are home and we chat with them. Many though are not home at the time of delivery and we out on their door post or in their front door area. I will be attaching the letter and memorial information that is provided with the Yellow Candle For those members who are out of the area -we package up and mail 1st class to be sure they receive them. The Yellow candles are in a Yellow bag along with information about the upcoming service and a note at the bottom of the letter if they want to make a donation for this program. A second page lists the name of a child who perished. Each family receives a different name. Our Rabbi Dr. Kari Tuling presides over our Yom Hashoah Services on Wednesday April 19th. We have in house and provide this service via Zoom to our congregants. The service lasts about 45 minutes and finishes with all congregants in attendance or via zoom light the yellow candle and recite a name of a child who perished during the Holocaust. This is a very powerful moment for all of us. There is a quietness after the lighting for a minute or two. A week following the program - The Brotherhood starts to receive donations for this program. To date, we have received over $500 in donations. These $$ are earmarked for Holocaust and ADL programming within our congregation The ADL has come in for a program on Hate , Antisemitism in our State ( CT) The hebrew school also had programming from the ADL to talk to our students as well during their hebew school classes which was held on a Wednesday in April. yom_hashoah_2023_congregant_letter.pdf (122 KB)yom_hashoah_2023_prayer_meditation.pdf (178 KB)Our Congregation really appreciates this programing on the Holocaust/ Yom Hashoah and we will continue to provide programming throughout the year(s). We find some of our members have participated in this programming. Our most difficult challenge is getting younger families to take part in this particular program. This is something we need to work on and when I attend Convention, I hope to receive ideas regarding this.Our membership is Free to all male members of our congregation. We only have about 20-30 paying members out of a total of 150 give or take. Programming always needs to be adjusted to bring more men of our congregation involved. Something we are always working on. It really pertains to the younger guys ages 30-45. Not getting these guys involved in Bhood and we cannot figure out why. We talk to them but they just dont seem to make time for themselves - rather more about their work and families. we want to offer more programming but this age bracket is really hard to figure out.WE do not have any pictures or film from this very important program. All I can tell you is prior to 3 years ago we did not have the Yellow Candle program - our congregants greatly appreciate this program exists and they do not want it to end.Other Sourceyellow candlesYesHonorable Mention
912023-04-28 00:10ScotF155.70.104.1172023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.B'Nai Amoona Men'S Club - St. Louis, MO (631)Hearing Men's Voices - Men's Health Edition with Dr. Ronan LevDr. Jeff ShoreScotFowlerscot.a.fowler@gmail.comScotFowlerscot.a.fowler@gmail.comKevinLittlitt.kevin@gmail.comHearing Men's VoicesMen's Club held a special Hearing Men's Voices - Medical Edition with Dr. Ronan Lev, who led a discussion on Men's Health and aging. As part of marketing this HMV, we created an anonymous submissions form for attendees to submit questions in advance the March 15th session, and provided those questions to Dr. Lev previous to meeting.After attending a Hearing Men's Voices session earlier in the year, Dr. Lev approached the Men's Club leadership with the offer of a Men's Health discussion, covering a wide-ranging set of topics. We determined that we would ask the members what questions they would like answered as part of this session, and, too make it anonymous, we developed a Google Form that wouldn't capture the email/name of the individual who was submitting the question(s). In addition to answering members' questions, and addressing men's health/aging in general terms, Dr. Lev also opened up the discussion for any medical topic the group was interested in. What resulted was a lively discussion over a multitude of health issues men face as we grow older.2023-03-15_hmv-medicaled.docx (1910 KB)Men's health issues, as we age, is not typically a popular topic, but this was one of our biggest HMV attendances. I think it was well attended because the person leading this presentation was not only a doctor board-certified by the American Board of Urology with a specialization in laparoscopy and stone surgery, but he was also an active member of our club. To help make men even more comfortable, we provided the club with a link to where they could ask questions anonymously. This allowed guys to attend and ask questions without having to raise their hand. Our HMV presenter, Ronan, did a fantastic job of starting with a basic description of issues men have as they age, and then letting the group lead the conversation with questions. The Hearing Men's Voices Program engages our community with issues that concern Jewish Men, and our health is one of the most important issues. This talk, with Dr. Lev, allowed for very meaningful conversations, and no one felt any stigma in asking questions that didn't feel comfortable asking in a group format - because they had the opportunity to ask the questions via an anonymous submission.An adaptation or enhancement of a previous Torch Award entry TAxx-xxxx|TA-631-2015YesSilver
902023-04-27 23:10obgenetics155.190.17.42023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.Congregation Beth Shalom Men'S Club - Northbrook, IL (643)Beer on the WallDr. Jeff ShoreAndrewWagnerandrew.wagner@nm.orgBobGoldwinrudybux@comcast.netAndrew/StevenWagner/Lessmanandrew.wagner@nm.orgProgramming for Younger Men, 39 and youngerThe lifeblood of any successful Men’s Club is sustainability and reaching out to future generations of members. Attracting younger members and introducing them to the Club will help keep the Club alive. We followed a successful program on Zoom in the early days of the pandemic with an in-person version, craft beer tasting from a local shop.On March 4, 2021, in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Congregation Beth Shalom (CBS) Men’s Club held a dinner and beer tasting. As we were still not yet having events in person at the synagogue, dinner could be ordered from a Kosher caterer, the beer was available for pickup, and the tasting was guided by an employee of a local craft beer store called Beer on the Wall. This was an incredibly memorable and successful program. Now that we are able to have events back in person, we wanted to bring this program back in-person. What made this event memorable, beyond the beer, learning about brewing, and the discussion, was the wide range of Club members who attended. This was especially popular amongst our younger members. These members are who we hope to become emerging leaders in the Club. In bringing this program back in an in-person fashion, we hoped to attract a younger crowd. This way, we could show them how fun and meaningful our Men’s Club can be while hosting an interesting event. Our VP of Programming checked with a number of local liquor stores, but we primarily focused on the one we used last time. They were able to bring a variety of beers to taste as well as an employee who does these types of private events and tastings frequently. His experience as a cicerone, like a wine sommelier but for beer, was certain to make the experience fun and educational. A reasonable event price point of $15/person was set to cover the beverages, the cicerone, and snacks was set. Publicity was sent through our synagogue bulletin, emails, and, what proved to be the most helpful, word of mouth. This event was held on April 19, 2023 in the evening after a quick Board meeting with a break between for evening Minyan. tried four beers, and our cicerone discussed the breweries, the histories of these types of beers, and some of the science of brewing these beers. He also went over food pairings and how best to taste beers. We had 40 attendees. There were about 10 attendees age 39 and younger, and 6 were new to Club events. There was great spontaneous effort by the more experienced members and Club leaders to introduce themselves to these new faces and welcome them to the event. We hope that these new faces will represent the present and future of the CBS Men’s Club. botwem1.pdf (649 KB)
botwem2.pdf (760 KB)
botwem3.pdf (924 KB)
botwem4.pdf (774 KB)		botw_flyer.pdf (75 KB)
botwemann.pdf (626 KB)		botw1.pdf (558 KB)
botw2.pdf (465 KB)
botw3.pdf (1727 KB)
botw4.pdf (823 KB)		We were extremely happy with how some of our emerging new leaders and upcoming Board members invited friends to attend the event. The success of the event will likely make this a yearly event. As it was held after a Board meeting, that made good attendance easy to obtain and very convenient.Leadership: Our programming VP made the majority of the arrangements and encouraged younger members to invite other younger and new faces. Innovation: Connecting the event with a Board meeting made the event successful as it linked to a work hard, play hard mentality, and it was easy to get good attendance as members were already planning on being at the synagogue that night. Community: The event was open to the entire congregation, and a spouse of a member attended. A wide range of members attended. Even if a cicerone or expert is not available, events like this could be made to compare any kind of drink or food.Original ProgramYesSilver
892023-04-27 21:56Litt97.91.183.1502023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.B'Nai Amoona Men'S Club - St. Louis, MO (631)Ax Throwing with a MohelDr. Jeff ShoreKevinLittlitt.kevin@gmail.comScotFowlerscot.a.fowler@gmail.comKevinLittlitt.kevin@gmail.comProgramming for Younger Men, 39 and youngerThe program was a fun way to encourage guys to get together. https://stljewishlight.org/top-story/axe-throwing-with-a-mohel/#This wasn't designed to be a complicated program. The goal was to have fun in a way that got new guys interested in participating in something related to Men's Club. This was fun and had a funny name and so it worked. We called the Mohel and asked if he would join us. After he stopped laughing he said yes and put the date in his calendar. We set the date with the location, brought kosher pizza and beer (location required groups to byob and food). Men's Club members received a discount when registering for the event. Throughout the night we threw axes, hatchets, ninja stars, knives, a javelin, and even a hand shovel (that was Ed Herzog's favorite). At the beginning of the night, after the safety briefing, Rabbi Rovinsky (the Mohel) did a d'var about sin and missing the mark. Fun was had by all and everyone walked out with the same number of appendages the had when they walked in. axe_throwing_torch_award_program_schedule.xlsx (31 KB)screenshot_2023-04-30_180116.png (216 KB)52650865312_2dd8a45f3b_k.jpg (122 KB)
axe-throwing-900x506.jpg (67 KB)
52650865767_9a05e52b6b_k.jpg (120 KB)
52651357656_309032a552_k.jpg (252 KB)
52651799620_eadd5443bd_k.jpg (113 KB)
52651799715_499e5e0dda_k.jpg (191 KB)
52651800260_80b83a411b_k.jpg (216 KB)
52651800365_c705d57024_k.jpg (159 KB)		It was fun to get guys together with a goofy theme. This was a huge success and had many guys that couldn't attend say they want to go next year. I also had several members of the Sisterhood ask if they could join Men's Club. When this event was promoted at the B'nai Amoona Board Meeting, it was met will a round of laughter and smiles. Event's like these make Men's Club feel like its something anyone can participate in. Any activity we do that gets guys active in something related to Jewish life supports the FJMC mission. The guys who attend Axe Throwing with a Mohel were the same ones who volunteered to deliver yellow candles three months later. Schedule an extra few minutes of time on your phone call for the Mohel to laugh when you tell him your idea for the event.Original ProgramYesGold
882023-04-27 21:36marcrichards73.246.14.212023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.North Suburban Beth El Men's Club - Highland Park, IL (614)Mens Club Weekly Email NewslettersDr. Jeff ShoreMarcRichardsmvrichards@gmail.comJoriBrajerjbrajer@gmail.comDanGrossgrossd@gmail.comClub AdministrationFor the past two years, to maintain a better sense of connection between members in the Club, we have embarked on a weekly Mens Club email newsletter. Even though the amount of programming was down, and in-person contact was minimal, we felt that we could at least send out weekly emails with happenings in the synagogue and community to let members know we are still here and care. Prior to this, the email newsletter were sent out primarily to publicize upcoming events, which became few and far between because of the Covid shutdown and continuing pandemic.Mens Club Email Newsletters The overall goal was to maintain outreach to Men's Club members by increasing the frequency and content of the email newsletters to a weekly basis. Even though the amount of programming by our Mens Club was down, and in-person contact was minimal due to the pandemic, we felt that we could at least send out weekly emails with happenings in the synagogue and community to let members know we are still here and care. Prior to this, the email newsletters were sent out on an adhoc basis primarily to publicize upcoming events. However, with the Covid shutdown, events were few and far between, and even sparse a year after the pandemic started. So we embarked on a campaign to provide weekly email newsletters. To fill content in the lack of programming by our Men’s Club, we would promote the online webinars provided by FJMC International and our Midwest Region. We asked members to share news of events they were aware of. We included links to podcasts and other online resources. Because of restrictions on attendance at services, attendance was sparse at simchas so we included notes congratulating families of recent b’nai mitzvot kids. We feel this adds a nice personal touch to the “younger” men in our community who have school age children. When mid-week in-person minyan returned, we included reminders for members to attend to ensure we had a full minyan. We often highlight certain synagogue events in our newsletter even though not sponsored by Men's Club. And the synagogue includes Mens Club events in the synagogue-wide weekly emails. So by having our emails on the same weekly frequency, we each reinforce the publicity of community events, whcih may otherwise be drowned out by other emails. The email newsletters are created by our VP of communications. He generates and finds most of the content, and also solicits weekly input from members. Some of the content is taken from our synagogue emails and lists upcoming synagogue events, which are not sponsored by the Mens Club. Some of the content is taken from the FJMC emails about online webinars and other events. The email newsletters use a standard template, so that it is easy to cut & paste content to fill it in. The newsletter is prepared usually on Thursday evenings by our VP of Communications. It is scheduled to be automatically delivered via email at 6 AM each Sunday morning. In the past, the email was sent out often on an ad hoc basis when there were events to promote. Now members know they can dependably expect to find our email newsletter in their in-box each Sunday morning. We use Constant Contact as our email database service provider. The Constant Contact database includes active members, inactive members, friends, prospects and new members of the synagogue. So it is delivered to a wider base than just the active members. We hope including inactive members and prospects will encourage reactivation or joining. When Men’s Club hosts events, we have a sign-up sheet and input new names and emails into Constant Contact. Over time the list has increased to more than 500 names, which is more than triple the number of active, paid-up members. Constant Contact provides statistics on the reading of the emails. It reports that after 48 hours, there is usually around 50% read rate of the emails, which is considerably high given the high proportion of recipients who are inactive members. The term inactive really means they are unpaid members. We have a large cadre of inactive members who come to our major events, such as our annual Steak & Scotch dinner. So we know we are reaching many of them, and keeping them linked to the club via the emails. Six sample emails are provided. mens_club_weekly_email_newsletter_-_planning_schedule.xlsx (5 KB)mens_club_email_-_2023-02-12.pdf (2347 KB)
mens_club_email_-_2022-02-13.pdf (1070 KB)
mens_club_email_-_2021-12-21.pdf (718 KB)
mens_club_email_-_2022-07-17.pdf (570 KB)
mens_club_email_-_2022-09-04.pdf (834 KB)
mens_club_email_-_2023-01-29.pdf (1676 KB)		We believe that having emails on a regular weekly basis has helped maintain relationships and connections with the Club during the pandemic. It has become successful to the point that people complain if they cannot find their Sunday morning email, because it may have gone into a spam folder or just been missed. We do not if it has increased membership, but now more people feel they know what is going on with the Club. We have about 150 paid members of the Club, and about 500 names on the email distribution list. There are more than 1000 families who are members in our synagogue. So we have a significant outreach to many former paid-up Club members and prospects. We believe this will benefit the Club in the long run. Although Mens Club events are in the synagogue weekly email, for some families the wife may receive the email and not the husband. So our email matches the frequency of the synagogue emails and can help reinforce the messaging of many events in the synagogue community. Having weekly email helps maintain the FJMC mission of community. In this digital age, emails are still a common form of outreach. We have yet to develop outreach through social media. As we bring in new younger members who relay more on social media, we may need to add additional channels of communication to reach out to them and keep them connected.Other SourceEnhancement; was not entered for Award.YesSilver
872023-04-27 19:32gpollack73.75.56.1422023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.Anshe Emet Men'S Club - Chicago, IL (608)Anti-Hate SeriesDr. Jeff ShoreGreggPollackgdp5607@gmail.comAlanMintzmintzad@gmail.comAlanMintzmintzad@gmail.comEducational ProgrammingSeries consisted of two programs: Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO or Anti-Defamation League (ADL) in March, 2022, and Amy Spitalnick, Executive Director of Integrity First for America in November, 2022. The ADL program was an online interview (webinar) with our senior rabbi, and the Integrity First program was both in person and via Zoom. Each program attracted 70-80 attendees.We partnered with ADL Midwest and the IL Holocaust Museum to bring Jonathan Greenblatt to our synagogue to discuss his new book "It Could Happen Here." We reached out directly to ADL Midwest to organize and plan the program. He was very gracious to meet with us to discuss his book and the rise of antisemitism and other hate crimes in America with our rabbi. We approached Amy Spitalnick directly for our Kristallnacht commemoration in the fall of 2022. She was also very gracious in coming to speak with us; we used the same format as the ADL program, namely our rabbi "interviewed" Amy. Her topic was Kristallnacht: Democracy at Stake. Amy and her organization had successfully sued the Charlottesville neo-nazis. When she visited Anshe Emet, she talked about the connection between assault on democracy and assault on our rights, as well as how we can fight back. aes_and_the_mens_club_present_a_commemoration_of_kristallnacht_with_amy_spitalnick_and_rabbi_michael_siegel_11-9-22.pdf (636 KB)
img_1629_adl_program_3-22-22.png (1616 KB)		Both of these events were very timely, and by offering in person and online, we made them very accessible to our constituency. We know it's important to discuss these issues and what we can do about antisemitism. We need to keep these issues front and center, and bringing in high profile speakers helps us raise awareness and provide coping strategies for our members.Education and open discussion of pressing current issues is part of our culture and values. We need to be proactive and advocate for ourselves and our community. So this is all about providing leadership and innovation - finding and presenting compelling programming to educate our community and help them to be informed and proactive citizens.Don't settle - reach for the highest profile, highest impact speakers you can find. They won't all say yes (or be affordable), but work your local affiliates of national organizations to set up programs like these.Original ProgramYes
862023-04-27 18:26gpollack73.75.56.1422023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.Anshe Emet Men'S Club - Chicago, IL (608)Pesach Kosher Wine TastingDr. Jeff ShoreGreggPollackgdp5607@gmail.comAlanMintzmintzad@gmail.comAlanMintzmintzad@gmail.comJewish ObservanceBack by popular demand after a pandemic-driven hiatus, we offered our Pesach Kosher Wine tasting for the first time since 2019. We partner with our local wine merchant, Binny's, and their Kosher Wine Distributor, Royal Wines, who host a tasting of 8-10 wines, as well as a tutorial on Kosher wines, in their store's tasting room. Attendees can then order wines for their seders at a discount (no sales tax, volume discounts). We receive the wines in bulk at the synagogue and sort them for each individual order. Those who order are then contacted by men's club to pick up their wines once we finish sorting.We start planning 2-3 months before Pesach to ensure that we can find a suitable date for the program ideally 3-4 weeks before the holiday starts. We did not charge for the program, though we provided kosher pizza in addition to the wine (which was provided by Binny's). During the "warm-up" period, we had a blind tasting of 3 different wines. We had about 30 attendees, most of whom purchased wine at the event. Our Kosher Wine Master, Simon Levin, described each wine as we tasted it, while also educating us on the different wine making regions, mevushal vs. non-mevushal, and the various varietals we were tasting. Price points ranged from $12 to $45 per bottle and included white, red and blush/sweet wines (something for everyone). At the end of the program, those who correctly identified the wines from the blind tasting received a free bottle from Simon. The program ran over two hours, and we received very positive feedback from attendees.anshe_emet_mens_club_passover_wine_seminar_2023.doc (142 KB)gmail_-_mens_club_event_-_wine_tasting_3-8-23.pdf (111 KB)Helps our members start preparation for Pesach, while affording opportunity to learn about Kosher wines. Attracts a diverse group as well - younger couples hosting seders, as well as the usual men's club crowd, though often with spouses. So there's a social element to the program, as well as men's club providing a "service" to the synagogue community by helping members prepare for their seders, raising our club profile in the community. And having the wine delivered to the synagogue is also very convenient for our members.Helping our members prepare for and observe the Pesach holiday in a ritually compliant manner, while also educating them and providing a valuable service. Many of the wines also come from Israel, so we are supporting Israeli wine producers. Of course, it's important to support Kosher wine producers no matter where they're based.This is a great way to "show off" your men's club around your shul - shul members and clergy appreciate the service that we provide in helping members prepare for the holiday and also learn more about a critical seder component.Original ProgramYes
852023-04-27 17:37gpollack73.75.56.1422023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.Anshe Emet Men'S Club - Chicago, IL (608)Kayaking on the Chicago RiverDr. Jeff ShoreGreggPollackgdp5607@gmail.comAlanMintzmintzad@gmail.comAlanMintzmintzad@gmail.comHealth and WellnessPost pandemic revival of of annual program combining exercise and nature. We meet at a boathouse on the Chicago River about 15 minutes from the synagogue on a Sunday morning in September. Program includes coffee/hot chocolate and bagels/cream cheese provided by our club, followed by a brief tutorial and approx. 90 minutes of paddling up and back on the north branch of the Chicago River. We typically see herons, egrets, ducks, geese and other water fowl. Program is open to families with children ages 10 and up.We begin advertising 3-4 weeks in advance of the program, careful to schedule around the holidays and back to school timetables. The only cost is what the kayaking provider charges us (each attendee pays onsite after we finish on the river, typically $20-30 boat). We bring coffee and bagels for all as well as hot chocolate for the younger participants (we usually have 1-2 father/son/daughter teams). We can choose single or tandem kayaks, as well as canoes. Not only is there great comradery amongst the paddlers, but we learn to appreciate our city from a completely different perspective (namely that the big city is not just about traffic and noise, but also offers serenity and wildlife). Paddlers can choose how far they want to paddle - if they get tired they can turn around sooner. gmail_-_re_mens_club_event_rescheduled_-_kayaking.pdf (139 KB)
screenshot_2023-04-27_165941_kayaking_2023.png (755 KB)		img-0650_-_kayaking.jpg (3492 KB)
img-0654_-_kayaking.jpg (2834 KB)
img-0653_-_kayaking.jpg (3264 KB)		img-0652_-_kayaking.mov (3493 KB)Great fun and good exercise. Fresh air and appreciation of nature. Attracts new participants and families (spouses and children). Everyone always enjoys this program.Health and wellness of our membership is important. Appreciating nature is part of Shomrei Haaretz too. Offering programming suitable for children is important too so that families can participate together on a Sunday morning.Look for creative ways to get our members moving! Too much sitting around is not healthy...Original ProgramYesBronze
842023-04-27 16:55gpollack73.75.56.1422023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.Anshe Emet Men'S Club - Chicago, IL (608)Yom Hashoah Commemoration - Voices of the GenerationsDr. Jeff ShoreGreggPollackgdp5607@gmail.comAlanMintzmintzad@gmail.comAlanMintzmintzad@gmail.comYom HaShoah Yellow CandleOur annual Yom Hashoah commemoration in 2022 featured Julie Kohner, child of survivors and Founder / CEO of Voices of the Generations, a non-profit organization with a mission to bear witness as a second generation. In as little as ten years there may no longer be a Holocaust survivor to share stories in person. We offered this program in person at the synagogue and livestream. The program included a candle lighting ceremony as well as Julie's presentation.Julie told her parents' stories and we showed a video (see link below) from "This is Your Life" filmed in the early 50's. It's an incredible story and the video is amazing. I could watch it over and over (and I did). See link below as well as PDF attached. https://youtu.be/8PbuDSynfIU The program was offered in person at the synagogue and via livestream. Yellow candles were mailed out in advance of the program, and we had a "public" candle lighting ceremony during the program. We also publicize that we donate profits from yellow candle donations to Holocaust related causes (typically the featured organization for the subject Yom Hashoah program).gmail_-_mens_club_event_-_yom_hashoah_commemoration_4-27-22.pdf (534 KB)
gmail_-_link_to_this_is_your_life_-_yom_hashoah_april_2022.pdf (97 KB)		_yomhashoah2022flyer.pdf (134 KB)Julie's mission and her parents' stories are very powerful and critical to preserving the memory of the Holocaust as survivors pass away. We were proud to bring Julie to our congregation and further her mission to educate younger generations. And the video was a perfect vehicle for telling the story - no one who sees it will forget Hannah Kohner.Shoah commemoration is an important aspect of Jewish life, and we help our membership and congregants to "remember" the events of WWII and the people who perished at the hands of the Nazis and their accomplices. By sending yellow candles to our members, we provide one more avenue to observe this important day. Lastly, by purchasing yellow candles, we support FJMC in its programming and leadership activities in the Masorti movement and broader Jewish community.We encourage clubs to seek out impactful programming for Yom Hashoah. There are many organizations who can assist with such programming such as Voices of the Generations and the IL Holocaust Museum. If the cost is too high, consider partnering with other auxiliaries at the synagogue to share the cost of this critical programming. It's important that the content and format of such programming leave lasting impressions on the attendees - videos and testimonials help to do that.Original ProgramYes
832023-04-27 15:06obgenetics155.190.17.42023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.Congregation Beth Shalom Men'S Club - Northbrook, IL (643)Individually wrapped breakfast itemsDr. Jeff ShoreAndrewWagnerandrew.wagner@northwestern.eduBobGoldwinrudybux@comcast.netAndrew/StevenWagner/Lessmanandrew.wagner@nm.orgCOVID-19The Congregation Beth Shalom (CBS) Men’s Club most popular regular program is our Sunday morning breakfast speaker program. Restarting communal breakfasts as the COVID-19 pandemic waned proved challenging yet led to some creative solutions to ensure the health and safety of our congregation and Club.Sunday morning breakfasts with bagels, lox, and eggs prepared by the CBS Men’s Club is a longstanding tradition for years. It’s a time to kibitz, hang out with friends, and provide breakfast for our congregation after morning minyan or to the parents dropping off their kids at Sunday School. Sitting and eating is a good thing, but if you can learn something interesting when doing it, it is even better. Getting together with friends and fellow congregants was a thing sorely lacking during the COVID-19 pandemic. When synagogues were reopening and we were all establishing a “new normal,” we all needed to come up with new ways to do old things. It wasn’t just about wearing masks and social distancing, but if we were to bring back important and popular events around a meal, we had to think of creative and safe ways to serve our breakfasts. During the pandemic, our congregation was led by our executive staff, clergy, and our medical committee of which four are CBS Men’s Club members and two have received our highest honor, the Kavod award. They made policies to keep us all safe and healthy during the pandemic and as we reopened according to pikuach nefesh, the preservation of human life. We were allowed to bring nack breakfasts and speakers, but our buffets would need to be different. In the past, we had baskets of bagels, plates with lox rolled on them, cream cheese containers with serving knives, and bowl with pre-cut fruit and veggies. Our VP of programming, Lawrence LeVine, who has a career in food service, and our VP of House, Gary Solomon, came up with a solution for our initial breakfast of the 2021-22 calendar year. We could still have a buffet yet limit the number of people touching serving utensils. This involved making single-serving bags or cups with our usual breakfast favorites. This first breakfast was a follow-up program from our TORCH award winning Sunday morning breakfast speaker series on health and wellness, entitled To Your Good Health. Dr. Steve Zaacks, a synagogue and Club member and a cardiologist, planned to speak on How to Prevent and Identify a Heart Attack and Its Effect on Our Lives on September 19, 2021. Not all Club and synagogue members were comfortable being in person, so a Zoom option was made available utilizing an audio-visual system (DTEN) that our synagogue had previously purchased. In order to have everything be single-serving, certain items were replaced (individual cream cheese packets and creamer packets) and other items were placed in their own baggies (bagels, tomatoes/cucumber, onions in their own baggies) or cups (fruit and lox in their own cups). It required working with a local food service supply company, Gordon, to find the appropriate sized cups and baggies and a local grocery store, Woodman’s, to get bulk cream cheese packets. As our house VPs do, a schedule for breakfast crew members was made. The crew that day came up with ideas on the fly while preparing the food, such as not putting the onions in the same baggies and the other veggies since not everyone likes onions. Knowing that this was our first breakfast back since February 2020, everyone steeped up and offered creative suggestions. There amazingly was minimal kvetching.This method of serving continued until the next temporary shutdown due to the Omicron variant in January 2022. The attendees of our program appreciated that we were paying attention to food safety and hygiene. This is especially since many have certain health conditions. It made all of us revisit how to handle food and serving in the future. COVID was a time when we all reevaluated hand hygiene and the communal serving of food in general. Now, as we are relatively back to normal, some of these implementations have continued including assigning servers at our buffet table. Our flexibility and creativity with the goal to keep everyone healthy and while continuing a Men’s Club tradition is to be commended. The leadership of our programming and house VPs was outstanding. This clearly showed how the CBS Men’s Club is an innovative club in FJMC and an important arm of our synagogue. email1.pdf (690 KB)
email2.pdf (856 KB)
email3.pdf (728 KB)		zaacks_flyer_pdf.pptx (158 KB)covid_breakfast_pictures.pdf (230 KB)The attendees of our program appreciated that we were paying attention to food safety and hygiene. This is especially since many have certain health conditions. It made all of us revisit how to handle food and serving in the future.Leadership: Our programming and house VPs lead the way in comping up with creative solutions to keep all of us safe and healthy. Innovation: It would have been easy to cancel breakfasts if we could not do them the way we always did, but our Club needed to innovate in order to change with the times. Community: Pikuach Nefesh is of prime importance. Keeping this in mind allowed us to care about our synagogue community. Original ProgramYesSilver
