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 “Steak and Shots” dinner program. Anshe Emet Men’s Club President Alan Mintz explains the program:
“This is our signature annual event drawing over 80 people for steak BBQ and scotch/bourbon tasting in the Sukkah during Hol Hamoed. Each year we have an honoree who is also invited to select their charity of choice to receive the bulk of the profits from the event. Our honoree this past year (October 2022) was our new senior hazzan, Rachel Brook, who chose The Ark as her designated charity. And because we had “standing room only” despite raising our prices for the event, we generated a record profit and donated $1600 to The Ark, a local social services organization operating under the Jewish Federation umbrella. How did we do it? We always start publicity early, essentially as soon as our honoree has accepted and designated his/her charity of choice. We also line up our “Scotchologist” as early as possible to ensure his/her availability. We also pre-order the steaks before the holiday starts. We use this program as a membership drive by offering incentives to join at registration or in person. We also hold our official installation of officers at this event. We begin with some appetizers and wine while we wait for everyone to arrive and the grillmaster (one of our members) to cook most of the steaks and potatoes. We present our honoree with a plaque commemorating the event, and once everyone has gotten dinner, our “Scotchologist” begins the tasting portion of the program (typically 5-6 pours), which includes an educational component; how the Scotch is made and bottled. Many people stay late to have some cookies and fruit for dessert and to continue socializing and enjoying more Scotch.“
Kol HaKavod and Yasher Koach to the Anshe Emet Men’s Club for creating and sharing the details of their successful “Steak and Shots” dinner program with other Men’s Clubs and Brotherhoods. For more information about the Anshe Emet “Steak and Shots” dinner program, please email 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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