Retreat rookies reign at Anshei Darom

11 first-timers join veterans at regional gathering

 

By Stan Schnitzer

They could have formed a minyan of their own.

With 11 first-timers attending the Anshei Darom Region’s annual retreat from April 17-19, at Camp Ramah Darom in North Georgia, newcomers formed a third of the retreat’s roster this year.

The retreat opened eyes and changed the outlooks of the first-timers, who included club presidents.

And they gave as much as they got, leading services and fully participating in learning and bonding experiences.

“When I originally committed to attending the retreat this year, it was more out of obligation,” said Matthew Nathan, president of the Etz Chaim Men’s Club. “I felt that I needed to be there. Looking forward, I can’t wait to attend because I now WANT to. My overall experience was great both from personal reflection and the shared brotherhood.”

Nathan said he was raised in a Reform congregation and has only been a member of a Conservative synagogue for 10 years.

“For me, the whole weekend was about learning and growing,” he added. “I learned more about Shabbat and the practices.  I learned about how others observe Shabbat at home and while traveling and hope to incorporate some of that into my life and routine.”

Kobelah Svenson-Bennah from Congregation Or Hadash discovered similar internal feelings.

“We had men from all across the country, different ages, backgrounds, family situations, and jelled very well,” he said.

He said he “was really struck” when FJMC Vice President of Regions Mitch Ross said, “Okay, now we’re going to talk about how to make your ideal Shabbat come true.”

“Of course, I have never heard anyone say that, in person, on screen – no one, ever,” Svenson-Bennah said. “I almost cried.”

Svenson-Bennah said he also learned some “great pointers on fundraising” from Regional President Howard Kaplan, “which I hope will help me help our synagogue thrive.”

“This retreat showed me something powerful – men united in prayer is (and has been) a force to behold,” he said. “Others showed me powerful ways to invite people to join in . . . that may help me be more inviting of others to help the un-shuled!”

Kaplan, from Temple Beth-El in Birmingham, was impressed by the future prospects of the rookies.

“What touched me most about this retreat was seeing so many first-time attendees choose to spend the weekend with us,” he said. “Watching new faces quickly become friends was a beautiful reminder that the bonds we create here will last far beyond these few days together. I left this retreat feeling grateful, inspired, and proud of what we are building together in Anshei Darom. My heart is full, and I am already looking forward to next year.”

Joel Friedlander is new to both Or Hadash and Anshei Darom, so he appreciated the experience, saying he was most impressed by “genuine guys who were kind, friendly, serious,  who came from a variety of backgrounds and experience.”

“Getting to know the guys from synagogue more personally and in an environment outside shul was amazing,” he added.

Bruce Rosenblum of Etz Chaim echoed those feelings. “Everybody that attended wanted to be there and have a good time. Attendees were welcoming, cordial, friendly and helpful,” he said. “I’m a board member of my men’s club and will stay active. I see the importance of staying involved.”

Inclusion was on the mind of Eddie Griffith of Temple Beth-El in Birmingham.

“With the diversity of the individuals that attended, there was a common goal of exploring how to create a stronger community, each in their own way,” he said. “Even though there is support for me in the community, it is up to me to determine how I use those resources to build a more spiritual life personally, in my family and in my community. I did get some inspiration from those in attendance. I will seek ways to provide support for others.”

Adam Throne, president of the Congregation Or Hadash Men’s Club, also picked up on supporting others.

“When impressed me the most was how open everybody was. No one was there to show off or show up anyone – except maybe in the trivia,” he said. “People were respectful of each other’s different ages, backgrounds, and perspectives. I also think it opened up the eyes of some members who were dubious about attending for whatever reason.”

He added, “I think my participation enhanced my desire to do more outreach with and between other synagogues. It also provided insight into how our club can build on FJMC and Anshei Darom models and resources.”

That enthusiasm was inspiring to Jack Wasserman, executive vice president of Anshei Darom and programmer-in-chief for the retreat, who said he saw building blocks from this year’s retreat.

“What struck me most was the energy and openness of our first-time attendees,” said Wasserman, a member of Temple Israel in Charlotte. “Their reflections on how a Shabbat pause could meaningfully impact their lives were both heartfelt and powerful. Hearing brothers share stories from their home clubs and engage so authentically with the theme reminded me why these gatherings matter. I left energized and already thinking about how we can build on this momentum to bring even more brothers into the fold next year.”

The potential of this year’s rookie crop also caught the eye of FJMC leaders from outside the Southeast.

“You have some Rookies of the Year in Anshe Darom. They jumped right in with both feet into the spirit and programming of the retreat,” said David Glass, FJMC vice president of fundraising, a Northern New Jersey Region member who led breakout sessions during the weekend.

“What I was impressed most about the guys I met at retreat was the level of commitment to learn and the vibrancy of Jewish communities in Atlanta, Charlotte and Birmingham and growing,” he added. “Coming from NNJR I was really made aware of the growing and young FJMC constituency in the Southeast that FJMC should be paying more attention to. There was a lot of younger man energy that was encouraging.”

Ross agreed.

“There were a number of first-timers, who were excited to be present in the moment, forming new friendships, building on their shared love of Judaism, learning through carefully curated mentorship and building community,” he said, referring to the four-word tagline FJMC International now uses – “Friendship, Judaism, Mentorship, Community.”

He added, “It was the very model of a perfect FJMC retreat. I have already had follow up contact with several of them, and I am delighted to hear that they found the weekend rewarding and fulfilling, and that they are excited about attending their next retreat.  I fully believe that they will share their experiences with their club members and encourage others to come to the next AD retreat as well!”

And returning to Camp Ramah will enhance the experience – as retreat veterans know.

“Camp Ramah Darom has been and continues to serve as a perfect spot for men to retreat, build strong bonds of brotherhood, and return to their communities refreshed and ready to lead beautiful lives,” FJMC Executive Director Rabbi Noam Raucher said.

 

Stan Schnitzer is a Ha’Dvar contributor and committee member, who attended the Anshei Darom retreat.