822023-04-27 10:42obgenetics155.190.17.42023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.Congregation Beth Shalom Men'S Club - Northbrook, IL (643)Tuning into the Chicago News and Sports MediaDr. Jeff ShoreAndrewWagnerandrew.wagner@nm.orgBobGoldwinrudybux@comcast.netAndrew/StevenWagner/Lessmanandrew.wagner@nm.orgEducational ProgrammingThe Congregation Beth Shalom (CBS) Men’s Club most popular regular program is our Sunday morning breakfast speaker program. Following our 2021 TORCH award winning To Your Good Health series, we began a series featuring local members of the Chicago media. We invited speakers from sports radio, news radio, and sportswriting to educate and entertain our synagogue membership in person and on Zoom.Sunday morning breakfasts with bagels, lox, and eggs prepared by the CBS Men’s Club is a longstanding tradition for years. It’s a time to kibitz, hang out with friends, and provide breakfast for our congregation after morning minyan or to the parents dropping off their kids at Sunday School. Sitting and eating is a good thing, but if you can learn something interesting when doing it, it is even better. In 2019-20, our Club produced a very successful and TORCH award winning Sunday morning breakfast speaker series on health and wellness, entitled To Your Good Health. When setting up our calendar of events for 2021-22 and 2022-23, we wanted to find topics interesting to bring people to shul on Sunday mornings especially as COVID restrictions were being lifted and we were able to serve breakfasts in the synagogue. Besides work and family, the most common topic of conversation amongst Jewish men tends to be sports. With a rich sports tradition in Chicago as well as its highs and lows, this was a perfect topic to attract our members, both younger and older. Our co-president, Steven Lessman, has worked in radio and advertising for many years and is very familiar with many media personalities. Our programming vice president, Lawrence LeVine, also is very well connected in the community. Their combination of resources resulted in a wonderful roster of speakers and topics. On September 23, 2021, we hosted Steaks in the Sukkah in the outdoor sukkah that our Club annually builds. This was the first Club sukkot-related dinner since COVID and our annual opening dinner, so we knew that we needed to have an exciting activity. David Schuster, a long time friend of Steve and a sports radio producer and personality for many years, previously was a panelist for our Packers vs. Bears Zoom event that we held with Congregation Beth Israel Ner Tamid’s Club from Milwaukee in the fall of 2020. After cooking a wonderful kosher steak dinner featuring brand new Men’s Club steak knives, David grabbed a mic to discuss all things related to Chicago sports including his experience covering the six-time NBA Champion Chicago Bulls. He spoke on every Chicago pro sports team, local college teams as well as telling us about new controversies in sports and the media, spinning interesting anecdotes, and answering tons of questions. This event attracted over 60 men for camaraderie, fun, and the mitzvah of eating in the sukkah. Our next very well received event in this educational series was for a Sunday morning breakfast on November 7, 2021. We were very fortunate to bring in Pat Cassidy, one of the morning anchors for WBBM Radio. He co-hosted the morning rush hour show informing Chicagoans on the news and especially the weather and traffic for over 40 years. Pat spoke on his experiences seeing news media change, the growth of the internet, and how people have consumed their news over the years. This event brought in over 50 synagogue members for our popular breakfasts. At this time for ease of serving and while meeting health safety protocols, the bagel accoutrements were all in single-serving packages. Like most of our synagogues and Clubs, the Omicron variant of COVID caused some shutdowns of activities, but not to the same extent as it was in March and April of 2020. Our synagogue medical committee did not permit communal meals in the building temporarily. This caused us to pivot for our next two speakers on January 23 and February 6, 2022. At the beginning of the pandemic, we initially offered boxed breakfasts to be picked up at the synagogue the morning of the presentation, but, with waning numbers over that time, we did not offer a breakfast component for these two speakers. On January 23, 2022, we hosted Justice Robert Gordon, a synagogue and Club member, to speak on his work in interviewing many former baseball players. Much of his interest in baseball has been compiling the history of Jews in Baseball where he curates a list through the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY. He also was instrumental in obtaining autographs for an art project showing portraits of Jewish ballplayers throughout history creating in Chicago. This program attracted about 40 attendees from across the country, since it was held on Zoom. Two weeks later on February 6, 2022, we had another speaker on Zoom as a part of this series. Jonathan Eig is a local author who recently published the book, Ali: A Life. Jonathan had rare and exclusive access to Muhammad Ali in the last few years of his life and became his authorized biographer. This was an engaging discussion regarding this book, his experiences with Ali, and his other books on sports, the Chicago mob, and the history of the birth control pill. This program also attracted about 40 attendees from across the country. We got back to in person meals as Omicron waned in March. On May 1, 2022, we had our next speaker as a part of our series. Bill Cameron is a long-time Chicago political reporter on both TV and radio. With his career at City Hall, he had a unique perspective seeing the craziness and controversy of Chicago city government, policy, and politics over the years. It was an engaging discussion given the history of the Jewish community in Chicago, most of our members’ having lived here their entire lives, and the impact of city politics on lives in the suburbs. Approximately 50 attended this event in person. Approximately 50 members four synagogue attended this very interesting discussion. For our Opening Dinner of the 2022-23 year on September 21, 2022, we brought in Randy Merkin. He is a local sports radio program director, producer, and personality. He spoke on his history of being a Jewish kid from the south suburbs and how he started his career using moxie to make connections and meet many sports personalities gaining access for interviews. This parlayed to being a producer for radio and tv. As interesting events with delicious food do, we had 70 attendees from our synagogue. Our last presentation in this series occurred on November 20, 2022. We brought in popular sports talk radio personality, Laurence Holmes. He answered questions across all areas of sports as well as how he prepares for his daily shows. He happened to grow up in the same suburb of Chicago as did our last speaker, and he also brilliantly spoke on the necessary alliances between the African-American and Jewish communities in order to build bridges. About 50 attendees packed out Winter Garden for this breakfast talk. Our series proved to be a success considering that, at the beginning, we were learning how to get back together as the pandemic was improving. As COVID numbers changed, we had to change our plans and move to an online format, yet attendance at programs was still at a high level. The numbers during Omicron were lower as there were no breakfasts included, but the popular topics and engaging speakers enabled our Club membership and others from the overall synagogue membership to participate. This series also attracted younger members since sports is such a popular topic. The breakfast times occurring around the same time as drop off for Sunday School added convenience, and this helped with attracting younger men with kids in school. media_marketing_0.pdf (604 KB)media_cameron.pdf (3552 KB)
media_cassidy.pdf (1699 KB)
media_holmes.pdf (2319 KB)
media_merkin.pdf (1906 KB)
media_schuster.pdf (1990 KB)		Our series proved to be a success considering that, at the beginning, we were learning how to get back together as the pandemic was improving. As COVID numbers changed, we had to change our plans and move to an online format, yet attendance at programs was still at a high level. The numbers during Omicron were lower as there were no breakfasts included, but the popular topics and engaging speakers enabled our Club membership and others from the overall synagogue membership to participate. This series also attracted younger members since sports is such a popular topic. The breakfast times occurring around the same time as drop off for Sunday School added convenience, and this helped with attracting younger men with kids in school. While these programs did not have a specific Jewish theme, they meant to bring together Club and synagogue members with a common and popular interest. The speakers either specifically brought up Jewish content or their connection to the Jewish community, as Laurence Holmes specifically did, or the audience members during the question-and-answer session asked questions that linked their area of expertise with the global or local Jewish communities. The programs served to increase involvement by younger and more experienced Club members. It was a way for new members to network with others and learn the fun and always giving ways around the CBS kitchen.Some members of the media charge an appearance fee. You may need to keep this in mind when booking someone for a similar event.Original ProgramYes
812023-04-27 08:15alexanderkiderman98.111.246.372023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.Beth Shalom Men's Club - Pittsburgh, PA (1208)The Beth Shalom Men’s Club Annual Sports Luncheon, Community Outreach Dr. Jeff ShoreRobbie Zarembergrzarenberg@comcast.comIraFranknatfabira@juno.comIraFranknatfabira@juno.comCommunity OutreachOn Sunday, February 19, 2023, Beth Shalom Men’s Club hosted its Annual Sports Luncheon and welcomed more than 300 guests from the special needs community from 11 organizations in Greater Pittsburgh and 125 current and former professional and collegiate athletes and coaches. The sports celebrities interacted and entertained the special needs guests, served lunch, took pictures, signed autographs, and gave out promotional team pass outs. This outreach by the sports celebrities and Beth Shalom Men’s Club helped put bright smiles on the faces of the special needs individuals and those that accompanied them to the luncheon at Congregation Beth Shalom. The Beth Shalom Men’s Club has hosted a Sports Luncheon or Dinner for more than 60 years, but this was the first sports luncheon since the pandemic started. Since 1997, the Beth Shalom Men’s Club Annual Sports Luncheon has evolved into having many special needs organizations in the Greater Pittsburgh Area. The last Sports Luncheon that took place before this year’s luncheon was in February 2020, which was a month before the pandemic started. Having our first sports luncheon since the start of the pandemic we didn’t know what to expect in terms of attendance, but the responses from the special needs organizations were very positive. They were so happy that we were having the event again. We were supposed to have 200 special needs individuals and their staffs and families, but we ended up having over 300. A total of more than 500 people packed Beth Shalom’s Samuel and Minnie Hyman Ballroom. In addition to our special needs guests and sports celebrities we also had congregants and members of the community, which included many families with children, as well as representation from local government. The following sports celebrities attended the luncheon: • Emily Giangreco, Sports Anchor/Reporter, WTAE-TV Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 • Pittsburgh Penguins Alumni and Stanley Cup Champions Jay Caufield and Tyler Kennedy o Caufield was a member of the 1991 & 1992 Penguins Stanley Cup teams. He is currently an analyst for AT&T SportsNet, for which he is on the pre-game, intermission reports and post-game shows during Penguins TV broadcasts. He is also an analyst on for WTAE’s “Pens on 4” pregame and post-game shows this season. o Kennedy was a member of the 2009 Stanley Cup Champions He now is a Hockey Trainer and Coach, which where he offers programs for children ages 5 and up to learn how to play hockey. He also is frequently interviewed about the Penguins on media outlets. • Iceburgh, Pittsburgh Penguins mascot • Pittsburgh Riverhounds Soccer Club players forward Robbie Mertz (a native local native Pitssburgher), defender Arturo Ordonez & Goalkeeper Jahmali Waite • 4 players from the professional Pittsburgh Passion Women’s Football team • Athletes from various teams from the University of Pittsburgh, including from their football team and a member of the women’s volleyball team which made the NCAA Final Four • 100 athletes and coaches from Carlow University representing 7 different men’s and women’s sports teams The event began with celebrities interacting and schmoozing with our special needs guests and signing autographs and taking pictures. Then, the program continued with remarks from our Men’s Club President, Ira Frank, and Sports Luncheon Co-Chair Robbie Zaremberg. A proclamation was presented by Pittsburgh City Council Member Barb Warwick. Emily Giangreco, from WTAE-TV, served as our Master of Ceremonies and introduced all the sports celebrities in attendance. A hotdog and hamburger lunch was served by volunteers and our sports celebrities. The following items were passed out to guests during the luncheon: -200 Pittsburgh Pirates Raise the Jolly Roger Flags were donated by Pirates Charities in advance of the luncheon -200 team photos were donated by the Pittsburgh Steelers before the event. -Team posters of various Pitt sports teams -Carlow University Athletics towels and team pictures of various sports -Pittsburgh Riverhounds autograph sheets and team schedules -T-shirts and other items donated in advance by PNC Bank After lunch, Emily, Jay Caufield and Tyler Kennedy engaged in questions and answers about their Stanley Cup experiences. The Community Advisor for City of Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey presented a proclamation. We also received proclamations for the Sports luncheon from PA State Representative Dan Frankel and Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. We displayed these proclamations at the check-in tables by the entrances to the Samuel and Minnie Hyman Ballroom. We then recognized Carlow University’s recently retired athletic director for bringing their athletes to our Sports Luncheon for more than 20 years. Lastly, we had arm wrestling competitions with a Pitt football player, Riverhounds players, a Carlow athlete, Passion player, kids and some of our special needs guests. Our Annual Sports Luncheon that took place this past February coincided with Jewish Disability Awareness & Inclusion Month in the United States. It represents an effort among Jewish organizations and communities worldwide to raise awareness and foster inclusion of people with disabilities. sports_luncheon_timeline_and_tasks.docx (21 KB)2023_cong._beth_shalom_mens_club_sports_lunch_press_release_-_2-19-2023.doc (273 KB)arturo.jpg (115 KB)
arturo-arm-wrestles-spcial-needs.jpg (123 KB)
arturo-jahmali-sign.jpg (104 KB)
arturo-neustein.jpg (146 KB)
carlow-serving.jpg (139 KB)
carlow-volleyball.jpg (113 KB)
councilmember-warwick-and-roger-zimmerman.jpg (91 KB)
councilmember-warwick-speaks-at-sports-luncheon.jpg (118 KB)
erica-moore.jpg (147 KB)
full-dais.jpg (104 KB)
group.png (535 KB)
hounds-and-passion.jpg (104 KB)
iceburgh.jpg (119 KB)
iceburgh-at-sports-luncheon-1.jpg (136 KB)
img_3370.jpg (143 KB)
jahmali.jpg (124 KB)
kids-arm-wrestling.jpg (78 KB)
mel-el-and-erica-moore-from-pgh-passion.jpg (114 KB)		We welcomed 11 special needs organizations, which brought more than 300 people to the Sports Luncheon. The organizations were the following: -Achieva -Merakey Allegheny Valley School -Mainstay Life Services -Pittsburgh Mercy -Step by Step -Friendship Circle (Chabad) -McGuire Memorial -Special Olympics -Safe Haven -Verland & The Branch (Jewish Residential Services) Many of these organizations we have had at the Sports Luncheon for many years. Some of these organizations have been coming to the Sports Luncheon since 1997 when we started inviting multiple special needs organizations. There were some organizations that attended, it had been several years since they last attended. Melinda Miller, Associate Director of Community Living with Achieva, said the following before the Sports Luncheon. “Achieva is so excited to be included and to attend the Sports Luncheon! Thanks again for all that you do to make this event possible and for always including us.” Ali Dobrowolski from Pittsburgh Mercy said: “Thanks so much for including us again this year! They really enjoyed themselves last time. “ We were happy that so many special needs individuals and their staff were able to attend, and we were able to do the event safely after not having it in 2021 and 2022 because of COVID. We are very fortunate that we were able to rekindle these relationships in 2023. We really were unsure if we were able to even have the event, and we were not sure what the responses would be like until they started sending in their RSVPS before the event. In addition to the special needs organizations, the Sports Luncheon welcomed attendees and volunteers, which included families and children from various synagogues, Jewish Day Schools and Religious School. We had all sections of the Jewish World in attendance. In addition to the sports celebrities, these families also had the opportunity to interact with the special needs guests. Not only the sports luncheon is a great outreach to the special needs community, but it is also outreach to the interfaith community. Carlow University is a private Cathlolic university. Carlow’s athletic teams have been attending the Sports Luncheon for more than 20 years. Their head coaches of sports teams, including basketball, attend but also their athletic director comes to the luncheon as well. This year we had both the recently retired athletic director of Carlow and the new athletic director. The whole athletic department, 100 athletes and coaches from 9 men’s and women’s sports teams, were engaged with our event. Carlow was founded in 1929 by the Sisters of Mercy. Carlow's athletic teams are the Celtics, a reflection of the university's Irish heritage and roots. In 2017–2018, the student body was 84% women and 16% men. (Wikipedia) The University of Pittsburgh’s athletic teams come are very diverse. For the college athletes that attend from Pitt and Carlow, it’s a way for them meet and get to know one another from the other schools. This is a big community service, volunteer project for them but they also get to see a conservative Jewish synagogue and Men’s Club in action. For many, it’s the first time they have been in a synagogue. For many sports celebrities, it’s the first time they have been exposed to kosher food. Some of the celebrities asked and wanted to confirm that the hot dogs would be all beef and mentioned they knew it would be kosher. While one celebrity asked for a cheeseburger and learned that it’s not served in a synagogue. Everyone that attends the Sports Luncheon is greatly impacted by this experience and we received support from people all over the community. We raised more than $3,000 in Angel funds from individuals who underwrites the event so all of our guests were able to come for free. We look forward to hopefully having the Sports Luncheon again next February. After the Sports Luncheon, pictures were shown on the late evening WTAE-TV news and Emily Giangreco mentioned about her experience at the luncheon on the newscast. The Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle printed a couple photos and a brief on the event. The following were social media posts from our sports celebrities and City Councilmember that attended: Erica Moore, of the Pittsburgh Passion, posted the following on Facebook: Erica Moore is with Lisa Horton and 3 others at Congregation Beth Shalom. · Pittsburgh · This weekend we had the opportunity to enjoy the afternoon with approx. 200 men and women with special needs as guests of the Beth Shalom Men's Club Annual Sports Luncheon. The luncheon was emceed by WTAE-TV Pittsburgh’s Emily Giangreco at the Congregation Beth Shalom. We were beyond grateful & honored to be invited to attend such a special event and left with our hearts full. I am always humbled by any opportunity to touch others lives in a way that makes them smile. We are reminded that love and kindness can truly change others lives. Thank you again for the opportunity. This is yet another reason why I love being a part of Pittsburgh Passion because it gives us the opportunity to teach, learn and grow on and off the field. Women's Football Alliance Robbie Zaremberg #forevergrateful #womensfootball #wfa #wfapro #specialeducation #specialneeds #pittsburgh #bethshalom Pittsburgh City Councilmember Barb Warwick posted the following on Facebook: Pittsburgh City Council - District 5 · Such an honor to present the proclamation designating Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023 as Beth Shalom Men's Club Annual Sports Luncheon Day in the City of Pittsburgh. What a wonderful event celebrating and bringing joy to so many members of our disabled and special needs community. Thank you Congregation Beth Shalom for the invite and for allowing our office to participate. Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC · Some of our players had a chance to spend time in the community this weekend as they attended the Beth Shalom Men's Club Sports Luncheon! Thank you for putting on a wonderful event! #HOUNDTAHN Tikun Olam: Healing the World! The Beth Shalom Men's Club Annual Sports Luncheon is an opportunity for hundreds of special needs individuals to experience an afternoon with sports celebrities in one of the many social action projects sponsored by Congregation Beth Shalom Men’s Club and Congregation Beth Shalom that are conducted throughout the year. Information about the President: Ira Frank has been President of Beth Shalom Men’s Club since 2018. He has been instrumental on the Men’s Club Executive Committee and has assisted many Men’s Club presidents for several years prior. Ira started many of the events and fundraisers that Men’s Club runs on a yearly basis. Ira is a life-time member of Beth Shalom Men’s Club and Congregational Beth Shalom. Ira has been a longtime Board member and past President of Congregation Beth Shalom. He is involved in many Jewish organizations including JNF, Israel Bonds and ZOA, as well as being the longtime President of Congregation Beth Hamedrash Hagadol Beth Jacob. Information about the Preparer: Robbie Zaremberg has been a member of Beth Shalom Men’s Club and Congregation Beth Shalom since he came back to Pittsburgh after graduating college from The Ohio State University in 2005. Robbie’s father Sandy Zaremberg and their uncle the late Joe Roth were presidents of both Beth Shalom Men’s Club and the Tri-State Region. Sandy has chaired Men’s Club Shabbat each year since he was President in 1991-1992. For the past 15 years, Robbie has served on the Men’s Club Executive Committee and the Annual Sports Luncheon Committee, which he currently is the Co-chair. Robbie was honored by the Men’s Club as Man of the Year in 2019 and was selected to receive the honor again this year in June. Original ProgramYesSilver
802023-04-27 06:17jbrody62747.20.34.1902023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.Park Avenue Synagogue Men'S Club - New York, NY (816)TZEDEK Teen Leadership Fellowship Dr. Jeff ShoreDr. Steven Mandel drmandel1979@aol.comSteven Darling stevenjaydarling@gmail.comGuy Shapira shapiraguy@gmail.comFamily and Youth ProgrammingThe PAS MC Tzedek Fellowship is open to PAS teens from 8th to 12th grade. Teens apply to be a part of the fellowship with a tikkun olam initiative they’ve already begun or an idea to start a new one. The projects help support members of the Jewish community in any topic, including but not limited to: anti semitism, climate change, LGBTQ+ community, Jews of color, mental illness, and Israel Teens learn essential leadership skills, connect with a clergy mentor, and have support around moving their initiative forward. At the end of the fellowship, they will receive scholarships, their name on a plaque posted on the synagogue, letters of recommendation, and continued support from staff and mentors. This is an incredible opportunity to both empower teens to be leaders and give them the opportunity to make a difference in the world. TZEDEK Youth Initiative Ethics, Responsibility, Justice. As Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel said. “take risks, raise your voice, and push everyone to do better” with the Tzedek program Park Avenue Synagogue Tzedek Fellowship NYM Region worked with the Park Avenue Synagogue Men’s Club and Teen Department to create a pilot program called the Tzedek Fellowship. In collaboration, the Tzedek Fellowship was created. The Tzedek Fellowship at PAS runs from January to May. There are two major components to the Tzedek Fellowship: seminars and mentorship meetings. Monthly seminars support fellows in developing crucial leadership skills as well as creating community within the fellowship. Each cohort meeting The Tzedek Fellowship is a new hands-on leadership training initiative in the PAS teen department. Tzedek runs from January to May. Teens applied to be part of the fellowship with a tikkun olam project they were already working on, or an idea to start one. There are two major components to the Tzedek Fellowship: monthly seminars and mentorship meetings. Fellows attend monthly seminars where they will learn crucial leadership/management skills to help forward their projects. Each seminar has an action item attached to it. For example, our first session was about mission and vision statement. By the second session, each fellow used what they had learned in our cohort session to establish their mission and vision statement for their initiative. When we learned about budgeting and grant applications, Tzedek fellows found grants to apply to. When we learned about public speaking, fellows wrote and delivered elevator pitches. Each fellow was paired with a clergy mentor at PAS. Mentors meet with their mentees regularly to offer support for their monthly action items. They helped them refine their mission statement and gave feedback on their elevator pitch,. This was a wonderful opportunity for teens to form connections with clergy and other staff members at PAS, who they might not have spoken to since their bnei mitzvah! The PAS Tzedek Fellowship hopes to be an example of how different synagogues can interpret the NYM Region’s Tzedek Fellowship to suit their youth’s needs. The 2023 PAS Tzedek Fellowship has nine participants with eight different projects. Teens Combating Parkinson’s – this teen felt frustrated that the Parkinson’s Foundation didn’t have any opportunities for teens to get involved, so she created them! She educates teens about Parkinson’s and is thinking about other ways they can help Calling Generations Podcast – this teen wanted to connect with senior members of our community to hear their stories and learn from their wisdom. In conversations with her mentor, Rabbi Cosgrove, she realized that she didn’t want to be the only one to benefit from these stories, so she decided to turn this initiative into a podcast that can be shared with the whole community. Teens who are involved will be paired with seniors in our community to form relationships and, if they’d like to, be interviewed for a podcast which will be shared with the greater PAS community. Our Unique Minds – this teen used her own struggles with mental health to inspire her to inspire others. She knows that teens can feel helpless when they’re dealing with mental health issues, so she is creating a website with mental health resources and stories to inspire hope. The stories will show that, not only can mental health improve, but they will celebrate the ways our minds all work differently and show how this uniqueness is not always a bad thing. Athlete Attire for Change – this teen is working to connect children with terminal illnesses who are interested in fashion design with professional athletes. The children will design clothes that the athletes will wear publicly. Then, this teen will auction off the item of clothing and donate the proceeds to medical research to cure the illness of the child who designed the clothes. Women Fund Women – this teen provides small business loans to women in different countries in Africa. Because the American dollar goes farther in Africa, her loans of $100 - $300 go a long way in empowering women to create a better life for themselves. The fact that these are loans and not donations further empowers the women to see themselves not as a charity, but an investment. This also allows the student to help more people because, when she gets the loan back, she reinvests the money in another woman. Food Pantry Enhancement – this teen has been a part of the PAS teen-led food pantry for a few years, but realized that we could expand our impact by providing items other than food. He realized that if New Yorkers are struggling to afford food, they are likely struggling to afford other essentials. He’s expanding the reach of our food pantry by providing toiletries. Dress Equity – when this teen finished Bat Mitzvah season, she realized she had a bunch of dresses that she would never wear again. Rather than let them sit in her closet or throw them away, she decided to sell them at an extremely low price, and donate the profits to support marginalized teens in New York City. She collects dresses from teenagers after B'nai Mitzvahs, Sweet Sixteens, and Proms to make high fashion more accessible to New York teens in lower income brackets. Teens Combating Antisemitism Task Force – these teens were distraught by hearing about the rise in antisemitism this past fall and wanted to do something about it. They formed the task force firstly to educate teens (and themselves) about antisemitism and take action. They’ve brought in speakers from the ADL, teen-led organizations about antisemitism, the JCC, and more. They ran a workshop for teens to know what to say when they hear antisemitism from their peers, their teachers, or online. They’re planning a letter-writing campaign to encourage legislators to condemn antisemitism. There are 45 teens in the task force. Our seminars took place monthly in the PAS teen lounge on Sundays from 6:30 – 8:00 pm 2/5/23 - Initial Meeting and Mission and Vision Statement – led by Ariel Glueck 3/5/23 - Organizing and Outreach – led by Amanda Miller of the Worker’s Circle 4/16/23 - Prep for Elevator Pitch – led by Ariel Glueck 5/7/23 - Grant Writing and Budgeting – led by Rabbi Solmsen 5/21/23 - Public Speaking and Elevator Pitch – led by Rabbi Zauzmer These teen programs have been largely successful, but even when they come across challenges, they learn from them. They have their mentors to support them when they hit a wall. Each participant in the PAS Tzedek Fellowship will receive awards offered by the Awards Committee. detailed_program_tzedek_.pdf (67 KB)advanced_programing_for_tzedek_0.pdf (58 KB)
2_5_23_intro_and_mission_and_vision_statement.pdf (281 KB)
4.19.23_teens_mah_hadash_summer_2023.pdf (190 KB)
tzedek_application.pdf (310 KB)
tzedek_cohort_1_-_mentorship_assignments_and_language.pdf (112 KB)
tzedek_program_outline.pdf (114 KB)		tzedek_flyer__0.pdf (1035 KB)
tzedek_handbook-_8_20223_0.pdf (27 KB)		Rather than write about the impact that we believe this program has had on the teens who chose to participate in it, we’d rather let them speak for themselves: “The Tzedek Fellowship has allowed us to build our task force based on our dual mission statement to offer a safe space for teens to discuss antisemitism in their lives AND create an action blueprint to help make real change in our communities. Overall, the Tzedek fellowship has helped us improve or leadership and listening skills” “I have been receiving guidance in developing a program that connects PAS teens with older members of the Jewish community, with the hope of establishing meaningful intergenerational relationships. During meetings, we learn how to improve and further our projects, whether it be through discussions about our work, leadership workshops, or educating ourselves about our community” “As a teenager, it can feel difficult to make a significant change, but the Tzedek program has taught me that through community service and activism, I am capable of supporting others.” “Despite coming into this program with confusion on how to utilize my passion to help others, I feel that with the help of my mentor, Rabbi Solmsen, I have gained clarity in this way and am excited about continuing my project in the future. I am grateful for this program for providing me with the opportunity to simultaneously do work that I love and help others.” "I started Teens Combating Parkinson’s, which the Tzedek fellowship has help me grown through different presentations and meetings with my mentor. Often it is hard to find new ideas to involve the teens that I work with and this opportunity has been helpful in coming up with new ideas. Hearing from other teens who have been working on projects of all different types has been so inspiring.” As you can see from the impact statement, this program supports by tapping into their social justice passions for their peers and families. This program also touches other programs such as community outreach, health and wellness, Inclusion, education, etc. Additionally, as these youths present their projects it instills self-confidence, awareness and leadership. We have found these programs are making an important impact on multiple generations of Jews and their families. The NYM region is fully behind the Tzedek program because it embraces our mission committed to Jewish values, social justice, and future leadership. Through Tzedek, these youths are making a difference plus they learn about the FJMC – its values– and appreciate the encouragement from their Mens Club. The region strongly feels that by engaging in our Jewish youth with programs they want to explore provides a long-lasting link to attract a younger demographic. This program is definitely transferable to other FJMC clubs and regions throughout the world. As one of the youth participants told us – “You don’t have to be of voting age to make a difference.” Original ProgramYesBronze
792023-04-26 23:51marcrichards73.246.14.212023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.North Suburban Beth El Men's Club - Highland Park, IL (614)Demystifying Hagbah and GelilahDr. Jeff ShoreMarcRichardsmvrichards@gmail.comJoriBrajerjbrajer@gmail.comDanGrossgrossd@gmail.comJewish ObservanceHave you ever wanted to take the honor of lifting or tying the Sefer Torah, but were afraid to do so? This program allows you to join an intimate group, to learn how to properly do both. Experienced members of the Men's Club will teach anyone 13 years or older; women can learn this traditional mitzvah as well. If you know how but are rusty and want to practice, you are welcome, too. The program was offered originally in December 2021. By popular demand, another class was offered in April 2023, and more sessions are planned.Hagbah and Gelilah Class Description This program is to encourage more members of the synagogue to practice and become familiar with the lifting (Hagbah) and tying (Gelilah) of the Sefer Torah, so that we have a larger group of experienced members who can be called upon for this honor during our shabbat service. Another goal is to give members an opportunity to have a closer physical connection with the Torah, which is the centerpiece of our religion. Lifting the Torah is often intimidating because people think it can only be done by the very strong. Yet with practice it is a learned physical technique that anyone can do. This class is done in a small setting in the synagogue's small chapel. It allows experienced members to pass on their experience and technique of lifting Torah's to others. It provides the students an opportunity to practice and gain confidence in lifting. Several Torahs of different weights and with different amounts of the Torah rolled up on one side of the scroll (i.e., balanced and unbalanced) are brought out. Attendees are given tutoring and then allowed to practice lifting. It requires at least one experienced member to teach and others to assist (or spot the lifters) so that the students are confident they are surrounded by help to make sure they do not drop the Torah. We also teach how to undress and dress the Torah. Many people are intimidated by the dressing (Gelilah) because they have not had the chance to study how the Torah is tied, how the mantle is replaced over the scroll and how to properly place the crown and yad. They do not want to feel embarrassed by doing it wrong during the regular service on the bimah in front of the congregation. The instructor gives a quick lesson and then allows hands-on practice on how to undress and dress the Torah. Then we bring the two together and allow attendees to pair up and practice the full Hagbah and Gelilah in sequence. In an informal setting without clergy, the attendees have the opportunity to ask any questions to learn more about the care and handling of the Torah. They can see the Torah and its accessories up close. The instructor also explains other information to demystify the Torah, such as: how the Torah is made; how the parchment sections are stitched together and can be replaced; the normal care and handling of the Torah; the various weights and sizes of different Torahs; the origins and histories of the specific Torahs being practiced with, etc. Handouts are provided, and attendees are asked if they want to be placed on a list of members qualified to have the honor of Hagbah or Geliliah at future services. The class is a single session from 60-90 minutes long depending on the number of attendees and questions they ask. demystifying_hagbah_0.docx (17 KB)
the_accessories_for_the_torah_0.docx (685 KB)		planning_schedule_-_demystifying_hagbah_and_gelilah.xlsx (6 KB)hagbah_class_email_1.pdf (1027 KB)
hagbah_class_email_2.pdf (708 KB)
hagbah_class_email_insert_3.pdf (144 KB)		image_6487327.jpg (2431 KB)
image_6487327_1.jpg (2251 KB)
image_6487327_2.jpg (2455 KB)
image_6487327_3.jpg (2226 KB)
hagbah_1.jpg (40 KB)
hagbah_class_4.jpg (88 KB)		The class was a success. We have conducted three classes in a small setting with between about 8-12 people attending each class. Since the class was started in December 2021, we have had three classes and out of this group, about 8 new people have performed the Hagbah and Gelilah during a shabbat service. We feel this has increased participation and attendance at shabbat services, with a greater sense of shared community participation. During the summers, our shabbat services are lay led and we expect more people will be willing to perform this mitzvah in a more relaxed service. This has also helped the Men's Club contribute to the religious practice in the synagogue by qualifying more members to perform this ritual. Also, this takes away the burden on the clergy to train new people to do this. Because the event was open to all the synagogue community, we had women and teens participating and not just men. So while it did not really increase membership of our Men's Club, we feel it enhanced our reputation in the synagogue in that we make serious contributions to the congregation beyond just providing scotch for shabbat kiddush.This program strongly supports the FJMC mission of involving Jewish Men in Jewish Life, by reaching out to men who may not have sufficient Hebrew skills to feel comfortable to making an aliyah or reading torah or leading prayers, yet can proudly participate on the bimah with a new learned skill of lifting the Torah, or assisting the lifter with the dressing of the Torah. It also gives men an opportunity to have a closer physical connection to the Torah itself by learning more about the Torah and how to properly handle and care for it.NOTE: This error message was received when going to the next page of the application: Warning: Illegal offset type in wf_crm_name_field_exists() (line 1730 of /var/www/html/web/sites/all/modules/webform_civicrm/includes/utils.inc).)Original ProgramAaron KrumbeinYes
782023-04-26 23:12Joel Herman173.91.42.1032023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.B'nai Jeshurun Men's Club - Pepper Pike, OH (325)WWW with South AmericaDr. Jeff ShoreJoelHermanzmanjoel51@gmail.comJoelHermanzmanjoel51@gmail.comJoelHermanzmanjoel51@gmail.comWorld Wide WrapConduct our World Wide Wrap with Argentina and BrazilThis year, our B'nai Jeshurun Men's Club held their World Wide Wrap at our Synagogue, and engaged two South American congregational Men's Club via Zoom. Our in-person participants of forty-three congregants, as well as another eighteen congregants on Zoom, wrapped Tefillin at our Shul, then davened with an Argentine Men's Club via Zoom. Despite a two hour difference in time, our group and the Argentine MC concluded their final prayers, all in unison. The Tefillin wrapping was even further enhanced with the opening service davening conducted by a visiting Rabbinical candidate husband and wife couple, candidates who will be joining our Shul staff beginning in July. This year's Men's Club World Wide Wrap was truly "world wide", with participation between a North America and a South America congregation.Our WWW program was a huge success, two continents with different languages, Davening in one common language, Hebrew. Overwhelmingly impactful to all our participants. We will anticipate engaging with other international Men's Clubs to participate in the future, given the ability of the Internet.Sharing the commonality of Jewish prayer and customs, internationally, promotes our common heritage!Original ProgramYes
772023-04-26 22:09jepstein68.133.19.2142023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.Brotherhood of Temple Beth Tzedek - Buffalo, NY (1226)Yom Ha'Atzmaut-Israel's 75th AnniversaryDr. Jeff ShoreJonathanEpsteinjepstein@buffnews.comJonathanEpsteinjepstein@buffnews.comJonathanEpsteinjepstein@buffnews.comIsrael / MasortiOur goal was to celebrate the Israel's 75th anniversary with a broad community-wide event that would highlight everything Israel and bring people together under the umbrella of TBT Brotherhood. The program in our synagogue social hall included a festive Israeli-style meal of grilled meat, Israeli salad, hummus, Israeli snacks, Israeli beer and wine and Israeli desserts, but was centered around a special guest presentation about modern Israeli music by Josh Shron, co-host of the Israel Hour Radio program, whom we flew up for the event. Over 90 people were in attendance, including three rabbis and the Buffalo Jewish Federation CEO.We wanted to have a special community-wide celebration of Israel's 75th anniversary, on Yom Ha'Atzmaut itself (i.e., not a week later or on a convenient weekend) that would highlight the best of Israel in an entertaining and enjoyable fashion. Our program coordinators, David Schiller and Andrew Symons, were familiar with the Israel Hour Radio program on Rutgers University's WRSU-FM, and decided to bring him in as the centerpiece attraction of the program, around which we would create a celebratory dinner and gathering. We marketed and promoted the event widely in the community, not only through our Brotherhood and synagogue, but through all the area synagogues and the Buffalo Jewish Federation. We secured the event space in our synagogue social hall, planned out the meal, purchased the food and other items, and decorated the social hall with Israeli flags. We also arranged for security. The dinner consisted of grilled chicken and hotdogs, hummus and pita, Israeli salad, pickles and condiments, fruit and vegetables, Israeli snacks (Bamba), Israeli wine, Israeli beer and Israeli desserts. Josh Shron delivered a highly engaging two-hour slideshow and video music presentation, highlighting the power of modern Israeli music to entertain, kvetch, unite, and heal - sometimes with reverance and sometimes not. He took us through Israeli songs, performers and videos from the 1960s through 2023, including the winners and losers of the Eurovision competitions and other Israeli reality-TV shows (Israel's Got Talent, etc.), and showed us that Israeli music today is far more than Hava Nagila, Bashana Haba-a and Al Kol Eileh, but is diverse and talented. Over 90 people were in attendance, including three rabbis and the Buffalo Jewish Federation CEO, and the crowd largely stayed.israel_independence_day_celebration_flyer.pdf (3688 KB)20230426_184406_resized.jpg (1620 KB)
20230426_184418_resized.jpg (1611 KB)
20230426_184427_resized.jpg (2124 KB)
20230426_184438_resized.jpg (1932 KB)
20230426_184440_resized.jpg (1958 KB)
20230426_190542_resized.jpg (1909 KB)
20230426_191943_resized.jpg (1638 KB)
20230426_192021_resized.jpg (1824 KB)
20230426_192030_resized.jpg (1877 KB)
20230426_190530.jpg (2940 KB)
20230426_190803.jpg (2581 KB)		While the event was only break-even financially, it was extremely successful and well-received in impact. We had over 90 people in attendance, not only from our club and synagogue, but from other synagogues and throughout the Jewish community. We have about 30 people in our club, but we had over 90 people in attendance, including three rabbis and the Buffalo Jewish Federation CEO. We took on a significant upfront cost and risk by bringing Josh Shron in from New Jersey, including paying his airfare and hotel, but the event was impactful nevertheless.This program supports FJMC's focus on Israel and Israel programming, engaged the entire community, demonstrated the leadership of our club, and displayed innovative thinking that, while risky, proved highly beneficial.This program can be replicated by other clubs who wish to bring Josh Shron into their synagogue and community. He was a terrific and engaging speaker.Original ProgramYesBronze
762023-04-26 22:06ScotF155.70.104.1172023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.B'Nai Amoona Men'S Club - St. Louis, MO (631)2023 BAMC Yom HaShoah Candle DeliveriesDr. Jeff ShoreScotFowlerscot.a.fowler@gmail.comScotFowlerscot.a.fowler@gmail.comKevinLittlitt.kevin@gmail.comYom HaShoah Yellow CandleThe overall goal of the program is to bring in volunteers, both within the Men's Club and the congregation membership, to deliver candles to every member/family of the Congregation. This year, our membership listing consists of approximately 700 individuals and families, some of whom have moved out of the St. Louis area. We have also been facing a smaller volunteer base, so we faced a risk of not having enough people to actually deliver.We divided the program into three categories: Communications, Logistics, and Execution Communications: - The Delivery committee began meeting about 6 weeks before Erev Yom Hashoah - We developed the task checklist for the program, and determined assignments - Messages were sent out to the Men's Club and the shul membership requesting volunteers - We picked up grocery bags from Trader Joes to manage each of the deliveries (started with 20 per bag) - We updated the prayer sheet and printed out enough for each candle/bag - As part of the Candle Order, we also ordered both Mailer and the standard yellow bags from FJMC - Lastly, we ensured we would have enough LED tea lights for the nursing/care facilities. Logistics After pulling the most recent membership listing, we: - Segmented out all zip codes that were considered "out of area" (~50 addresses) - Coordinated with the shul staff to identify Sunday School families, who could pick up the bagged candle and prayer sheet the Sunday before Erev Yom HaShoah; (~50 addresses) - Coordinated with the Shomrai Amoomim Lead to pull all Nursing Homes/Long Term care facilities out of the list for a personalized delivery by the Rabbi. (~ 20 names concentrated between 3 facilities) - Create a summarized listing by zip code of all remaining families for deliveries. (~580 addresses across 32 zip codes) - Of the remaining families/addresses, 60% of the addresses were represented by 3 zip codes. Using MyRoute Online software, we imported all of the names and addresses and determined routes for these sets of deliveries. The entire list was not imported, as there is a limitation in the routing software of 350 listing. - After all of the initial routes were determined, where each volunteer would deliver 18-20 bagged candles, the remaining addresses are imported into the software for the additional routes. - All routes were optimized using the MyRoute software, the routes were then printed out. Execution: - A group of 5 volunteers worked on bagging all of the candles, using mailers for the approximate 50 that would be sent out of state, and the regular yellow bags for the rest. - The mailing and the Sunday School candles were set aside for distribution separately. - Two dates were set up for deliveries, April 2nd and April 16th. - As volunteers came to the shul for pick up, we attached a delivery route to the bag that would be picked up and distributed, ensuring there were enough candles for each delivery, and where possible, including the volunteer's address in the delivery, so that they weren't required to receive a candle from another volunteer. - We ended up with 30 volunteers of the 40 volunteers that we were seeking. - Some volunteers willingly took a second route of deliveries, to ensure we had enough coverage for the deliveries to be made. 2023-mens-club-yellow-candles.xlsx (58 KB)2023-mensclub-yellowcandle-communiques.docx (16 KB)The Yom HaShoah Delivery Program is a building community program, that brings together not only the Men's Club, but volunteers from within the synagogue. While the numbers of volunteers has decreased since Covid, there are still a number of individuals who request to be "loaded up" with deliveries, and there has been little hesitation to deliver to areas that they've never been to previously. By introducing the ability to map the delivery routes, and use the GPS software that is either in their cars or their cell phones, many have expressed the ease with which they have been able to deliver, taking a few hours of their time and be able to present the Yellow Candle bag to each recipient. This year especially, where the club focused on getting yellow candles to EVERY member of the congregation, there was a sense of satisfaction that we knew we were serving the ENTIRE community. Many recipients expressed their gratitude for the delivery, both to the volunteer, and to me after Yom HaShoah. Of the 30 volunteers, 24 (80%) were Men's Club members, and 4 were first time deliverers, and 580 addresses to deliver to.This program helps to build community, by way of bringing Men's Club Members together to assemble the candle bags, and eventually by placing our members in front of the larger shul community. This program is also innovative in how we determined how we would deliver to the entire membership - by being flexible enough to have multiple methods of delivery as well as using the logistics software to route to the most efficient path.An adaptation or enhancement of a previous Torch Award entry TAxx-xxxx|TA48-2017 Do a Mitzvah, Meet a MemberYesSilver
752023-04-26 22:03Joel Herman173.91.42.1032023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.B'nai Jeshurun Men's Club - Pepper Pike, OH (325)Men's Club Shabbat and Congregational Cholent CookoffDr. Jeff ShoreJoelHermanzmanjoel51@gmail.comJoelHermanzmanjoel51@gmail.comJoelHermanzmanjoel51@gmail.comMens' Club ShabbatThe B'nai Jeshurun Men's Club Shabbat and Cholent Cookoff is presented to encourage services participation by our members and congregational comradery. It was vitally important to resume this Shabbat program, after a two year absence as a result of Covid 19 precautions. B'nai Jeshurun Men's Club Shabbat each year involves approximately twenty of our members who actively participate in all aspects of the Shabbat morning service. We promote the service weeks in advance, encouraging congregational attendance. When the Shabbat service is over, the congregation is invited to enjoy an afternoon luncheon in the Synagogue larger hall, presenting our Men's Club 23rd Annual Shelia Rabb Memorial Cholent Cookoff. This past year was extremely well attended, having been suspended this past two years due to Covid 19. Over 300 congregants, family members and community guests sampled from nineteen different Cholent recipes, all prepared from our own B'nai Jeshurun different teams of chefs. Each delicacy was judged, recognitions were awarded, and all in attendance enjoyed themselves. Our Men's Club Shabbat event encouraged congregants to reconnect with the Synagogue, as well as with fellow congregants. This year's event was most impactful.The success of this program is measured by the overwhelming attendance, as well as the culinary contribution from nearly sixty-five of our congregational "chefs". The mere fact that so many of our members participated in the Shabbat service exemplifies leadership and compassion for B'nai Jeshurun Congregation, and continue to do so throughout the year.We would encourage other Men's Clubs to enjoin a congregational activity with their annual Shabbat service, presenting a morning of prayer and an afternoon of congregational community, the result of our Men's Club Shabbat.Original ProgramYesBronze
742023-04-26 20:52Levitanru100.36.33.352023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.Beth Emeth Men'S Club - Herndon, VA (1144)CBE Men's Club World Wide WrapDr. Jeff ShoreRussLevitanrdl1973@yahoo.comRussLevitanrdl1973@yahoo.comRussLevitanrdl1973@yahoo.comWorld Wide WrapThe 2023 World Wide Wrap at CBE was the first official WWW since COVID. Men's Club partnered with the 6th and 7th Graders in Religious School, along with their families, to learn the history and significance of tefillin, and then learned to wrap themselves. So the program consisted of 1)Rabbi and Men's Club Member Josh Winston teaching the audience about tefillin, 2) Learning to Wrap, 3) Learning the associated prayers, 4) Post-event brunchThe 2023 World Wide Wrap at CBE was the first official WWW since COVID. The event this year had more than 50 participants from both the Men's Club as well as Religious School (with their families) and synagogue staff.www_pic_6.jpg (155 KB)
www_pic_5.jpg (275 KB)
www_pic_4.jpg (217 KB)
www_pic_3.jpg (286 KB)
www_pic_2.jpg (179 KB)
www_pic_1.jpg (296 KB)		The feedback from attendees as well as those that heard about this event all agreed that this was a terrific event. Our synagogue board was thrilled that Men's Club was able to bring this event back to the congregation and involve so many people from multiple generationsThis event clearly tied to FJMC's tagline, particularly in the areas of Leadership and Community. The Men's Club at CBE has continued to show leadership in bringing events back after COVID, and while these events are sponsored and led by Men's Club, they have generally been open to the entire community to stress the importance of that interaction.Original ProgramYesGold
732023-04-26 20:15gpollack73.75.56.1422023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.Anshe Emet Men'S Club - Chicago, IL (608)Who Will Tell Their Story - Kristallnacht CommemorationDr. Jeff ShoreGreggPollackgdp5607@gmail.comAlanMintzmintzad@gmail.comAlanMintzmintzad@gmail.comEducational ProgrammingWho Will Tell their Story: Kristallnacht commemoration program - virtual only. The goal of the program was to educate our youths on the Holocaust with archival video footage and survivors telling their stories. Students the Bernard Zell Day School were interviewed following the footage and survivor stories. The students also have separate study sessions on the Holocaust prior to the program. The program concluded with a candle lighting ceremony and singing of Hatikvah. We partnered with the IL Holocaust Museum on this program, as well as the day school administration. See attached storyboard. Program included videos and live interviews with survivors and students, moderated by our men's club president and our senior rabbi. Since this was during the pandemic in Nov 2021, we chose to keep the program virtual. We had 70-80 registrants, and were linked with the web sites of both the day school and the IL Holocaust Museum. kristallnacht_program_outline.pdf (1278 KB)
kristallnacht_video_11-9-21.pdf (2128 KB)
letter_to_survivors_and_questions_for_them.pdf (74 KB)		screenshot_2023-04-26_230633_kristallnacht_nov_2021.png (455 KB)
kristallnacht_publicity_poster_11-9-21.jpg (798 KB)		Was a very powerful program with survivor testimonials and seeing their impact on our students. Inviting day school students to participate enabled us extend the "impact" of the program to on our younger generation - once the survivors are gone, our young people must be able to tell their stories. Important educational programming re: Shoah and multi-generational interaction. Cooperation/participation with other Jewish organizations. Pandemic driven adaptation allowed broader participation.Original ProgramYes
722023-04-26 19:08gpollack73.75.56.1422023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.Anshe Emet Men'S Club - Chicago, IL (608)Steak & ShotsDr. Jeff ShoreGreggPollackgdp5607@gmail.comAlanMintzmintzad@gmail.comAlanMintzmintzad@gmail.comFundraisingSignature annual event drawing over 80 people for steak BBQ and scotch/bourbon tasting in the Sukkah during Hol Hamoed. Each year we have an honoree who is also invited to select their charity of choice to receive the bulk of the profits from the event. Our honoree this past year (October 2022) was our new senior hazzan, Rachel Brook, who chose The Ark as her designated charity. And because we had "standing room only" despite raising our prices for the event, we generated a record profit and donated $1600 to The Ark, a local social services organization operating under the Jewish Federation umbrella.We always start publicity early, essentially as soon as our honoree has accepted and designated his/her charity of choice. We also line up our Scotchologist as early as possible to ensure his/her availability. We also pre-order the steaks (before the holiday starts). We use this program as a membership drive by offering incentives to join at registration or in person. We also hold our official installation of officers at this event. We begin with some appetizers and wine while we wait for everyone to arrive and the grillmaster (one of our members) to cook most of the steaks and potatoes. We present our honoree with a plaque commemorating the event, and once everyone has gotten dinner, our Scotchologist begins the tasting portion of the program (typically 5-6 pours), which includes an educational component (how the Scotch is made and bottled). Many people stay late to have some cookies and fruit for dessert and to continue socializing and enjoying more Scotch. steaks_and_shots_dinner_handout_1.pdf (98 KB)screenshot_2023-04-26_185955.png (1041 KB)321751757_2056587141203375_8215812581463111364_steak_n_shots_2022.jpg (444 KB)
321822909_720961472598370_8939321014605014780_steak_n_shots_2022.jpg (484 KB)
322329449_697270835315338_7157293014390715253_steak_n_shots_2022.jpg (447 KB)
322497346_1110638642928169_3835106684410084240_steak_n_shots_2022.jpg (647 KB)
322017783_1217844242136334_3164696014453790326_steak_n_shots_2022.jpg (509 KB)		Raises profile of Men's Club in the synagogue community. Our charitable focus also supports our mission of tzedakah/tikkun olam; The Ark is a local social services organization under the Federation umbrella umbrella with a food pantry, transitional housing services, mental health, employment counseling and other social services. As noted, we contribute to local and national Jewish charities, as well as helping our membership observe the holiday of sukkot by dining in the sukkah. We also recognize the services of one of our local synagogue leaders (lay or professional), showing our appreciation and supporting their efforts to improve our community.As noted in the previous submission, it's easy to turn this event into a major fundraiser and also membership drive by donating profits and offering incentives to join men's club early in the fiscal year. Original ProgramYes
712023-04-26 15:22DiamondMC32.213.190.2022023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.Beth El Temple Men's Club - West Hartford (217)Golf Lounge 18 OutingDr. Jeff ShoreDavidDiamonddaviddiamond2@comcast.netArthurFreedmandrartf@aol.comArthurFreedmandrartf@aol.comFJMC - otherOne of our board members suggested that we sponsor an outing at a recently opened Golf Lounge 18. We agreed right away that having an outing at a sports-themed bar with multiple TVs, food and drinks, as well multiple indoor golf bays, would be of interest and attract a variety of members of our synagogue.Golf Lounge 18 (https://golflounge18.com/) is a venue with multiple locations in Connecticut as well as locations in the suburbs of Boston and New York City. They recently opened a venue in Canton, CT, a short drive from our synagogue. At a board meeting when we were discussing programming, one of the board members suggested we have an outing at this venue. We readily agreed, and decided to identify a Thursday evening that would work. We try to gear as many programs as possible for younger members and they've provided us feedback that an occasional night out later in the week is the best time for them to go out. Knowing that many of them enjoy golf, this would be the ideal outing. This venue offers more than just golf - it's really a sports bar with many TVs, and of course having the usual food and drinks. Non-golfers who didn't want to play could still attend and have an enjoyable evening out. The board member who suggested Golf Lounge 18 agreed to be the program chair and a small committee was formed to work with him in planning this outing. The date we suggested worked for the venue, and we ultimately made some key decisions about this program: It would be from 8-10pm, we'd have 3 golf bays to ourselves, and various appetizers would be included. There would be a cash bar. The cost would be $10pp for Men's Club members, $20pp for everyone else, and the Men's Club would subsidize the balance of the cost for the evening. A diverse group of 14 people, ranging in age from early 40s through 70s, attended and had a great time. Everyone enjoyed the socializing and camaraderie. Most tried their luck playing golf, even some of the non-golfers. No one played particularly well, but we didn't care!fjmc_ta_2023_beth_el_mens_club_217_beth_el_temple_golf_lounge_18_torch_award_program_schedule_0.pdf (15 KB)fjmc_ta_2023_beth_el_mens_club_217_beth_el_temple_golf_lounge_18_publicity_newsletter.pdf (748 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_beth_el_mens_club_217_beth_el_temple_golf_lounge_18_fb_publicity.png (532 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_beth_el_mens_club_217_beth_el_temple_golf_lounge_18_publicity_e-mail_personalized_1.pdf (913 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_beth_el_mens_club_217_beth_el_temple_golf_lounge_18_publicity_e-mail_personalized_2.pdf (528 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_beth_el_mens_club_217_beth_el_temple_golf_lounge_18_publicity_e-mail.pdf (513 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_beth_el_mens_club_217_beth_el_temple_golf_lounge_18_publicity_request_e-mail.pdf (1426 KB)		fjmc_ta_2023_beth_el_mens_club_217_beth_el_temple_golf_lounge_18_-_four_players.jpg (1522 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_beth_el_mens_club_217_beth_el_temple_golf_lounge_18_-_four_players_relaxing.jpg (1908 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_beth_el_mens_club_217_beth_el_temple_golf_lounge_18_-_casual_shot.jpg (2142 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_beth_el_mens_club_217_beth_el_temple_golf_lounge_18_-_jeff_k.jpg (1743 KB)		We all considered this program a success. Having a relatively small number of participants allows everyone to meet each other and not get "lost in the crowd." There was one couple who joined Beth El Temple just two months earlier and enjoyed meeting everyone. When they joined, the woman found out about the Men's Club walking group which meets twice per week, and she has become one of the regular walkers! Her husband (who is not Jewish) remarked how welcome he feels at our synagogue and any event he has attended. Having this indoor golf outing is yet another example of the variety of programming the Men's Club offers to reach out to our diverse community.This activity had Jewish men working together to provide an opportunity for a fun night out and to connect with others in the community. Innovation: developing programming that better connects people of all ages to the Jewish community. This was a fun night connecting our synagogue members covering a wide range of ages. It provided an activity that helped connect a non-Jewish member who recently joined our synagogue (with his Jewish wife) with the Jewish community. Community: forming meaningful long-lasting relationships based on camaraderie, common interests and core values. A night out at an indoor golf facility and sports bar helps in this regard.Video of action shot from the outing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5peobBYektw While Golf Lounge 18 currently has venues in just three northeast states, there are similar venues opening up all over the country. This activity does not require much manpower or expenses, and is easy to replicate. Simply find a nearby venue, identify a date and time that works, and publicize.Original ProgramYes
702023-04-25 11:21Robertwolf4845.35.195.572023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.Chizuk Amuno Brotherhood - Baltimore, MD (1106)Chizuk Amuno Brotherhood Second SederDr. Jeff ShoreRobertWolfmisterwolf@verizon.netLeeBrilllsbrill@gmail.comDr. HarveyCohentoothtime@mac.comJewish ObservanceEngage the congregation and community in a family Second Seder service and dinner. Seder was lead by Rabbi Joshua Gruenberg with programming and execution by Brotherhood members. Brotherhood provided logistical and financial support for the event.The overall goal of the program is to encourage families and individuals to come together in a welcoming and communal environment to celebrate and participate in a Second Passover Seder. We wanted to provide a venue and opportunity for those that may not have had the ability to participate in a Second Seder on their own. In addition, it was an event in which we learned more about the Passover holiday, with an example of how to experience and joyfully celebrate our heritage.scan_0001.pdf (754 KB)This event has continued over the years, except when Shabbat does not allow for preparation. It has been greatly attended and welcomed. We had approximately 175 participants at the 2023 event. Plans are being made for next year's Second Seder.This program has been a great success. The congregation and community now look forward to the Second Seder as a yearly Brotherhood event. It gives Brotherhood members an opportunity to reach out to prospective members for future activities.This program meets all of the FJMC goals of Leadership, Innovation, Community and Inclusion. It is a very open and welcoming opportunity for the Brotherhood, synagogue and the community at large.Original ProgramYesHonorable Mention
692023-04-25 08:10jmberk98.115.5.1192023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.Ohev Shalom of Bucks CountyMeet the CandidatesDr. Jeff ShoreStevenMillersmdr18@hotmail.comStevenMillersmdr18@hotmail.comsamesamesmdr18@hotmail.comCommunity OutreachMeet the congresstional candidatesOn Sunday morning the our Congressman and his opponent came to speak to our Men's Club. This was open to our entire congregation and guests if they were accompanied by a member of our synagogue. Each candidate took questions from those attending and spoke for over an hour each. Rather than getting sound bites from our politicians, we had the opportunity to ask hard questions and expected to have real answers. To arrange to have both candidates come the same morning at the end of October took many long hours of calls, emails and texts to each candidates election committees. We have made this a commitment by our Men's Club to sponsor and arrange this event.Meeting candidate for congress and actually speaking to themAs above, we had the opportunity to meet, talk and ask questions to our congresstional candidates. In our times, it is so importent to speak up and know who we are sending to Conress to pass laws that effect all of us.Original ProgramYesHonorable Mention
682023-04-24 20:01Levitanru100.36.33.352023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.Beth Emeth Men'S Club - Herndon, VA (1144)Men's Club ShabbatDr. Jeff ShoreRussLevitanrdl1973@yahoo.comRussLevitanrdl1973@yahoo.comRussLevitanrdl1973@yahoo.comMens' Club ShabbatCBE's Men's Club Shabbat is an annual event where we look to have multiple members of the Men's Club lead the Saturday morning service. We use this event as an opportunity to get more men from multiple generations participating and hopefully increase our visibility throughout the CBE community. This year we also made a concerted effort to include as many children of Men's Club members as possible, whether leading some of the Hebrew prayers, or doing an English reading.CBE's Men's Club Shabbat is an annual event where we look to have multiple members of the Men's Club lead the Saturday morning service. We use this event as an opportunity to get more men from multiple generations participating and hopefully increase our visibility throughout the CBE community. This year we also made a concerted effort to include as many children of Men's Club members as possible, whether leading some of the Hebrew prayers, or doing an English reading.2023_mens_club_shabat_1.docx (403 KB)The 2023 Men's Club Sports Shabbat was an important part of CBE's "re-opening" coming out of COVID. We had over 25 members participate in the service along with 5-10 kids, along with more of the remaining congregation that is seen on Saturday mornings normally. We also invested in a more "premium" lunch afterward as another way to bring people in and let them know that "we're back!"This event was all about involving Jewish Men in Jewish life, as it was leading the entire Saturday morning service and torah reading. It was also an important event to strengthen the CBE community by bringing people together. The CBE Men's Club has also been a leader in this regard in hosting the events that try and bring more people in to continue to get back to where we were pre-COVID.Original ProgramYes
672023-04-24 19:16jbrody62747.20.34.1902023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.Park Avenue Synagogue Men'S Club - New York, NY (816)TZEDEK Youth InitiativeDr. Jeff ShoreDr. Steven Mandeldrmandel1979@aol.comSteven Darlingstevenjaydarling@gmail.comSteven Darlingstevenjaydarling@gmail.comFamily and Youth ProgrammingThe Tzedek Program is for youth, and leadership between the ages of 13-19. They will develop projects related to the Jewish Community which can include antisemitism, climate change, Gender, Jews of Color, Mental illness and others of their choosing. There will be scholarships/ plaques, letters of accommodation and more. This is a great opportunity to develop leadership in the Jewish Community. TZEDEK Youth Initiative Ethics, Responsibility, Justice. This quote below is says why this is such an important program. Take risks, raise your voice and push everyone to do better.” - Rabbi Abraham Heschel Purpose: Park Ave Synagogue created the Tzedek Program and opened it to the NYM region. The NYM/FJMC Region is committed to promote social justice and well-being in education and programming. As a Region we want to encourage “caring for the other” and the opportunity for personal growth, activism, and leadership. Tzedek is designed to stir up students and teenager ideas from NYM/FJMC members Synagogues with a mission of developing community programs to address Jewish values that can have an impact on the Jewish community. The areas of Jewish values are: 1. Jews of the Diaspora. 2. Mental health, suicide, and addiction – especially within our youth. 3. Diversity, equity, and inclusion of underserved populations to include race, ethnicity, LGBTQ, gender Jews of color those with physical and mental disabilities. 4. Antisemitism. 5. Climate and environmental change. Eligibility and requirements:  Applicants must be members of the New York Metro Region clubs in good standing.  Boys and Girls 12 – 18.  Approval for their proposal from their Synagogue Men’s Club and Committee of the New York Metro FJMC.  With approval, the student will then begin his/her project.  The program can take place either within the synagogue or outside in the community. Awards Committee Composed of the Regional President, Drs. Steven, and Heidi Mandel, and three additional members chosen by the NYM Executive Committee. Critical Date: Programs need to be completed by April 2023 to be considered, along with a written summary of their project. Awards and Recognition: There will be a maximum of four awards recipients per year of $250.00 per student. The student will receive a plaque of recognition. Recognition at the Man of the Year event. Recognition in the Regional newsletter. Recognition on the Regional website. tzedek_handbook-_8_20223.docx (14 KB)advanced_programing_for_tzedek.pdf (58 KB)tzedek_flyer_.pdf (1035 KB)
