For close to 100 years, FJMC Convention has been the nexus of collaboration, comraderie, innovation and creation. My first FJMC International Convention experience was 2001 in Toronto; a whirlwind week of meeting new friends, Jewish learning, Leadership Training and Shabbat Ruach. I am forever grateful to Lance Adelson of Marlboro Jewish Center for taking me under his wing and convincing me to attend Convention 2001. I learned an important life lesson at my first Convention, pickled herring and single malt scotch don’t mix.
Fast Forward 18 short years and FJMC Convention returned to Toronto to celebrate their 90th Anniversary (1929 to 2019). The spiral bound, 157 page, printed keepsake 2019 Convention Journal included an informative article, “FJMC: A Legacy of Innovation and Growth“. The following except from that article includes a includes a brief chronological history of FJMC Convention from 1931 to date.
“Conventions have played an important role since the first one in 1931. Held annually at first, the conventions became biennial in 1979. They have proven to be an important opportunity for Men’s Club officers, members, and the international leadership to meet, share experiences, and learn from each other. In 1983, FJMC expanded its convention programming to provide training for club and regional officers, with lay leaders as instructors. Two years later, FJMC established the Ma’asim Tovim Award to be presented at each convention to men who have made outstanding contributions to their regions and communities. Torch Awards are presented to clubs to recognize outstanding programming. New FJMC programs and initiatives are unveiled and showcased at biennial conventions, such as the first Art of Jewish Living program in 1985, Hearing Men’s Voices in 1999. and Keruv in 2003.
The 1974 FJMC convention in Los Angeles was the first in the Conservative Movement to be held on the West coast. In 1977, FJMC convened in Montreal where, for the first time, a major arm of the Conservative Movement elevated a Canadian to its presidency. The more recent conventions were held in Weston, Florida (2005), Chicago (2007), Philadelphia (2009), Orange County, Southern California (2011). Boston (2013), Miami (2015), Washington, DC (2017), and now Toronto in 2019.”
Epilogue: Due to the Covid pandemic, Convention 2021 was reimagined as a virtual event. Convention 2023 marked the return of the LIVE and IN PERSON FJMC Convention experience in Philadelphia, where nearly 400 attendees flocked to the City of Brotherly Love for an unforgettable convention experience.
Speaking of FJMC Convention….
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.
- Who?
All of your old friends will be there! And new ones, too!
Click here to enroll now! - What?
Up to 12 convenient monthly withdrawals from your credit card, and refundable if you change your mind.
Click here to enroll now! - When?
Enrollment is available now!
Click here to enroll now! - Where?
The beautiful Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk!
Click here to enroll now! - Why?
It’s easy!
Click here to enroll now!
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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