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“Purim is a way of saying: ‘Remember the past, but then look at the children, celebrate with them, and for their sake, put the past behind you and build a better future.”
— Rabbi Jonathan Sacks
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From the Office of the New York Metropolitan Region FJMC President
Hello Hal,
As we prepare to celebrate the Festival of Purim, commemorating the saving of the Jewish people from annihilation, at the hands of an official of the Achaemenid Empire named Haman, one cannot overlook the similarities between this pinnacle in Jewish history and the ongoing war being fought for Jewish survival in the Middle East. Though the difference between Hamas and Haman is just one letter, the objective of these two enemies is the same: the total annihilation of the chosen people and our promised land.
As President of the Metropolitan Region, my goal is to promote the unilateral support for the State of Israel in this, its darkest hour. Since October 7th, the world has rallied behind Israel and the Jewish people as victims once again, pledging support and unbridled unity in the face of tragedy and antisemitism. Yet as time goes by, internal division, waning support for Israel and antisemitism also become our enemies. Let us not kid ourselves - the rise in anti-Zionism is the rise in anti-Semitism. Our voices need to be heard, voicing support for Israel, and demanding that pressure be placed on the one party responsible for the devastation, HAMAS.
As a Fraternal Organization, FJMC’s mission is to involve “Jewish Men in Jewish Life.” Without a strong Israel, we risk going back to the days where our survival was at the mercy of others. As we celebrate Purim, remember Israel is our Mordechai, and it is up to each of us to voice our support. By not doing so, our deliverance, just like in the days of Persia, may not be guaranteed.
Without Israel, there is NO Jewish life!
The Fight against Antisemitism:
- ADL Never Is Now, the world’s largest annual summit on antisemitism and hate. Please read the review: “Never Is Now Lookback”.
Honoring Excellence:
- Regional Clubs are unveiling their honorees for the prestigious Annual Chaverim Kol Yisrael – Man and Youth of the Year program, slated for May 19th, 2024.
- Visit our website and future editions of Gesher for updates on this esteemed event.
Stay connected:
- Explore our website: www.newyorkmetrofjmc.org for a comprehensive listing of affiliated clubs, latest news, and upcoming programming across the region.
Your feedback and suggestions are invaluable; feel free to reach out to me at szlerner@optonline.net or 516-840-5464.
Chag Purim Sameach!
In Friendship,
Shea Z. Lerner
New York Metropolitan Region President
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Download
free yellow candle app
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The Original Shoah Yellow Candle App
Available now for both Android and iPhone users
This app is a simple moving way to honor the memory of loved ones, memorial observances and special remembrances to your fingertips.
Key Features and Functions:
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Featured Candle: Experience the solemnity of Remembrance.
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Interactive Lighting: Witness the flame ignite and naturally move.
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Flexible Remembrance: Any occasion of remembrance, anytime, anywhere.
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Scheduled Lighting: Plan ahead and ensure your tributes are timely.
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Support a Cause: Contribute to the FJMC Holocaust Fund directly through the app.
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Educational Resources: Gain insights into candle lighting and accompanying prayers.
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Social Sharing: Share your virtual candle lighting with others.
The Original Shoah Yellow Candle App ensures that the flame of remembrance burns brightly, digitally 'lighting' candles for 24 hours. Access tutorials, contact information, and assistance whenever needed, ensuring a smooth and meaningful experience.
Original Physical Shoah Yellow Candles are available
for purchase directly through the app.
Download the free iPhone or Android App today.
Join us in preserving the memory
of the past for a brighter future.
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In the week since Never Is Now, ADL's premier summit on antisemitism and hate, I have had the chance to reflect on some of the most impactful moments we shared together as one ADL community.
Whether you attended Never Is Now in-person, or watched one of the many livestreamed sessions, I hope you learned more about how we all have the power to be catalysts for positive change. The presence of thousands of supporters from all across the country—and so many local advocates I had the pleasure of meeting in person—truly underscores the urgency and importance of ADL's critical mission.
I look forward to continuing our necessary work together, and as always thank you for your partnership in creating a world free from antisemitism and hate.
Click here for a Never Is Now Lookback!