tzedek_handbook-_8_20223.pdf (27 KB)		● Currently there are 9 youth members enrolled into the PAS Tzedek program. ● These PAS youths are engaged in several diverse topics: ○ Combating Parkinson's ○ Reach out to multi-generations how to better understand the differences - creation of podcasts. ○ Mental Health podcasts ○ Connecting athletes with patients with the goal of fund-raising by selling athletes clothing ○ Women funding Women's activities with specific focus on African women ○ Food Pantry - ongoing at PAS for several years ○ Dress equity - collection of used clothing with the emphasis to fund-raise. ○ Creation of an Antisemitism task force As you can see from the impact statement, this program supports youth and families. This program also touches some of the other programs such as community outreach, health and wellness, Inclusion, education. This program touches all of those and more. The program is making an impact on multiple generations of Jews and families. The region is fully behind the Tzedek program because it embraces the mission that the NY Metro Region is committed to. All of the areas for the Tzedek program are Jewish values. We look forward to the program becoming a success in our own community and growing in the region as well.Original ProgramYes
662023-04-24 17:22obgenetics155.190.17.42023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.Congregation Beth Shalom Men'S Club - Northbrook, IL (643)Bios in the BulletinDr. Jeff ShoreAndrewWagnerandrew.wagner@nm.orgRobertGoldwinrudybux@comcast.netAndrew/StevenWagner/Lessmanandrew.wagner@nm.orgClub AdministrationThe main purpose of the Congregation Beth Shalom (CBS) Men’s Club’s synagogue bulletin submission is to inform our membership and the congregation of upcoming events. Besides just listing events, we wanted to make these articles an opportunity to introduce leaders in our club where, each month, a Men’s Club board member was interviewed and a biography was presented. This enabled those who read the article an opportunity to see the diversity of the life experiences of our leaders, to otherwise learn about people and find commonalities, and to attract new members who have a similar interest, background, or work experience of the member who was presented.In order to best increase participation in events, to attract new members, and to inform others of upcoming events, publicity is key. Our synagogue, Congregation Beth Shalom, in Northbrook, Illinois, publishes a bulletin entitled Shalom, ten times per year. It includes messages from our clergy, the executive director, and the many arms of our synagogue, such as USY, religious school, Sisterhood, and Men’s Club, along with a calendar of events, a list of recent donations, and advertisements. The Men’s Club article is our opportunity to publicize our upcoming events, give general announcements, and explain the good that we do for our community. Upon the presidencies of Steven Lessman and Dr. Andrew Wagner starting in July 2022, we decided to change the format of our bulletin articles. Now we understand that, for upcoming events, many people just want to check out the calendar, see what is going to happen, and then check with their phone calendar, work calendar, and their kids’ school and activities calendars to make sure that they can attend an event. We also understand that the bulletin and our article is there to inform our congregation on upcoming events. However, knowing that an organization is only as strong as its members and leaders, we wanted to spotlight our many amazing leaders. This gave many a first-time opportunity to meet a valued member of our Club, the congregation and the community. Our co-president, Steve Lessman, interviewed all of our executive board and multiple members of our general board to learn about their background, family, career, interests, community involvement and synagogue involvement. A summary of the interview was then created and proofread by our other co-president. It was then submitted to the CBS Director of Communications for publication.bulletin_articles_222324.pdf (3073 KB)Month after month, we received feedback that the bulletin article was not only informative, it gave a more personalized touch to the article. It enabled those who read the article an opportunity to see the diversity of the life experiences of our leaders, to learn about people and find commonalities, and to attract new members who have a similar interest, background, or work experience of the member who was presented. At various events, it became a nice icebreaker when a relatively new member met the leader who was spotlighted in the article.In showcasing our many board leaders, we are displaying how our members lead in our Club as well as in their community and professions. This can inspire others to try to emulate their successes in life and for our Club. It also is a successful way for marketing outside of the Club and synagogue.Original ProgramYesBronze
65 (draft)2023-04-24 09:26TAG121870.107.212.1492023Family and Youth Programming
642023-04-23 22:23behemmer71.255.224.1742023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.Olam Tikvah Men's Club - Fairfax, VA (1147)The Jewish experience in the US Military: History and Personal ReflectionsDr. Jeff ShoreBarryHemmerdingerbehemmer@gmail.comBarryHemmerdingerbehemmer@gmail.comBarryHemmerdingerbehemmer@gmail.comEducational ProgrammingObjective was to have two respected members the US military and of the our synagogue a share history and personal stories of Jewish life in the US military. The program was incorporated into a Sunday brunch that was familiar to our members but still building back attendance levels post pandemic. This was held Jan 22, 2023. To further enhance the topic the brunch featured a menu modeled after a military chow hall. The program drew over 70 people, the largest men's club attended in person event since the pandemic. Our program opened with a buffet chow hall style brunch - eggs, kosher sausage, potatoes accompanied by the men's club standards of bagels and lox. Once served our first speaker Captain Marc Herwitz gave a 40-minute presentation that he compiled on Jews in the US military - beginning from the French and Indian War in 1754 to the present day. Captain Herwitz fielded a short round of questions. Following this Ret Captain Rosalind Sloan shared her personal experiences for 20 minutes of being Jewish in the US military contrasting situations of being stationed domestically and internationally. Captain Sloan then fielded questions along with further questions for Captain Herwitz. Our program charged $12 for Men’s club members and $18 for non-members. Probably about half were non-members (many spouses). By holding the educational session as a Sunday brunch, we maximize likelihood of attendance by starting just after Sunday morning minyan and Sunday school drop off. We had many walk-ins to the invite, more than anticipated but the food held out. We had no speaker fees as the presenters were synagogue members and happy to volunteer their knowledge and experiences. That enabled us to keep the costs down and break even for the event. Finally, we also had a table with materials on Jewish Veteran support agencies for attendees to learn more and contribute to these worthwhile charities. The event was well regarded. Just recently, as club president, I was contacted by the adult education committee if the men’s club could partner with them and help that group gain traction for their educational programs. Unfortunately, the first one planned conflict with our regular election brunch planning. I have attached snippets of the presentation as the whole presentation was too large to upload. There is a lot to learn from the whole presentation. speaker_bios.pdf (168 KB)
beginning_of_presentation.pdf (346 KB)		program_advance_planning_-_jews_in_the_military.xlsx (8 KB)
copy_of_brunch_standard_operating_procedures_lessons_learned.docx.pdf (29 KB)		brunch_announcement.pdf (448 KB)
jewish_us_military_brunch_-_shabbat_flyer.docx.pdf (111 KB)
synagague_announcement.pdf (370 KB)		captain_herwitz.jpg (93 KB)
brunch_-_attendees.jpg (73 KB)		Very successful. Immediate bounce back for educationally themed brunches post pandemic. Other OT groups have subsequently reached out to Men's Club to help and/or partner on upcoming educational events. We had approx 70 attendees out of our ~600 families and ~120 men's club members. For a comparison attendance at the earlier in the year brunch focused on the election and candidate Q&A drew about 55. Election brunch is usually the largest, so besting that is good sign of building back the interest for in-person educational events.This brunch highlighted the experiences of two highly respected Jewish US Navy Captains. Leadership oozes out of their pores when the speak. Very inspirational to hear them speak. Additionally, the topic of the Jewish experiences in the US military is very important for Jewish Men to understand in a historical sense as well as the to fight stereotypes in the future.Original ProgramYesSilver
632023-04-23 17:21DiamondMC32.213.190.2022023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.Beth El Temple Men's Club - West Hartford (217)Breakfast Program with Doron Sheffer, UCONN Huskies and Israeli Retired Pro Basketball PlayerDr. Jeff ShoreDavidDiamonddaviddiamond2@comcast.netArthurFreedmandrartf@aol.comArthurFreedmandrartf@aol.comIsrael / MasortiDoron Sheffer is a well-known college basketball player as well as an Israeli retired professional basketball player. The Men's Club secured him as a speaker to talk about his basketball playing days, his life afterwards, and a book he wrote that was available to purchase at a book-signing at the end of the program.A Men's Club board member, who is the Executive Director at Jewish Federation Association of Connecticut (JFACT), suggested that Israeli basketball player Doron Sheffer speak at a Men's Club program in late February. Through his professional involvement with JFACT, he knew that Sheffer would be in Connecticut at that time before heading home to Israel. While he originally suggested that Sheffer speak as part of a Saturday morning Shabbat, the consensus was that a Sunday morning breakfast program, which would include a book-signing, would be more feasible and would likely draw a larger crowd. We landed on a date that worked for the Temple and for Sheffer. We knew that there would be a lot of excitement about this. While Connecticut does not have any professional sports teams, the University of Connecticut (UCONN) men's basketball team is very popular. Sheffer is well-known locally having played on championship teams at UCONN alongside some other very popular players. His professional basketball career in Israel added to the interest in seeing him in person. The Men's Club reached out to Beth El Temple's Israel Engagement Committee to see if they wanted to co-sponsor this program with us. The committee sponsors or co-sponsors with other community organizations, programs and events designed to share Israel’s story. They explore history, politics, culture and day-to-day life, actively connecting our members to our homeland’s past, present and future. They of course were happy to be part of this program. Their role would be to help publicize the program through their network as well as provide help the morning of the program. A publicity request was sent out that would set things in motion for marketing this program through inclusion in the bi-monthly newsletter, weekly Shabbat e-blasts, weekly Shabbat bulletins, standalone e-blasts, and Facebook publicity. As we got closer to the program date, the Men's Club board made arrangements for the breakfast buffet, including having enough volunteers helping out with the food, registration, set-up and clean-up, as well as the book-signing. Over 40 people attended the program, one of our largest Sunday morning programs in many years. Sheffer gave an inspiring presentation, and many people bought his book at the book-signing held at the end of his presentation. Afterwards, the Men's Club agreed to pay Sheffer an honorarium which is done occasionally to show our appreciation and thank the speaker for their efforts. Per e-mail sent to the Men's Club afterwards by the organizer and event chair: "It was a terrific event. We had over 40 people in attendance which, I was told, was one of the biggest events in the last several years. He connected with the audience so much that he brought a woman to tears with his message. He talked about his basketball career in Connecticut and Israel, battling cancer and trying to live a life centered around Torah." fjmc_ta_2023_beth_el_mens_club_217_beth_el_temple_breakfast_program_with_doron_sheffer_room_request_form.pdf (802 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_beth_el_mens_club_217_beth_el_temple_breakfast_program_with_doron_sheffer_torch_award_program_schedule.pdf (14 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_beth_el_mens_club_217_beth_el_temple_breakfast_program_with_doron_sheffer_torch_award_program_schedule_0.pdf (14 KB)		fjmc_ta_2023_beth_el_mens_club_217_beth_el_temple_breakfast_program_with_doron_sheffer_bio.pdf (121 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_beth_el_mens_club_217_beth_el_temple_breakfast_program_with_doron_sheffer_program_flyer.pdf (169 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_beth_el_mens_club_217_beth_el_temple_breakfast_program_with_doron_sheffer_publicity_e-mail.pdf (536 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_beth_el_mens_club_217_beth_el_temple_breakfast_program_with_doron_sheffer_publicity_newsletter.pdf (864 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_beth_el_mens_club_217_beth_el_temple_breakfast_program_with_doron_sheffer_publicity_request_e-mail.pdf (1629 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_beth_el_mens_club_217_beth_el_temple_program_with_doron_sheffer_fb_publicity.jpg (4107 KB)		fjmc_ta_2023_beth_el_mens_club_217_beth_el_temple_program_with_doron_sheffer_book.jpg (43 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_beth_el_mens_club_217_beth_el_temple_program_with_doron_sheffer_signing_basketball.jpg (46 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_beth_el_mens_club_217_beth_el_temple_program_with_doron_sheffer_-_photo_of_mc_asst_treasurer_dave_klau_with_doron_sheffer.jpg (43 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_beth_el_mens_club_217_beth_el_temple_program_with_doron_sheffer_-_speaking_to_over_40_attendees.jpg (49 KB)		The Men's Club had not had a Sunday morning breakfast program at the Temple since before COVID. It was great to start again with such a successful program, attracting the largest crowd we've had on a Sunday morning in many years. It was great seeing such a variety of people attending, including children.Throughout the initiation, planning and execution of this program, every step involved Jewish men working together to achieve a common goal. The program related and supported these elements of the FJMC tagline: Innovation: the program connected people of all ages to the Jewish community, Community: helped form and build meaningful long-lasting relationships based on camaraderie and common interests.In most communities, there are Jewish sports heroes that can share their stories, both professional and personal. This type of program can easily be replicated by any Men's Club by connecting with such a person and arranging for a program that can bring the community together as we did.Original ProgramYesGold
622023-04-23 16:54mgetz2776.152.206.1532023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.Temple Israel of Sharon Brotherhood - Sharon, MA (738)Overall Club ActivitiesDr. Jeff ShoreMichaelGetzmgetz27@comcast.netGaryKeimachgkeimach@comcast.netMichaelGetzmgetz27@comcast.netFJMC - otherFrom our end-of Summer outdoor BBQ and Board meeting held in August to our Man of the Year tribute and roast held in May, Temple Israel of Sharon Brotherhood has had an extremely active year that has focused on fostering member engagement, attracting new members, and involving the greater Temple community. We held many engaging social activities throughout the year, from Paid-Up Supper, Scotch & steak night, Man of the Year, Judaic and sports speaker breakfasts, a charity golf tournament and online auction, and a combined Brotherhood Scholar-in-Residence Shabbat Weekend that included a major concert for the community with over 300 in attendance.Not including our monthly Board meetings, we held over 35 individual programs and activities this past year. We started our year off with an annual half-day executive leadership strategy planning meeting of all the officers and key committee chairs in July; this was led by our president and first vice president. At that meeting, we begin discussions around the year’s calendar (see attached), which we presented to the board at our end-of Summer kickoff BBQ/board meeting, which was held at one of our member’s home on a lake in the area. We regularly have 25-30 members attend our monthly board meetings, which are open to all members, and are held on Sunday mornings over bagels and lox. One of the goals at the meetings is to build camaraderie and fellowship, and a lot of collaboration happens at each meeting. A program launched by our first vice president this year, “Cause Without Applause”, allowed us all to vote on a monthly donation to a meaningful charity – this has helped develop a sense of shared responsibility and charity. Our annual work on a Habitat for Humanity home, support for holiday Meals on Wheels, donation to Project Bread’s Walk for Hunger, and other similar contributions allow our members to participate in acts of tikkun olam. This past year we also helped sponsor two Temple Israel of Sharon youth to go on the March of the Living Holocaust memorial trip to Poland and Israel. We held many engaging social activities throughout the year, from Paid-Up Supper, which featured NYC-based comedian, Brad Zimmerman, as well as our annual “Lift Your Spirits” Scotch & steak night, Man of the Year honor/roast, Judaic and sports speaker breakfasts, Hearing Men’s Voices series, Jewish Routes discussion series with our Rabbi, Holocaust memorial Yellow Candle drive, participation in the Tour de Shuls charity cycling ride, “Burgers & Beers in the Sukkah”, World Wide Wrap, and more. Our “Combined Charities Golf Tournament” held in August, and our annual online auction, held in late February/March, have become major fundraising events for the club. Our annual Brotherhood Scholar-in-Residence Shabbat Weekend was also a major weekend for the community, and not only included our famous Gala Kiddush for the community, but also a concert with singer/songwriter Neshama Carlebach and her band, which attracted an audience of over 300 people from the greater Boston community. All these activities require a significant number of volunteers to help organize and run. We have found that volunteering to work on an individual program or event can often lead to greater engagement and deeper involvement.calendar_of_events_2022-2023_-_8-23-2022_0.pdf (276 KB)
calendar_of_events_2022-2023_-_8-23-2022.pptx (470 KB)
brotherhood_planning_calendar_2022-2023_-_snapshot.xlsx (14 KB)
2023_brotherhood_auction_community_sponsor_form_12-25-2022.pdf (203 KB)
2023_brotherhood_auction_community_cover_letter_12-25-2022.pdf (240 KB)
brotherhood_weekend_concert_program_2023_-_8.5_x_14_-_fin_adjusted.pdf (483 KB)
temple_israel_brotherhood_trifold_2022.pdf (836 KB)		brotherhood_shabbat_2023_flyer_0.pdf (331 KB)
neshama_carlebach_concert_flyer_2023_hi-res.pdf (171 KB)
jewish_routes_flyer_2022-2023_1.pdf (299 KB)
paid_up_supper_2022_flyer_0.pdf (465 KB)
hmv_series_2022-2023_1.pdf (440 KB)
greg_bedard_3-12-2023.pdf (365 KB)
burgers_beers_2022_flyer_0.pdf (803 KB)
lift_your_spirits_flyer_2023.pdf (800 KB)
pinball_museum_flyer_2023_0.pdf (437 KB)
tccgt2023brochurer2.pdf (538 KB)
brotherhood2023golfluachad_save_the_date.jpg (155 KB)		2022_scholar_photo_0.jpg (2193 KB)
2023_neshama_carlebach_photo_1_0.jpg (2840 KB)		This year, our synagogue President, Neil Aronson, thanked the Brotherhood after a very successful Brotherhood Shabbat Weekend with the following words, which speak to the incredible hard work and leadership of our club within the community: “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.”We feel strongly that our activities this year were well aligned with the FJMC’s mission of Involving Jewish Men in Jewish Life. Our own mission, as stated in our bylaws, are: “Temple Israel of Sharon Brotherhood’s mission is to strengthen our members’ ties to Jewish values, to build communal ties, to support Temple Israel, and to build fellowship and camaraderie through social interaction, education, performing mitzvot, and a commitment to tikkun olam.” Our efforts this year and every year are focused on building a succession of leaders within our synagogue community, and identifying engaging and innovative programs that help form strong bonds among our members and the greater Jewish community.Original ProgramYesGold
612023-04-23 11:09jepstein68.133.19.2142023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.Brotherhood of Temple Beth Tzedek - Buffalo, NY (1226)Latkes & LomeinDr. Jeff ShoreJonathanEpsteinjepstein@buffnews.comJonathanEpsteinjepstein@buffnews.comJonathanEpsteinjepstein@buffnews.comFamily and Youth ProgrammingThis program was designed to bring our synagogue community together (including families) for afternoon of great food, great fun and great camaraderie on Sunday, Dec. 25, when everything else was closed. We combined homemade latkes and homemade lo mein, to bring together the Chanukah tradition with the classic "eat-Chinese-food-on-Christmas," and also provided TVs to watch football as well as children's movies in two different rooms. (Note: This was originally scheduled for Dec. 25, but had to be rescheduled for Jan. 1, because Buffalo got hit with a massive blizzard.)Our plan was to provide food and entertainment for our members, their spouses and their families on Dec. 25, utilizing the skills of our members. As noted above, we had to pivot our planning when Buffalo was hit by an unusual massive blizzard the weekend of Dec. 25 that shut down the entire region. So we postponed it a week and did the same program on Jan. 1 instead. All food was homemade in the synagogue kitchen, under supervision, except for some store-bought desserts. One of our members led and directed the latkes, while another did the same for the lo mein. We set out tables in our interior community courtyard, set up a pair of big-screen televisions (one on a cart in the courtyard and one that is stationary and used for Zoom services in our minyan room) for entertainment (we watched football games on one and connected to Disney-Plus for children's movies on the other). We had over three-dozen attendees, all of whom had a great time.tbt_brotherhood_rsvp_list_for_torch_award.xlsx (12 KB)
latkes_lo_mein_guidelines_for_torch_award.docx (14 KB)		12-25-2022_latkes_and_lomein.pdf (597 KB)
1-1-2023-latkes-and-lomein.pdf (628 KB)		The program was definitely a success. We had over three-dozen people in attendance, of all ages, enjoying the food and friendship and entertainment. It brought community together, and showcased Brotherhood as the organizer. It was also marketed outside of our synagogue and brought in a few people from another congregation. And we made a profit.This supports the Community element of the FJMC tagline, and brought Jewish men together for relationship-building, under the framework of celebrating Chanukah.Original ProgramYesHonorable Mention
602023-04-23 06:50mgetz2776.152.206.1532023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.Temple Israel of Sharon Brotherhood - Sharon, MA (738)Club Administration, Sustainability & Membership EngagementDr. Jeff ShoreMichaelGetzmgetz27@comcast.netGaryKeimachgkeimach@comcast.netMichaelGetzmgetz27@comcast.netClub AdministrationTemple Israel of Sharon Brotherhood is proud of the efforts we have taken and activities that we have honed over the years – that have become a foundation of our club – to make sure our members remain active and engaged, that we attract new members, that we stay relevant within the greater Temple community, and that we ensure that our club continues to thrive from year to year. We start with an annual half-day executive leadership strategy planning meeting held during the summer that allows our incoming president and officers set the vision for the year; we strive to plan the year’s calendar early and present it to the board at our end-of Summer kickoff BBQ/board meeting. We hold many engaging social activities throughout the year, from Paid-Up Supper, Scotch & steak night, Man of the Year, Judaic and sports speaker breakfasts, a charity golf tournament and online auction that have become major fundraising events for the club, and our monthly “Cause without Applause” donations and support for numerous other programs and charities designed to give meaning to our members.Sustainability, leadership training and member engagement are central to our club and the foundation that was laid by our founder, Robert Zeitsiff, z”l, for whom we have named our annual Brotherhood Shabbat Scholar-in-Residence Weekend. We’ve shared a copy of our upcoming slate of officers for 2023-2024, which shows our incoming president, vice president, officers and board structure, which includes also a number of key voting committee chair positions, including Programming, Membership, Hessed (caring), Tikkun Olam (mitzvot & repairing the world), and Publicity, who are named in our club’s bylaws. Each president’s term is two years, and the four vice presidents move up each in turn. The collaboration between a president and his first vice president is very important. This succession strategy has helped groom each new president and create a sense of continuity. We start our year off with an annual half-day executive leadership strategy planning meeting of all the officers and key committee chairs; this is held in July and organized by our incoming president and first vice president and allows us to set the vision for the year. We typically also invite the immediate outgoing president(s) as well. At that meeting, we begin discussions around the year’s calendar, which we will present to the board at our end-of Summer kickoff BBQ/board meeting, which is held at one of our member’s home on a lake in the area. We use Google Groups for regular email messaging to our club members and get support from the Temple office in including notices in weekly bulletins, the Temple monthly newsletter, and web site. We also use Facebook Groups to publicize our activities. We regularly have 25-30 members attend our monthly board meetings, which are open to all members, and except during COVID when they were held on Zoom or outdoors in the local High School parking lot, are on Sunday mornings over bagels and lox. One of the goals at meetings is to build camaraderie and fellowship, and a lot of collaboration happens at each meeting. A program launched by our first vice president this year, “Cause Without Applause”, allows us all to vote on a monthly donation to a meaningful charity – this has helped develop a sense of shared responsibility and charity. Our annual work on a Habitat for Humanity home, support for holiday Meals on Wheels, participation in Project Bread’s Walk for Hunger, and other similar contributions allow our members to feel they are participating in tikkun olam. Each year we help sponsor a number of youth to go on the March of the Living Holocaust memorial trip to Poland and Israel. We hold many engaging social activities throughout the year, from Paid-Up Supper, which featured a NY-based comedian, as well as “Lift Your Spirits” Scotch & steak night, Man of the Year honor/roast, Judaic and sports speaker breakfasts, World Wide Wrap, Hearing Men’s Voices, Jewish Routes discussion series, Holocaust memorial Yellow Candle drive, participation in the Tour de Shuls charity cycling ride, “Burgers & Beers in the Sukkah”, and more. Our “Combined Charities Golf Tournament” and annual online auction have become major fundraising events for the club. Our annual Brotherhood Scholar-in-Residence Shabbat Weekend is a major weekend for the community. All these activities require a significant number of volunteers to help organize and run. We use Google Forms and Sheets to invite volunteer participation, and on some occasions we have held phone drives. We have found that volunteering to work on an individual program or event can often lead to greater engagement and deeper involvement.2021_tib_excom_strategy_session_agenda_8-17-2021.docx (16 KB)
ti_brotherhood_exec_board_retreat_agenda_aug_2022.docx (18 KB)
ti_brotherhood_bod_meeting_agenda_3-19-23.docx (18 KB)
board_positions_2023-2024.xlsx (13 KB)
brotherhood_membership_dues_letter_2022-2023.pdf (854 KB)
calendar_of_events_2022-2023_-_8-23-2022.pdf (276 KB)
brotherhood_purim-pesach_luach_article_2023.docx (19 KB)		calendar_of_events_2022-2023_-_8-23-2022.pdf (276 KB)
paid_up_supper_2022_flyer.pdf (465 KB)
jewish_routes_flyer_2022-2023_0.pdf (299 KB)
hmv_series_2022-2023_0.pdf (440 KB)
burgers_beers_2022_flyer.pdf (803 KB)
pinball_museum_flyer_2023.pdf (437 KB)
brotherhood_shabbat_2023_flyer.pdf (331 KB)		tibreakfast-20230219-459.jpg (2676 KB)
sukkah_build.jpg (4503 KB)
habitat_for_humanity.jpg (548 KB)
tibrotherhood_routes_1_0.jpg (1910 KB)
2023_neshama_carlebach_photo_2_0.jpg (2307 KB)		This year our membership drive resulted in approximately 150 members renewing, from roughly 135 the prior year, and from a total of roughly 475 families in our synagogue. This year we brought in 10 new and 4 re-joined members. This year, our synagogue President, Neil Aronson, thanked the Brotherhood after a very successful Brotherhood Shabbat Weekend with the following words, which speak to the incredible hard work and leadership of our club within the community: “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.”We feel strongly that Temple Israel of Sharon Brotherhood’s mission is well aligned with the FJMC’s mission of Involving Jewish Men in Jewish Life. Our own mission, as stated in our bylaws, are: “Temple Israel of Sharon Brotherhood’s mission is to strengthen our members’ ties to Jewish values, to build communal ties, to support Temple Israel, and to build fellowship and camaraderie through social interaction, education, performing mitzvot, and a commitment to tikkun olam.” Our efforts are focused on building a succession of leaders within our synagogue community, and identifying engaging and innovative programs that help form strong bonds among our members.Original ProgramYesGold
592023-04-23 06:24mgetz2776.152.206.1532023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.Temple Israel of Sharon Brotherhood - Sharon, MA (738)Jewish Routes Sunday Breakfast Discussion SeriesDr. Jeff ShoreMichaelGetzmgetz27@comcast.netGaryKeimachgkeimach@comcast.netMichaelGetzmgetz27@comcast.netEducational ProgrammingTemple Israel of Sharon Brotherhood’s Jewish Roots/Routes breakfast discussion series is a program that was started in the early 2000’s but had seen dwindling interest in recent years. As a way to inject new life into the educational series, and also to provide an opportunity for our synagogue’s new Rabbi, Jeremy Fineberg, to teach and inspire the greater temple community, we came upon the theme, “Rabbi Fineberg Ruins Everything!” Together with him, we busted some commonly misunderstood myths about Judaism as we took a look at classic Jewish stories and concepts through a new lens.Temple Israel Brotherhood's Jewish Roots/Routes breakfast discussion series has always been an important educational program that we've run together with our temple Rabbi. Past years' programs have addressed end of life issues, stem cell research and medical technology, biomedical ethics in Jewish life, Jewish law in the 21st century, Jewish life-cycle events, and sexuality and spirituality. The program, however, had gotten a little stale and uninspiring in recent years, and we were looking for a way to inject new life into it and also to provide an opportunity for our synagogue’s new Rabbi, Jeremy Fineberg, to teach and inspire the larger community. Together, we came upon the theme, “Rabbi Fineberg Ruins Everything!” In four Sunday morning learning and discussion sessions over bagels and lox, Rabbi Fineberg helped bust some commonly misunderstood myths about Judaism, and we took a look at classic Jewish stories and ideas through a new lens. The exploration of our tradition was geared towards learners of all backgrounds - as long as they were keen to learn with a critical eye, open mind, and generous heart. The sessions included: • Rabbi Fineberg Ruins Famous Jewish Stories! • Rabbi Fineberg Ruins Chanukah! • Rabbi Fineberg Ruins Wine! • Rabbi Fineberg Ruins Cemeteries & The Afterlife! We’ve found that the key to engaging and well-attended sessions is a provocative theme or topic that truly “pushes the envelope”. We're looking to continue the current theme next year and give Rabbi Fineberg new things to ruin! Planning for the program began in the late summer/early Fall as we were looking to hold the first of the sessions in November. We met with Rabbi Fineberg to discuss a topic, with the objectives described above in mind. With a topic and selected dates, we prepared the flyer and advertisements for our temple newsletter and email blasts. We had our temple office set up an online RSVP and payment form on the temple’s ShulCloud web site. We charged a total of $36 in advance for the entire series or $8 for each session, paid at the door, to cover the cost of the breakfast. The Rabbi prepares Jewish text source sheet handouts and other materials for each session using Sefaria.org and other online sites. We have a group of 4 or 5 volunteers to help with shopping and preparation of the breakfast in the kitchen, as well as to check people in as they arrive.jewish_routes_flyer_2022-2023.pptx (294 KB)
routes_2023_ad.pptx (288 KB)
2022-23_brotherhood_routes_check-in_3-26-2023.xlsx (14 KB)
jewish_routes_shopping.docx (17 KB)		torch_award_program_schedule_-_ti_sharon_routes.xlsx (32 KB)jewish_routes_flyer_2022-2023.pdf (299 KB)
jewish_routes_flyer_2022-2023.jpg (285 KB)
routes_2023_ad.pdf (154 KB)
routes_2023_ad.jpg (229 KB)		tibrotherhood_routes_1.jpg (1910 KB)
tibrotherhood_routes_2.jpg (1443 KB)		As noted, we were very pleased that this year’s Temple Israel Brotherhood’s Jewish Roots/Routes breakfast discussion series was very successful in rejuvenating a program started in the early 2000’s but that had gotten stale and uninspiring in recent years. While the topics were interesting, attendance had dwindled to 10-20 people in past years. As a way to inject new life into the educational series, and also to provide an opportunity for our synagogue’s new Rabbi, Jeremy Fineberg, to teach and inspire the larger community, we came upon a very enticing topic, and the charisma of our new Rabbi helped grow attendance to close to 50 at each of the sessions this year, including members from a much wider demographic of the community.Our Jewish Roots/Routes series is primarily an educational program that has allowed us to delve into both contemporary topics from a Jewish perspective, as well as Jewish tradition and spirituality from a contemporary perspective, and is one of the ways we have shown leadership in bringing innovative educational offerings to the greater temple Israel community.Original ProgramYesGold
