This post is part of a series highlighting the events and activities that took place at the FJMC Biennial Convention in Philadelphia, PA.
TGIF at FJMC Convention takes on an entirely different meaning when Shabbos is near. Friday morning in Philadelphia began with a sunrise group health walk followed by three different Shacharit morning experiences, a traditional prayer service, an alternative study session and a Micrography artistic interpretation of prayer.
After Shacharit, Convention delegates enjoyed a hearty breakfast followed by an inspiring address from Keynote Speaker Michael Rabinowitz, Chief Commercial Officer of Oramed Pharmaceuticals, on the topic “Leadership for Today and Tomorrow”. Convention delegates were then given a choice of several Club / Regional and Leadership Training workshops on topics such as Addressing the Critical Challenges of Club / Regional Sustainability and Growth, Recasting Club / Regional Leadership Practices in the Post-Covid Virtual Meeting Setting and Developing your Club / Regional Leadership Plan.
The morning continued with presentations of FJMC Torch Awards, Quality Club and Quality Region Awards. The FJMC Torch Award was created to encourage the development of innovative programming, recognize those clubs that develop quality programming, build community and support the growth and development of their clubs. Quality Club and Quality Region Awards are given to FJMC member Clubs and Regions that meet established criteria.
Afternoon began with Keynote Speaker Dr. Yizhar Hess of Mercaz to discuss Current Events in Israel, followed by multiple thought provoking breakout sessions on topics such as “Antisemitism from WWII to the Common Day”, “Masorti – Israeli Culture meets Conservative Judaism” and “The High Court, High-Tech and Holy Sites: How the Challenges Facing Israel are Really One”. Additional breakout session topics included “Wealth Management Seminar”, “How to be a Successful Club / Region “, “Attracting New Members: Recruitment and Retention”, Managing your Club / Region through Technology and Social Media”, “Succession Planning”, “Making the Ask for Volunteers to accept responsibility”, “Fundraising as a Club / Region”, “Hearing Men’s Voices” and “FJMC 311: How Can FJMC Help You?”. Of particular interest was a breakout session about a new FJMC International Club initiative; an outreach effort to form relationships with, and ultimately affiliate, Jewish Men’s Clubs, Brotherhoods, Synagogues and Jewish communities outside of the United States.
Friday’s Convention programming concluded with installation of incoming FJMC International President and Officers, followed by Mincha and Kabbalat Shabbat and candle lighting and two different Maariv services, traditional and musical. After a wonderful Shabbos dinner and spirited Birkat Hamazon, there was a Burt Fischman Presentation, followed by the long awaited meeting of the International Kiddush Club and late night hospitality.
FJMC Convention is pure delight – Good Shabbos to all and to all a good night.
This message is brought to you by the Florida Region of the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs (FJMC). We are part of a global confederation of over 200 Men’s Clubs and Brotherhoods representing over 20,000 members across the United States, Canada, Latin America and beyond. Learn more about how your Men’s Club or Brotherhood can affiliate at: https://www.fjmc.org/content/affiliating-fjmc.
The Florida Region of FJMC serves the needs of affiliated Men’s clubs and Brotherhoods throughout the State of Florida. Our mission is to involve Jewish Men in Jewish Life by fostering fellowship and camaraderie between Men’s Clubs and Brotherhoods in the Florida Region, inspiring interest and involvement in Jewish worship, Jewish studies, Tikkun Olam and ensuring the success of new and existing leaders of our Florida Men’s Clubs and Brotherhoods.
If you are not yet affiliated with the Federation, then today is the day to join us. Get to know more about the Florida Region of FJMC and our growing network of dynamic Jewish Men’s Clubs and Brotherhoods on our website www.FloridaRegionFJMC.org and please visit and LIKE our Facebook Group at www.facebook.com/FloridaRegionFJMC.
About Post Author
