According to the latest US Census data, Florida is one of the fastest growing regions of the country. The Florida Region of FJMC is also growing and we are proud to officially announce that the Temple Emanuel of Lakeland Men’s Club aka the Jewish Men’s Club of Polk County, Florida has joined the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs.
As per Wikipedia, Polk County (highlighted in red) was created on February 8, 1861, a month after Florida seceded from the Union, formed from the eastern part of Hillsborough County and named in honor of former US President James K. Polk, whose 1845 inauguration was on the day after Florida became a state.
The history of Temple Emanuel began in 1932 when a group of 16 families purchased a small building and formally organized as the Lakeland Jewish Alliance. As the Jewish community of Lakeland and Polk County grew and become more organized in the late 1930s and early 1940s and changed it’s name to Temple Emanuel. Temple Emanuel continues to serve the Jewish community of Lakeland, Florida and nearby towns and is considered the center of Jewish life in Polk County. Steeped in a rich history with a forward-thinking approach, Temple Emanuel taps into core values of Judaism to transform lives, explore Jewish values and navigate contemporary life and improve our community. Their egalitarian services respect a wide range of member ritual practices and foster a culture of participation for all ages. Temple Emanuel believes in lifelong learning and their religious school, B’nai Mitzvah program and adult education opportunities keep families engaged, stimulated, and informed. Whether your interests include making social connections, educating your children or participating in social action, or praying at our Friday night and Saturday morning services, celebrating a lifecycle event, or learning to read Hebrew, Temple Emanuel has a wide array of programs that are sure to meet your needs.
The new and improved Temple Emanuel of Lakeland Men’s Club aka the Jewish Men’s Club of Polk County was launched in 2024 with a series of monthly breakfast meetings with guest speakers, a screening of the film “I Am Israel” and a hand gun safety and training program at Axcaliber, an indoor axe throwing and virtual shooting range in Lakeland.
Men’s Club members opened their 5785 programming season by erecting the Temple Emanuel community sukkah, a November 17 discussion about how the recent election results may effect Jews, Anti-Semitism, Israel, our country and the world, and an interesting December 15 breakfast program about Jewish Athletes, facilitated by club member Mark Brown.
Looking ahead to 2025, the Jewish Men’s Club of Polk County sponsors a monthly lox & bagel breakfast program with a guest speaker on the third Sunday of each month; fresh faces and ideas are always welcome. Upcoming Men’s Club breakfast meetings are scheduled for January 19, February 16, March 16, April 27 (4th Sunday), May 18, June 15 (Fathers Day), July 20 and August 17, 2025. Please email Club President Rich Weiss at MensClub@TempleEmanuelLakeland.com for an invite to the next Men’s Club meeting to meet the guys.
For more information about the Temple Emanuel of Lakeland / Jewish Men’s Club of Polk County Florida, visit: https://templeemanuellakeland.com/ or the Temple Emanuel Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/TempleEmanuelLakeland or email Men’s Club President Rich Weiss at: MensClub@TempleEmanuelLakeland.com. or info@templeemanuellakeland.com.
The Florida Region of the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs warmly welcomes Temple Emanuel of Lakeland and the Jewish Men’s Club of Polk County to the FJMC family.
Florida Region FJMC serves 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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