FJMC

Latest News

March 10, 2010

New Developments in the Shomrei HaAretz Initiative

The Shomrei HaAretz Initiative is developing new partnerships and more depth in the FJMC products that promote environmental efficiency. Contact FJMC Shomrei HaAretz chairman Richard Gray at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to join in.

1. FJMC is promoting Movement Integration with Shomrei Haaretz and a relationship with GreenFaith as cornerstones to a new collaboration / integration initiative with Womens League and United Synagogue. and has partnered with JNF to make their speakers bureau available to our clubs for TuBishvat and other times. JNF’s perspective on environmentalism and development in Israel will bring new perspectives to your club programming.

2. FJMC is promoting Energy Star for Congregations, a US Government initiative has specific resources available for improving energy efficiency in sanctuaries.

3. FJMC has arranged for wholesale purchase of bio-degradable plasticware for use at club and region events. New England Region has used it for their Keeper of the Flame event and investigated all aspects of proper disposal. And, soon, you’ll want to try our new metal water bottle in eco-green and with the Shomrei HaAretz logo. Picture the message of presenting it on the bima to bar and bat mitzvah honorees in addition to your classic gifts. Eliminating plastic water bottles by using tap water, filtered if you like, offers huge savings in road trash and petroleum usage.

4. FJMC’s unique eco-symbol, the solar ner tamid, is in the process of becoming an international symbol with an installation in progress in Israel. The Seaboard Region as well as FJMC energy offset donors are supporting this and other planned environmental initiatives in Israel.

5. FJMC has installed a water filtration system in its New York offices. The vendor is committed to reducing our usage of bottled water, replacing it with even purer filtered water while eliminating the need for disposable plastic bottles. Energy conservation, water, cleaning toxins, waste and grounds maintenance are among the areas of investigation for future programs in support of FJMC clubs. The vendor is supporting FJMC initiatives and is available to speak to FJMC groups.

6. Get on the list to receive Eco-newsletters, which discuss community gardens, architect driven improvement opportunities, endorsement of international climate change resolutions and more. All these can be used as the basis of programs for your club.

7. Your ideas are invited. Contact Richard at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

March 1, 2010

FJMC Welcomes New Men’s Club

FJMC is proud to welcome six new clubs.  Five of these clubs are in North America from the Hudson Valley, Metro New York and KIO regions:

• Congregation Sons of Israel, Briarcliff Manor, NY
• Shaarey Tefila, Carmel, IN
• Shaarey Tikvah, Beechwood, OH
• Beth Israel, Port Washington, NY
• Forest Hills JC, Forest Hills, NY

The sixth club is SCI B'nei Israel, Santiago, Chile.  This is the first International club (outside of North America) to affiliate, as FJMC broadens its focus and reaches out to Masorti congregations outside of North America.

We are excited to extend a warm welcome to each of these new clubs into the FJMC and look forward to a rich relationship for many years to come as we enhance our Jewish experience with all these clubs, including our International brethren.

February 2010

We are pleased to announce the debut of an exciting new electronic magazine published by FJMC called "Mentschen". Mentshcen is different from other FJMC publications in that it is the place for YOUR voice, the voice of the Jewish Layman to be heard in an online forum of ideas. Each monthly issue of Mentschen will contain thought provoking essays and provide an opportunity for you to add your point to view. Men’s Clubs have been remarkably successful at involving Jewish men in Jewish life.  “Hearing Men’s Voices” has been a groundbreaking program in creating a conversation among men.  Now the FJMC is creating new infrastructure to connect Jewish laymen. Today’s Jewish man needs to be challenged to have their voices heard. “Mentschen” will be our global forum for thoughtful, timely and cutting-edge dialogue about Jewish life. Let the conversations begin. www.mentschen.org

January 2010

FJMC Announces debut of the Unraveller

We are pleased to announce the debut of the Unraveller, a weekly commentary devoted to explaining the haftarah. The material provides a historical and somewhat different approach to help you understand the haftarah. The weekly Unraveller can be sent directly to your email box by signing up, or logging on to the FJMC’s website, www.fjmc.org/publications/unraveller, and reading the weekly commentary.  As an introduction, Rabbi Simon has written an Unraveller article about the haftarah blessing, which is also available on the webpage.

June 2009

FJMC Announces New Executive Committee for 2009-2011

FJMC installed a new slate of members to its Executive Committee for the 2009 - 2011 term on Thursday evening, July 2nd, during its 2009 Biennial Convention at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel. Leading FJMC for the next two years will be Mark Berlin of Potomac, Maryland (FJMC Seaboard Region), who assumed the position of International President.

Supporting Mark as members of FJMC's Executive Committee will be: