If I had a TARDIS and could travel anywhere in time and space, then where and when would I go? Perhaps 1979, a time when I had no worries, no responsibilities and could still visit my Nana and my grandparents or drive around Brooklyn listening to the Ramones on a cassette tape. During 1979 I completed my second year of Brooklyn College, pledged Tau Epsilon Phi fraternity, made great friends and learned a little about about beer and girls. The year 1979 also marked the 50th Anniversary of an organization called the “National Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs” (which in 1983 rebranded as the “International Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs“, or more simply the “FJMC“).
The theme of the NFJMC’s 50th Anniversary Convention, held June 24 to 28, 1979 at the Marriott Hotel in Philadelphia was “Building on the Heritage of our Jewish Past“. The official 66 page “Commemorative Convention Journal” included a treasure trove of historical information and photographs, including “A Capsule History of the National Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs“. Many thanks to NFJMC Past President Arthur S. Bruckman Z”L for your forethought and research in compiling this detailed historic archive.
A CAPSULE HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF JEWISH MEN’S CLUBS 1929-1979
“The place was the Astor Hotel in New York City. The date was May 20, 1929. It was there and then that the National Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs came into being and that Edward C. Weinrib of Mount Vernon, N.Y. received the distinction of being elected its very first President.
Prior to the time of its actual founding, it should be noted, a great deal of organizational effort took place with Rabbi Samuel M. Cohen as the moving force. He was then the Director of the United Synagogue of America and since the NFJMC was a department of the United Synagogue, it fell within his province to assist in its establishment and development.
From its inception, the National Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs sought to weld existing separate Men’s Clubs into a strong well-knit body and to guide them toward their highest social, cultural, and religious objectives. It also aspired to organize clubs in congregations where none existed. In particular though, the NFJMC of the 30’s sought to develop an organizational format which would attract into the synagogue the younger adult, who in those years did not feel at home in the synagogue as it then existed.
It was a slow process, and the Federation’s growth was beset with many difficulties. The NFJMC had no office, no staff, and no budget. Financing for the greater part came from the United Synagogue of America but it should be recalled that it was the period of the “Depression.” However, through the dedicated efforts of Rabbi Cohen, a program of activity gradually was developed and materials for the use of the Clubs were published. In 1930, Rabbi Cohen prepared the first Men’s Club Manual which set forth how to organize and operate a men’s club; also it provided a good deal of program material. It was followed by a number of worthwhile publications.
The National Presidents who followed Mr. Weinrib were Theodore Charnas of Mount Vernon, N.Y. and Louis Schwartz of N.Y.C. These three men, in effect, served as our presidents until 1941 and in truth, we are indebted to them for having set the foundation upon which our organization was built.
1941-was a particularly significant year for the NFJMC as it was then that the NFJMC was “reborn.” At that time, Philadelphia was the stronghold of Conservative Judaism where a group of dynamic men, Abraham J. Leonard, Milton Berger, Dr. M. David Hoffman, and Barnett Lieberman brought new vision and light to our movement. Abe Leonard was elected as National President. The status of the Federation began to take on a new image. The organizational pattern changed; a national men’s club publication, the “Torch” came into being, and the Jewish Theological Seminary became involved in the Men’s Club movement. With this strong impetus the Federation began growing. Eighty five clubs were soon affiliated with a total membership of 12,000 men and because of its growing success the NFJMC was recognized as a valuable partner in the Conservative Movement.
Milton Berger became the National President in 1943, and through the good offices of the Jewish Theological Seminary in 1944, he was able to enlist the talents of Rabbi Joel S. Geffen. Although Rabbi Geffen was given the title of Spiritual Advisor, he was actually that and far more. He was deeply involved in the daily tasks of building the Federation by planning, guiding and directing. Indeed, he was then and still is an invaluable friend of the Federation, without whom the Federation would not have attained its growth and status of today.
Among the objectives of Federation, was the promotion of a more thorough knowledge and appreciation of the Jewish heritage amongst Jewish laymen and the incorporation of Jewish teachings as a vital force in their daily lives. To accomplish this purpose, Laymen’s Institutes (Kallot) were organized. In 1944, the first National Laymen’s Institute was held at the Seminary in conjunction with the National Academy of Adult Jewish Studies. Men from all over the country came to the Seminary to spend a weekend there to study with members of the Seminary faculty. Such gatherings were repeated in 1945 and thereafter. Similar regional institutes were organized and by 1947-regional Laymen’s Institutes existed in New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Detroit and Boston; later they were formed in the Seaboard Region and other parts of the country. Subsequently, this activity was augmented by Torah sessions at conventions and Business Men’s Torah Luncheons (“Torarians”) in various parts of the country and by the publication of various tractates such as “Ideals of the Prayer Book”, “Jewish Ethical Living”, “The Sabbath”, “When Religion Becomes Vital” and “Jewish Dietary Laws.”
In 1945, a new era began when Stanley Garten became president followed in 1947 by Arthur Bruckman. Federation was growing geographically, so that clubs began affiliating from the West Coast. Until then, the Federation was primarily an eastern organization. The change required the National President to travel quite a bit more than in the past in order to keep in touch with an ever expanding constituency. In 1948, the National Convention was held away from the eastern seaboard for the first time. It took place at Congregation Beth Shalom in Pittsburgh. It was there that the “Annual Distinguished Service Award” was instituted. The first awardee was the Hon. Henry Morganthau.