Warm regards,
Scott Richman
ADL NY/NJ Regional Director
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Celebrate the Man and Youth of the Year | |
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New York Metropolitan Region
Federation Jewish Men's Clubs presents:
40th Annual Honoree
Recognition Program
Elaborate Brunch for Honorees and Family
Sunday, May 19, 2024 at 11:00 am
Plainview Jewish Center
95 Floral Drive
Plainview, NY 11803
The New York Metropolitan Region Honors
Les Agisim
New York Metro Regional Man of the Year
Stay tuned! Further details to follow!
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Friday - Sunday, June 7-9, 2024
Please Join us at our Quad Region Retreat as we
Celebrate our Brotherhood
with the Hudson Valley, Northern New Jersey
and Middle Atlantic Regions!
Camp Zeke 31 Barry Watson Way, Lakewood, PA 18439
Retreat Registration: *$150 per person
Cost to Attend: $400 pp., Dbl. Occ.
Stipends Awarded by NYM Region: $250 pp.
Total Out of Pocket Cost: ONLY $150
Open to all NY Metro affiliated and paid club members!
Register NOW!
For more information: JAY STEINMETZ
Cell: 516-435-5278 or JaySteinmetz56@gmail.com
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Chicago Shabbaton
Register NOW!
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Why wait for 2025?
Come to Chicagoland
May 16-19, 2024
Take part in the FJMC 2024 Shabbaton, Thursday May 16 to Sunday May 19, 2024 at the Hilton Chicago Northbrook.
Come join all your old friends and make new ones at the beautiful Hilton Chicago/Northbrook. Our jam-packed weekend includes a Chicago Architecture River Cruise, sneak peak tour of the Sheraton Grand Chicago, site of our 2025 Convention, a wonderful Shabbat together again with great guest speakers and a Chicago Cubs game at Wrigley Field (depending on MLB 2024 Schedule)…and loads of fun for everyone!
Registration is NOW open!
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Reaching over 25,000 Families
New York Metro Region Newsletter
We are now accepting ads beginning January 2024.
For further information and rates, email Lisa Pollack at assistant@fjmc.org
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Around The Region
Celebrate Purim
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Midway Jewish Center
330 S. Oyster Bay Road
Syosset, NY 11791
www.mjc.org
Phone: (516) 938-8390
Join us for the Purim Carnival
Regular Morning Minyan at 9AM
Early Childhood Megillah reading at 10:30AM,
followed by entry to the Carnival
Family Megillah reading at 10:30AM, followed by entry to the Carnival
Pre-Sale Tickets - $12 per child
(children under 1 are free)
Tickets must be purchased before Thursday, March 21st!!
Tickets purchased at door on Sunday - $15 per child
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Midway Jewish Center
330 S. Oyster Bay Road
Syosset, NY 11791
www.mjc.org
Phone: (516) 938-8390
Men's Club Invites You To
Scotch, Steak & Seder
Sunday, April 14, 2024 at 5:30pm
$54 per person
RSVP via email by April 5th.
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Dix Hills JC
555 Vanderbilt Pkwy
Dix Hills, NY 11746
www.dhjc.org
Phone: (631) 499-6644
Purim Celebrations at Dix Hills Jewish Center
Saturday, March 23 - March 24, 2024
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Plainview JC
95 Floral Drive West
Plainview, NY 11803
www.plainviewjewishcenter.org
Phone: (516) 938-8610
Celebrate Purim 2024!
Saturday, March 23, 2024 beginning at 7pm
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Plainview JC
95 Floral Drive West
Plainview, NY 11803
www.plainviewjewishcenter.org
Phone: (516) 938-8610
Plainview JC Men's Club Islanders Night
Sunday, March 24, 2024 at 5pm ET
Paypal: pjcmensclub@gmail.com
(remember to send to family and friends)
Zelle: emailstuh@gmail.com
Check or cash to PJC Men's Club
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East Meadow Beth-El JC
1400 Prospect Avenue
East Meadow, NY 11554
www.eastmeadowbetheljc.org
Phone: (516) 483-4205
Purim Weekend Extravaganza
Saturday, March 23, 2024 at 6:35pm
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Park Avenue Synagogue
50 E 87th Street
New York, NY 10128
www.pasyn.org
Phone: (212) 369-2600
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CONGREGATIONAL SCHOOL PURIM HAMENTASHEN PARTY!
