(Ha D'var) 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?

It is with great pleasure that we announce that the FJMC International Quality Club Award (QCA) Review Committee has completed its review of all submitted club applications.

This year, 47 clubs applied for the Quality Club Award—and all 47 successfully achieved Quality Club status! Each applicant club demonstrated that it met the required Mandatory and Optional criteria necessary to earn this distinguished recognition.

Once again, congratulations to all 47 clubs. We are proud to recognize your outstanding commitment to FJMC and to strengthening Jewish life in your communities.

Mazel Tov!

The FJMC Quality Club Award Review Team
Robert A. Cohen, Chair
Scott Vineberg
Seth Goldberg

We regret to inform you of the passing of Irwin Katz, beloved father of Dr. Gary Katz Ph.D., Executive Vice President of FJMC International; Past Regional President of the Western Region; Past Men's Club and Synagogue President of Temple Etz Chaim in Thousand Oaks, CA. 

Irwin Katz passed away on September 8, 2026.

Irwin is survived by his wife of 62 years, Gloria, sons Gary and Michael, daughters-in-laws Lynn and Jennifer, grandchildren Johnny (Allison Rapundalo), Josh, Liv, and Isla.

Funeral services will be held privately, September 17, in South Brunswick, NJ.

Shiva will be held on September 22 at the home of Gary and Lynne Katz in Simi Valley, CA at 7:30 PM.

We extend our sincerest condolences to Dr. Gary Katz and the entire Katz Family. We pray that they be comforted among the mourners of Zion, and Jerusalem.

May the legacy of Irwin Katz be a source of blessing and comfort to all who knew and loved him. May his memory be for a blessing.

Contributions in the memory of Irwin Katz may be made to the FJMC International.

B’Shalom,
Bruce Tomar
International President, 2025 - 2027

Similar to years past, it is a “points spread” pool. It is an overall pool and runs until the "Big Game": Sunday, February 14, 2027. 

To join, log in or create an account, click on this link.

The password is: IKCfootball27

FJMC International brings you Shalom Brothers! with Rabbi Noam Raucher, Executive Director!

Parashat Nitzavim:
Delivered on Friday, September 4, 2026
Elul 23 5786

Check back on the website, on Friday afternoon, for this week's parashat Nitzavim-Vayeilech.

Please contact us with ideas and suggestions at: feedback-HaDvar@fjmc.org

Back issues of Ha D'var can be found here.

Back issues of L'chaim can be found here.

Back issues of Pride & Prejudice can be found here.

Questions, letters to the editor and submissions are emailed to Alan Budman at abudman@fjmc.org

Questions on Combating Antisemitism Initiatives and Catalyst, please contact Irv Varkonyi, Chair, ivarkonyi@fjmc.org and Aaron Altman, Editor-In-Chief, aaltman@fjmc.org