By Larry Nathanson and Norwin Merens
Camp Zeke in the Pocono Mountains
The Quad Region biennial retreat brings together men from the Hudson Valley, Middle Atlantic, New York Metro and Northern New Jersey regions of FJMC for a weekend of camaraderie – traditional and non-traditional Shabbat services, leadership development, sports and recreational activities. It represents a great opportunity to engage with FJMC brothers in a picturesque camp setting.
This year’s retreat took place June 12-14 at Camp Zeke in the Pocono Mountains in Lakewood, Pa., and was attended by 50 men, including 11 first-timers.
Hudson Valley’s Stephe Sturman presided at retreat committee planning meetings, while his region handled logistics. Middle Atlantic Region, which included Regional President Larry Nathanson, Sam Domsky, Len Zangwill, Jack Marine, Adam Pollack and Lester Shapiro, planned the programming. The program focused on FJMC’s four pillars: Friendship, Judaism, Mentorship and Community.
Enjoying a post-Shabbat bonfire
The Northern New Jersey region was responsible for ritual programming. Alan Davis assisted Chair Steve Harkavy. The New York Metro region’s Hal Berkowitz and Jay Steinmetz handled marketing and promotion for the retreat weekend.
FJMC International President Bruce Tomar delivered the keynote address and Executive Director Rabbi Noam Raucher opened the retreat with an inspirational message on the importance of men’s retreats. Raucher also led a Hearing Men’s Voices (HMV) session on Jewish masculinity today.
Middle Atlantic Region’s Larry Nathanson, Sam Domsky, Jack Marine, Len Zangwill and Lester Shapiro
Other programs included a scavenger hunt and HMV programs on sex, drug usage and mental health challenges. There was also an informative session on hypnosis and a timely antisemitism workshop.
Larry Nathanson is Middle Atlantic Region president and a HaD’Var correspondent. Norwin Merens is a HaD’Var contributor and copy editor.
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