582023-04-22 21:11Varkonyi72.186.195.1332023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.Olam Tikvah Men's Club - Fairfax, VA (1147)Fall in Love in Las Vegas Casino NightDr. Jeff ShoreIrvinVarkonyiirvinvarkonyi@cox.netBarry Hemmerdingerbehemmer@gmail.comBarryHemmerdingerbehemmer@gmail.comFundraisingThe past year has seen the return of many congregants, after COVID constraints, to in person services and activities at Congregation Olam Tikvah highlighted by Falling in Love in Las Vegas Casino Night, Feb 11, 2023, a collaboration between Men’s Club and OT Sisterhood, as the largest social event held since the onset of COVID. This smashing success brought over 120 congregants to play Blackjack, Texas Hold’em, Roulette and Craps, accompanied by delicious home made hors d’ouvres in a wonderful ambiance created by our 15 year old DJ playing favorites from the 70’s through the 2000’s. Capping off the evening was our Super Raffle with items such as baseball tickets, acupuncture sessions, JCC membership; restaurant gift cards and more. Our goal was to capture our congregants’' imagination. Our strategy was to have professional displays easily visible to attendees sharing a common theme from pre-event publicity through the night of the event. One member of our Las Vegas Committee, a business owner of Fast Signs, created bold, visually powerful signage displayed throughout our social hall to welcome attendees. The visual theme of the displays was carried in our pre-event promotion on the synagogue website, Men’s Club and Sisterhood newsletters and social media. A committee was formed of Sisterhood and Men’s Club members, meeting every couple of weeks starting about four months before the event. We designated roles for each person including catering, raffle solicitation, sponsorship solicitation and event night tasks. Our admission pricing was all inclusive at $36 per person with no additional costs for attendees to eat, drink and be merry. Attendees were encouraged to spend additional money at the event through our raffle with ticket prices set at $10/ticket or 3 for $25. We established a budget goal forecasting a reasonable profit which we designated for donation to the synagogue. A sponsorship program was set up, in addition to admission, starting at $54 up to $360 from name recognition through sponsoring gaming tables. The collaboration with Sisterhood demonstrated our commitment to an inclusive Men’s Club, partnering with and welcoming the congregation’s women to join together with Men’s Club. We secured a professional casino organization with dealers and tables, who taught congregants on the different games as well as created a professional atmosphere for experienced congregants. Our 15 year old DJ, son of one of our members, played excellent music throughout the event. Together, we split $5,600 in net profit with Sisterhood, exceeding our forecasted profit, and gave everyone a wonderful evening. In addition to collaboration with Sisterhood, we had buy in from synagogue clergy and administration for whom the goal was to have congregants enjoy themselves, as well as raise money to supplement the synagogue’s budget. Our goal is to collaborate annually with Sisterhood, with different events each year. fall_in_love_las_vegas_casino_night_planning_._2023.docx (14 KB)planning_tasks_las_vegas_night_2023.docx (13 KB)
fjmc_quality_award_supporting_data.otmc_las_vegas_night.xlsx (14 KB)		event_flyer_for_fall_in_love_in_las_vegas.pdf (605 KB)
otmc_newsletter_-_jan.pdf (1398 KB)
img_3339.jpg (1131 KB)		img_33711.jpg (1406 KB)
img_3235.jpg (1524 KB)
img_3279.jpg (1546 KB)
img_3300.jpg (1567 KB)		"Fall in Love Las Vegas Casino Night," exceeded expectations as nearly 10% of the congregation came to the event, while nearly $6,000 was raised for the synagogue. The collaboration between Men's Club and Sisterhood was important for both organizations and for the synagogue which values joint activities. We estimate that approximately 85% of attendees were either Men's Club or Sisterhood members. Men's Club is a service organization which donates time and funds to the synagogue. This is our top goal. This joint success created good will with synagogue administration and clergy, recognizing the value of Men's Club to create events of social value as well as financial importance. Mens Club and Sisterhood are at the core of leadership for the synagouge, in fundraising and creating a desirable environment for congregants to socialize and get to know each other better. Las Vegas night continued this tradition for our synagogue. The event was important to contribute to our synagogue community given the desire of congregants to resume social relationships made so difficult by the onset of COVID. The synagogue looked to Mens Club and Sisterhood to help congregants enjoy themselves at the synagogue. Collaboration between Mens Club and Sisterhood is important to demonsrate an inclusive approach for the two main auxiliary organizations at the synagogue. This event was a key demonstration of this collaboration. Original ProgramYes
57 (draft)2023-04-21 20:23Howardr14867.240.29.322023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.Temple Beth El Men'S Club - Rochester, NY (1233)Annual meeting kids fun dayHowardResselmensclub@tberochester.orgAlan and SamGinsberg and Millermensclub@tberochester.orgHowardResselmensclub@tberochester.orgFamily and Youth ProgrammingThis program combined our annual meeting with a fun activity filled morning for the famil8es and kids. The program include the mascot from the Rochester Red Wings AAA baseball team. When both programs ended Men's Club sponsored a pancake breakfast cooked and served by Men's Club volunteers. Our annual meeting each June includes a guest speaker and installs our officers. In June of 2022 we created a family fun event to coincide with our annual meeting. Those who wished attended a special presentation by
562023-04-21 18:34gpollack67.199.210.1132023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.Anshe Emet Men'S Club - Chicago, IL (608)Steak and ShotsDr. Jeff ShoreGreggPollackgdp5607@gmail.comAlanMintzmintzad@gmail.comAlanMintzmintzad@gmail.comFundraisingAnnual event drawing 75-80 attendees (after pandemic hiatus in 2020), we provide a steak and potatoes BBQ dinner in the Sukkah along with a master Scotchologist to lead a tasting of fine Scotch and/or Bourbon. We have an honoree each year who also designates the beneficiary charity for the bulk of our profits. For this event, our honoree was a past Men's Club President and Man of the Year, Neil Schwartz, and he designated Wilderness Torah as the charity. We also have our annual installation of club officers at this event, which is a great opportunity to introduce our leadership to the broader synagogue community.This was the perfect program coming out of the pandemic in Sept 2021, being an outdoor event in the Sukkah and honoring one of much deserving club and shul leaders, Neil Schwartz. Our grill master pulled off the Kosher steak dinner for 80 people (plus staff) without a hitch, and Monique Huston, our guest Scotch expert (back by popular demand), led a highly acclaimed tasting. Neil designated Wilderness Torah to receive most of the profits from the event which turned out to be ~$500: "Wilderness Torah promotes healing, belonging, and resilience. We awaken and celebrate earth-based Jewish traditions through inclusive and intergenerational village-building. Our innovative community-building and education programs create transformative experiences for participants. We welcome folks from across the country and internationally to join our retreats, festivals, and online programs."steak_and_shots_2021_facebook.pdf (377 KB)
240502122_4276147162470548_32834394166451068_steak_n_shots_9-23-21.jpg (163 KB)		Our members, their spouses, and clergy all appreciated the planning and execution of our signature annual program. This is always our most popular program and we put significant effort into planning and execution to maximize turnout, which also drives the profit for our fundraising component. Attendees always appreciate the comraderie, outdoor setting and charitable component of this event.We observe the holiday of Sukkot while honoring our leadership and raising funds for worthy causes in the broader Jewish community.Turning Steak and Shots in the Sukkah into a fundraiser is very easy to do! Just designate a charity and attendees will be willing to pay a bit more to support a worthy cause.Original ProgramYes
552023-04-21 11:58Litt128.92.159.662023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.B'Nai Amoona Men'S Club - St. Louis, MO (631)Boys Night OutDr. Jeff ShoreKevinLittlitt.kevin@gmail.comScotFolwerscot.a.fowler@gmail.comKevinLittlitt.kevin@gmail.comFJMC - otherBoys Night Out is a program hosted by Men's Club where men from the synagogue eat out at a different restaurant each month. This provides a low barer program for men to meet other men in Men's Club and strengthen friendships. This program is designed to be simple. Once a month, our Boy's Night Out (BNO) Chair coordinates a location for us to have dinner. Our Rabbi likes to attend but that isn't required. Our one requirement of any location is that they must serve vegetarian or vegan options, but not exclusively. A digital sign-up sheet is sent to all Men's Club members and is promoted in the synagogue email announcements. There is no cost to attend, people pay their own tab. There is no program. There is no welcome or closing. It is a chance guys to get to know each other. bno_torch_award_program_schedule.xlsx (31 KB)bno-1.jpg (76 KB)
bno-2.jpg (76 KB)
bno-3.jpg (73 KB)
bno-4.jpg (76 KB)
bno-5.jpg (76 KB)
bno-6.jpg (78 KB)
bno-7.jpg (73 KB)
bno-8.jpg (80 KB)
gmail_-_mens_club-_boy_are_we_busy_redacted.pdf (125 KB)
gmail_-_week_at_a_glance_2.20.2023.pdf (296 KB)		bno2.jpg (76 KB)
bno3.jpg (49 KB)
bno4.jpg (52 KB)
bno5.jpg (67 KB)
bno6.jpg (72 KB)
bno7.jpg (86 KB)
bno8.jpg (69 KB)
bno1.jpg (83 KB)		BNO has significantly increased the attendance at all Men's Club events as well as increased the number of guys willing to volunteer. Having a laid back, no program, social event has given our members a chance to get to know each other better. Those connections that have been built make attending a Men's Club event a chance to hangout with friends vs a chance to help with something at the synagogue. Joining Men's Club as a new member can be intimidating, but going to dinner with a few guys is not. Our club is more active and our membership continues to grow because of BNO. Men can't be involved in Jewish life until they get involved. This is the easiest way to make it happen. There are two key reasons why Boys Night Out is a success for us at the B'nai Amoona Men's Club. 1. We do it every month. Not always the same day, but once a month there will be a BNO 2. We don't make it complicated. It's just guys going out to dinner. Other SourceIdea came to us through our RabbiYesBronze
542023-04-21 11:43tsharkis96.246.187.22023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.East Meadow Jewish Center Men's Club - East Meadow, NY (833)Breakfast On The Road - Nassau Count Holocaust CenterDr. Jeff ShoreTedSharkisthesharks@optonline.netNealZuckermannz@pathfindermail.comTedSharkisthesharks@optonline.netEducational ProgrammingEach month our clib has a breakfast with a speaker. From time to time we take this program on the road to a place of either social or educational purpose. We did a breakfast at and tour of our local Holocaust educational center.We started our with a breakfast in the centers meeting room. Once we finished eating and davining Birkat, we took a tour of the Holocaust center. One of our members is a tour guide there and they provided an additional tour guide to suppliment additional information. It was a very informative and moving morning. x xOriginal ProgramYesHonorable Mention
532023-04-19 09:10davidj92069.248.94.1032023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.East Brunswick Jewish Center Men's Club - E. Brunswick, NJ (953)L'Shanah Tova GreetingsDr. Jeff ShoreDavidJulisdoovey920@gmail.comMartyHoffmanmartyhnj@aol.comMartyHoffmanmartyhnj@aol.comFundraisingThe L'Shana Tova Program is to offer greetings to the entire congregation.Through this program, Men's Club offers the congregation to offer L'Shana Tova Greetings to the entire congregation. Along with the greetings, Men's Club provides a bag of "goodies", similar to Shaloch Manot. The bag contained a round challah, a jar of honey, apple chips, a bottle of grape juice and candles, though the contents have varied over the years. These greetings are then hand delivered to the homes of every congregant. We have the membership laid out by geographic routes to ease in the delivery. This is the largest fundraiser for our Men's Club and this past year we raised over $20K.lshana_tova_timeline.docx (16 KB)lshana_tova.docx (57 KB)The greetings are very well received as the congregation is not only extending greetings to all, but they are also getting items that they can actually use for the holiday. Also, the fact that we deliver everything makes an impact as we - Men's Club - are going that extra mile.It helps our community financially, as we raise funds that are used to benefit the lives of our congregants. Being that this is our largest fundraiser, we use these funds to provide extraordinary expense items that are not within the Synagogue budget.Original ProgramYesHonorable Mention
522023-04-19 07:42davidj92069.248.94.1032023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.East Brunswick Jewish Center Men's Club - E. Brunswick, NJ (953)History HikersDr. Jeff ShoreDavidJulisdoovey920@gmail.comMartyHoffmanmartyhnj@aol.comMartyHoffmanmartyhnj@aol.comCommunity OutreachThe 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 ProgramYesHonorable Mention
512023-04-18 22:46gpollack73.75.56.1422023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.Anshe Emet Men'S Club - Chicago, IL (608)Sukkah VillageDr. Jeff ShoreGreggPollackgdp5607@gmail.comAlanMintzmintzad@gmail.comAlanMintzmintzad@gmail.comFundraisingWorked 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 ProgramYes
502023-04-18 16:40gpollack73.75.56.1422023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.Anshe Emet Men'S Club - Chicago, IL (608)Violins of HopeDr. Jeff ShoreGreggPollackgdp5607@gmail.comAlanMintzmintzad@gmail.comAlanMintzmintzad@gmail.comYom HaShoah Yellow CandleCo-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 ProgramYesGold
492023-04-17 17:07gkeimach76.152.194.542023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.Temple Israel of Sharon Brotherhood - Sharon, MA (738)The Combined Charities Golf TournamentDr. Jeff ShoreGaryKeimachgkeimach@comcast.netGaryKeimachgkeimach@comcast.netMichaelGetzmgetz27@comcast.netFundraisingObjective 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 ProgramYesBronze
482023-04-17 15:12dmschloss47.23.177.2342023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.Orangetown Jewish Center Men's Club - Orangeburg, NY (1886)Community Seder 2023Dr. Jeff ShoreDavidSchlossbergdavid@schlossberg.netDavidSchlossbergdavid@schlossberg.netDavidSchlossbergdavid@schlossberg.netCommunity OutreachWe 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-mitzvhasThe 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 ProgramYesHonorable Mention
472023-04-16 13:22gkeimach76.152.194.542023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.Temple Israel of Sharon Brotherhood - Sharon, MA (738)Hearing Men's VoicesDr. Jeff ShoreGaryKeimachgkeimach@comcast.netGaryKeimachgkeimach@comcast.netMichaelGetzmgetz27@comcast.netHearing Men's VoicesThe 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 ProgramYesGold
462023-04-12 16:41gkeimach65.211.0.2542023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.Temple Israel of Sharon Brotherhood - Sharon, MA (738)Cause Without ApplauseDr. Jeff ShoreGaryKeimachgkeimach@comcast.netGaryKeimachgkeimach@comcast.netMichaelGetzmgetz27@comcast.netInclusionWe 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 ProgramYes
452023-04-10 23:00bflenett35.140.120.1892023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.Beth Shalom Men'S Club - Clearwater, FL (1328)Mens Study Group Dr. Jeff ShoreBlakeLenettblake.lenett@verizon.netJeffBrownjffbrwnjb@hotmail.comJeffBrownjffbrwnjb@hotmail.comEducational ProgrammingA 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 ProgramYesHonorable Mention
442023-04-09 21:43bruce9185.198.240.502023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.Beth Emeth-Bais Yehuda Men's Club - Downsview, ON (404)Mark OppenheimerDr. Jeff ShoreBruceMartinbruce@charitycards.caAllan Snowallan.snow@gmail.comAllanSnowallan.snow@gmail.comEducational ProgrammingOur 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 ProgramYesHonorable Mention
432023-04-09 21:07jbrody62747.20.34.1902023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.Midway Jewish Center Men's Club - Syosset, NY (890)Veterans Day Breakfast Dr. Jeff ShoreJonathanBrodyjbrody627@gmail.comJason Saltsberg JSaltsberg@olshanlaw.comMattKoganmatt31974@hotmail.comCommunity OutreachThe 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 ProgramYesHonorable Mention
422023-04-09 12:04mgetz2776.152.206.1532023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.Temple Israel of Sharon Brotherhood - Sharon, MA (738)Brotherhood Shabbat & Scholar in Residence WeekendDr. Jeff ShoreMichaelGetzmgetz27@comcast.netGaryKeimachgkeimach@comcast.netMichaelGetzmgetz27@comcast.netMens' Club ShabbatOur 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 ProgramYesSilver
41 (draft)2023-04-02 15:29mikep273.197.57.1082023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.South Jersey Men'S Club - Cherry Hill, NJ (503)Best Overall MichaelPerloffMikep2@comcast.netAbe Ferdas aferdas@verizon.netPhillip Godorov PhillipGodorov@gmail.comBest Overall Activities
402023-03-31 07:52Dale134.228.138.722023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.Park Synagogue Men's Club - Cleveland, OH (335)Discussion of Heart Health - Combined FJMC & MRJ Learning OpportunityDr. Jeff ShoreDale Levydlevy82@gmail.comRichardPriceparkmcpresident@gmail.comRichardPriceparkmcpresident@gmail.comHealth and WellnessThis 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 ProgramYesGold
392023-03-23 09:46sarbital69.119.105.622023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.Temple Beth Ahm Men's Club - Aberdeen, NJ (923)The Holy Temple LEGO Model - A Unique ExperienceDr. Jeff ShoreSethArbitalsmarbital@gmail.comSethArbitalsmarbital@gmail.comSethArbitalsmarbital@gmail.comJoint ProgrammingOn 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 ProgramYesSilver
382023-03-20 12:14jimhandler0711@...70.231.35.1342023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.West End Synagogue Men's Club - Nashville, TN (1706)Yom Hashoah Yellow Candle DistributionDr. Jeff ShoreJimHandlerjimhandler0711@gmail.comJimHandlerjimhandler0711@gmail.comJimHandlerjimhandler0711@gmail.comYom HaShoah Yellow CandleWe 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 WorldOriginal ProgramYesHonorable Mention
37 (draft)2023-03-20 12:14jimhandler0711@...70.231.35.1342023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.West End Synagogue Men's Club - Nashville, TN (1706)Yom Hashoah Yellow Candle DistributionJimHandlerjimhandler0711@gmail.comJimHandlerjimhandler0711@gmail.comJimHandlerjimhandler0711@gmail.comYom HaShoah Yellow Candle
36 (draft)2023-03-19 17:30bruce67.83.69.792023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.New City Jewish Center Men'S Club - New City, NY (1850)testBruceSichermanbruce@sibro.bizBruceSichermanbruce@sibro.bizBruceSichermanbruce@sibro.bizShomrei Ha'aretz
352023-03-18 11:16Hal Marcus67.243.96.2382023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.Temple Sinai Men's Club - Middletown, NY (1858)Hall of Remembrance ProgramDr. Jeff ShoreHalMarcushmarc57@yahoo.comHalMarcushmarc57@yahoo.comHalMarcushmarc57@yahoo.comJewish ObservanceThe 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 & updateYesGold
342023-03-16 21:13gersonl99.166.173.402023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.Beth Torah Sha’aray Tzedek’s Men’s Club - Tamarac, FL (1321)Yom Hashoah Candled programDr. Jeff ShoreLarryGersongersonl@bellsouth.netLarryGersongersonl@bellsouth.netLarryGersongersonl@bellsouth.netYom HaShoah Yellow CandleThis program is to inspire our youth to never ever ever forget about the HolocaustWe 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 left20230316_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 worldFjmc 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 ofHopefully nobody will ever ever forget the HolocaustOriginal ProgramYes
332023-03-15 23:27jsalant100.15.88.932023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.B'nai Israel Men's Club - Rockville, MD (1103)Yellow CandlesDr. Jeff ShoreJONATHANSALANTjds15@aol.comJONATHANSALANTjds15@aol.comJONATHANSALANTjds15@aol.comYom HaShoah Yellow CandleMany 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 ProgramYesBronze
322023-03-15 19:56jsalant100.15.88.932023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.B'nai Israel Men's Club - Rockville, MD (1103)Political ForumDr. Jeff ShoreJONATHANSALANTjds15@aol.comJONATHANSALANTjds15@aol.comJONATHANSALANTjds15@aol.comCommunity OutreachEvery two years, before voters in Maryland begin early voting, the Men's Club holds a political forum featuring candidates for state and local office. Evcry October in even-numbered years, the Men's Club holds a political forum that regularly features candidates for governor, U.S. Senate, U.S. House and Montgomery County executive. Some 100-200 congregants and members of the public fill a large meeting room to hear from the candidates. We serve bagels and cream cheese, donuts and coffee, and question the candidates on issues of concern to the attendees. Our moderator is an award-winning political reporter and a former National Press Club president and we use the same format as the nationally televised Press Club luncheons, where attendees submit questions on cards and the moderator sifts through them and picks the most newsworthy and appropriate questions. There are no speeches from the floor by attendees or gotcha questions to make them look bad, only questions seeking detailed answers on the issues and followups. The event is routinely covered by Washington Jewish Week and other media, especially when the gubernatorial candidates come, as they have for the greater part of two decades. During 2020, we did Zoom interviews with the congressional candidates in the two districts where our congregants live, but returned to live events in 2022.forum.pdf (70 KB)newsletter.pdf.docx (15 KB)
promo.pdf (185 KB)		img_4544.jpg (104 KB)
img_4593.jpg (97 KB)		The political forum is a major event on our calendar every other fall, with the rabbis attending to meet the candidates,.with the synagogue gaining favorable publicity, and with the congregants and area residents packing the place to hear from the candidates. We had one local daily newspaper and two weeklies close in our county so there is little coverage of the candidates and what they stand for. We fill in the gap. In addition, the reporter who was asked to moderate the forums 20 years ago got involved in the Men's Club because of that and is now co-president. We give the congregants and community residents a unique chance to question the candidates, and our format encourages the candidates to come because they know they are going to be asked substantive questions.From 2006 to 2018, we had at least one of the major party nominees for Maryland governor.Original ProgramYes
312023-03-15 18:23mikep273.197.57.1082023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.South Jersey Men'S Club - Cherry Hill, NJ (503)Toys for Tots From AfghanistanDr. Jeff ShoreGarySternbergsternberg.gary.54@gmail.comAbeFerdasaferdas@verizon.netPhilipGodorovPhillipGodorov@gmail.comInclusionIn September 2021, the South Jersey Men’s Club (SJMC) donated dozens of teddy bears to Afghanistan refugee children being housed at the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in Burlington County, New Jersey. At that time, when a flood of refugees was coming to the United States following America’s withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan, the SJMC undertook this effort to help the refugee families cope with a very difficult situation. As part of a relief effort organized by American Legion Post 372 and the Jewish War Veterans Post 126, both based in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, the SJMC determined that helping refugee Afghan children cope by providing them with teddy bears would be a very worthwhile endeavor. This effort showed our Jewish organization’s concern for all persons in need, regardless of their ethnicity. The SJMC had already donated over one thousand teddy bears to various law enforcement organizations because the toys help children deal with difficult times. The SJMC was able to work seamlessly with the veterans' organization in a similar effort because some of our SJMC members are also active in those veterans' organizations. From the SJMC’s past experiences in donating teddy bears to children going through difficult situations, the SJMC knows that teddy bears work wonders with children in helping them settle down and give them comfort. Young children are innocent and should not suffer. These refugee children had lost their homes and so many things they were used to, and we wanted to make their transition easier and lessen the trauma they were experiencing as much as possible. The SJMC’s effort received front-page coverage in the local Jewish newspaper – the Jewish Community Voice of Southern New Jersey. inclusion_teddy_bears_for_afghan_children.jpg (147 KB)Even though the Afghan refugees were not Jewish, the SJMC believes that helping anyone in need is the right thing to do in Judaism. Showing concern for refugees particularly resonates for Jews, as so many of us or our ancestors had been refugees. One of the missions of both the FJMC and the SJMC is to involve Jewish men in Jewish life. Part of that is to practice tzedakah which benefits all humanity. Because in part many of our members were refugees or descendants of refugees, we were able to relate to the trauma the Afghan refugees – especially the children – were experiencing. Our efforts clearly demonstrated to the overarching community that Jews have compassion for all persons in need.Original ProgramYes
302023-03-15 17:38jsalant100.15.88.932023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.B'nai Israel Men's Club - Rockville, MD (1103)Shamash AwardDr. Jeff ShoreJONATHANSALANTjds15@aol.comJONATHANSALANTjds15@aol.comJONATHANSALANTjds15@aol.comMens' Club ShabbatEvery synagogue holds a Men's Club Shabbat. But we are unique in that we use the occasion to also bestow on our congregants the Shamash Award, which recognizes a congregant's service to synagogue or community. Just like the Shamash lights the candles of the menorah, we honor our congregants who uniquely give of themselves in the hope that this will light the way to others to volunteer to fulfill the mitzvah of Tikkun Olam.During Men's Club Shabbat, the president of the club gets to address the congregation and discuss the group's activities, past and president. Then he steps aside and invites the chair of the Shamah Award committee to announce the winners, and to present them with engraved memorahs. Since you won't accept mp4 attachments, here's the video of the presentation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OTvaLiCeaFiLqVS4A3n4JUjIxfJwMKDz/viewguide.pdf (69 KB)timeline_1.pdf (69 KB)
octnewsletter.pdf (190 KB)		newsletter_0.pdf (213 KB)
scroll_1.pdf (435 KB)
weekahead_1.pdf (455 KB)		By bringing in representatives of the Sisterhood and others, we ensure that we will have synagogue-wide input in choosing the winner. By using such a high-profile event to hand out the award, we hope to inspire others to give of themselves to the synagogue and the outside community. And we hope that the committee members will be encouraged to expand their involvement in the Men's Club and join the leadership ranks.The current president of the National Press Club got her start by volunteering on an awards committee, and we used the Shamash Award panel as a vehicle to get new people involved in our activities. The committee chair is a relatively new member of the Men's Club as are two of the four club members who sit on the committee. We hope that by participating in the awards selection, members will want to be more involved in the club and perhaps climb the leadership ladder. This program involves the entire synagogue community; is unique, making it innovative; and is a way to groom future leaders of the Men's Club.This is a chance for the Men's Club to do something special for the congregation and say thank you to those congregants who go above and beyond. There was nothing like it until we developed the award.Original ProgramYesGold
292023-03-15 17:29mikep273.197.57.1082023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.South Jersey Men'S Club - Cherry Hill, NJ (503)A Connection Between Israel and the United StatesDr. Jeff ShoreMikePerloffMikep2@comcast.netAbeFerdasaferdas@verizon.netPhilipGodorovPhillipGodorov@gmail.comIsrael / MasortiSince the first Gulf War, the South Jersey Men’s Club (SJMC) has been collecting Hanukkah Cards for Jews in the U.S. military. However, in the last few years, we expanded the program, which we call “Operation Maccabee,” to include a segment of soldiers in the Israel Defense Force referred to as “Lone Soldiers” – soldiers with no family in Israel to support them. Done in collaboration with other organizations we invited to participate, the program has had a wide range of participants from across the United States. Operation Maccabee is a program to send Hanukkah cards to U.S. and Israeli Jewish troops. U.S. soldiers have received purchased and/or hand-crafted cards every year since the first Gulf War. A few years ago, SJMC expanded the program to include “Lone Soldiers” in the IDF. Cards destined for Israel may contain English or Hebrew. Participating organizations with the SJMC include the Jewish War Veterans, Hadassah, synagogue schools, and others. Background A “lone soldier” is a soldier in the IDF with no family in Israel to support him or her: a new immigrant, a volunteer from abroad, an orphan, or an individual from a broken home. Loneliness is a major problem for many lone soldiers. In the army, camaraderie is a very essential part of daily life. However, when most Israeli soldiers go home on weekends, they go to their homes in Israel and enjoy their time with their families and friends. Lone soldiers are not as lucky. They all too often go to an empty apartment. If friends from their units do not live close by, they are stuck alone without anyone to talk to or spend time with. Receiving Hanukkah cards from people in the United States is a powerful morale booster for these lone soldiers. Potential Partners (* = Actual South Jersey Men’s Club Partners) *Jewish War Veterans Friends of Israel *Hebrew Schools FJMC Men’s Clubs *Friends of the IDF Volunteers For Israel *Chabad Local social groups of Israeli expatriates Implementation Make or purchase Hanukkah cards (no envelope needed). Suggest a table set up in a high-traffic area in your synagogue or Jewish Community Center. On the table should be blank Hanukkah cards for people to fill out, plus a receptacle for cards that are brought in from home. Get a stamp and stamp pad to put your email on every card. Provide an appropriate short message of appreciation (okay to send sample messages). Provide separate bundles for Israeli and U.S. troops. Cards for Israel Defense Force may be in Hebrew, English, or both. No personal contact information is to be included if sent by children. Deadline - At least 3 - 4 weeks before Hanukkah (Late submissions will be held for next year). Include the address for participating organizations to send the cards to SJMC for review and sorting. Organize a committee to screen the cards: - Separate cards for those to be sent to Israel and those for U.S. troops. - Check for appropriate text. - Check that minors did not include their last name or contact information. - Stamp each card with the Operation Maccabee email address (and have a person assigned to check for emails). Contact Lone Soldier Centers in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Be’er Sheva about the anticipated delivery date. Arrange for delivery of cards to Lone Soldier Centers, usually by a local person or persons traveling to Israel for business or pleasure. NOTE – If your club wants to do a similar program, the SJMC would be willing to handle the delivery of the cards to the Lone Soldier Centers israel.operation_maccabee.jpg (205 KB)
israel.operation_maccabee_jcc.jpg (256 KB)
israel.operation_maccabee_boxes.jpg (259 KB)		The program was a success for several reasons. Feedback via the email link provided was consistently positive. Our members expressed a closer connection to Israel. More than once, recipients of the cards mentioned that this was the first time they had heard of FJMC. The program has had a positive impact on the morale of the soldiers and enhanced people’s connection to Israel. Our partner organizations expressed a desire to participate in this program in the future. The program has had a positive impact on the morale of the soldiers and enhanced people’s connection to Israel, helping to fulfill part of the FJMC’s worldwide mission.The SJMC’s innovative program, Operation Maccabee, helped develop a sense of community and connection between the Americans who participated and the Israeli Lone Soldiers who received the Hanukkah cards. The SJMC is proud of being in a position of leadership for this effort.Original ProgramYesSilver
282023-03-15 17:11mikep273.197.57.1082023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.South Jersey Men'S Club - Cherry Hill, NJ (503)SJMC to the Rescue for a Food PantryDr. Jeff ShoreStanShumassshumas@comcast.netAbeFerdasaferdas@verizon.netPhilipGodorovPhillipGodorov@gmail.comFundraisingWhen the Betsy and Peter Fischer Food Pantries of the Jewish Family and Children Service (JFCS) of Southern New Jersey lost its funding for obtaining toiletries in the latter half of 2022, the South Jersey Men’s Club (SJMC) stepped to the plate and raised funds and obtained toiletries to fill the void as part of a humanitarian endeavor. As part of this effort, SJMC members actually purchased the toiletries themselves and delivered the items to the pantry building.The Men’s Club has been supporting and facilitating pantry outreach to help feed and supply food and necessary supplies for needy individuals and families in the Cherry Hill and contiguous areas for more than five years. Every other week, teams of club members take turns volunteering their services to stock shelves, bag supplies and deliver provisions to those in need. The SJMC also provides other services to the pantry. For example, when the pantry badly needed new shelves for its facility, the club stepped forward and raised funds to purchase new shelving units and then donated and assembled the shelves. When it became necessary for the pantry facility to move to a new location in 2022 to better meet its expanded needs, SJMC assisted in the transfer process. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the pantry experienced a steady increase in the number of clients requesting help. Unfortunately, due to a change in regulations by a major source of funding, the funding for the purchase of toiletries came to an end. The result was that hundreds of needy clients would no longer have received items such as toilet paper, paper towels, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and deodorant. The SJMC challenged its members to make donations, with a $1,000 match to be put up by the club. We exceeded our expectations with donations of funds and actual products totaling more than $1,600 in value for a total to date of more than $2,600. When we learned that the JFCS had been paying high prices for the items, rather than just providing the funds to the pantry, the SJMC put in the time and effort to do the actual shopping, going to places like Dollar General and Dollar Tree. We shopped for the best prices and used our tax-exempt status to purchase the items. The result was that the pantry has been getting nearly 25 percent more items than if the SJMC had just donated the money so they could make the purchases through their normal channels. We have been providing toiletries for the last three months and are about to begin a second round of fundraising. fundraising_toiletries.shopping_1.jpg (150 KB)
fundraising_toiletries.trunk__0.jpg (428 KB)
fundraising_toiletries_purchase_0.jpg (270 KB)
