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September 2026 / Elul-Tishrei 5786-87
 
L'Shana Tova U'Metukah!
 

As we prepare for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, our thoughts turn to the new year, new beginnings and reflections on how we can better ourselves and the world around us. It's been a challenging few years, but we can remain strong as a community as we always have. From all of us at FJMC International, L'Shana Tova U'Metukah! May this be a Happy, Healthy and Sweet New Year, a year of peace, a year of success and a year of Brotherhood!
 
See what's happening at FJMC!
 
 
Twenty-Five Years
 

It's been 25 years since the world changed radically, when terrorists crashed four passenger jets into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and a Pennsylvania field, killing more than 3,000, destroying the Twin Towers, and wrecking America's sense of security. This year, Sept. 11 falls on Erev Rosh Hashanah, making the anniversary particularly poignant.

Where were we then? And what have we done with our lives since?
 
Time for reflection
 
 
Guardians of the Land
 

FJMC International has long been a leader in efforts to protect the world and environment around us. Find out what we're doing, and how we can do more.
 
Check it out!
 
 
Captain's Log, Stardate 13

As we approach the High Holy Days, let's take stock of where we are, and where we are going.
Here I am!
 
Convention 2027 is just around the corner!
So sign up now, get ready and let's go!

You've been hearing about it already, but there's lots more to tell about FJMC's 2027 International Convention. So Convention Chair Jay Steinmetz wants to share it all with you.

Join us in San Francisco from July 8-11, 2027! We've got great speakers, plus the Quality Club, Quality Region, Torch and Ma'asim Tovim awards. A night of entertainment! The International Kiddush Club. And tours galore of San Francisco.

Discounted rooms are available for those wanting to come early or stay later. And you can now sign up for our convenient monthly installment plan that could be more wallet-friendly!

We can’t wait to see you there!
Check it out and make plans to join us!
 
Reflections from Rabbi Noam Raucher

Rosh Hashanah is described as the Jewish new year. Yom Kippur is usually explained as a day of repentance. Between them, we have 10 days to gain perspective on our lives.
Who am I?
 
Spotlight: New England

From developing ties with the Peace Islands Institute to the oldest and largest regional retreat within FJMC, the New England Region brings brotherhood home.
Check them out!
 
We're back, baby!

Congregation Beth Shalom in suburban Detroit has rejoined FJMC International, restoring a presence for our organization in a major part of the Midwest.
Welcome home!
 
Ready to launch

Registration is now live for the 2027 Rabbi Joel S. Geffen Leadership Development Institute in Baltimore, as we work to cultivate the next generation of FJMC leaders at the club, regional and international levels. Want to know more about what LDI is? Check it out.
Read on
 
And the award goes to...

The jury's back, the results are in, and FJMC International is pleased to announce that 47 clubs successfully achieved Quality Club status!

Being named a Quality Club is a significant accomplishment. It demonstrates that a club has embraced and taken advantage of many of the programs, activities, and resources available through FJMC while also enriching the Jewish life of its synagogue and membership. The award is a testament to each club’s commitment to excellence in programming, administration, member engagement, and participation at both the regional and international levels of FJMC. Mazel Tov!
Who won?
 
Being Pro-Semitic

What is Pro-Semitism? It's about fighting back against hate, by promoting our accomplishments, highlighting Jewish contributions to our daily lives, and how a small number of people can make a large positive impact.

Check out this month's examples. And read up on our special efforts to combat antisemitism, or read our new publication on that subject, called Catalyst.
Contributing to medicine

From the polio vaccine and a pill camera to emergency bandages and pacemakers.
Yes, doctor?
We wrote what?

Catch-22, Where the Wild Things Are and much more.
Let's read!
 
Music to your ears

Israeli music has come a long way in the last few decades, with modern artists belting out songs rivaling those found in the United States and Europe, and competing in Eurovision. Our Jason Hecht will take us on a regular tour through Israel's musical world.

For September, it's time to get in the right mood for the High Holy Days.
Listen in!
 
High Holiday Streaming and Virtual Yizkor Book

Hundreds of thousands of us around the world engage in weekly and High Holiday services virtually – online but live – by way of synagogue streaming. While there are many to choose from, your International Region of FJMC International, in cooperation with Masorti Olami, has identified over 20 such sites in North America and around the world for you to sample. Click here for the list, locations and direct links. (Please consider time zone and language differences.)

