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 Anshe Emet Men’s Club of Chicago, IL was recently presented an FJMC Torch Award at the 2025 FJMC International Biennial Convention in Chicago for their easy to replicate “Pesach Kosher Wine Tasting” Program. Anshe Emet Men’s Club President Alan Mintz explains,
“Back by popular demand after a pandemic-driven hiatus, we offered our Pesach Kosher Wine tasting for the first time since 2019. We partner with our local wine merchant, Binny’s, and their Kosher Wine Distributor, Royal Wines, who host a tasting of 8-10 wines and a tutorial on Kosher wines in their store’s tasting room. Attendees can then order wines for their seders at a discount (no sales tax, volume discounts). We receive the wines in bulk at the synagogue and sort them for each individual order. Those who order are then contacted by Men’s Club to pick up their wines once we finish sorting. During the “warm-up” period, we had a blind tasting of 3 different wines. We had about 30 attendees, most of whom purchased wine at the event. Our Kosher Wine Master, Simon Levin, described each wine as we tasted it, while also educating us on the different wine making regions, mevushal vs. non-mevushal, and the various varietals we were tasting. Price points ranged from $12 to $45 per bottle and included white, red and blush/sweet wines (something for everyone). At the end of the program, those who correctly identified the wines from the blind tasting received a free bottle from Simon. The program ran over two hours, and we received very positive feedback from attendees. Many of the wines also came from Israel, so we are also supporting Israeli wine producers. Of course, it’s important to support Kosher wine producers no matter where they’re based.”
HaKavod and Yasher Koach to the Anshe Emet Men’s Club for creating and sharing the details of their FJMC Torch Award winning “Pesach Kosher Wine Tasting” program with other Men’s Clubs and Brotherhoods.
For more information about the Anshe Emet Men’s Club please visit: https://www.ansheemet.org/engage/mensclub/ or email Men’s Club President Alan Mintz at: mensclub@ansheemet.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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