Two of the highlights of the FJMC International Biennial Convention are the presentation of FJMC Torch Awards to recognize Men’s Clubs and Brotherhoods “that develop quality programming, build community and support the growth and development of their clubs” and the FJMC Club Program Fair, showcasing the programming efforts and creativity of Men’s Clubs and Brotherhoods from throughout 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 club leaders who designed and championed those very programs. In the spirit of the Biennial FJMC Programming Fair, this post is part of a continuing “Spotlight On” series that will share information about creative, engaging, low-cost and highly effective programming ideas that can easily be easily replicated by any Florida Region Men’s Club or Brotherhood.
The B’nai Jeshurun Men’s Club of Pepper Pike, OH was awarded an FJMC Torch Award for outstanding programming at the 2025 FJMC International Biennial Convention in Chicago for their creative “Men’s Club Shabbat and Congregational Cholent Cookoff“. B’nai Jeshurun Congregation Men’s Club Immediate Past President Joel Herman explains the program:
“The B’nai Jeshurun Congregation Men’s Club Shabbat and Cholent Cookoff is presented to encourage services participation by our members and congregational comradery. It was vitally important to resume this Shabbat program, after a two year absence as a result of Covid 19 precautions. B’nai Jeshurun Men’s Club Shabbat each year involves approximately twenty of our members who actively participate in all aspects of the Shabbat morning service. We promote the service weeks in advance, encouraging congregational attendance. When the Shabbat service is over, the congregation is invited to enjoy an afternoon luncheon in the Synagogue larger hall, presenting our Men’s Club 23rd Annual Shelia Rabb Memorial Cholent Cookoff. This past year was extremely well attended, having been suspended this past two years due to Covid 19. Over 300 congregants, family members and community guests sampled from nineteen different Cholent recipes, all prepared from our own B’nai Jeshurun different teams of chefs. Each delicacy was judged, recognitions were awarded, and all in attendance enjoyed themselves. Our Men’s Club Shabbat event encouraged congregants to reconnect with the Synagogue, as well as with fellow congregants. This year’s event was most impactful. The success of this program is measured by the overwhelming attendance, as well as the culinary contribution from nearly sixty-five of our congregational “chefs”. The mere fact that so many of our members participated in the Shabbat service exemplifies leadership and compassion for B’nai Jeshurun Congregation, and continue to do so throughout the year. We would encourage other Men’s Clubs to enjoin a congregational activity with their annual Shabbat service, presenting a morning of prayer and an afternoon of congregational community, the result of our Men’s Club Shabbat.
HaKavod and Yasher Koach to the B’nai Jeshurun Congregation Men’s Club for creating and sharing the details of their deliciously easy to replicate, FJMC Torch Award winning “Men’s Club Shabbat and Congregational Cholent Cookoff” program with other Men’s Clubs and Brotherhoods.
For more information about the B’nai Jeshurun Men’s Club, please visit: https://www.bnaijeshurun.org/be-with-us-social-groups-mens-club or email incoming 2025-2027 Men’s Club President Mike Baron at: mikebarson7@outlook.com.
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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