Prescribing a new focus for FJMC

New President Bruce Tomar exudes quiet confidence as he takes helm

By Norwin Merens

 

After 35 years, Bruce Tomar has been involved with the FJMC for as long as his professional career.

He started early, rose through the club and regional ranks, and stepped up to national leadership more than 15 years ago.

But even after joining the Executive Committee, he never expected or planned to assume the top spot – not until he was asked more than two years ago to take on the No. 2 role with the intent of succeeding Alan Budman.

Reflecting on his own FJMC history, Tomar said he became a more “active decision maker” progressing as an FJMC International board member and Executive Committee officer, even while he has tried to remain humble and a good listener. Now, the quiet but confident retired business executive from the Middle Atlantic Region has begun his two-year term as president of the newly renamed FJMC International, responsible for shepherding the nearly century-old organization through changes in mission, vision and branding while renewing and strengthening its focus on Jewish men worldwide.

“We’re not starting from scratch,” Tomar said. “We’re building on decades of impact and looking forward with clarity and intention.”

Already, Tomar noted, FJMC has evolved significantly under the administrations of Allan Kahan and Budman, especially in reaching out to men who weren’t affiliated with Conservative synagogues and more closely identified with Reconstructionist and Reform congregations. He also credited both former presidents for their leading roles in elevating the importance of families and inclusion as part of FJMC’s ongoing dialogue.

Who is Bruce?

A native Philadelphian, Tomar became involved in men’s club activities in his mid-30s, first at Oxford Circle Jewish Community Center in northeast Philadelphia (now merged) and then at Congregation Beth El in Voorhees, N.J. His initial work as a men’s club volunteer in the early 1980s involved slicing tomatoes in the synagogue kitchen for various meals and functions, and serving on its programming committee. He organized the first annual Sweetheart’s Dance, which became an annual event. He also established the Jewish Athletic League in South Jersey.

It was at Beth El that Tomar rose to the position of men’s club president in 1992, and was named its Man-of-the-Year nine years later. He later moved up to the executive board of FJMC’s Middle Atlantic Region, chaired two Man-of-the-Year dinners and organized retreats, and became regional president in 2008 for a two-year term that included hosting the 2009 FJMC convention in Philadelphia. He was later named as the region’s Ma’asim Tovim in 2021.

Stepping up to international roles, Tomar served first as training chair for FJMC’s Rabbi Joel S. Geffen Leadership Development Institute and then as overall chair for LDI. In 2013, he presided as training chair at the 2013 convention and then program chair at the 2017 convention. Tomar also served as programming vice president, and as region and club services vice president for FJMC. He became Budman’s executive vice president in 2023, positioning him for his current role.

He credits several mentors and past presidents for their guidance as part of his leadership journey, including the late Steve Davidoff, as well as Kahan, Norman Kurtz and Mike Mills.

Professionally, Tomar spent more than 35 years at Garfield Refining, a Philadelphia-based precious metals refinery and recycler of gold, silver, platinum and palladium, retiring as vice president five years ago. He is a graduate of the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy & Science, now Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and part of Saint Joseph’s University, from which he earned a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy.

Bruce and his wife of 49 years, Marcia, now live in Ventnor City, N.J., just a short distance from the Atlantic Ocean. He is the father of two daughters and a son, and the grandfather of a boy and two girls. His personal interests include stamp collecting, comic books, reading science fiction, playing Monopoly, following the Phillies and Eagles sports teams, taking walks on the Ventnor Boardwalk and staying in shape by working out regularly at the gym.

Men’s health and wellness equals proactive health management

Tomar brings his personal focus on fitness and his perspectives on health and wellness to the job, as he works to highlight the unique challenges and opportunities men face in maintaining their well being. He wants to emphasize the importance of proactive care, address social and cultural factors, and encourage open communications about health issues.

It’s already known that diet, exercise and stress management play a significant role in men’s health. Adopting healthy habits – such as eating a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and prioritizing sleep – also can present chronic diseases and improve overall well being.

“FJMC needs to place a higher priority on men’s health and wellness through programming/screenings and lifestyle choices,” he said.

Wait… there’s more!

But that’s only part of his agenda.

On the heels of a successful Chicago convention in July, Tomar announced that FJMC – formerly the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs – is beginning a new chapter in its century-long history as the largest and oldest organization for engaging Jewish men.

The organization’s governing body officially voted in Chicago to drop the acronym and change its name to FJMC International, while also adopting a renewed mission and vision to reflect the evolving needs of Jewish men today. While its letters no longer stand for words, its leadership has reimagined them as representing:

• Friendship — that is lifelong and rooted in meaningful experiences
• Judaism — that is pluralistic and joyful
• Mentorship – that is loving and wise
• Community – that is inclusive and supportive

“This is not just a name change – it’s a recommitment,” Tomar asserted. “At a time when men across generations are craving connection, identity and support, FJMC International offers a powerful and rooted space for growth.”

A long and rich history

The announcement comes as FJMC approaches a major milestone: its 100^th anniversary in 2029.  As the organization reflects on a century of building Jewish life for men and their families, the rebranding signals a bold step into its next century – one rooted in friendship, purpose and belonging.

Attracting men in their ‘20s, ‘30s and ‘40s is critical to FJMC’s long-term future. According to Bruce, younger men have different priorities than those men in their ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s. They are getting married, having children and raising families. There are many demands – personal and professional – that are competing for their time and attention. So he said FJMC needs to meet them where they are and engage them by acknowledging the importance of their families. And, he added, the organization needs to empower the younger men to take ownership by developing and running their own programs if they choose.

According to Tomar, FJMC has formed a special task force to focus on this effort, and to promote this renewed vision throughout the organization’s 15 regions and 200 clubs.

Additionally, plans for FJMC’s international expansion, focusing on Europe primarily, is also underway, with Jerry Brodsky now spearheading efforts in the United Kingdom and France. Ongoing club development in the United States also continues, with an eye on such metro areas as Denver, Detroit, Kansas City, Minneapolis-St. Paul and Seattle.

 

Norwin Merens is a Chicago-based contributor to HaD’Var, and past-president of the Midwest Region.