Dear Chaverim,

Shanah Tovah! I hope your new year is off to a sweet and meaningful start. The holidays always remind me how lucky we are to have this cycle built into our tradition—moments to pause, reflect, celebrate, and come together as a community. After welcoming 5786 on Rosh Hashanah, we now turn to Yom Kippur, a time to take stock of where we’ve been and where we want to go in the year ahead.

And then—almost before we catch our breath—we move right into Sukkot. I love the way this holiday shifts the mood from solemn reflection to joyful celebration. Gathering in a sukkah, sharing meals under the stars, and enjoying time with friends and family is such a highlight. Many of our NNJR clubs will be hosting events in their sukkot this month, and I encourage you to take advantage of those wonderful opportunities. From there we roll right into the joy of Simchat Torah, dancing with the Torah and celebrating the gift of our tradition.

Just as the holidays bring us together, so do our regional programs. This fall we have some exciting events lined up. In November, we’ll enjoy a Brewery Night—always a fun chance to relax, laugh, and connect outside of our usual settings. And in December, we’ll gather for not one, but two Man of the Year and Youth of the Year celebrations, honoring the incredible leaders and future leaders in our clubs and synagogues who give so much of their time and energy to our community. Between the two MOY/YOY Celebrations, we have the NJ Devils Jewish Heritage Night where NNJR will have a block of tickets. These are truly special nights, and I encourage you to join in the celebrations and enjoy the social activities.

As we step into this new year, let’s carry the spirit of the season with us: the reflection of Yom Kippur, the joy of Sukkot, and the energy of Simchat Torah. I’m grateful for the chance to serve as your president, and even more grateful to share these moments with all of you.

Wishing you a g’mar chatimah tovah and chag sameach,

B’Shalom,

Larry Klioze

President, NNJR-FJMC

president@nnjr.org

The Northern New Jersey Region of FJMC presents:

2025 Man of the Year Celebration

Honoring each Men's Club

"Man of the Year" and "Youth of the Year"

More details on purchasing ads and reserving your spot will be coming soon.

Wellness Warriors: A New FJMC Initiative

One of FJMC’s ongoing goals is to promote health and wellness among men. This year, in partnership with the Obesity Action Coalition, we are excited to launch a new initiative: Wellness Warriors.

This program is designed not only to help us improve our own health, but also to inspire our families and communities—while raising funds to support the Federation and our Regions.

Obesity and excess weight are serious health issues, increasing the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, liver disease, breathing difficulties, and other conditions. The good news is that regular exercise combined with a sensible diet can make a powerful difference. Wellness Warriors gives us the opportunity to take charge of our health by walking, running, or riding toward better fitness while shedding extra pounds.

About the Wellness Warriors Campaign

• Dates: October 16 (right after Sukkot) – December 13 (when Chanukah begins)
• How it Works: Commit to a personal mileage goal and a fundraising goal (suggested minimum $750).
• Why Participate: Improve your health, strengthen our community, and raise vital funds for FJMC and the NNJR Region.
• Getting Started: Friends, family, and colleagues can sponsor your efforts—it’s easy to ask, and anyone can contribute.

Your participation will make you healthier, build community, and support a cause that truly matters. It’s a win for everyone!

Signing up is simple: just scan the QR code below to create your personal page, where you can track your progress in real time. Once you’re registered, share your page with friends and family to gather support.

Let’s take this journey together—toward a healthier, stronger, and happier life.

For activity from July 6, 2025 through May 22, 2026

The FJMC 2025-26 Quality Club Award Criteria is now available on the website!

The FJMC Quality Club Award is given each year to member clubs who meet established criteria. The Award was developed to encourage clubs to offer specific types of activities at the local, regional, and international level. The criteria may also be used as a blueprint for a club to follow in planning its yearly programming. The award plate (tag), to be added to your club’s plaque, is presented in even-numbered years at a regional event and in odd-numbered years at the FJMC International convention.

The Quality Club Award represents excellence and shows it to your club members and congregation; few clubs meet these high standards.

New this season: 

There is now one additional requirement in the Mandatory category: 

Combating Antisemitism

1. Participate in a club or regional workshop focused on opposing antisemitism 
2. The club may form an Antisemitism Committee or select an officer to coordinate this program 
3. Participate in a local or regional conference with any Jewish betterment organizations on the topic of antisemitism  
4. Respond to a call for action from ADL or another organization to reach out to elected officials, asking for their support to resolve antisemitic threats 
5. Support a local Hillel college chapter; support local Holocaust programs or museums 
6. Host a film, speaker, or social media session on antisemitism. 

Additional information and resources may be found at the FJMC Combating Antisemitism Initiative webpage.

There is also one additional choice in the Optional category: 

Supporting Israel

Develop a club project/program that supports Israel or provides information to the congregation and community on how to support Israel.

For questions, email qualityclubawards@fjmc.org

Northern District

Caldwell

Closter

Fair Lawn

Livingston

Montville

Ridgewood

Wayne

West Orange