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Shalom Brother: Bo, the Bros, and the Muscle of Accountability (Bo 5786)

Rabbi Noam Raucher, MA.Ed — Executive Director, FJMC International Parashat Bo is often remembered for spectacle — locusts, darkness, the final terror of the tenth plague. But the deeper drama is quieter and more familiar: a leader who can’t bear the feeling of being wrong or taking accountability. The portion begins with God sending Moses …

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Shalom Brother: Speak to Pharaoh (Parashat Va’era)

Rabbi Noam Raucher, MA.Ed — Executive Director, FJMC International Parashat Va’era פָּרָשַׁת וָאֵרָא  January 17, 2026 | Tevet 28, 5786 The world feels like it’s on fire. Iran, ICE, Epstein, Venezuela, Greenland are just a few easy one-word examples. But when the temperature rises, a certain kind of masculinity shows up right on cue: the performative strong-man. Loud …

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A Statement from FJMC International: Attack on Beth Israel Congregation

A Statement from FJMC: Attack on Beth Israel Congregation  We are devastated and outraged by the arson attack against Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson, Mississippi. This was not only an attack on a building—it was an act of terror meant to intimidate Jews, to desecrate sacred space, and to remind a vulnerable community that hatred still …

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Modern Jewish Family by Choice

Modern Jewish Family by ChoiceJoining the TribeBy Bob Watts I am a convert, not a Jew by Choice. I put in the work. I didn’t flip a switch to be Jewish. I went through a change in family relationships, in practice, in community, and in adjusting to a different belief system. Because of that my …

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Mamas’ Boys – Ep 1: Daddies’ Boys w/ Joshua Malina

Mamas’ Boys is a smart, funny, and thoughtful podcast exploring what it means to be a Jewish man today. Hosted by Rabbi Noam Raucher and Rob Kutner, the show blends humor, heart, and cultural insight as they unpack identity, masculinity, faith, family, tradition, and modern Jewish life. Joining them is the ever-insightful Righteous Shiksa Marlene …

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Shalom Brother: Emancipating Ourselves (Shemot 5786)

Rabbi Noam Raucher, MA.Ed — Executive Director, FJMC International Parashat Shemot פָּרָשַׁת שְׁמוֹת  January 10, 2026 | Tevet 21, 5786 A system doesn’t need your heart to rule you. It only needs your habits. That’s one of the terrors of Shemot: Egypt doesn’t merely enslave bodies; it trains souls. It teaches a society what to notice, what to ignore, and what to …

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Launch of New Mamas’ Boys Podcast!

New FJMC Podcast Launching January 9, 2026! Jewish mamas (and more) kvell for new podcast MAMAS’ BOYS from FJMC International!  Hosts Rabbi Noam Raucher and writer-comedian Rob Kutner bring spiritual and showbiz credibility, curiosity, and compassion to the new, non-fiction video/audio interview series.  All-star guest line-up includes actors Joshua Malina and Mark Feuerstein, director/writer/Accidental Talmudist …

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Small Palm Coast shul joins “big leagues” of FJMC ranks

Marks revival from small workforce auxiliary to full Men’s Club   By Jay Givarz Temple Beth Shalom in Palm Coast, Fla., was originally part of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism in 1973 – but drifted to being independent over the past 50 years, with a mix of Conservative, Reform and unaffiliated rabbis. Suffice to say, …

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Rebuilding Brotherhood in Northeast Florida

A Success Story in the Making   By Mark Givarz When my wife, Alyce, and I retired from our full-time positions and moved from St. Louis to northeast Florida in 2021, we began searching for a spiritual home. We found it at Congregation B’nai Torah in Ormond Beach, a warm and welcoming community of about …

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Welcome to the Sunshine State of Florida!

A profile of FJMC’s Florida Region   By Norwin Merens Long recognized for its beach resorts, theme parks, vast coastline and sunny climate – despite the occasional hurricane – Florida is a popular destination for retirees and seasonal vacations, while offering a rich history. Part of that history focuses on the impact that a group …

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