September 29, 2025

One of the highlights of the FJMC International Biennial Convention is the FJMC Club Program Fair, showcasing the programming efforts and creativity of Men’s Clubs and Brotherhoods from across North America. The FJMC Program Fair is an opportunity for Convention delegates to learn about outstanding, award winning programming initiatives and interact one-on-one with the FJMC members who designed and championed those very programs.

Of the many programs and initiatives on display at the 2025 FJMC Convention Program Fair, one of the most logical, low cost and easy to replicate Men’s Club programs showcased was “Basic First Aid and CPR Training” created by the Temple Etz Chaim Men’s Club of Thousand Oaks, California. Etz Chaim Men’s Club 2025-2026 President Mark Goldstein explains how the program works:

“The Temple Etz Chaim Men’s Club organized “Temple Etz Chaim First Aid and CPR Training to TEC Community,” a free, comprehensive 90-minute Basic First Aid and CPR certification-optional class open to the entire Temple Etz Chaim community. Leveraging the expertise of a temple employee with extensive American Heart Association and American Red Cross training experience, the program equipped attendees with life-saving skills and familiarized them with the temple’s emergency resources. The program’s strategic scheduling during Religious School, coupled with complementary toddler care, significantly boosted participation, particularly among Religious School and Pre-School parents. The “Chaim First Aid and CPR Training” was a resounding success for the Men’s Club, the synagogue, and the community. The program attracted 54 attendees, who actively participated and expressed high satisfaction with the training. The availability of toddler care was particularly well-received, with 10 toddlers signed up, enabling parents to attend without childcare concerns. Seven attendees pre-registered for the optional certification program. This initiative demonstrated the Men’s Club’s commitment to the well-being of the entire Temple Etz Chaim community, significantly increasing our visibility within the congregation and attracting participation from beyond our regular membership. The positive response has generated interest in future safety and wellness programs, further strengthening the club’s role within the synagogue.

Kol HaKavod and Yasher Koach to the Congregation Etz Chaim Men’s Club for creating and sharing the details of their “Basic First Aid and CPR Training” program with other Men’s Clubs and Brotherhoods. For more information about the Temple Etz Chaim “Basic First Aid and CPR Training” program, please email mensclub@templeetzchaim.org.


This message is brought to you in solidarity by of the Florida Region of FJMC International (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 throughout 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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