Over the last several weeks, there has been great concern in the media and in healthcare organizations over the spread of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). This is an emerging, rapidly-evolving situation. Over the past few weeks, I have been receiving updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC,” in the U.S.) and from the Governments of Canada and the Province of Ontario. The bottom line from these authorities is “Be Prepared.“ To that end, we ask all of our Club and Regional Officers to familiarize themselves with the resources compiled by the USCJ (https://uscj.org/press/protecting-your-congregation-community-from-coronavirus), including the following guidance:

With cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) appearing across the globe, many Men's Clubs and Synagogues are being affected by closures. We strongly urge you to keep well-informed and to follow the recommendations of local and national healthcare agencies and governments. We suggest that you follow the advice on meetings and gathering as are being recommended in your area and, more specifically, your synagogue.

Many of us are working from home or otherwise stuck in the house.  FJMC is providing value for your membership in many ways, and the newest is a series of Zoom Seminars to keep you informed and entertained!  Each will be 30 - 45 minutes and you’ll have an opportunity to interact with the participants and ask questions of the presenters.  The topics/times/Zoom links will be on our FJMC calendar accessible from fjmc.org.

We have scheduled 2 for the coming week, with more to be announced shortly:

On Tuesday, March 17, at 4:00 PM EST, when you would usually be visiting your favorite Irish pub, the President of FJMC, Tom Sudow, will present on ISRAEL, THE STARTUP NATION.  Follow this Zoom link.

On Thursday, March 19, at 4:00 PM EST, when you would usually be nursing the hangover from Tuesday, the Honorary President of FJMC, Stan Greenspan, will present on SECURING YOUR DIGITAL PRESENCE.  Follow this Zoom link.

If you are interested in presenting a Webinar, contact Alan Budman at abudman@fjmc.org.

To keep ourselves and the people around us safe in the age of the Coronavirus situation, we are being asked to wash our hands frequently for at least 20 seconds. This is actually a great opportunity to take a “Mindfulness Moment”, to be present and maybe cultivate a sense of gratitude. Check out these blessings to say while washing your hands.

FJMC has compiled a list of over 50 synagogues who are live streaming their services.  See check out this list and be sure to confirm the schedule of each listed synagogue on their website.

David Kaplan, past New England Regional President, posted on Facebook:

Shavou'a tov. I attended virtual services at three shuls in Boston, had a quick visit to one in Florida, tarried a while in New York, enjoyed a wonderful healing service from California, and had e-mincha, e-ma'ariv and e-Havdallah, back in Boston.

This is a unique opportunity to to "visit" are variety of services from the comfort of your own home.

Email updates to the list to Tom Sudow (tsudow@fjmc.org).

Without the FJMC, valuable Jewish programming might never occur.  FJMC needs your financial support in order to continue to create important programs which keep your Men’s Club vibrant.  You can help preserve the significant impact that the FJMC and its members have made on behalf of the Conservative Movement and World Jewry by making a pledge. Our movement depends on you!