Saturday, March 23, 2024
6:30–7:00 pm 87th Street, Ballroom 3
Join together with CS families for some hamentashen and Purim crafts and then we will attend the PAS Spiel together.
We will be serving hamantashen, fruit and other refreshments.
Register here!
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Sutton Place Synagogue
225 East 53rd Street
New York, NY 10022
www.spsnyc.org
Phone: (212) 593-3300
Purim Carnival
Sunday, March 24, 2024
10:30am - 1pm
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Temple Israel of Great Neck
108 Old Mill Road
Great Neck, NY 11023
www.tign.org
Phone: (516) 482-7800
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Celebrate Purim 5784!
Purim Services and Celebrations at Temple Israel – Salute to Israel!
Saturday evening, March 23rd and Sunday Morning, March 24th.
We are very excited about our preparation for Purim this year! We are happy to invite you or your child to chant Megillah.
Click here for more information!
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Temple Israel of Great Neck
108 Old Mill Road
Great Neck, NY 11023
www.tign.org
Phone: (516) 482-7800
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Temple Israel’s Blood Drive Sponsored by the Men's Club
Sunday, April 14, 2024
8:30am to 1pm
For further information, please contact
Dr. Charles Adler at (516) 482-4421.
Click here to schedule an appointment.
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Forest Hills JC
106-06 Queens Blvd
Forest Hills, NY 11375
www.fhjc.org
Phone: (718) 263-7000
Celebrate Purim 2024!
Saturday Evening, March 23 &
Sunday, March 24, 2024
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Congregation L'Dor V'Dor
49-10 Little Neck Pkwy
Little Neck, NY 11362
www.olnjc.org
Phone: (718) 224-0404
Celebrate Purim 2024!
Saturday Night, March 23, 2024 at 8pm
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Congregation L'Dor V'Dor
49-10 Little Neck Pkwy
Little Neck, NY 11362
www.olnjc.org
Phone: (718) 224-0404
Multigenerational Women's Seder
Sunday, April 14, 2024 at 4pm
$36 per person
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Shelter Rock Jewish Center
272 Shelter Rock Road
Roslyn, NY 11576
www.srjc.org
Phone: (516) 741-4305
Celebrate Purim 2024
Saturday, March 23, 2024 at 7:45pm
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Celebrate Purim in New York City | |
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Purim parties in NYC: Here’s where to celebrate in 2024
(New York Jewish Week) – Purim begins on the evening of Saturday, March 23, and Jews across New York City aren’t wasting the opportunity to party all weekend long. Click here for a list of places!
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Passover Preparation Checklist | |
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How to prepare for Passover?
What do you need to do to prepare
for Passover?
(Exploring Judaism) Your 30-Day-ish (or less) Steps To Prepare for Passover. With this handy checklist, you will be fully ready for Passover in no time!
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Passover Reader 5784: Not a Haggadah | |
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Passover Reader
(Exploring Judaism) Passover is a powerful story of redemption and liberation. One of the core ways we orient ourselves to those themes is with an organized story, the Passover Seder.
This year (2024/5784), we are excited to publish a Passover Reader to help you prepare for the holiday and enhance your Seder experience.
We think anyone can have a meaningful Passover, and that means you.
Expected publication: mid-March 2024
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FJMC Club Israel Walking Challenge
Health and Wellness
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THE FJMC Walking Challenge will begin on April 21, 2024 (Passover) and finish on June 10, 2024 (Shavuot).
During your 7-week journey from Haifa to Jerusalem, you will visit a number of cities in Israel including Hadera, Netanya, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Ashdod, Ashkelon and Sderot.
Clubs will begin registering members in April
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A Friendly Challenge: Compete with other FJMC Men's Clubs on the Israel Walking Challenge Leaderboard!
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Learn more about Israel: As you virtually walk throughout Israel, each city will have a picture and some educational information about that city.
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Don't Enjoy Walking!? No Problem: Going to the gym, cutting the grass or playing ball with your children all count towards your active minutes which can be converted to steps on the FJMC portal!
