Congregation Kol Ami of Tampa is a kehillah (community) dedicated to innovation and tradition resulting in an inclusive, multi-generational community committed to improving ourselves and the world through ritual, educational, and social activities consistent with contemporary Conservative Judaism. The Brotherhood is an integral arm of Kol Ami.
Each year the Brotherhood of Kol Ami engages and connects with their members through a variety of educational and social events and Brotherhood President Jon Zimmer promises that the coming year will be even better than the last. Recent Brotherhood programs and events included their annual Craft Beer Tasting Night, a “Torah on Tap” program featuring deep learning and light libations, Brotherhood Firearms Safety Day, a “Brotherhood Hike an Bike” (Sunday December 8) and a “Brotherhood Hang-Out Night”.
The Brotherhood of Kol Ami wishes everyone a Happy Adar 5785 and looks forward to another exciting year of programs and events. Recent Brotherhood programs included a self defense class. Kol Ami Brotherhood member Johnny Weisser, a black belt in Brazilian Ju Jitzu (BJJ), taught us basic self defense training… just in case a potential situation arises where self defense is necessary. This program was open to both men and women.
On Superbowl Sunday, the Brotherhood of Kol Ami took part in the FJMC World Wide Wrap, an international, coordinated minyan encouraging Jewish men and women to learn about and participate in one of the basic commandments in the Torah: the wrapping of tefillin. “This year we Wraped for Israel,” said Brotherhood President Jon Zimmer. “Am Yisrael Chai!” .
The fun continued into the evening when the Kol Ami Brotherhood hosted their annual Superbowl party. Jon Zimmer reports, “we served pizza from Nosh Caterers, along with salad & sides and beer & wine. We also played Super Bowl Squares while we watched the game and commercials on the big screen.”
During February, the Kol Ami Brotherhood also honored long-time Brotherhood member Mitch Weiss as recipient of the (6th Annual) 2025 Mike Korenvaes Man of the Year award. The event included delicious Hors d’oeuvres, decadent desserts, an open bar and a performance by our dear friend Nachum Peterseil. A splendid time was had by one and all.
A personal message from Jon Zimmer: “Yellow Candle is one of our biggest projects of the year to remind us of the Shoah, as we send out candles to all members of the congregation. Proceeds go towards assisting our families to send youth to attend Jewish summer camp. This does not happen magically! We would greatly appreciate any volunteers that could help out with the boxing and mailing of the candles on Tuesday, March 18. Volunteers will start getting there around 6 PM, and I’ll make sure there’s some kosher pizza for anyone that helps out. Our Yellow Candle chairman, Eric Weiner, runs a well oiled machine, and it doesn’t take as long as you’d think. We should be done before minyan starts. Please e-mail: brotherhood.kolami@gmail.com to offer help. Thank you! Am Israel Chai!“
Looking ahead, the Kol Ami Brotherhood will host it’s next “Brotherhood Hangout” event on Thursday evening March 20 at the Tampa Tap Room. Join us for a fun night out, have a drink, schmooze and relax. This event is open to all Men and Women and Brotherhod members get their first drink on the house.
Jon Zimmer invites all adults 21 and up to join the Kol Ami Brotherhood for our very popular, annual Cigars & Spirits Night on Tuesday evening April 8, 2025 at Corona Cigars. We will sample various bottles of scotch and other spirits and pizza will be served. We’ll have tables reserved outside, and cigars are available for purchase for those interested. Please RSVP to https://www.kolami.org/event/BH-cigars-and-spirits-April2025.html by April 7th, 2025.
The Kol Ami Brotherhood will distribute Shoah Yellow Candles™ to the congregation in advance of Yom Hashoah and on Wednesday Evening, April 23, 2025, Erev Yom HaShoah, the Kol Ami family of families will come together as a community to light our Shoah Yellow Candles™ and remember the innocent lives of the Six-Million Jews (and five million others) killed by Nazi atrocities. Remember. Never Forget. Zachor!
On Sunday May 4, 2025 the Kol Ami Brotherhood will present a special Hearing Men’s Voices program on the theme “Meet My Father”. Please RSVP to brotherhood.kolami@gmail.com for any of these events, or to offer any suggestions, ideas or feedback. Brotherhood is you, and we would love to hear from anyone from Kol Ami on how to improve our organization.
Save the Dates – Thursday July 3 to Sunday July 6, 2025 to be part of the Kol Ami Brotherhood / Florida Region FJMC delegation to attend the FJMC International Biennial Convention in Chicago !! For more information about 2025 FJMC International Convention and to register, visit: https://convention.fjmc.org/2025-chicago/.
Men’s Club is Brotherhood. Jon Zimmer is the President of the Kol Ami Brotherhood of Tampa, Florida as well as Vice President of the Florida Region of FJMC. Learn more about the Kol Ami Brotherhood at https://www.kolami.org/brotherhood.html and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/kolamitampa/. For more information about the Kol Ami Brotherhood, please email Brotherhood President Jon Zimmer at brotherhood.kolami@gmail.com.
The Brotherhood of Kol Ami is a proud member of the Florida Region of the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs (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 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/.
About Post Author