fundraising_toiletries.shelved.jpg (213 KB)		We continue to put in the time and effort necessary to meet the sustenance and personal hygiene needs of our surrounding community, not just during exceptional times such as in the case of Covid. Our members’ participation in the pantry project has not only enabled us to demonstrate and maintain our current member philanthropic involvement, but doing so gives also our members a sense of pride and fulfillment. One of the missions of the FJMC and the SJMC is to involve Jewish men in Jewish life. We stress that while writing a check is an important element of being involved, there are other rewarding aspects beyond that to support that mission. Our efforts to help the Jewish Family and Children’s Service panty encouraged all our members to experience the satisfaction of hands-on helping of others in need. Our involvement in fundraising and purchasing items for the pantry addressed both elements of fulfilling this mission.Original ProgramYes
272023-03-15 16:56mikep273.197.57.1082023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.South Jersey Men'S Club - Cherry Hill, NJ (503)Connecting With American Jewish HistoryDr. Jeff ShoreBarneyKaplanbarney126@comcast.netAbeFerdasaferdas@verizon.netPhilipGodorovPhillipGodorov@gmail.comEducational ProgrammingThe South Jersey Men’s Club (SJMC) provided its members with a field trip to the National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia.On October 23, 2022, approximately 50 SJMC members and spouses went on a field trip in a classic yellow school bus to the National Museum of American Jewish History, located on Independence Mall and directly across from the Liberty Bell in the heart of Philadelphia. Our purpose was to connect with the 350-year-plus history of Jews in America. We were welcomed by the museum’s director, ushered through security, and then divided up into smaller groups, each with a trained docent. The docents took us chronologically through our history, highlighting George Washington’s letter to the Hebrew congregation in Newport, Rhode Island (to bigotry no sanction), colonial life, the Civil War, westward expansion, the great immigration (1880-1920), World War I, the Depression, World War II, the Holocaust, and movement to the suburbs. Also, there were exhibits on Jews in the arts, entertainment, politics, and the military.educational_programming_.bus_group6.jpg (249 KB)
educational_programming_trip.jpg (178 KB)
educational_programming._guide_group9.jpg (222 KB)		There was a lot to cover in our 2 hours at the museum, but the enthusiasm was palpable and many of our members expressed the desire to return with their families, to pass along this important history. Perhaps other clubs may be encouraged to visit the National Museum of American Jewish History. Despite current concerns about antisemitism, our members are prouder of our history in this country and realize how fortunate we are to be in this place in this time.One of missions of the FJMC and the SJMC is to involve Jewish men in Jewish life. Part of that is knowing your roots and history of your people. The guided tours of the National Museums of American Jewish History helped instill that into our members. For some it had a profound impact, while for others it instilled a sense of communityOriginal ProgramYes
262023-03-15 16:33gersonl99.166.173.402023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.Beth Torah Sha’aray Tzedek’s Men’s Club - Tamarac, FL (1321)World Wide WrapDr. Jeff ShoreLarryGersongersonl@bellsouth.netLarryGersongersonl@bellsouth.netLarryGersongersonl@bellsouth.netWorld Wide WrapOur goal is to give the opportunity to all to learn about Tfilin. Young, old ,male,female. Everyone needs to know.This is the first time we were able to conduct a worldwide wrap program in person since covid. We had approximately 65 Youth and adults participate in their program. We even had a cut away model is Tfilin in to show how the parchment is placed inside.screenshot_20230315-164140_1.png (866 KB)
screenshot_20230315-164239_1_0.png (817 KB)
screenshot_20230315-164212_1_0.png (719 KB)
screenshot_20230315-164205_1_0.png (1042 KB)
screenshot_20230315-164151_1_0.png (928 KB)
screenshot_20230315-164146_1_0.png (1025 KB)		Many many of the participants were extremely enlightened by this event. And some of them even come to our minions now.We are placed on the earth to educate Our Generation and future Generations Ldor VdorOriginal ProgramOur own program with our RabbisYesSilver
252023-03-15 16:27mikep273.197.57.1082023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.South Jersey Men'S Club - Cherry Hill, NJ (503)Not Letting Covid Stop UsDr. Jeff ShoreMartyRaffnermarty.raffner@gmail.comAbeFerdasaferdas@verizon.netPhilipGodorovPhillipGodorov@gmail.comCOVID-19Continuity is a very important attribute of the success of the South Jersey Men's Club (SJMC). Consequently, immediately after Covid-19 started shutting down the world, the SJMC successfully implemented a plan to continue its monthly meetings along with a concerted effort to keep in touch with its members. In addition, we continued our distribution of Yom HaShoah Yellow Candles in such a manner as to address safety concerns due to the pandemic. Part I Our monthly in-person meetings had provided members with a tasty breakfast, social camaraderie, and informative speakers. After Covid-19 struck and our board decided to stop holding live meetings, a questionnaire was sent to all SJMC members asking them if they would be comfortable with Zoom meetings. Included in the questionnaire was an offer to assist individuals who had limited computer skills or a lack of knowledge regarding Zoom. The board began holding its monthly meetings using Zoom, learning virtual etiquette, and determining the optimal way to run an effective remote session. One of the earliest programs was a Zoom meeting titled “COVID-19 and You,” in which a physician who is the director of the Infectious Diseases department at the Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia gave a very informative presentation and answered numerous questions regarding COVID-19. Another meeting featured a physical therapist discussing “Staying Active during a Pandemic.” Very popular was a virtual LIVE meeting which featured a walking tour of the old city part of Jerusalem. Our members were able to ask the tour guide questions and hear the answers. Additionally, for the first few months after Covid struck, the board contacted each member via phone. The main purpose was to determine if Covid had affected them or their family and to ask if any assistance was needed. Members expressed a great deal of gratitude for the contact during those isolated times, especially those members living alone. Feedback related to virtual monthly meetings was also discussed. About 40 percent of the members attended the average monthly meeting. Overall, well over half of our members participated. Feedback related to holding these meetings was very positive. Members thanked the board for holding the meetings; significantly, for some, the monthly meeting was the only activity with which they were involved. The board continued to monitor government organizations such as the CDC concerning Covid-19 recommendations and status. In addition, the board monitored Covid activity as it affected local municipalities. About two years after the Covid-19 pandemic had started, the board decided to resume holding live monthly meetings with a full breakfast. The board stipulated that no member or guest could attend unless they could prove that they had been vaccinated. This proved to be very successful, with virtually no negative responses and helped members feel comfortable in resuming normal activities. Live meetings have continued. With the acquisition of computer-linked hardware, SJMC is now also providing a hybrid breakfast meeting, permitting members who cannot attend a live breakfast to enjoy the monthly presentations via Zoom. Part II During the pandemic, when the Jewish Community Center in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, was closed, and, later, when many people were reluctant to be near others due to concerns over infection, the Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey decided to hold its Yom HaShoah virtually. As part of the Yom HaShoah observances in the past, when everyone attended in person, the SJMC obtained and then handed out Yellow Candles so that attendees could light a candle when they returned home. In both 2021 and 2022, when the celebrations were only held virtually, the SJMC asked for and received permission from the Federation to distribute the Yellow Candles curbside in front of the Jewish Community Center. Hundreds of candles were distributed. Part III In a related item, after one of our members lost his wife, the SJMC learned that both his son and daughter lived overseas (Southeast Asia and Germany) and could not fly back to the United States due to Covid. In response, the SJMC enabled the son and daughter to join their father remotely and say Kaddish at a minyan conducted via Zoom by the SJMC. covid.picture_in_the_dark.jpg (527 KB)
covid.infectious_diseasedocs_zoom.jpg (123 KB)
covid.yellow_candle_distribution_.jpg (146 KB)		Members routinely thanked the Board for holding the meetings. For some, the monthly meeting was the only activity in which they felt they could safely participate. It also resulted in our retaining members who moved out of the area because they can still be part of the Men’s Club meetings. Our “snowbirds,” members who spent the winters in Florida, also maintained their connection to the organization. As a result, during the pandemic, our membership increased rather than decreased. Once we began in-person activities, a higher percentage of members participated than before the pandemic.The mission of both the FJMC and the SJMC is to involve Jewish men in Jewish life. Our reformatting to offer our monthly programs online had a profound impact on our members. It helped build community while reducing the sense of isolation felt by so many during the shutdown.Original ProgramYesGold
242023-03-15 16:04mikep273.197.57.1082023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.South Jersey Men'S Club - Cherry Hill, NJ (503)Remembering 9 11Dr. Jeff ShoreRonEttingerettinger0502@gmail.comAbeFerdasaferdas@verizon.netPhilipGodorovPhillipGodorov@gmail.comCommunity OutreachIn a tribute to the 2,977 people who perished in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, about 15 members of the South Jersey Men’s Club (SJMC) helped plant approximately 3,000 American flags around the perimeter of the Jewish Community Center and a neighboring synagogue in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, on September 8, 2022. This special event was so noteworthy it was covered by the Philadelphia Inquirer.Approximately 3,000 American flags were obtained on loan through the efforts of the Jewish War Veterans. We also met with the JCC Executive Director of Security to gain the necessary approvals. The Jewish Community Relations Council of Southern New Jersey was also involved in planning the event. In the days preceding 9/11, we met at the JCC campus, and on September 8, 2022, breaking into small teams, we proceeded to plant the flags in the grassy areas around the perimeters of the JCC and the Temple Emanuel Synagogue (now Congregation Kol Ami) across the street. The flags were planted 2 to 3 feet apart and encompassed the entire perimeter of the JCC and a portion of the synagogue. While the majority of the participants were from the SJMC, the Jewish War Veterans Post 126 of South Jersey, and members of various local police departments were also involved, including the Cherry Hill Police Department and the New Jersey State Police. The JCC and Congregation Kol Ami share an extremely busy corner in Cherry Hill, so this awesome display was viewed by countless vehicles and pedestrians over the course of the week. Much positive feedback was received by the public as they observed us planting the flags. Further enhancing the impact of this program, pictures and commentary were provided to the entire community by the Philadelphia Inquirer and the Jewish Community Voice of Southern New Jersey. Later in the week, the SJMC removed, cleaned, and returned the flags to the Jewish War Veterans. Some South Jersey Men’s Club members who could not assist with the initial planting helped in the removal. 9.11_flagging_jcc_corner3.jpg (281 KB)
9.11_flagging_sidewalk1.jpg (356 KB)
9.11_flagging_state_police2.jpg (317 KB)
9.11_flagging_take_down4.jpg (290 KB)		Our members felt a great sense of pride, patriotism, and community support by playing such an important role in remembering a dark day in American history. Feedback from this event indicated a positive impact on the overall perception of the Jewish community.The mission of both the FJMC and the SJMC is to show leadership, innovation, and community. The SJMC’s innovative action to pay tribute to the men and women who lost their lives on 9/11 had a profound impact on our members, and the SJMC took a leadership role in showing the entire South Jersey community – both Jewish and non-Jewish – the Jewish community’s patriotism and compassion for others.Original ProgramYesBronze
232023-03-15 15:42mikep273.197.57.1082023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.South Jersey Men'S Club - Cherry Hill, NJ (503)Membership EnhancementDr. Jeff ShoreRob Levinerlevine509@gmail.comAbeFerdasaferdas@verizon.netPhilipGodorovPhillipGodorov@gmail.comClub AdministrationThe South Jersey Men’s Club (SJMC) has implemented an aggressive, proactive, and innovative membership campaign to not only attract new members but encourage them to become active participants. Despite normal attrition, which was compounded by Covid-19, the SJMC has experienced a net gain in membership over the past two years, going from 108 members in April 2021 to 120 members in March 2023. Quite a few also maintain membership in their synagogue Men's Club. Our programs usually have at least 45 to 60 people attend, about half of the entire membership.In 2021, our men's club had a significant number of members who were active. To maintain a viable club, we felt that we must recruit more members who would be active and who would eventually be the leaders of our group. We initiated an aggressive membership program. Specifically, we enlisted all our board members and general membership in the role of membership recruiting. Every member has the potential to enlist new members, and we are constantly getting names of prospective members from the board and general membership. This creates a feeling of inclusion so that everyone feels they have a stake in keeping our club viable and growing. When potential members are reported to the membership chairman, he calls every one of them to tell the story of our organization, with an emphasis on the charitable donations and functions we perform for the Jewish community and the community at large as well as the social activities. The chairman also discusses the monthly general meetings, which feature interesting speakers and a full brunch that is provided for $8. Of course, camaraderie and fellowship are mentioned as well. Recognizing that some people are visual and not auditory, after the phone call, each prospective member is sent a three-part written package to familiarize them with what had been discussed during the phone call. This package contains the pertinent phone numbers of the membership chairman, the treasurer, and the IT chairman, in case the member needs to contact someone. It also contains our brochure, which includes an application. Each prospective member is invited to a monthly meeting, where he is met by the membership chairman or a committee member and made to feel as comfortable as possible. Each prospective member is interviewed in advance to discover something unique about his life so that we can pair him with those of like interests; for instance, if the new member tells the interviewer that he is an engineer by profession, we try to pair him with another member who has a similar background. The more comfortable the new member is in conversation, the more welcome he will feel. We also make sure that there are two board members at each table to ensure that the new member is not being ignored. When the meeting commences, the membership chairman will introduce the new member to the club and present him with an SJMC shirt and a customized name tag so that he is not anonymous. (We keep an extra badge on hand in case the member forgets his and he can be addressed in a friendly way by mentioning his name.) When the new member is introduced to the general membership, he is asked to tell a little bit about himself. If a new member who has been called and sent a written package does not attend the monthly meeting, the chair will call that person and inquire if he will participate at another time. There is always an information board displayed with all activities so that new members can be aware of our ongoing programs, and we always encourage them to join in on the fun. Twice per year, we host a free new member breakfast at a local restaurant. All new members for the past six months are invited as well as a select group of board members, who are instructed to make the new members feel as comfortable as possible. Of course, we are very aware of the need to retain members and keep them active; it is not our goal for the club to take dues money but not have active members. Therefore, if a member misses three meetings, he is called to make sure all is well. Also, a sincere effort is made to encourage our board and general membership to socialize with new men; research shows there is a higher percentage of retention if members feel comfortable and get involved. Due to this aggressive and innovative membership program, our membership has increased by over 10 percent in the past two years despite the pandemic. club_admin_membership_nametags_0.jpg (148 KB)
club_admin_membership_shirt_2.jpg (153 KB)		According to the data, our membership recruiting and activating campaign has been successful. Membership is steadily increasing, primarily through our members telling their friends about our activities, and an increasing number of these new members are becoming active. Due to our concerted efforts, new members are participating in most of our activities.One of the missions of both the FJMC and the SJMC is to involve Jewish men in Jewish life. We stress that while writing a check is an important element of being involved, there are other rewarding aspects beyond that to support that mission. Therefore, we encourage all our members to also experience the satisfaction of hands-on helping others in need. Activating SJMC members as described in this Torch Award submission eventually results in most of the members finding a positive meaning in life.Original ProgramYes
222023-03-15 00:25aromano75.82.226.1642023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.Temple Aliyah Men'S Club - Woodland Hills, CA (CLUB MERGED)Movember HikeDr. Jeff ShoreAlexRomanoaromano@mac.comRichardKosofffosok61@gmail.comRichardKosofffosok61@gmail.comHealth and WellnessTo promote Men's Health we planned a hike at a local park that leads into an open nature reserve. We tied it in with a fundraiser to support the Movember Foundation which funds research and awareness of Men's Health. To promote Men's Health we planned a hike, of easy-to-moderate difficulty, at a local park that leads into an open nature reserve. We tied it in with a fundraiser to support the Movember Foundation which funds research and awareness of Men's Health. All participants were asked to make a donation to Movember and, in return, receive and wear (at least for a group picture) a mock mustachio, the trademark on Movember. At an appropriate spot, we took a break for a quick D'Var Torah and refreshments. This was included in emails sent to the Club mailing list for a few weeks prior to the event. Follow-up one-to-one emails phone calls to verify and/or encourage attendance helped increase success.fjmc_torch_awards_2023_templealiyah_movemberhike_1.pdf (306 KB)fjmc_torch_awards_2023_templealiyah_movemberhike_1.pdf (306 KB)fjmc_torch_awards_2023_templealiyah_movemberhike_2.jpg (138 KB)
fjmc_torch_awards_2023_templealiyah_movemberhike_3.jpg (435 KB)
fjmc_torch_awards_2023_templealiyah_movemberhike_4.jpg (1129 KB)
fjmc_torch_awards_2023_templealiyah_movemberhike_5.jpg (203 KB)		We had 15 people, which included a couple of spouses, which we consider a success. We raised more than $100 toward supporting the Movember Foundation's fund-raising campaign. A number of the participants were those who do not normally participate in Men's Club events so we feel that this helped us draw more guys to become active in the club. All who cam seemed to enjoy the experience.This kind of activity helps promote the FJMC initiative to help men build and maintain healthy lifestyles. It also helped to support the Movember Foundation whose work makes a difference in awaeness and research in Men's Health issues. It is also a great activity to promote community.Original ProgramYesSilver
212023-03-14 21:52DiamondMC32.213.190.2022023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.Beth El Temple Men's Club - West Hartford (217)Beth El Temple Fantasy Football LeagueDr. Jeff ShoreDaveDiamonddaviddiamond2@comcast.netArthurFreedmandrartf@aol.comArthurFreedmandrartf@aol.comFamily and Youth ProgrammingThis was a fantasy football league for the entire 2022-2023 season geared towards families. There would be teams of at least two people, and the competition would commence with a draft to be held at the Temple prior to the start of the season. A nominal fee would be charged to participate and there would be several winners who would get gift cards as their prize.A Beth El Men's Club board member, who has spent his entire professional career in the sports industry, came up with the idea of a fantasy football league for the Temple. Having previously worked at ESPN, he was very familiar with running a league through their website and volunteered to chair this program. Since the Men's Club has been proactive in having activities geared towards younger men and their families, we enthusiastically embraced this program. While we publicized this to the entire Temple, we know from experience that the best way to get people to participate is to ask them directly. The program chair, having children of his own in the Temple's religious school, knows many of the young families we were targeting, and he reached out to them. We ended up with 12 teams, most of them being father and son teams. The league started with a draft at the Temple the night before the beginning of the NFL season. Refreshments were provided, and everyone brought their laptops in order to participate in the draft. A couple teams were not available to show up in person, so they participated in the draft remotely. We were surprised that the entire draft was completed in just one hour and everyone had their roster. It was just $10 per team to enter, and participants ranged from die-hard football fans who had participated in these leagues for many years to those who never were in a league and barely knew any football players. We were all in it for the fun and camaraderie. We interacted with each other throughout the season, offering to trade players. We enjoyed going on the ESPN website and seeing how all the teams were doing, and looking at the enormous quantity of statistics that was available. Despite the different levels of knowledge of the participants, it was amazing just how close the teams were in the standings for most of the season. At the end of the season, three teams ended up with gift cards totaling $210. While the Men's Club took in $120 for the 12 teams, we decided to subsidize this after so there would be meaningful prizes for the winners. This event was so well received that we now have plans for the second annual fantasy football league for the upcoming 2023-2024 football season. fjmc_ta_2023_beth_el_mens_club_217_beth_el_temple_fantasy_football_league_waiver_claims_e-mail.pdf (463 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_beth_el_mens_club_217_beth_el_temple_fantasy_football_league_prize_money_e-mail.pdf (492 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_beth_el_mens_club_217_beth_el_temple_fantasy_football_league_end_of_season_e-mail.pdf (1493 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_beth_el_mens_club_217_beth_el_temple_fantasy_football_league_gift_cards_for_winners.pdf (102 KB)		fjmc_ta_2023_beth_el_mens_club_217_beth_el_temple_torch_award_program_schedule.pdf (65 KB)fjmc_ta_2023_beth_el_mens_club_217_beth_el_temple_fantasy_football_league_publicity_request_e-mail.pdf (901 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_beth_el_mens_club_217_beth_el_temple_fantasy_football_league_publicity_e-mail.pdf (416 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_beth_el_mens_club_217_beth_el_temple_fantasy_football_league_publicity_newsletter.pdf (827 KB)		fjmc_ta_2023_beth_el_mens_club_217_beth_el_temple_fantasy_football_league_program_chair_david_sabino.jpg (178 KB)This program had a positive impact all around. It mainly attracted younger men and their sons - not something found too often at Men's Club events. While the in-person draft was a lot of fun, this program didn't end there; it lasted four months - the entire football season. It offered a bonding experience for the fathers and sons who participated, and it strengthened the connections between all the participants. There was constant buzz about football; a lot more than if we didn't have this league. This program raised the visibility of our Men's Club since it attracted interest amongst a group that for the most part does not know much about us. It was clearly a success and it was clear to everyone involved that we'd do this again.Innovation: This was a cross-generational program with primarily dads and their sons, helping to connect people of varying ages to the Jewish community. Community: Sports has always been something that connects men. A program like this that lasts four months is a great way to foster long-lasting relationships, whether its between two adults, two children, or father and son.Original ProgramYesSilver
202023-03-14 18:17dmandeau71.233.74.2292023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.Temple Emanuel Brotherhood - Newton, MA (719)Hanukkah Charitable Gift and Toy DriveDr. Jeff ShoreDanielMandeaumandeau@comcast.netLarryGlazerlarryglazer@gmail.comLarryGlazerlarryglazer@gmail.comFundraisingOur Brotherhood has been coordinating this event for several years. It is a fun and simple opportunity for families to participate in tzedakah by giving one night of Hanullah gifts to local homeless kids through birthdaywishes.com. The toy drives culminates at the shul wide Hanukkah celebration with collection boxes. Volunteers distribute the toys with their families to the children. This initiative has delivered birthday celebrations to thousands of homeless kids throughout the region and directly impacts so many lives. This year alone we collected over 200 toys from Temple Emanuel.HighYes, very successfulThank you Larry Glazer, our president, for always making this happen!Original ProgramYesHonorable Mention
19 (draft)2023-03-14 14:21Hairman69.206.222.402023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.A pertinent ProgramClub Administration
182023-03-13 13:07dmandeau208.185.11.2442023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.Temple Emanuel Brotherhood - Newton, MA (719)Turkey DriveDr. Jeff ShoreDanielMandeaumandeau@comcast.netLarry Glazerlarryglazer@gmail.comLarry Glazerlarryglazer@gmail.comFundraisingThe Brotherhood has been supporting the Mass Ave. Baptist Church Soup Kitchen for over a decade. Pre-pandemic we visited on Monday nights to serve. Twice a year a special dinner is held on Thanksgiving and Xmas where turkeys are also distributed. Seven years ago we found ourselves short handed with Turkeys and we found a way to get them there on time. Ever since, Danny Mandeau has been leading a "Turkey Drive" fundraising campaign. At first it was grass roots but four years ago it became officially supported by the shul. Despite the pandemic great results were still shown even though the dinners were take out only. In 2021 over $7k was raised, This year with the return of our first in person event in three years over $8k was raised! Good thing because the Soup Kitchen needs a new freezer! See aboveHelp the homelessBrotherhood sponsored and fully run.Original ProgramYesHonorable Mention
17 (draft)2023-03-12 14:48Stan73.195.34.92023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.South Jersey Men'S Club - Cherry Hill, NJ (503)Community SupportStanleyShumassshumas@comcast.netPhillip Godorovphillipgodorov@gmail.comPhillipGodorovphillipgodorov@gmail.comFundraising
162023-03-11 22:41DiamondMC32.213.190.2022023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.Beth El Temple Men's Club - West Hartford (217)The Roots of Beth El Temple and the Emanuel Synagogue: A Brunch Program at the Faith Adventist ChurchDr. Jeff ShoreDaveDiamonddaviddiamond2@comcast.netArthur (BEMC) and Phil (EB)Freedman (BEMC),Thierman (EB)drart@aol.comArthur (BEMC) and Phil (EB)Freedman (BEMC),Thierman (EB)drart@aol.comJoint ProgrammingThis was a joint program between two Clubs whose synagogues had its roots in a building that is now a church. It required the efforts of not only these two Clubs, but the local Jewish Historical Society (who was the overall coordinator of the program) and the church itself where the Sunday morning brunch program was held. The overall goal of the program was to provide members of both synagogues, the Jewish Historical Society, the church, and the community, an appreciation of the rich history of the building as well as learn about similarities between Judaism and the Seventh-Day Adventist Church.Beth El Temple and The Emanuel Synagogue, both in West Hartford, CT, are the two largest conservative synagogues in the Greater Hartford area. Both synagogues have their roots in Hartford in a building now housing a Seventh-Day Adventist Church. Many cities throughout North America, large and small, experienced a huge influx of Jewish immigration in the late 1800s through early 1900s. They established their communities in the oldest, often rundown, parts of their respective cities where they worked hard to build a better life for themselves and their families. Hartford was no exception, with an immigrant community near the downtown center of the city. By the middle of the 20th century, Jewish families were moving to larger and newer apartments as well as to houses in the North End of Hartford. They were also moving to West Hartford which was beginning to establish a suburban Jewish community. Hartford was still the center of Jewish life with about a dozen synagogues and countless other Jewish institutions. One such synagogue was the Emanuel Synagogue (founded 1919) whose membership was increasing steadily and was outgrowing its space. By the early 1950s, many members had already moved to West Hartford and felt that a synagogue was needed there to address the overcrowding issue as well as to provide a place to worship close to where they now lived. Ultimately, a group of Emanuel Synagogue members founded Beth El Temple which was built in West Hartford in 1954. By the late 1960s, with continued Jewish migration to West Hartford, the Emanuel Synagogue moved from Hartford to West Hartford. The building that housed the synagogue in Hartford was subsequently sold to the Faith Seventh-Day Adventist Church. The Jewish Historical Society of Greater Hartford (JHSGH) collects and preserves materials that document the Greater Hartford Jewish community. Their diverse array of activities has included bus trips as well as a bike ride through the North End of Hartford, which once was a vibrant Jewish community, with stops and visits at churches and other institutions that had been part of this community. The idea to have a jointly co-sponsored breakfast program at the now church was proposed to the Executive Director of the JHSGH in the spring of 2022 by a board member who happened to also be on the board of the Beth El Men’s Club and handled programming for both organizations. The vision for the program was as follows: - The Beth El Men’s Club and Emanuel Brotherhood would co-sponsor a buffet breakfast. - A panel discussion would follow with representatives from both synagogues as well as the church who were very familiar with the history of the building. - A tour of the building would follow. The Executive Director of the JHSGH was very enthusiastic about this potential program and reached out to her contact at the church. They were also interested in having this program. The boards of both the Beth El Men’s Club and Emanuel Brotherhood were also excited about collaborating together for a buffet breakfast at the church. Several dates in October and November 2022 were proposed that worked for both Men’s Clubs and their respective synagogues. The JHSGH reached out to the church again and landed on a date that worked for all organizations. An understanding of the key beliefs and practices of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church was important in our planning. It was fascinating to find out the similarities they have with Judaism. Some of the things learned from Wikipedia were the following: - The Seventh-day Adventist Church is distinguished by its observance of Saturday, the seventh day of the week in the Christian (Gregoria) and the Hebrew calendar, as the Sabbath. - Part of Friday might be spent in preparation for the Sabbath; for example, preparing meals and tidying homes. Adventists may gather for Friday evening worship to welcome in the Sabbath. - The major weekly worship service occurs on Saturday, typically commencing with Sabbath School which is a structured time of small-group bible study at church. - Adventists place an emphasis on diet and health, and expects adherence to kosher food laws, particularly the consumption of kosher foods described in Leviticus 11, meaning abstinence from pork, rabbit, shellfish, and other animals proscribed as unclean. They advocate vegetarianism. The church discourages its members from consuming alcoholic beverages, tobacco, or illegal drugs. In addition, some Adventists avoid refined foods, sweeteners, and caffeine. We checked with our contact at the church to confirm what would be acceptable to serve at the breakfast. Based on their beliefs, we knew we couldn’t have caffeinated coffee/tea (a staple at our breakfasts) as well as any alcoholic drinks. Everything else you’d typically have at a Men’s Club breakfast such as OJ, bagels, cream cheese, lox, scrambled eggs, fruit platter and pastries was fine. We identified a current member of Beth El Temple as well as a current member of the Emanuel Synagogue (both board members of the Jewish Historical Society) who could speak about the early history of both synagogues. There were also two members of the church who could speak about its history. All four agreed to be panelists. The next step was to publicize the program. At Beth El Temple, the Men’s Club sent out a publicity request e-mail which sets the wheels in motion for announcements in the bi-monthly newsletter, on the synagogue website, via various e-blasts, and inclusion in the weekly Shabbat leaflets. The Emanuel Synagogue and JHSGH also publicized this program through their various communication channels. While the church was typically closed on Sundays and did not have these types of programs, they encouraged their members to attend. In the weeks leading up to the program, we had many communications amongst ourselves about the brunch planning, set-up, format of the program, building tour, manpower needs, etc. We arranged for a security guard to be at the church for the entire duration of the program as that is now common practice at our synagogues for large gatherings. We determined that parking was readily available directly across the street in a lot used by a large school during the week, and made sure that was communicated to those who signed up for the program. Several of us met at the church 11 days before the program to look at the space (kitchen, social room, sanctuary) and tour the building. It was obvious that this church was once a synagogue with all the Jewish stars and Hebrew writing, both inside and outside the building. During this visit, we noticed that an office had a mezuzah on its doorway. The church elder who was leading us through the building told us that apparently the mezuzah was accidentally left on during a renovation decades earlier. Initially the church members did not know what the mezuzot in the building were and removed others, but once they learned more, kept that one in its place out of respect. We secured many volunteers from both Men’s Clubs, the JHSGH and the church to help at the event. The Emanuel Brotherhood started the food prep at their synagogue on the Thursday evening before the program as well as early Sunday morning. Several people went shopping Sunday morning for food, coffee, etc. Everything was brought to the church where there was more food prep and cooking. Cookware and other supplies were brought to the church as needed to be sure we had what we needed and that everything met kashrut standards. Volunteers from the church worked with the Beth El Men’s Club and Emanuel Brotherhood in the kitchen as well as bringing everything out to the social room where the program was to be held. We ended up with close to 100 attendees, far more than what either Men's Club typically draw for a Sunday morning breakfast program. What is impressive about this was that many people were still not attending gatherings such as this due to ongoing COVID concerns. Most attendees were members of Beth El Temple, the Emanuel Synagogue, and/or Jewish Historical Society of Greater Hartford. We were hoping to see more people associated with the church there, but those that were there were fully engaged and really appreciated learning from us about our shared history. Several from the church helped in the kitchen, in the social room set-up and building tour. The president of the JHSGH teaches Sunday mornings at the Emanuel Synagogue Religious School and he brought his entire class of students to the program. Many attendees had been members of the Emanuel Synagogue when it was in that building in the 1950s and 1960s, and had not been there in over 55 years. There was one woman in attendance who had gotten married 67 years earlier, to the day, in the very room we were in. People who grew up in that area enjoyed reminiscing about those days. Others learned about the rich Jewish history of Hartford from the panel discussion and Q+A. We all learned about the similarities between practices of Judaism and the Seventh-Day Adventists, particularly around Sabbath and kosher dietary traditions. All involved agreed that this was a truly worthwhile and meaningful program for the community, and one that helped build bridges across divides of city-suburb, religion, and race. fjmc_ta_2023_beth_el_mens_club_217_emanuel_brotherhood_230_the_roots_presentation_part1.pdf (2952 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_beth_el_mens_club_217_emanuel_brotherhood_230_the_roots_presentation_part2.pdf (1861 KB)		fjmc_ta_2023_beth_el_mens_club_217_emanuel_brotherhood_230_logistics_e-mail.pdf (1025 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_beth_el_mens_club_217_emanuel_brotherhood_230_torch_award_program_schedule.pdf (18 KB)		fjmc_ta_2023_beth_el_mens_club_217_emanuel_brotherhood_230_beth_el_temple_publicity_request_0.pdf (1025 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_beth_el_mens_club_217_emanuel_brotherhood_230_beth_el_temple_publicity_newsletter_0.pdf (827 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_beth_el_mens_club_217_emanuel_brotherhood_230_beth_el_temple_publicity_e-mail_0.pdf (565 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_beth_el_mens_club_217_emanuel_brotherhood_230_jhsgh_publicity_flyer_0.pdf (439 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_beth_el_mens_club_217_emanuel_brotherhood_230_emanuel_publicity_flyer.pdf (155 KB)		fjmc_ta_2023_beth_el_mens_club_217_emanuel_brotherhood_230_faith_church_front_door_0.jpg (2335 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_beth_el_mens_club_217_emanuel_brotherhood_230_outside_building_-_jewish_stars_and_hebrew_writing_0.jpg (3112 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_beth_el_mens_club_217_emanuel_brotherhood_230_outside_building_-_10_commandments_0.jpg (801 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_beth_el_mens_club_217_emanuel_brotherhood_230_kitchen-1_0.jpg (765 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_beth_el_mens_club_217_emanuel_brotherhood_230_kitchen-2_0.jpg (889 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_beth_el_mens_club_217_emanuel_brotherhood_230_table_at_program_0.jpg (878 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_beth_el_mens_club_217_emanuel_brotherhood_230_view_of_all_tables_at_program_0.jpg (861 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_beth_el_mens_club_217_emanuel_brotherhood_230_four_panelists_0.jpg (873 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_beth_el_mens_club_217_emanuel_brotherhood_230_exec_director_of_jhsgh_0.jpg (884 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_beth_el_mens_club_217_emanuel_brotherhood_230_speaker_and_kids_table_0.jpg (760 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_beth_el_mens_club_217_emanuel_brotherhood_230_speaker_near_end_of_program_0.jpg (882 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_beth_el_mens_club_217_emanuel_brotherhood_230_clapping_at_end_of_program_0.jpg (756 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_beth_el_mens_club_217_emanuel_brotherhood_230_dedication_program_of_the_new_emanuel_synagogue_0.jpg (2422 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_beth_el_mens_club_217_emanuel_brotherhood_230_mezuzah_0.jpg (1837 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_beth_el_mens_club_217_emanuel_brotherhood_230_sanctuary_ceiling_0.jpg (732 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_beth_el_mens_club_217_emanuel_brotherhood_230_stained_glass_-_3_windows.jpg (2307 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_beth_el_mens_club_217_emanuel_brotherhood_230_stained_glass_circle_-_shabbat.jpg (1759 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_beth_el_mens_club_217_emanuel_brotherhood_230_stained_glass_circle_with_hebrew.jpg (1789 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_beth_el_mens_club_217_emanuel_brotherhood_230_hebrew_writing_in_front_of_sanctuary.jpg (1288 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_beth_el_mens_club_217_emanuel_brotherhood_230_jewish_stars_in_front_of_sanctuary.jpg (1345 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_beth_el_mens_club_217_emanuel_brotherhood_230_sanctuary_view_from_back.jpg (748 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_beth_el_mens_club_217_emanuel_brotherhood_230_exec_director_of_jhsgh_fielding_questions_in_sanctuary.jpg (779 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_beth_el_mens_club_217_emanuel_brotherhood_230_group_photo_in_front_of_sanctuary.jpg (884 KB)		Program gave both Men's Clubs and the Jewish Historical Society of Greater Hartford an opportunity to work together to offer a very successful and meaningful program to all organizations. It gave the Faith Seventh-Day Adventist Church an opportunity to work with the other groups and offer something that was very different than anything they've ever had under their roof. It was a tremendous success. We learned about each other's faiths and the similarities between them. People who were members of the Emanuel Synagogue when it was still located in Hartford had a chance to reminisce about a time in their life when the synagogue and community in Hartford was so important to them. It gave everyone an opportunity to learn about the history of the building, the migration of Jews from Hartford to West Hartford, and the formation of Beth El Temple. It was inspiring to see how it was important for the church to keep as much as possible of its Jewish past intact, throughout decades of renovations, paint jobs, and other building changes.Jewish men from the three sponsoring organizations worked together to bring this program to the community. The program supports innovation as it connected people of all ages to the Jewish community - older adults who lived in the community and were educated in the synagogue when it was in Hartford, younger adults who wanted to learn about the history, and current religious school students who were invited by their teacher to attend. It certainly supports community - the camaraderie, common interests and core values extended to those in both the Jewish and Seventh-Day Adventist Church communities.We encourage all Men's Clubs to consider bringing a program like this to their community. Look into the history of your synagogue - what were its origins? If there were previous locations, are the buildings still there and what are they used for? If there is a local Jewish Historical Society (or any type of Historical Society) in your community, reach out to them to see about collaborating together. This type of program can easily be replicated in some format in most communities.Original ProgramYesBronze
152023-03-10 22:21mikep273.197.57.1082023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.South Jersey Men'S Club - Cherry Hill, NJ (503)Bringing Hanukkah to Jewish Troops Dr. Jeff ShoreMichaelPerloffMikep2@comcast.netAbeFerdasaferdas@verizon.netPhilipGodorovPhillipGodorov@gmail.comJewish ObservanceAs part of the South Jersey Men’s Club’s (SJMC) efforts to support the Jewish community at the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (Joint Base MDL) in Southern New Jersey, we helped organize the base Hanukkah party, provided gifts for the young children, and presented the community with the large menorah and candles for a community-wide Hanukkah party.Background – There has been an active Jewish chapel at the Joint Base MDL (originally known as the Fort Dix Army Post) since its establishment in 1917. It has over 100,000 uniformed servicemembers as residents or passing through each year, including thousands of Jewish servicemembers and their families. The SJMC has been supporting Jewish families at the base since at least 2002, with donations of clothes, food, sanitary items, and money for individuals, when needed. In 2019, the Chaplain-in-Charge of all 11 base chapels determined there was no need for the Jewish and Muslim chapels. He disassembled and discarded all the holy items from both the Jewish and Muslim chapels. When the Chaplain-in-Charge’s actions were discovered by the Jewish War Veterans base liaison, the Chaplain was fired by the base commander. Then, the action was taken to restore the Jewish and Muslim chapels by local Jewish community members. Later, the local Muslim community joined in helping to restore the Muslim chapel. Response by the SJMC – In October 2022, the SJMC became aware of a large menorah available in the Cherry Hill community that could be donated to the Joint Base MDL Jewish chapel during Hanukkah in December 2022. The Jewish chaplain at the base was contacted and informed of the menorah’s availability. He was extremely enthusiastic and asked that this menorah be donated as part of the upcoming Hanukkah party. In fact, the chaplain asked if we could expand the party to include non-Jewish servicemembers and their families. The SJMC helped to support the expanded party with food for all and gifts for the children. The base Hanukkah party was attended by at least 75 people (service members and their families), plus another 25 Jewish members from the local community and several from New York and Pennsylvania. The base commander and his wife also attended and lit a candle. The party started with a traditional Jewish lighting of the newly donated SJMC menorah and a story of why the menorah is important for Hanukkah. The party had traditional food and music, and lots of presents for the young children. menorah_joint_base.sjmc_picnic.jpg (317 KB)
menorah_joint_base.jpg (206 KB)		The SJMC continues to support servicemembers and their families at Joint Base MDL. We put in the time and effort necessary to meet the needs of those who are serving in the defense of the United States. Jewish servicemembers and their families are away from home, and we in the SJMC, whenever possible, continue to provide the religious and other support needed by those who serve and their families who are making sacrifices.Our contribution to enhancing the Hanukkah celebration on a military base is a meaningful element that helped Jewish servicemembers maintain their ties to Judaism and the Jewish community, per the FJMC’s mission. When the Jewish community at the Joint Base MDL experienced a crisis, the SJMC came to the rescue, clearly demonstrating the FJMC’s goal of being part of and helping the overarching Jewish community.Original ProgramYes
142023-03-09 23:19lklioze69.114.242.2142023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.Highland Park Conservative Temple Men's Club - Highland Park, NJ (910)Make-A-MenorahDr. Jeff ShoreLawrenceKliozelarryklioze@gmail.comIraKiznerikizner347@gmail.comIraKiznerikizner347@gmail.comFamily and Youth ProgrammingThe Make-A-Menorah program is designed to engage children (and their parents) to celebrate the Chanukah Festival with their own Chanukah Menorah (Chanukiah). The Men's Club supplies the kits which are simple to assemble and can be decorated as the child sees fit. This is an excellent example of Involving Jewish Men in Jewish Life!The Make-A-Menorah project was conceived to encourage greater Jewish observance for young children by getting them involved early. By making it fun, the idea is to have them look forward to celebrating Chanukah every year. One of the highlights will be lighting candles on ‘their own’ Menorah, that they made themselves! We designed a Menorah kit that the club could make, and the children could assemble and decorate, under adult supervision. We made a couple prototypes (see 1.0 Prototype 1-01, 2-01 & 2-02), which we used to refine the design and conduct some tests (see Burn Test 01, 02, 03, 04 & 05). The kit materials were not expensive, important because the Club wanted to supply the kits to the Temple youth free of charge. The Club Board of Trustees approved the program, allocating $300 to purchase the necessary materials. We then pitched the idea to the Temple’s Executive Director and Youth Coordinator. They both loved the idea. Having planned a Temple Chanukah Fair, they wanted to include this as one of the children’s activities. Our original design (Make-A-Menorah 1.0) included a solid wood base, wood dowels, and metal candle holder cups. We cut the wood and dowels to specified sizes, then drilled holes partially into the wood base for where the dowels would be placed. We also drilled smaller holes into one end of each dowel piece to hold the metal candle holder cups. Instruction sheets completed the kits. The wood is readily available from Home Depot, Lowes, and most lumber yards. The metal candle cups are available from Jewish Innovations through Amazon. Our Chief Engineer, Marty Golden, designed the prototype kit. He adjusted the design based on feedback from evaluating the tests performed. Our kit included the following pieces: • One base of solid wood 2 ½” x 11 ½” x ¾” • Eight ¾” diameter dowels, 1 ¾” long for the eight candles • One ¾” diameter dowel, 2 ¾” long for the Shamash • Nine Metal Candle Cups • One sheet detailing assembly instructions (see Assembly Instructions.docx) Marty also provided the use of his woodworking shop, and he designed the templates we used to ensure the pieces were cut to the proper size, and the holes were drilled in the proper places. (See Wood Shop 01, 03, 07, 10, 12, 13, 14, 16 & 17) We packaged the kits as follows: • Nine Metal Candle Cups in a snack size Ziploc bag • All wood pieces, the instruction sheet, and the snack size Ziploc bag above in a poly bag • A label on the outside of the poly bag identifying the kit (see Bag Label.docx) We made 30 kits, which we felt would be sufficient. Any leftover kits could be sold or kept for the following year. Additional needed supplies not included in the kits included: Elmer’s Glue, Sharpie markers, and/or paints. The Chanukah Fair was held on December 4, 2022. It included several vendors for people who might be shopping for Judaica holiday gifts. It also included several children’s activities and Chanukah themed snacks (sufganyot and potato latkes). The Temple promoted the Chanukah Fair using paper flyers sent in the mail, and PDF Flyers (see Flyer) sent via email. They advertised it on their website, and in the Rabbi’s pre-Shabbat phone message and bimah announcements. Additionally, the Club advertised it on its Facebook page, and via emails to our mailing list. Several Men’s Club members manned the Make-A-Menorah tables, helping the children assemble, glue, and decorate their menorahs. Another organization had a table where they had children decorate Menorah trays. When children finished making their menorahs, we sent them to the Menorah Tray table, and vice versa. (See Table 01, 02, 03, 09, 11, 13, 15 & 18.) The program was extremely successful. We sold out all 30 kits, and put some people on a wait list, in case we were able to make more. The children were extremely excited and proud having made their very own menorahs! Feedback from some concerned parents led us to redesign the kit for Make-A-Menorah 2.0. Our new design is made entirely out of ceramic tiles, plus the metal candle cups from the original design (see 2.0_Prototype 1 & 2). Going forward, we will use the new design because it affords these advantages: • The materials are less expensive than the previous design (see 2.0_Cost Estimate.xlsx). • There is no need to cut or drill the materials. All one needs to do is purchase the parts and package them with instructions. This makes the kit easier to make. • One may pre-glue the pieces used to support the Shamash, but this is not necessary. However, if the pieces are not pre-glued, the instructions need to include a step to glue them together. • This design is 100% fireproof (see 2.0 Specs.docx).fjmc_ta_2023_highland_park_make-a-menorah_2.0_cost_estimate_0.xlsx (1118 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_highland_park_make-a-menorah_2.0_specs_0.docx (1405 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_highland_park_make-a-menorah_assembly_instructions_0.docx (1122 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_highland_park_make-a-menorah_bag_label_0.docx (26 KB)		fjmc_ta_2023_highland_park_make-a-menorah_schedule_0.xlsx (26 KB)fjmc_ta_2023_highland_park_make-a-menorah_flyer_0.pdf (153 KB)fjmc_ta_2023_highland_park_make-a-menorah_1.0_prototype_1-01.pdf (500 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_highland_park_make-a-menorah_1.0_prototype_2-01.pdf (205 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_highland_park_make-a-menorah_1.0_prototype_2-02.pdf (126 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_highland_park_make-a-menorah_2.0_prototype_1.pdf (164 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_highland_park_make-a-menorah_2.0_prototype_2.pdf (95 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_highland_park_make-a-menorah_burn_test_01.pdf (51 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_highland_park_make-a-menorah_burn_test_02.pdf (48 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_highland_park_make-a-menorah_burn_test_03.pdf (49 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_highland_park_make-a-menorah_burn_test_04.pdf (61 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_highland_park_make-a-menorah_burn_test_05.pdf (38 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_highland_park_make-a-menorah_table_01.pdf (77 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_highland_park_make-a-menorah_table_02.pdf (136 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_highland_park_make-a-menorah_table_03.pdf (162 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_highland_park_make-a-menorah_table_09.pdf (106 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_highland_park_make-a-menorah_table_11.pdf (128 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_highland_park_make-a-menorah_table_13.pdf (92 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_highland_park_make-a-menorah_table_15.pdf (86 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_highland_park_make-a-menorah_table_18.pdf (147 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_highland_park_make-a-menorah_wood_shop_01.pdf (181 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_highland_park_make-a-menorah_wood_shop_03.pdf (113 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_highland_park_make-a-menorah_wood_shop_07.pdf (177 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_highland_park_make-a-menorah_wood_shop_10.pdf (124 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_highland_park_make-a-menorah_wood_shop_12.pdf (182 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_highland_park_make-a-menorah_wood_shop_13.pdf (183 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_highland_park_make-a-menorah_wood_shop_14.pdf (186 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_highland_park_make-a-menorah_wood_shop_16.pdf (146 KB)
fjmc_ta_2023_highland_park_make-a-menorah_wood_shop_17.pdf (190 KB)		This program promoted teamwork in our club. Approximately 10 club members out of 67 total members contributed to the program buying materials, making the kits, and helping the children assemble and decorate their Menorahs. As part of the Temple’s Chanukah Fair, it helped draw families with young children and encouraged Jewish observance. The program was very well received. We gave out all 30 kits that we produced, and probably could have given out another 20 if we had them! It was a resounding success! The program also promoted the image of our Men’s Club as providing a service to our Jewish community.This program supported the FJMC mission of involving Jewish Men in Jewish Life because we produced kits for Jewish children to make and decorate their own Menorahs. The Jewish Men in our Club were Involved in Jewish Life by conceiving this idea, developing it, and bringing it to fruition. This in turn encouraged children (and their parents) to light candles during Chanukah, to properly celebrate the festival, and to be involved in Jewish Life. It also supported the elements of the FJMC tagline: Leadership, Innovation, Community. Leadership – by having two club members take the lead on this program. Innovation – by producing an innovative design for the Make-A-Menorah kit. Community – by providing these kits for the Jewish families in the community with young children.Note: All references to other files in the Detailed Program section are pictures, unless otherwise noted. (Note: The pictures were either .jpeg or .jpg; however, the form would not allow .jpg or .jpeg files, so we exported them to .pdf format.) The file names all start with ‘FJMC TA 2023_Highland Park_Make-A-Menorah_’. We reference the remainder of the file name. The files are uploaded separately.Original ProgramYesHonorable Mention
132023-03-09 17:01miltonlipitz2498.113.130.1172023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.Beth El Men's Club - Cedarhurst, NY (831)Jewish ObservanceDr. Jeff ShoreMiltonLipitzmlipitz121@gmail.comMiltonLipitzmlipitz121@gmail.comMiltonLipitzmlipitz121@gmail.comJewish ObservanceThe goal of Jewish Observance has occurred through a variety of programs that have been established and for a variety of programs expanded upon. A Men's Club Executive Board Member runs classes on "How to Lead a Minyan" in addition to a newly formed Beginners class. Our Yom HaShoah program combines the lighting of candles on the Erev of Yom HaShoah with a film from the Moriah Collection we purchased from the Simon Wiesenthal Center. During our Men's Club Shabbat, we bring in guest speakers such as a docent from the Holocaust Museum; This year our D'Var Torah was given by a Member of the Men's Club whose Topic was: "The Supreme Court Case Considers Issues Relating to Sabbath Observance"' On the evening of Kristallnacht, we always have a Memorial service in addition to a guest speaker ie. Martin Goldsmith who wrote two books concerning the Holocaust. Every year we organize a Veteran's Shabbat to honor Veterans where Men's Club Members run the program.. We have expanded our "World Wide Wrap Program" to include Congregants from other temples as well as students from those temples. We have arranged visits to the OHEL and to The Jewish Theological Seminary where our Rabbi was our Tour Guide. During Chanukah, Men's Club Members volunteer to model lighting the Menorah on Zoom to the entire Congregation.Our "How to Run a Minyan" class has taught Congregants not only the steps in running a Minyan, but has helped to improve the reading of the prayers. The members of this class run Morning and Evening Minyans which they had not done before. The program has expanded to a beginners class where Congregants who are not familiar with Hebrew are taught the basics. Sisterhood Members are classmates as well as members of the Men's Club. In addition, students from both classes are requested to attend Morning and Evening Minyans We held a program entitled "Monday Night at the Movies" where we showed 4 different Moriah Films during 4 consecutive months; the last being held on April 19th two days after Yom Ha Shoah.. We also held a "Jewish Trivia Contest" where we invited community synagogues to participate. Certificates were rewarded to the winning team in addition to a certificate for "The Jewish Trivia Maven". Our visits to the OHEL and The Jewish Theological Seminary added greatly to our Goal of Enhancing Jewish Observance. The idea of including other Temples, with Adults and Students, in our "World Wide Wrap" Program helped make this event extremely successful. Men' Club members organize many of these programs and/or attend these events.messenger-oct._nov._dec.docx (14 KB)
messenger-jan._feb._mar.docx (13 KB)
messenger-april_and_may.docx (14 KB)
chanukah_lighting.docx (14 KB)		minutes-sept_2022.docx (16 KB)
minutes-jan._2023.docx (17 KB)
minyan_classes.pdf (369 KB)
minutes-2023.docx (17 KB)		world_wide_wrap_2023.pdf (1148 KB)
kristallnacht_2022_1.pdf (524 KB)
zoom_link_monday_movies.pdf (3719 KB)
trivia_contest_feb_2023.pdf (301 KB)		Our Temple has 157 Families who are contacted concerning all our programs. We also send flyers to other temples inviting them to participate in our programs. We have been successful with Hewlett East Rockaway Jewish Center where Congregants have attended events at each others temples. These events are Religious; Educational; and Meaningful Programs as well as providing Social Interaction among our own Congregants as well as Congregants from other temples.All of our activities are open to Men and Women. Our "How to Run a Minyan" program, advanced and beginner programs, has opened the door for many Congregants to expand their knowledge of Judaism. Congregants who are in both of these programs partake in our Men's Club Shabbat and attend Morning and/or Evening Minyans. Mens's Club members are involved in organizing and participating in our Veteran's Shabbat program; and help to organize programs with other temples such as Hewlett East Rockaway Jewish Center. It was our Men's Club members (a married couple who are both on our Executive Board) who organized our Jewish Trivia contest. It was Men's Club members who organized the speaker for the Kristallnacht Program. We have many Men's Club members who have shown Leadership, Innovation and Community as has been described. It is Jewish Men who run many of our Jewish Observance Programs ie Men's Club Shabbat; Veterans Shabbat; Kristallnacht; Yom HaShoah Candle Program and coordinate the Moriah Film Program where we not only showed four films (in our Monday Night at the Movies with the Men's Club Program), but also are involved with lending these films to our Congregants.Original ProgramYesHonorable Mention
12 (draft)2023-03-08 16:57RonaldEttinger73.195.177.392023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.South Jersey Men'S Club - Cherry Hill, NJ (503)Flag Planting to Commemorate 9/11 AnniversaryRonaldEttingerEttinger0502@gmail.comPhillipGodorovPhillipgodorov@gmail.comPhlilipGodorovPhillipgodorov@gmail.comCommunity Outreach
112023-03-06 06:35fishmandh24.34.203.2042023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.Temple Israel of Natick Men's Club - Natick, MA (733)Sock and Underwear driveDr. Jeff ShoreDavidFishmanfishmandh@yahoo.comDavidLandmandjehrlandman@gmail.comAdamWilenahwilen@yahoo.comCommunity OutreachThe Men's Club of Temple Israel reached out to our local social services agency, Jewish Family Services of Metrowest to see how we could support their efforts to provide for the less fortunate among us. They asked for help with an on-going, overlooked program they run through their 'Children's Clothing Closet' to provide clean clothes to those that can't afford it. While they get donations of used pants and shirts, of course they can not collect used underwear or socks. So we ran a drive, coinciding around Hanuka, that asked for donations we could deliver to JFS/MW.The overall goal of the program is to encourage the Congregational community to become more aware of the basic human needs all around us and to share their generosity while doing a mitzvah and showing chesed to our neighbors. Once JFS/MW provided us their Amazon "Wish List" we promoted it via our the temples weekly communications. The program consisted of several EASH ways to help: 1. the Amazon order a) shipped directly to JFS/MW (HOW EASY IS THAT!), b) have the order shipped to the temple c) drop it off at the temple, or 2. for those that might not have seen the marketing campaign we ran a 'pop-up' shop at Sunday school pick-up where we had on display some of the goods that $5, $10, or $20 could buy and 3. we solicited donations. Fliers with QR codes were put up around the temple. To start it off, the Men's Club donated about $400 worth of items. We ran in this program around Hanukah 2021, and 2022. Here is a video from 2021: https://youtube.com/shorts/DVawbtsDC0Qfjmc_torch_awards_2023_ti_clothing_closet1.docx (236 KB)ti_sock_underwearprogram_schedule.xlsx (31 KB)ti_mens_club_jfs_marketing1.jpg (248 KB)
yahoo_mail_-_re_mark_your_calendars_-_january_7_2023.pdf (3358 KB)
jfs_clothing_drive_flyer.jpg (58 KB)		jfs_drive_stand.jpg (6065 KB)
20211129_144812.jpg (944 KB)		Each of the past two years we delivered hundreds of socks/underwear and other necessities. We believe this was a great success that alleviated the burden on some under-priveleged families in our area. It re-connected the synagogue community to JFS who does amazing work.This program easily increases the opportunity for men to practice tzedaka. For those than can only spend the time to do 3 clicks of a mouse, it gives them something to feel good about. For those that can spend time operating the pop-up shop, or delivering to the agency, it provides additional opportunities to give of their time and energy.n/aOriginal ProgramYesHonorable Mention
102023-02-14 21:32Dale134.228.139.1632023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.B'nai Jeshurun Men's Club - Pepper Pike, OH (325)WWWDr. Jeff ShoreDaleLevydlevy82@gmail.comJoelHermanzmanjoel51@gmail.comJoelHermanzmanjoel51@gmail.comWorld Wide WrapThis is a modification of the traditional WWW program to make it truly international, or World Wide!! We partnered with several synagogues in South America to do WWW together. We studied together, we davened together and celebrated together! While each synagogue met in person we also had zoom to join together internationally! WWW Torch Award The KIO region held a hybrid WWW this year with congregations in our region as well as several congregations in South America. The goal of this program was to take WWW from a local congregational wrap to a truly international WORLD WIDE WRAP! Our member at B’nai Jeshuran in Cleveland, Jerry Brodsky, learned of a Rabbi in South America who may be interested in davening with us on WWW. Our Regional President, Dale Levy, contacted and met by zoom with Rabbi Leandro Galanternik in December 2022. We discussed the idea of doing WWW together. It seemed we would be able to do this! We looked into the ways we could make this program happen. Due to time zone differences and halachic requirements for reciting Shema we came up with the following plan. The SA shuls would davin on their own timeline with their own zooms and in-person services. They would finish up at ~10:15 their time which corresponded to 8:15 our time. We would join together at 8:15 EST to have a combined event. The event would begin with a brief introduction of our participants. We had KIO Shuls and the following from SA: Comunidade Shalom - São Paulo, Brazil CIP + Curitiba, Brazil Comunidad Or Israel - Buenos Aires, Argentina Comunidad Iona - Buenos Aires, Argentina Next, we would recite the Prayer for the State of Israel followed by Adon Olam. (in Sephardic tradition Adon Olam is sung at the beginning of the service, while Ashkenazik tradition is at the end; so we did it together.) Finally we would do L’Chayim together. Dale arranged for a local shul, B’nai Jeshuran to host the zoom service. We began at 7:45 AM with teaching to Wrap. Dale Levy led this. When we reached 8:15 AM, Rabbi Hal Rudin-Luria (Cleveland) and Rabbi Galanternik (Brazil) became co-hosts. Our SA brothers and Sisters lead the davening described. Dale introduced the KIO clubs and The SA Rabbis introduced their clubs. We then spent a few minutes schmoozing. Then we departed and began our service. Many clubs left zoom to hold service in person, while many continued on zoom to do service together. Many clubs invited post B’nai Mitzvah students and HS students to participate in local services. Many shuls donate Sets of Tefillin to their students! In fact, the KIO Region donated 5 pairs of Tefillin to our SA congregations! This was a fascinating collaboration between multiple congregations in South America (with different time zones) with our Region to achieve a meaningful WWW. I have run WWW and BAP for close to 10 years. This has been one of the most meaningful WWW I have run!!! This was a KIO regional event. As I am a member of multiple shuls in KIO we agreed to submit this under the B’nai Jeshuran synagogue. All our advertising was word of mouth!! That being said, we had 5 shuls from KIO and 4 from South America. This was an amazing turnout!!! The impact was significant in that Wrapping was taught throughout regions, we made serious connections with South America and we learned together across geographic lines. This was an amazing program!Wrapping Tefillin is arguably the fundamental mitzvah of Judaism! The WWW in general is an amazing program to get Jewish Men involved in Jewish Life. Our adaptation is to et Jewish Men Involved In Jewish Life Internationally. It is unique for a FJMC Region to involve an international community in our program. The nature of our program addresses Innovation and (International) Community. By presenting this program to the FJMC we also invoke leadership..An adaptation or enhancement of a previous Torch Award entry TAxx-xxxx|YesBronze