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Want To Learn More About Staying Healthy?: Check out the Learning Center to find stretching exercises, hydration tips, and many more videos to help you in your wellness journey!
For more information about how your Men's Club can participate, send an email to wellness@fjmc.org
In Brotherhood,
Dr. Bob Braitman
Chair, FJMC Health and Wellness Committee
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Climate: State of the Planet | |
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How Climate Change Drives the Spread of Invasive Plants
(Columbia Climate School) As the climate warms, the number of alien species on every continent is expected to increase 36 percent by 2050. Some alien species—that is, plants or animals that live outside their natural range—are invasive and can harm ecosystems and the areas they invade with serious impacts on the global food supply, medicines, water quality, biodiversity, and livelihoods.
Click here to read the article in its entirety!
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FJMC Inclusion and Imagine Life Guidebook | |
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At FJMC, we believe that all individuals are made in God’s image, B’tzelem Elohim. With that in mind, FJMC’s Inclusion and Imagine Life Initiatives have joined forces. Our mission, with your help, is to make our clubs and synagogues a bastion of acceptance and welcoming for all in the Jewish community.
Please download FJMC’s INCLUSION RESOURCE GUIDEBOOK, which will take you step by step through understanding and implementing inclusion practices in your clubs and synagogues, helping you to help us grow this initiative while enhancing our Jewish communities.
We are asking each region to designate an Inclusion/Imagine Life focal at your earliest convenience so that this initiative can move forward more decisively.
FJMC is very excited about this initiative and looks forward to your involvement.
And if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. We are here for you.
Wishing you brotherhood and acceptance,
Stephe Sturman, FJMC Inclusion Chair ssturman@fjmc.org
Mitch Ross, FJMC Imagine Life Chair
mrossaz@gmail.com
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Keren Munder, center, a former Hamas hostage, at a rally in Central Park, March 10, 2024. (Luke Tress) | |
Freed hostage says NY Jewish community ‘gives us strength’ as thousands rally in Central Park to mark 150 days since Oct. 7
(New York Jewish Week) — An Israeli hostage who was released from Hamas captivity said the support of New York’s Jewish community “gives us strength” as thousands of demonstrators gathered in Central Park on Sunday morning to mark 150 days since the captives were taken in the Oct. 7 attack on Israel.
Click here to read the article!
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The Masorti community in Chernivtsi has doubled to about 70 families because of internal displacement within Ukraine induced by the Russian invasion and ongoing war. (Courtesy Chernivtsi Jewish Community) | |
Many Ukrainian Jews have left over 2 years of war. Many others are still invested in their local communities
KYIV, Ukraine (JTA) — Before their country was plunged into war, the synagogue in Kropyvnytskyi, a city in central Ukraine, was lucky to get 20 people to attend Shabbat services. But two years after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the arrival of more than a dozen Jewish families from the country’s traumatized Eastern regions has invigorated the community.
Click here to read the article!
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Montreal Canadiens defenseman Jordan Harris skates with the puck during a game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, Feb. 22, 2024 (Jeanine Leech/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | |
The Jewish Sport Report: Meet Jordan Harris, the Black Jewish NHL player on a mission to change hockey
(JTA) — Jordan Harris is barely 100 games into his NHL career, but the Montreal Canadiens defenseman is ready to make a difference.
Harris, who is biracial and Jewish, knows that he’s a rarity in a predominantly white league with only about a dozen Jewish players across 32 teams. That’s why he’s on the forefront of the league’s inclusion efforts.
Click here to read the article!
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At left, Kalamandalam John, wearing a traditional Kathakali costume. At right, Rabbi Misha Shulman, who wrote “Pharaoh,” a retelling of the Passover story inspired by an ancient Indian dance form. (Shafer Artbeatz and Alysia Homminga) | |
A rabbi uses a traditional Indian dance form to retell the Passover story from Pharaoh’s perspective
(New York Jewish Week) — Walking tall across the black stage of the East Village’s Theater for the New City, Kalamandalam John makes a regal Pharaoh, with the bearing of a dancer.
That’s because John is a master of Kathakali, a traditional Indian dance form. He is in New York City to star in “Pharaoh,” a unique, Indian-influenced retelling of the biblical Exodus story through the perspective of Pharaoh, the Egyptian ruler who enslaved the Israelites.
