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 and each year, the Brotherhood engages and connects with membership through a variety of educational and social events.
The Brotherhood of Kol Ami was front and center at the 2025 FJMC International Biennial Convention in Chicago, where outgoing Brotherhood President Jon Zimmer was named the Florida Region FJMC Ma’asim Tovim Award honoree. Not to brag, but the Brotherhood of Kol Ami was also honored to receive a GOLD FJMC Torch Award for their outstanding programming. Kol Hakavod and thank you to Jon Zimmer who helped to lead and grow the Brotherhood of Kol Ami, passing the baton of leadership to Yoav Rappaport as incoming 2025-2027 Brotherhood of Kol Ami President.
The most recent installment of the Kol Ami’s award-winning Brotherhood TXOKO Cooking program was totally on point. The theme was T’Filah v T’Quila, Jewish cuisine of Mexico, because who doesn’t love a good excuse to eat and drink. Eighteen brothers got together at Congregation Kol Ami Tampa kitchen and social hall to whip up a feast to the sounds of mariachi band music and some seriously potent tequila infused punch. Glenn Yancey brought the heat with a delicious appetizer and directed the brothers in the creation of their assigned dishes. Is there a better way to live and feel Jewish than through the taste, smell, and sounds of brothers enjoying camaraderie and laughs. Stay tuned for the next Txoko and upcoming events, because clearly these guys know how to have a good time.
The final Craft Beer Night 2025 is in the suds. The Brotherhood recently visited the newly opened Gulf Pine Brewery (GPB) in Odessa. Owner, operator and brewmaster Austin gave us a tour of his simple and yet delicious set up. We enjoyed good laughs, pizza, salad and a flight of beer from the selection of GPB and other local favorites, and watched some football. This is an annual tradition of visiting local craft breweries and support local businesses.
The Brotherhood of Kol Ami recently hosted its sixth annual “Firearm Safety Day”. The overall goal of this FJMC Torch Award winning program was twofold: Give our several members that own and/or are familiar with firearms practice time on the range to improve their skills, and to instruct first timers on proper firearm safety and how to handle a gun. This event was not political; it was designed to not only practice and learn proper safety and skills, but to bond and grow with our fellow shul members.
On December 23, the Brotherhood took part in an informative Combatting Antisemitism program hosted at nearby Congregation B’Nai Israel. Jon Zimmer reports, “FJMC Florida Region was fortunate to have Irv Varkony, the national FJMC Chair of anti-Semitism give an informative and productive talk and discussion on the rise of anti-Semitism lately, and how we as Jews can deal with it. This was hosted by Congregation B’Nai Israel in St. Petersburg and was a regional event, with members from other shuls in the Tampa Bay area attending.”
Looking ahead, on Sunday morning January 25, 2026 the Brotherhood of Kol Ami will host a delicious breakfast paired with an informative take regarding headlines about Israel and local community. There is no charge to attend this event but a $5 donation is greatly appreciated.
Other scheduled, upcoming Brotherhood programs and events of note include the annual World Wide Wrap and Brotherhood Superbowl viewing party (Sunday February 8), a quarterly Brotherhood “hang-out” night (Thursday March 5) and a Brotherhood Hike & Bike (Sunday March 22, 2026). Also, please save the dates for Brotherhood Shabbat weekend (April 11 & 12, 2026) featuring an appearance by the FJMC Sefer Haftarah scroll as well as the annual Man of the Year event, Cigar & Spirit’s Night (Thursday April 16) and a Hearing Men’s Voices program (Sunday May 3).
The Brotherhood of Kol Ami holds a monthly Board meeting and new faces and ideas are always welcome; please email incoming Brotherhood President Yoav Rappaport at yodie3@yahoo.com for more information or an invitation to the next meeting.
Men’s Club is Brotherhood and the Brotherhood of Kol Ami is the place to be. Learn more about the 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 Yoav Rappaport at brotherhood.kolami@gmail.com.
The Brotherhood of Kol Ami (Tampa) is a proud member 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 on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/FloridaRegionFJMC.
FJMC International 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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