In 1947, Rabbi Louis Finkelstein approached the NFJMC with the request that it accept the responsibility to raise funds in order to create a training program for young people so that they become the future lay and professional leaders of the Conservative Movement. The Federation enthusiastically endorsed the idea and the LTF, Leaders Training Fellowship was born, becoming one of our key projects. Although the beginnings were slow, our men have accepted their responsibility, and are now making a significant contribution to this project.
In this vein, many of our clubs have in their respective congregations consistently supported such youth activities as United Synagogue Youth, Boy Scouts, Atid, and Ramah. On the National level, Federation has done likewise. In 1947, it established the Youth Leadership Award, where annually it bestows a medallion and certificate to those youths in each congregation selected by the Men’s clubs for youth leadership aptitudes and scholarship according to cirteria set by the National organization. Many of these recipients have become members of the LTF, and continued their studies. presidency went to a “Westerner.”
With the election of Albert H. Jacobson of Chicago as National President in 1954, for the first time the He was followed by another remarkably talented non-easterner, Abraham Satovsky. Indeed, Federation was no longer identified as an east coast organization. In 1972 the National Convention was held in Florida. In 1974, we were the first national organization in the Conservative movement to hold its convention on the West Coast and then in 1977 for the first time we left the United States to hold our convention in Montreal, Canada. The international character of the NFJMC was confirmed by the election of the very able Dr. Morton R. Lang, of Montreal, Canada to the presidency.
The National Federation grew not only in numbers, embracing 350 clubs with about 50,000 members in 14 regions throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico but also in stature and acceptance of its responsibilities. It operates in full cooperation with the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, the Rabbinical Assembly, United Synagogue of America, and the Women’s League for Conservative Judaism. In 1976, the NFJMC became a member organization of the Conservative Movement’s World Council of Synagogues.
Under the direction of its Executive Director, Rabbi David L. Blumenfeld, Federation is now rising to new heights. The Hebrew Literacy Campaign, through his efforts, is receiving international attention. A new pedagogic technique, originated by Rabbi Noah Golinkin, and further developed by the National Federation is enabling laymen without any prior knowledge of Hebrew, to read and participate in the Friday Night Service. A special twelve lesson text oriented specifically to the Jewish adult has been prepared and published and was used in Hebrew Literacy programs in over 200 synagogues during the first year. The Hebrew Literacy Campaign is an ongoing program, and it is anticipated that it will gain even greater momentum in the immediate future.
This project and other projects are supported financially by a newly formed group of dedicated laymen who have founded a seed-money fund called the “Century Club,” under the leadership of Past National President I. Murray Jacobs. In general, the financial position of the NFJMC has taken a turn for the better because of the efforts of such dedicated men as Past National President, Abraham A. Silver.
Our new “house organ,” the Torchlight, under the inspired editorship of Past National President Max M. Goldberg, keeps our individual members informed on all current activities and serves as a valuable resource for men’s club ideas.
Unfortunately, a capsule cannot give the credits and details of the contribution of the many dedicated men who have built and served the clubs, the regions and the national organization. There are countless Rabbis who have given of themselves in building their clubs and serving the regions as spiritual advisors. As an organization of only volunteers, (having an executive director only the past 3 years) the great responsibilities having fallen upon the past presidents of National Federation. We have been fortunate to have been served by a group of capable, dedicated men who gave of their time and substance with the support and dedication of countless men, officers, directors, and club presidents who brought us to this point in time-our 50th anniversary.
We feel that we have made a significant contribution to the strengthening of the Synagogue, the Conservative Movement and Jewish life. We now look forward to meet the challenges of the future, with confidence and hope. May we ever go forward from strength to strength in accomplishing our vital objectives.”
THE FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF NFJMC PRESIDENTS 1929 TO 1979:
Many thanks to NFJMC Past President Arthur S. Bruckman Z”L for your forethought and research in compiling this detailed historic archive as part of the 1979 NFJMC 50th Anniversary Convention Journal. With the 100th Anniversary of the FJMC just around the corner, your words continue to inspire future generations of Men’s Club and Brotherhood leadership.
Speaking of FJMC Convention…. The clock is ticking….. The 2025 FJMC International Convention is less than a year away.!!!
All Florida Region FJMC clubs are highly encouraged to help sponsor at least two delegates from every Men’s Club and Brotherhood attend to the 2025 FJMC International Convention, Thursday July 3 to Sunday July 6, 2025 in Chicago.
Now that you have Chicago Convention on your mind, why not get a head start by enrolling in the convenient FJMC Installment plan.
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All of your old friends will be there! And new ones, too!
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Up to 12 convenient monthly withdrawals from your credit card, and refundable if you change your mind.
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Enrollment is available now!
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The beautiful Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk!
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In Brotherhood:
Mark Givarz, Jay Steinmetz, Rick Wronzberg, Danny Mandeau, Mitch Ross and the rest of the Convention Team!
This message is brought to you by the Florida Region of the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs (FJMC). We serve the needs of affiliated Men’s Clubs and Brotherhoods throughout the State of Florida. Learn more about the FJMC Florida Region and our growing network of Jewish Men’s Clubs and Brotherhoods at: www.floridaregionfjmc.org and please visit & LIKE our Facebook Group at: www.facebook.com/FloridaRegionFJMC.
The FJMC is a confederation of over 200 Jewish Men’s Clubs and Brotherhoods representing over 20,000 members across the United States, Canada, Latin America, and beyond. Learn how YOUR Jewish Men’s Club or Brotherhood can affiliate with the FJMC at: https://fjmc.org/for-clubs/affiliating-with-the-fjmc/.
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