Reflections from the Midwest

A successful retreat, sumptuous breakfast and kosher tailgate

By Dr. Eric Yegelwel

Eric Yegelwel

It’s a big geographic area, but not for the men of the Midwest.

The Midwest Region of FJMC International just held a very successful retreat in St. Louis in May.

The weekend embodied the very best of FJMC – Friendship, Judaism, Mentorship and Community. These are not just words; they came to life at our retreat. It was a fun, meaningful and inspiring weekend filled with learning, camaraderie and genuine connection.

Men who arrived not knowing anyone were immediately welcomed and embraced. New friendships were formed, old friendships were strengthened and meaningful conversations continued long after formal sessions ended. Participants returned home recharged, energized and excited to bring that same enthusiasm back to their clubs and congregations.

Forty-two men from seven clubs, ranging from their late 20’s to their late 70’s, attended the retreat. We were honored to have Executive Director Rabbi Noam Raucher, Executive Vice President Gary Katz, Vice Presidents Mitch Ross and Creighton Cohn, and longtime leader Mark Givarz join us on behalf of FJMC International. Both Cohn and Givarz are also past presidents of the Midwest Region. Through educational sessions, discussions and informal conversations, they all helped create a weekend that reflected the very best of our organization.

What made the retreat especially meaningful was the commitment demonstrated by those who attended. Fourteen men traveled nearly five hours by car from the Chicago area to participate, and Givarz even flew in from Florida to join us. Their dedication reflects something seen throughout our region and FJMC – men willing to invest their time and energy to strengthen Jewish life, build community and support one another.

Our next Midwest Region event will take place on Sunday, June 28, when we gather in Milwaukee for our annual Day at the Ballpark. The Milwaukee Brewers will host the Chicago Cubs at American Family Field, with a kosher tailgate BBQ organized by the Milwaukee area Men’s Clubs before the game. Like so many FJMC programs, it will bring together men, families and friends for a day centered on community and connection.

Earlier this year, Congregation Beth Israel/Ner Tamid in Glendale, Wisc., hosted a sumptuous breakfast and a Midwest Region Board meeting which was followed by a thought-provoking presentation by Rabbi Josh Herman. Herman served as the former director of Hillel at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Marquette University. He shared first-hand experiences and insights regarding anti-Israel demonstrations and rising anti-Semitism on college campuses, leading to a meaningful and important discussion among attendees.

The Midwest Region continues to showcase the very best of FJMC: Friendship, Judaism, Mentorship and Community. Through retreats, regional programs and shared experiences, we continue to strengthen our clubs, our congregations and our connections to one another.

Dr. Eric Yegelwel is president of the Midwest Region, and a former chairman of FJMC’s Leadership Development Institute.