2015 Tidewater Blue Yarmulke Breakfast Inspires Awardees and Guests

Congratulations to our Tidewater clubs, who held the Tidewater 2015 Blue Yarmulke Man of the Year (BYMOY) Award Breakfast on Sunday, January 18, 2015 at Rodef Shalom Temple in Hampton, Virginia. This year’s awardees were (below, left to right) Phil Walzer of Temple Israel; Joe Kaplan of Congregation Beth El; and Louis Silverman of Rodef Sholom.

Early Bird Discount for 2015 FJMC Convention Ends February 23

There is nothing that compares to the FJMC biennial convention, and the Early Bird Discount ends soon. The $100 Registration Fee will be waived for registrations made and paid in full by Feb.23, 2015. Registration Fee applies only to Men. 

Seaboard is also offering its affiliated clubs one of the most generous subsidies in the entire FJMC - so act fast. Register now at http://fjmc.org/content/convention-2015-pricing. 

Have Your Members Vote for the Mercaz Slate to the World Zionist Convention

Hopefully, you have seen the publicity from FJMC and other Conservative movement organizations about the upcoming World Zionist Organization (WZO) Congress in Israel next October, and the importance of voting in the WZO elections for the Mercaz slate. This is a good time to do so! Just go to www.mercazusa.org to first register and then vote. Why is this important? In case you didn't know, Mercaz is the Zionist membership organization of the Conservative Movement, the voice of Conservative Jewry to the WZO. Voting for the Mercaz slate (No. 2 on the ballot) helps support religious pluralism in Israel and strengthens the connection between Israel and the Diaspora. I voted, have you? Polls close April 30, 2015.

Ten Tried and True Practices that will Make Your Shoah Yellow Candle Program Successful

What is a successful Shoah Yellow Candle Program? Success may be measured quantitatively and qualitatively. Quantitatively, it is a program where the tzedakah exceeds the costs enabling the club to give to any cause that perpetuates Jewry. Qualitatively, it is a program that heightens awareness of the Holocaust. Download your FJMC Yellow Candle Implementation Guide here now. It is loaded with information and programs. Here is more, including the critical need for our youth to be aware and commit to observing Yom HaShoah. Questions? Contact First Vice President Bruce Gordon.

15th Annual World Wide Wrap – A Huge Success 

The 15th Annual World Wide Wrap went off as planned on Sunday, February 1, 2015. The World Wide Wrap has become one of the FJMC's signature programs, as clubs around the world get together to celebrate the mitzvah of tefillin. Held on the Sunday of the SuperBowl over 5000 men 'wrapped' tefillin as early as 2011. To help introduce the mitzvah to younger Jews, a companion program, 'Build-a-Pair' allows fathers and their fifth through seventh grade children to create model 'tefillin' and decorate them as they learn about the mitzvah.

For more, see the official World Wide Wrap site at:
http://fjmc.org/content/world-wide-wrap

Men's Club Shabbat: An Opportunity for Men's Club to Model Community Leadership 

Men’s Club Shabbat is an opportunity for Men's Club members to lead Shabbat services. It's an opportunity to engage club members as leaders, to expand their comfort level by asking men to do something they have not done before, such as reading Torah or leading a Hebrew reading. The Federation of Jewish Men's Clubs has rich and deep resources to help clubs put together a Men's Club Shabbat, including a Program Guide, Sample Sermons, Israel Themes, and an optional registration process to be included in mailings related to the event.

Among the suggestions and resources at the international level are ideas such as introducing niggunim (songs) that breathe new life into the club's service and community; inviting those "on the fringe" who do not frequently participate by giving them honors and/or a role in planning the event; planning and advertising alternative services; pesenting awards for youth; and much, much more.

Individual dates vary by club. For more information, check out the FJMC website:
http://fjmc.org/content/mens-club-shabbat-frequently-asked-questions