By Gary P. Smith and Norwin Merens
Thirty-two men, including seven first-time attendees and three men in their late 20s and early 30s, gathered at the Pearlstone Retreat Center in Reisterstown, Md., from June 19-21, for a weekend of enduring friendships while supporting FJMC International’s next generation of men in building relationships.
Experienced regional and international leaders shared ideas and insights with a mix of veteran and newer participants at last month’s Seaboard Region Retreat.
The multi-faceted program differed from previous retreats in several ways:
Since the Seaboard Region retreat concluded on Father’s Day, organizers adjusted the schedule to allow participants to return home earlier to celebrate with their families. To accommodate the shortened Sunday schedule, approximately three hours of programming that would have been reserved for outdoor recreation, hiking, table games, sleeping or personal free time were moved into Saturday afternoon, creating a content-rich Shabbat.
Bruce Gordon and Alex Romano help Zach Watts with tefillin.
Religious services were an integral part of last month’s retreat experience. Johnny Parker, executive vice president for Seaboard Region, coordinated Shabbat and daily services over the weekend. He also arranged Torah and davening leaders and other participants. Adam Moldover led the Saturday Mincha and Maariv services, as he created a meaningful and participatory worship experience.
FJMC Vice President Mitch Ross and Seaboard Region President Richard Sternberg review the retreat agenda.
The retreat included educational and leadership development sessions. Hal Freed, chair of the Seaboard Quality Club awards committee and past region president, and Dan Moldover, FJMC International assistant treasurer, presented an interactive workshop on succession planning. The Quality Club program demonstrated how it serves as a roadmap for building more effective men’s clubs.
Supporting FJMC’s growing emphasis on health and wellness, Dr. Mitch Ross, a cardiologist and vice president of FJMC International, lead “Matters of the Heart – A Serious Schmooze,” an engaging discussion on cardiovascular health, nutrition, exercise, preventive care and lifestyle choices.
Enjoying a post-Shabbat bonfire.
Another major theme was the future of men’s clubs/brotherhood groups and community engagement. Bruce Gordon, past president of Seaboard Region and chair of FJMC’s World Wide Wrap Committee, and FJMC International Vice President Bob Watts led discussions on FJMC’s vision, built around its four pillars: Friendship, Judaism, Mentorship and Community. Participants explored practical ways to strengthen relationships, mentoring emerging leaders and creating welcoming environments for younger men and families.
Rabbi Noam Raucher, center, talks to retreat attendees, as FJMC Vice President Dr. Mitch Ross looks on.
According to many retreat attendees, Rabbi Noam Raucher’s presentation, “Joseph: The Model of Mature Jewish Masculinity,” was one of the most impactful sessions of the weekend. The Rabbi’s program explored the importance of leadership, character, resilience and personal growth.
Irv Varkonyi talks about antisemitism with Seaboard retreat attendees
Retreat co-chairs Dan Moldover and Seaboard Region President Richard Sternberg were supported by a dedicated committee: Irv Varkonyi, past Seaboard Region president and chair of FJMC’s Committee to Combat Antisemitism; Watts, who is also a past president of the region; Barry Oslick, region treasurer; Parker; Alex Romano, the region’s vice president of communications; Jim Sloan and Vic Cohen, region advisors; and Gary M. Smith, past vice president of communications.
Gary P. Smith is a Seaboard Region member, HaD’Var correspondent and assistant chair for the Emerging Track for LDI 2027. Norwin Merens is a HaD’var contributor and copy editor.
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