92023-02-14 20:08Dale134.228.139.1632023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.Tifereth Israel Men'S Club - Columbus, OH (303)Combating Antisemitism SummitDr. Jeff ShoreDaleLevydlevy82@gmail.comMarkRosensonmrosenson3216@aol.comMarkRosensonmrosenson3216@aol.comJoint ProgrammingThe program is in the model of a scholar in residence with 3 sessions, Friday evening, Shabbat Day and Sunday morning. The topic is Combating antisemitsm in our lives: Media, Workplace and On Campus. We have panel discussions with local representatives of international organizations, including ADL, AJC, Hillel International, Honest Reporting and Stand With Us. The goal of the program is for the community to learn and develop the tools to combat antisemitism in their lives.2022 - 23 Torch Award Submission Tifereth Israel from the KIO region will submit this as a Torch Award. This will be in the category of Joint Programming. Our region President, Dale Levy, has long held an idea for holding a summit on Combatting Antisemitism. The vision was to hold a weekend event in the model of a scholar – in – residence weekend. We would have a session on Shabbat evening, a session on Shabbat afternoon and a session on Sunday morning. Each session would address a different aspect of antisemitism in the community and how to deal with it! Dale is a member of multiple clubs in KIO! He recruited members of B’nei Jeshuran, Park Synagogue and Tifereth Israel to Advise and plan this event. While this is truly a Regional Torch Award, as Dale is a member of Park, BJ and TI we agreed to submit this under the club at TI. As mentioned above, the idea was to have a full weekend event to teach people how to combat Antisemitism in our time. We would model this in a Scholar-in-residence weekend. Instead of having all the sessions at one location, we chose one city in KIO with individual sessions to be distributed at locations around that city. We would hold one session at a local shul on Friday night where we would hold services and Shabbat dinner at the shul and have a presentation just afterwards. We would have services at another shul on Shabbat morning followed by a kiddish lunch and the panel program. Finally, we would have a session on Sunday morning at our JCC with a brunch and panel to cover the final topic. The goal was to cover the topics of combatting antisemitism in the media, our personal lives, in our work lives and on campus. To this end we engaged Local Leaders of National organizations to give speeches and engage us in discussions in these topics. We engaged and had involvement from these organizations: ADL, AJC, Hillel International, Stand With Us and Honest Reporting and Ohio Jewish Communities ( an organization of the statewide government advocacy, public affairs, and community relations voice of Ohio's eight Jewish Federations and their network of 150 nonprofit agencies statewide for the purpose of enhancing the Jewish community's ability to serve vital human needs.) The organizing Committee was Jerry Brodsky (B’nei Jeshuran – Cleveland), Mark Rosenson (Tifereth Israel – Columbus) and Dale Levy, (B’nei Jeshuran, Park synagogue and Tifereth Israel). We ultimately decided that this submission will be under TI: however, it is truly a regional effort! The committee began with determining the programming. We decided to begin with Defining antisemitism and Combatting Antisemitism in social and written media; then we would discuss antisemitism in the work place and our personal lives and finally we would have a day devoted to combating antisemitism on campus. Our discussion combatting antisemitism on campus would encourage college age members to attend this session. Next, we chose locations for our discussions. We ultimately decided to hold the event in Columbus as this is a central location for our region. Our Friday evening event was held at Agudas Achim in Columbus. This included a Kabbalat Shabbat service, a Shabbat dinner and a session on the topic. Our Friday night topic was defining antisemitism and combatting it in the media. We had a panel that included ADL, AJC and Ohio Jewish Communities. Our Shabbat morning service was at another shul, Tifereth Israel. The D’Var Torah / sermon from the Rabbi was pertinent to our topic. There was kiddush lunch followed by another session. The topic was combatting antisemitism in your personal lives and at work. The panel included the ADL and AJC. This was presented live and on LiveStream. Our final session was held at the Columbus JCC and covered our final topic, combatting antisemitism on campus. There was a brunch followed by our panel discussion. Our panel included Hillel presidents from 2 campuses in Ohio, Ohio U and Miami U; there was a representative from Stand With Us from Israel and Honest Reporting from Israel. We placed an emphasis on the “combating” as opposed to understanding the issue. We believe that at our current level of understanding Jewish Congregations understand the issue itself very well, yet we may lack the tools for combatting it. To make this a successful program we decided to limit our committee to 3 members who would report to the KIO Regional Board. We decided that 1 would arrange speakers, the next would be dedicated to marketing and fund raising; the last would be finding venues and meals. This turned out to be the most efficient means of getting the program to fruition. For clubs that wish to implement this program I strongly suggest this model! We looked at multiple ways to get financial support. The FJMC Foundation for Life generously supported our program with a grant. We ended up getting financial support from the local Jewish News who provided 2 full page ads for the cost of 1; all the clubs in KIO donated and several families / individuals donated. Many local businesses also supported our program. We also had many donors who want the program to be successful! We chose to make the event neutral in terms of raising money. However, we see this as an opportunity for clubs to make this a significant fund raising event. We did not charge admission and all meals provided by donors and all speakers donated their time. We had a very successful program. We averaged 40 – 50 persons per event. We did not count zoom or live streaming for our attendance numbers. The panels were excellent! We received positive feedback from those who attended. This is a very labor intensive program in regards to planning, but is truly achievable at your clubs’ and Region’s level. I found it was difficult to obtain speakers, but ultimately I made my connections and it worked out. The venues were ultimately decided based on each of our schedules!..We tried to engage Reform shuls but ultimately only had buy-in from our conservative movement. As I mentioned, the event was held in Columbus as that was the central location; we had members from Cincinnati, Dayton, Cleveland, Toledo and Columbus attend, not to mention Hillel leaders from Miami, Ohio and Ohio University, ADL from Cleveland, AJC from Cleveland and Cincinnati. We also had zoom leaders from Israel join our program, Honest Reporting and Stand With Us. So this was truly an international event. Antisemitism is on the rise and is increasingly resulting in violence. We must combat antisemitism and not let it pass unanswered! This program is to provide us with the tools to combat antisemitism. It is not enough to just know what antisemitism is! We must learn how to actively combat it. This program did this for us in KIO and is a model for other regions to follow. I am always available to assist other clubs that wish to do this program. It took over a year of planning to make this program possible. If a region wishes to do the program I recommend that time for planning. If you choose to make it a recurring program, I recommend it be every other year. full_ad_antisemitism_summit.pdf (1781 KB)
press_release_for_kio.docx (18 KB)		kio_report_to_fjmc_-federation_copy.docx (18 KB)full_ad_antisemitism_summit.pdf (1781 KB)The program was well received in the community. We averaged 40 - 50 in person attendees at each session, not including zoom or livestream. The impact of our goal, to learn techniques and develop tools for combatting antisemitsm was the 1 thing people noted in our post event survey.This was truly a Regional Event! The local clubs felt the impact in the attendees from other shuls joining them. The entire KIO community was inspired by this program with people traveling from many distant communities to participate. This is an event that draws the entire community together and should be considered as a regional program across all FJMC Regions.This goes beyond! We are involving Jewish people in Jewish concerns! This program is probably the 1st of its kind in FJMC programming. This program supports Leadership, Innovation and Community. This is an ideal FJMC Program!Original ProgramYesGold
82023-01-27 10:11Briesenberg98.62.66.752023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.Etz Chaim Men's Club - Marietta, GA (1711)Giving Back to Our First RespondersDr. Jeff ShoreBarryRiesenbergbriesenberg@gmail.comBryanColemanrog-bry@mindspring.comBryanColemanrog-bry@mindspring.comCommunity OutreachAs with most synagogues in this era fraught with uncertainly, we have a police presence during Shabbat services… and many other times when the synagogue is occupied. This outreach to our First Responder Community was our opportunity to engage those standing ready to safeguard our security and demonstrate our appreciation....with Kosher Brisket Chili!OVERVIEW A “False Alarm” incident during Shabbat evening services —a silent alarm was inadvertently tripped— brought an immediate and massive response by the Cobb County Police to Congregation Etz Chaim. According to the Synagogue's Executive Director, multiple Police and Fire Rescue units were on-scene within minutes. While this was, thankfully, a “non-event,” the very reassurance of their awareness and presence ignited a desire among Etz Chaim Men’s club to show our appreciation to the men and women who comprise our local First Responders. THE PLAN The decision was taken to reintroduce a tradition lost to the Covid epidemic: engaging our local Police and Fire Departments in a show of community support. THE GOAL Wow them with BRISKET CHILI • Express our appreciation for their presence and vigilance • Explain a little about KOSHER THE CHALLENGE Coordinating a convenient time to host a lunch for our First Responder Police and Fire Departments sounds easy—they share a County Government building— but their schedules don’t always conform to ‘regular hours’. THE “BENEFICIARIES” Cobb Police Department (Precinct 3) As patrol cars are always ‘on-the-move’, Major Batterton suggested we schedule the lunch during change-of-shift so the Officers on both morning and afternoon tours could partake and enjoy. Cobb Fire Department (Precinct 21) Firefighters are on-duty 24 hours and off-duty 48; it was C-Shift’s luck to be on duty the day we dropped by to schedule. Captain Hilley was convinced our chili couldn’t compare to theirs, and “the game was afoot!” Of course, with First Responders, you never know when an emergency call might interrupt the festivities. (Spoiler alert... things don’t always turn out as planned!) THE DAY Our seemingly inexhaustible team of Kitchen-teers* competed for the honor of being in on the preparation. Everyone, if seems, wanted to be a part of the effort to express appreciation to our Police and Fire Departments for their ever-presence and -vigilance. *kitchen volunteers Master Chefs with chili expertise far exceeded the numbers needed, ensuring an enjoyable cooking experience… at Etz Chaim, there’s no such thing as “too many cooks” THE MENU Brisket Chili --- sour cream (Pareve, of course) Creamy Cole Slaw(albeit non-dairy) Cornbread, southern style… meaning spicy! Brownies with pecans (a Hank Needle spécialité) Sweet Southern Iced Tea (de rigueur in Georgia) THE FLY IN THE [Ointment] CHILI Little could we have known when locking the date that it would coincide with Election Run-Off Day. Georgia is one of few states that requires a majority vote. Neither candidate had won a clear 50% vote, and the balance of the U.S. Senate was in play. The Government Center was “Ground Zero”, as the building housing the Police and Fire Departments also served as a polling station. Full of goodwill and fully armed with pots, bowls and trays, we arrived to face a wall of hundreds of voters waiting in line to vote and a large presence of police directing the overflow of traffic. It took a quick call, and we received a road-clearing, light-flashing escort through the throng. We set up in the large dining area at the Fire Department, and as we dished out bowls of the delicious concoction, we were joined by the entire FD crew; the unfortunate police cadre managing the traffic snafu outside could only dribble in on their short breaks. The situation did, however, offer a special opportunity for us to interact closely with the Firefighters. They were very curious to understand what makes a brisket “KOSHER”. They also learned why we didn’t bring Parmesan Cheese and ‘real’ sour cream (they generously provided their own), and why Pareve spread—I can’t believe it’s not butter (it’s not!)—was our selection for spreading on the cornbread. We were just finishing off the delicious meal with Hank Needle’s famous brownies—both with and without nuts—when THE CALL came in. The Rescue Team—Cobb County Firefighters double as EMTS—jumped to their feet in response, and off they went. Police The mostly-absent Cobb County Police Officers brought to mind the last time (pre-COVID) we hosted: it was the same day the funeral of a neighboring DeKalb County police officer killed in the line of duty took place. In a line reminiscent of the 1980’s Hill Street Blues, the Commanding Officer admonished his charges and sent them on their way with a message of caution: “Be careful out there!” THE ESTEEM Our EMT Firefighters returned rather quickly (guess they were still hungry!), and the long lunch drew to a close. The sociable, enjoyable afternoon turned somber as we took the opportunity to tell them about the COMMEMORATIVE BRICK prepared for the Memorial Garden at our Congregation Etz Chaim to honor the memory of fallen First Responders. It reads: “In Memory of Those Who Sacrificed Their Lives in the Line of Duty” LEAVE-TAKING It was time to say Goodbye. We ended with mutual appreciation expressed and new friendships formed... and a clear message to our neighbors that their service is valued beyond measure (even more than can be expressed in a bowl of Kosher Brisket Chili).timeline_supplement.docx (13 KB)
timeline_supplement_0.docx (13 KB)		memorrial_brick.jpg (3631 KB)
memorial_garden_section.jpg (5220 KB)
memorrial_brick_0.jpg (3631 KB)
memorial_garden_section_0.jpg (5220 KB)		Personalizing the relationship with our First Responders has brought a heightened appreciation and appreciation their service. Our (East) Cobb County is a relatively small community geographically, and it is not unusual to encounter a local police officer directing traffic at a community event or see a local firefighter at a fast-food restaurant. For those of us who participated in this event, these men and women are no longer just people who work at the Fire Station or the Police Precinct... they are our neighbors. As an extension of this meaningful program, we will have an ‘unveiling’ ceremony at which the MEMORIAL BRICK commemorating the lives of First Responders—it reads: “In Memory of Those Who Sacrificed Their Lives in the Line of Duty”—will be dedicated. More than ‘successful,’ the program is destined to become a regular event on our Men’s Club calendar. While we didn’t find a Jewish Policeman or Fireman among the lot, we certainly exerted a positive presence to our local First Responders, establishing a better understanding of who we are and who they are protecting.Original ProgramYesGold
72023-01-24 22:00JMarkowitz47.187.209.1032023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.Beth Torah Men's Club - Richardson, TX (1713)Totally 80's Murder Mystery Event Dr. Jeff ShoreJeffMarkowitzjeff.markowitz@verizon.netBill Millerwsm96@me.comJeffMarkowitzjeff.markowitz@verizon.netFundraisingThis very interactive program was designed to encourage both Congregation and Community involvement with raising funds and providing several hundred pounds of non-perishable foods & personal hygiene products to support our partnership with the Jewish Family Services of Greater Dallas. The program consisted of a Two-Hour Interactive Murder Mystery Program | Fully Catered Dinner | Costume Contests | Door Prizes | Drinks | and Silent Auction. It’s totally like the 80’s and all the big names are here for a really big concert! Tensions run rampant as backstage secrets spill out into the spotlight with like, totally tragic results! This isn’t an episode of Miami Vice! This is like… MURDER! It’s up to you to help catch whoever did this bogus crime. As with any program it all begins with communication and generating excitement. Our Men’s Club worked on this program for almost a year. There was pent up demand for a different event, and our sponsors were ready to participate in a community activity to fund a worthwhile cause. The secret is to engage your sponsor partners early in the marketing process so they can gather the approvals and resources to participate. Within 4 months most of our costs for the entire event were covered! Communications: It just seems there is never enough time to communicate your event. Unfortunately, that is normally the case. Why, because we wait until the very last minute, when in reality it should be the first item on the project plan. We are very blessed with fantastic community partners and when possible, we seed future event ideas well in advance of the first communication. This practice generates a substantial runway for both our partners and funding recipients to plan their resources and to generate their own advertising to their communities. For this event we advertised in the Texas Jewish Post, the Congregation Beth Torah Weekly and Monthly publications, the Congregation Beth Torah’s Men’s Club Weekly Newsletter. Our partners leveraged their business websites and Facebook pages and our funding recipient, Jewish Family Services created their own advertising campaign. The Worthwhile Cause: Jewish Family Services and the Congregation Beth Torah’s Mens Club has enjoyed a terrific relationship for almost 10 years. Starting with our Dallas Kosher Barbeque Championship and now through our yearly fund-raising event. Our ability to excite the surrounding community to donate hundreds of pounds of dry goods and provide financial support to Jewish Family Services is extremely satisfying at both the Club level and the individual satisfaction it brings to each of our Club members. Catering: Our partnership theme continues with The Market. Specializing in Kosher breakfast and lunch fare, the Market Local Comfort Cafe turns out bakery-quality breads, bagels, desserts and more, plus sides, dips, and salad and single-serve meals. The restaurant is meatless, serving only fish and vegetarian dishes with several vegan options daily. The Market catered an on-site dinner menu of Salmon, Grilled Vegetables and Potatoes, Steamed Rice, Veggies and Dip, Ice Cream and Assorted Toppings. Our beverage partner, one of our major event sponsors, and recently one of our Men’s Club Breakfast speakers was BuzzBallz. BuzzBallz is a certified Women Owned® and family-operated Texas distillery, winery and brewery founded in 2009. They provided their ready to drink cocktails through out the evening. Interactive Programs - Murder Mystery Program, Costume Contests | Door Prizes | and Silent Auction Event engagement is one of the many keys to success. The 80’s theme screamed costumes and we were not disappointed! From Back to the Future to ET and everything in between. The program attracted a large diverse age demographic and at final count we had 160 attendees. Door prizes and silent auction items were donated by 70 companies and the financial results were significant with a portion donated to Jewish Family Services. Actively Engaged Committee: A successful event is spearheaded by a fully committed and engaged committee. We were blessed top down from our Event Chairman to our multiple committees’ chairs and huge crew of volunteers. It’s important the committee believes in the purpose and planned outcomes of the event. Maintaining consistent communication throughout the project plan and providing event progress transparency with the entire committee and your vendor partners is extremely important. Workable Timeline: June / July • Confirmed quote / costs of hiring murder mystery performance group. o Booked event thru murder mystery company. o Chose theme of event / show options • Confirmed with Jewish Family Services that we could work with them as our beneficiary for the event o Worked out agreement, in principle, to what we would be doing for them and how they would be a participant in the event • Created basic sponsorship packet in order to solicit financial support for the event o Sent out packet to previous supporters of our club’s events as well as many new contacts o Started to receive positive, and negative, responses to the sponsorship requests  Followed up continually on unanswered requests through October, with each round of follow up netting multiple replies either way August / September • Created basic budgeting tool to account for costs and sponsorship monies coming in and expenses for event. • Began to craft menu options with caterer, confirming costs and outline for execution of the menu plans. • Began to develop plans for decorations, favors, advertising, etc. and purchasing of items to support event. • Began solicitation of items for silent auction / door prizes from businesses and individuals o Created a spreadsheet to track items donated for silent auction. o Separated items based on value to create raffle prize subset of donations to be used during event as door prizes. o Created raffle tickets for door prizes. o Created bid sheets for silent auction. October / November / December • Ongoing solicitation of items for silent auction / door prizes • Purchasing of serving pieces needed for dinner (plates, napkins, etc.) • Working with committee members, starting to assign tasks such as picking up items, printing materials, scheduling kitchen and set up assistance, etc. January • Confirmation of show with actors • Confirmation of menu execution with caterer • Confirmation of decorations layout, room layout • Purchasing of needed food / serving pieces / etc. as outlined by needs list. • Day of event o Set up of room. o Decoration of room o Set up of silent auction. o Execution of event murder_mystery_program_2023.docx (573 KB)
delorean_signage.pdf (191 KB)		murder_mystery_torch_award_program_schedule_2023.xlsx (36 KB)tjp_ad_-_murder_mystery_2023_v2_0.pdf (199 KB)
murder_mystery_flyer_2023.pdf (3118 KB)		_dsc3058.jpg (214 KB)
_dsc3066.jpg (294 KB)
_dsc3068.jpg (400 KB)
_dsc3072.jpg (374 KB)
_dsc3075.jpg (317 KB)
_dsc3083.jpg (253 KB)
_dsc3090.jpg (207 KB)
_dsc3093.jpg (154 KB)
_dsc3098.jpg (347 KB)
_dsc3111.jpg (261 KB)
pxl_20230122_002940182.jpg (1127 KB)
pxl_20230122_040621303.jpg (1718 KB)		This very interactive program was designed to encourage both Congregation and Community involvement with raising funds and providing several hundred pounds of non-perishable foods & personal hygiene products to support our partnership with the Jewish Family Services of Greater Dallas. The event generate additional funding that we donated directly to the Jewish Family Services Food Pantry operations. The event also sheds light on the continual daily struggle and difficulties on Dallas area families and how our club's partnership with many organizations made a huge difference. Approximately 60% of our Men's Club participated with supporting this event. The Power of Listening and Consoling is a Sight to Behold. The Power of Giving is Priceless! This event is just one example of how Congregation Beth Torah’s Men Club is impacting our community but more importantly how our Club and the individual men continue to grow from a combination of all these experiences. The measure of our Club’s success is making sure these desperate families have enough food for the week. The measure of our Club’s success is providing Grow Boxes to families so they can grow their own vegetables. The measure of our Club’s success is building ramps for those with limited mobility to emerge from the confines of their homes. The measure of our Club’s success is seeing smiling faces of our Learning Center children after cooking them a pancake breakfast. The measure of our Club’s success is speaking the names of Holocaust victims that have not been heard in over 75 years. Yes, Congregation Beth Torah’s Men’s Club proudly embodies Leadership, Innovation and Community.Original ProgramYesGold
62023-01-13 10:48Canadiensa04184.88.108.2442023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.Ohev Shalom Men's Club - Maitland, FL (1316)Help UkraineDr. Jeff ShoreElliottDaviselliottdavis613@gmail.comElliottDaviselliottdavis613@gmail.comElliottDaviselliottdavis613@gmail.comFundraisingCOS Men's Club raises money from fundraisers to support the synagogue and offer scholarships to the youth of the COS Hebrew School. The attack by Russia on Ukraine and the thousands of Ukrainian families forced to leave their homes and flee to Poland gave the Men's Club a immediate reason to raise funds. A "Help for Ukraine" event was planned for Sunday, May 22, 2022 and over $11,500 was raised and sent to the JCC of Krakow.The Men’s Club of Congregation Ohev Shalom hosted an afternoon event on Sunday, May 22, 2022 to raise much needed funds for Ukrainian refugees who have been forced to leave their homes and flee their country amid the ongoing war with Russia. 120 people filled the social hall for this important event, paying $36-$72 per ticket to attend. Mark Stone, a long-standing member of the congregation and a mentalist extraordinaire, donated his time to present his comedy and ESP show “MENTALMANIA”. Mark astounded the audience with his uncanny ability to read minds, make predictions and “see” with his fingertips while blindfolded. He engaged with the audience and performed his classic 53 card trick, telephone book listing determination and combining multiple numbers in columns and rows to add up to a predetermined number. The committee presented 3 videos highlighting interviews with JCC of Krakow Executive Director Jonathan Ornstein on CNN, Congregation of Reform Judaism Rabbi Steven Engel on WESH-2, a local TV station, and a young girl named Claire singing Adele’s “Make You Feel My Love”, which brought tears to many in attendance. Rabbi Murray Ezring, COS Interim Rabbi, spoke about the injustice going on in the Ukraine in his opening remarks. One hundred percent of the proceeds from ticket sales and donations were sent to the JCC of Krakow. The Men’s Club agreed to cover all the expenses. The generosity of those who made donations was heartwarming. But I believe that one donation made stood out above the rest. The COS afternoon school donated $302 from their Tzedakah Fund, mostly in one-dollar bills. In all, the event raised over $11,500. Everyone left the event with feelings of sadness for the Ukrainian families and were pleased that the Men's Club organized the event to raise both awareness and much needed funds.benefit_for_ukraine_video.docx (14 KB)help_for_ukraine_flyer.docx (689 KB)panoramic_view.jpg (56 KB)
es_elliott.jpg (63 KB)
engel_ornstein.jpg (131 KB)		COS Men's Club traditionally holds 2 major fundraisers each year, raising thousands of dollars for the synagogue and for scholarships for youth to go to Camp Ramah and Israel. This fundraiser brought the synagogue congregants and the community together to show support for the Ukrainian refugees fleeing their homes. The entire Men's Club membership made telephone calls to inform the public of the event. The event was a total success, with over $11,500 sent to the JCC of Krakow, where over 400 refugees were being taken care of. During the video presentation before Mark Stone's mentalist show, there were many tears shed and approximately $3,000 of additional donations were received. Our club has 125 members and the synagogue has 550 family units. The Men's Club totally supported this important event.After considering several options of where to send the funds raised at the Help for Ukraine event, the Men's Club decided to reach out to the JCC of Krakow. We spoke to Jonathan Orenstein, CEO of the JCC of Krakow, and he shared with us that his team was doing their best to provide Jewish services and traditions to the refugees. This was a key to having our Jewish men helping a Jewish organization thousands of miles away to make it a little easier for the Ukrainian families..The men took leadership roles in planning the event with short notice and reached out to the community for support, both financially and with compassion.Planning an event that will benefit an outside organization is often not scheduled in the yearly programming of the Men's Club. When a urgent need to act required 100% participation and support of the club membership, the Men's Club leaders made telephone calls, sent emails and texts and personally reached out to the clubmembership and the synagogue membership to get support. That is the mission of our club. "Total commitment and dedication in what we do".Original ProgramYesSilver
52023-01-08 11:38mjc-mensclub74.90.91.172023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.Congregation Shir Shalom Men`s Club - New City, NY (1890)Yom HaShoah Blue Candle Dr. Jeff ShoreBruceYoremensclub@shirshalomrockland.orgBruceYoremensclub@shirshalomrockland.orgMitchSpiegelmensclub@shirshalomrockland.orgYom HaShoah Yellow CandleDistribution of Blue candles (in addition to Yellow candles) to commemorate Yom HaAtzmaut and Yom Hashoah since they are only about 1 week apart. Increase awareness on the founding of The State of Israel and Holocausts. The program will consist of 2 candles (Blue and Yellow) instead of 1 (Yellow) but uses the current Yom Hashoah delivery methods.The program will consist of 2 candles (Blue and Yellow) instead of 1 (Yellow) but uses the current Yom Hashoah delivery methods. Changes to current Program are 1) Create Letter to congregants about the 2 candles 2) Purchasing Blue 1oz candles and Votives 3) Organize congregation address in the delivery routes 4) Assign routes to volunteer for delivery 5) Packing these Blue candles with the Yellow Candles 6) Hand Delivery to each Local congregant based on assigned route 7) Mailing to this congregants that are Not Localyom_hashoah_candle_letter_2023-draft.docx (20 KB)
community-wide_commemoration-2022.pdf (555 KB)
meditations_2022.docx (19 KB)		yh_timeline.docx (12 KB)yom_hashoah_candle_letter_2023-draft.docx (20 KB)
community-wide_commemoration-2022.pdf (555 KB)
meditations_2022.docx (19 KB)		The visibility to the Men's Club was increased and response to the fundraising was larger than expected. This also increased the awareness of both Yom HaAtzmaut and Yom Hashoah.The visibility to the Men's Club was increased and response to the fundraising was larger than expected. This also increased the awareness of both Yom HaAtzmaut and Yom Hashoah.Original ProgramYesHonorable Mention
42022-11-01 15:43jonzimmer47.196.188.2002023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.Kol Ami Brotherhood - Tampa, FL (1357)Firearm Safety DayDr. Jeff ShoreJonathanZimmerbroherhood.kolami@gmail.comJonathanZimmerjonzimmer3@gmail.comJonathanZimmerjonzimmer3@gmail.comFJMC - otherFor the 5th year, the Brotherhood of Kol Ami has put together a Firearm Safety Day, open to men, women, and teenagers (w/ parental permission). Open to all synagogue members and certain teenagers (w/ parental permission), a certified instructor/staff members gives us instruction on proper firearm safety and the rules of the range, and helps first timers during range time.The overall goal of the program was twofold: Give our several members that own and/or are familiar with firearms practice time on the range to improve their skills, and to instruct first timers on proper firearm safety and how to handle a gun. The event is not political and we take no stance on any gun laws. It's designed to not only practice and learn proper safety and skills, but to bond and grow with our fellow shul members. 22_firearm_safety_day_v4_1.png (273 KB)img_2564.jpg (115 KB)
img_2565.jpg (105 KB)
img_2567.jpg (98 KB)
img_2572.jpg (102 KB)
img_2569.jpg (103 KB)		The program has been running five years straight. It's a signature event and looked forward to every year. People have asked for offshoot/similar events, such as skeet shooting. We have had several first timers throughout the years that have never picked up a gun, including women and teenage children whose parents brought them. This year, we had 18 people participate, including two children and their mother, both first time shooters. We have received several compliments that they appreciate the value in people being properly trained in use of a firearm in today's unfortunate age of rising incidents of anti-Semitism. This program is innovative due to its uniqueness. Kol Ami is not the only shul to have this type of program, but it is not common. Most of the participants who attend own a gun, and it's good bonding and "shop talk" to get information on types of guns and the industry in general. We have had as many as 38 people attend in the past.(pre-Covid). It absolutely is a community building event. We also have a strict rule of no political talk on gun laws, gun violence incidents, etc, as this event is for learning safety, skills, practce, and bonding with our fellow Jews, not being divisive. While the topic of guns may be controversial to some, this event is about learning safety and practicing in a proper, regulated gun range. I am proud of this event and the fact it is commonly spoken highly of in our shul.Original ProgramYesSilver
32022-10-13 08:33sarbital69.119.105.622023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.Temple Beth Ahm Men's Club - Aberdeen, NJ (923)Virtual Jewish Experience Around the WorldDr. Jeff ShoreSethArbitalsmarbital@gmail.comSethArbitalsmarbital@gmail.comSethArbitalsmarbital@gmail.comEducational ProgrammingWe hire tour guides who present virtual tours of Jewish history and Jewish communities/sites from different countries around the world. This started during the Covid-19 lockdown and has continued. We cosponsor these events with our Sisterhood. These virtual tours use licensed tour guides via Zoom meetings.Due to Covid-19 restrictions, travel was restricted. Tour guides started offering virtual tours. Our club started investigating these tours and what the tour guides offer that would be well received by our temple community. The obvious first choice location was Israel. We reached out to our Sisterhood for cosponsorship, and they enthusiastically said yes. Our first virtual program was a 2 part tour of Israel (using two separate guides)- first of the Old City of Jerusalem, and second of the Northern Region. This was so well received, that we decided to continue this program to present the Jewish experience in other parts of the world. Our World tours have now included, Paris, Ukraine, Egypt, and Morocco. They include Jewish history, Jewish Life and Jewish Sites. We are working to continue this program to other regions of the world. Our decisions of which regions to choose are based on congregational feedback/requests. We do present these as free to our temple community, but for the last two tours, we have asked for $18 donations to offset some of the costs. virtual_tour_program_task_list_with_notes.xlsx (19 KB)
tour_attendee_tracking_sheet.xlsx (12 KB)		ukraine_tour.jpg (287 KB)
virtual_paris_tour.jpg (330 KB)
virtual_israel_tour.jpg (456 KB)
egypt_tour.jpg (378 KB)
morocco_tour.jpg (407 KB)		The feedback has been tremendous. Attendance has averaged 50-75 attendees for any given tour. We are being asked by our congregants for additional tours. And while we do not push for the donations, the mention of it on our flyers have resulted in donations totals between $150-250 for each of the last 2 tours we did. These tours inspire conversations between members and help bring the temple community together, while learning about Judaism, Jewish life around the world, and Jewish historical influence.This program allows our temple community to understand Jewish life around the world without the travel expense and/or time that many cannot afford. These tours bring a sense of community, where attendees can share the tour experience in addition to adding their own experiences from their travels. The result is a closer community, knowledge, and a sense of Jewish pride.Original ProgramYesBronze
22022-10-03 21:57Hairman69.206.222.402023I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.Temple Sinai Men's Club - Middletown, NY (1858)test programDr. Jeff ShoreTorchtesterhairman@hairman.netsomeomeElsesomeoneelse@email.comother ersonotherperson@email.comCommunity Outreachthis is a program to do stuff for an awardwe planned stuf and did stuffwe did stuff and people lked itwe got Jewish men doing Jewish thingswe did more stuffOriginal ProgramYesGold