Click here to read the article!
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"Lullaby" by Ilya Kaminsky is in MTA subway cars as part of the transit authority's "Poetry in Motion" program. (Julia Gergely, Dino Ignani/Getty Images) | |
Now riding the subway: A poem by Ukrainian Jewish poet Ilya Kaminsky
(New York Jewish Week) — Attention subway riders: A poem by the Jewish Ukrainian-American poet Ilya Kaminsky has been featured on New York City’s trains recently. “Lullaby,” about a parent watching their daughter while she sleeps, shares space with advertisements and public service announcements as part of the Metropolitan Transit Authority’s “Poetry in Motion” series.
Click here to read the article!
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Chefs David Malbequi, left, and Lior Lev Sercarz, are old friends and new partners in Spice Brothers, a small restaurant on St. Marks Place dedicated to Middle Eastern street food. (Dan Perez and Lana Schwartz, design by Mollie Suss) | |
Shawarma gets a fine dining touch at Spice Brothers in the East Village
(New York Jewish Week) — Israeli chef Lior Lev Sercarz and his Paris-born partner David Malbequi serve upscale Mediterranean fare at their new St. Mark's Place eatery. From halal carts to kosher cafes, there’s no shortage of places in New York City to grab some shawarma. But you’ve probably never had shawarma the way Spice Brothers do it.
Click here to read the article!
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Strauss Bakery, headquartered in Borough Park, makes around a dozen flavors of the triangle-shaped hamantaschen cookies, from traditional apricot and poppy to more modern Oreos and S'mores. (Julia Gergely) | |
At a busy Borough Park bakery, it’s time to make the hamantaschen
(New York Jewish Week) — In Borough Park, Brooklyn, a massive bakery thinks it has found the secret ingredient to baking hundreds of thousands of hamantaschen every Purim season. “Love,” Tvzi Goldstein, the owner of Strauss Bakery, told the New York Jewish Week. “Putting your heart into the ingredients and making sure of each one.”
Click here to read the article!
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Reaching over 25,000 Families
New York Metro Region Newsletter
We are now accepting ads beginning January 2024.
- Control Circulation of over 25,000
- Covers entire NY Metro Region Area - LI & NYC
- 26X Issues
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Very Competitive Rates
For further information and rates, email Lisa Pollack at assistant@fjmc.org
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Affinity Groups & Webinars | |
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Join us for Sports Affinity
Sunday, March 31, 2024 at 12pm ET
with Guy Starik, Gold Medal World Cup Marksman
Register here!
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Join us for Yiddish Lite!
Beginner's Yiddish Group
Alternate Tuesday Evenings
Tuesday, March 26, 2024
at 8pm ET
Hosted by Al Davis
Register here!
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Join us for Yiddish Alive!
Advanced Yiddish Group
Monday, April 1, 2024
at 8pm ET
Hosted by Jeffrey Newton, Joe Rotstein,
Esther Scheer and Barry Wagner
Register here!
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Join us for Financial Insights
Tuesday, April 2, 2024
at 8pm ET
Hosted by Richard Gray and Gary Smith
Register here!
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We invite you to
check out our
new NY Metro website
www.newyorkmetrofjmc.org
Reminder: If your New York FJMC Men's Club would like an event published in the newsletter or on our website, please email it to Lisa Pollack at assistant@fjmc.org
New York Metro Region Newsletter edited by Lisa Pollack.
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Reaching over 25,000 Families
New York Metro Region GESHER Newsletter
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FJMC is the choice of Jewish Men!
Be a part of tomorrow’s future...TODAY!
FJMC has been a progressive, vocal leader in the Jewish world for many years and we want to keep it as a reliable voice for years to come.
"FJMC has taught me leadership skills that I've been able to use in my job, relationship skills I use in my family, and organizational skills that I use in every part of my life."
- a current donor
Our donors are united in our desire to support FJMC on an ongoing, monthly basis.
We ask for a small gift each month to help us provide training for our Club and Regional Leadership, to continue our outreach to all Jewish men and our great programs. Your unwavering support makes a tremendous difference.
Without the FJMC, valuable Jewish programming might never occur. FJMC needs your financial support.
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