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Over there!

International Region to hold first retreat in the United Kingdom   By Jerry Brodsky Fresh off the success of new connections in the United Kingdom and our success in bringing three British brothers to Baltimore for the Leadership Development Institute, FJMC International is now pleased to announce its first-ever weekend regional retreat outside of North …

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rabbi noam raucher

Searching for Our Spiritual Crumbs

A Passover Reflection for Men   By Rabbi Noam Raucher If you saw someone moving through a dark house with a candle, searching for crumbs, it might look strange, even suspicious. On the night before Passover, though, that strange act becomes sacred. We call it bedikat hametz — the search for leaven — and while …

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Putting it all together

Friendship – Judaism – Mentorship – Community   By Bruce Tomar Over the last four issues I have expanded on just what these words mean to us as FJMC and as members of the larger Jewish community. Last year, we adopted our new name – FJMC International – and our new and ongoing mission: FJMC …

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“Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious”

Netta Reimagines a Disney Classic   By Jason Hecht When Netta Barzilai takes on a classic, she transforms it into something entirely her own. In her official lyric video for “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” Netta delivers a vibrant, modern reinterpretation of one of Disney’s most beloved songs, blending nostalgia with her signature pop energy. The song originally appeared …

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Shalom Brothers: Tending the Flame (Tzav)

Rabbi Noam Raucher, MA.Ed — Executive Director, FJMC International אֵ֗שׁ תָּמִ֛יד תּוּקַ֥ד עַל־הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַ לֹ֥א תִכְבֶּֽה׃ A perpetual fire shall be kept burning on the altar, not to go out. (Leviticus 6:6 – Parashat Tzav) There is a fire in every man. Sometimes it burns hot with ambition, anger, desire, grief, urgency, or love. Sometimes it burns low, …

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Why Am I SO STRESSED?

Why Am I SO STRESSED? by Gary S. Katz, Ph.D.FJMC International Executive Vice President Your sleep has grown a little wonky; your appetite has either increased or decreased a noteworthy amount; small things that used to not bother you now are incredibly irritating, and you find yourself at odds with some of people in your …

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Mindful Masculinity: Mental Health and Resilience for Jewish Men

Mindful Masculinity: Mental Health and Resilience for Jewish Men A Hearing Men’s Voices session for men to begin talking about emotional wellness within the Jewish context.  As we know, Judaism is a faith which values health, both physical and emotional, as critical to the functioning of an individual. Men are often more reluctant than women …

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Suck It Up, Buttercup: A Health and Fitness Journey

Suck It Up, Buttercup: A Health and Fitness Journey by Bob Watts, Vice President I was lucky in my health journey in many ways. A weight problem had developed over the years, and when I broke my leg in early 2022, I really ballooned—up to 252 pounds with a BMI of 37.2. Diets failed me, …

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Art, Judaism, Disability and Pride are all connected.

Art, Judaism, Disability and Pride are all connected by Steven Mandel MDClinical professor of NeurologyHofstra NorthwellAdjunct Professor of MedicineNY Medical College There is “outsider art” also known as “art brut“, a connection with art and disability: July Disability Pride Month Art. Through activist communities and Jewish texts, The Religious Action Center has promoted disability and …

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Pride and FJMC – One Mans Story of Resilience.

Pride and FJMC – One Mans Story of Resilience. by Steven Mandel MDClinical professor of NeurologyHofstra NorthwellAdjunct Professor of MedicineNY Medical College Dave is a Shabbat buddy, a friendly presence, who I would often see and spend time with on Shabbat. We sat together in Shul and kiddish for many years. It was the summer, …

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