Additionally, our inaugural virtual Yizkor Book includes the names you submitted to be remembered. You can still click here to enter loved ones of blessed memory into the Yizkor Book. If you need assistance, contact jbrodsky@fjmc.org.
Learn more!
 
Get in the spirit!

If there's one thing that can be said about FJMC, its members, and our events, it's that, despite all of our seriousness, we like to loosen up. And while it's certainly not all about having a good drink, there's certainly nothing wrong with one either. So our own Al Davis will be curating some of your best recommendations.

This month: Domaine du Castel Grand Vin.
Drink up!
 
Combating racial discrimination worldwide

"Tzedek, Tzedek, Tirdof." Jewish law commands us to pursue justice, fairness and respect. 
Join the fight
 
Shalom, Brothers!

The "Rabbinic Minute," by FJMC International Executive Director Rabbi Noam Raucher, has evolved into a new audio recording and weekly commentary on the parsha called "Shalom Brothers." Along with the audio recording, we will provide a written copy, to be compiled in book format, once the Torah reading cycle has concluded. Click here to access Shalom Brothers! and the weekly Torah portion.
 
Getting wrapped up around the world with FJMC

FJMC is continuing its effort to work with Kulanu to collect unused or extra tefillin or tallitot, to be distributed to Jewish communities in need around the world. It's a mitzvah, and we hope these communities will join us next year for World Wide Wrap. Donations now being accepted! Help us help our fellow Jews.
Learn how to contribute!
 
HELP WANTED!

Are you involved in social media marketing and/or have expertise in creating social media campaigns? Our FJMC International Communications Committee needs your help and support! We are forming a subcommittee to focus on increasing our social media reach and engagement. Please contact Communications Chair Lester Shapiro at LShapiro@fjmc.org to learn more and participate.
Email
 
HELP WANTED!

It's not easy being green - the FJMC has a long-standing commitment to the environment and sustainability with the Shomrei Ha'aretz Initiative, and we need more guys to carry on that work. Norwin Merens is taking over as chairman. Contact him directly or email environment@fjmc.org to learn more about how to help. 
Email
 
Do you know someone who isn't getting HaD'Var? Miss an Issue? Want to Look Back?

All of our past editions of HaD'Var are available for your reading pleasure on the FJMC website in the Media Section.

If you know someone who isn't getting HaD'var, please email us at feedback-HaDvar@fjmc.org
Review Our Past Editions
 
Regional Connections... Highlighting the Grassroots of Our Organization!

Check out what's happening in Northern New Jersey.

Read New York Metro Region's Gesher newsletter.

The New England Region's Keeper of the Flame event is coming up on Oct. 25 in Peabody, Mass. Click here for more information.

The Tri-State and KIO+ regions are gathering for their joint retreat in Wheeling, WV. Check it out here.

Got other news from your region or club that you want to highlight? Email us at feedback-HaDvar@fjmc.org
 
 
Ha D'Var - The Word
FJMC's Newsletter

        WWW.FJMC.ORG

Committee: Jonathan D. Epstein (Chair), Paul Bratt, Alan Davis, Bruce Fagan, Norwin Merens, Javier Rozenswaig, Stan Schnitzer, Lester Shapiro (FJMC Communications Chair) and Stephe Sturman.

We look forward to your comments and suggestions. Please email to feedback-HaDvar@fjmc.org.   

 
We Want YOU for HaD'Var!

Wanted: Writers, Editors and Ideas

Hey, this publication won't write itself!

So we’re looking for A Few Good Men to help us keep YOU informed! Got ideas? Got skills? Got talent? We want YOU!

Email:

feedback-HaDvar@fjmc.org
RESPOND
 

FJMC International is the parent organization of over 200 Men's Clubs and Brotherhoods, as well as individual members, around the world. FJMC has presented more than 100 webinars since the pandemic began. We work hard to provide value to our members and to the Jewish community in general.  To learn more about the FJMC, and how YOU might become involved, check out the FJMC Website.  Individual membership is not limited to men. 

FJMC offers you an opportunity to express yourself by participating in and leading activities that are most important to you. 

FJMC International, c/o Officense Inc.
300 East Lombard Street, Suite 840 Baltimore, MD. 21202
(212) 749-8100 | international@fjmc.org

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