From the Office of the New York Metropolitan Region FJMC President

Hello Hal,

With the “winter blues” almost behind us, the FJMC Regional calendar is filling up with even more events and programs that will not only educate and entertain you but soothe your soul as we participate in numerous Tikkun Olam and Tzedakah projects.

World-Wide Wrap Triumph: A resounding Yasher Koach to all our clubs for their spirited participation in the World-Wide Wrap this Super Bowl Sunday. Your dedication echoes our collective strength and unity.

Championing Accessibility: Under the visionary leadership of Regional Second VP Jonathan Brody and Outreach VP Dr. Steven Mandel, the Midway Jewish Center Men’s Club reaffirmed our dedication to ensuring Judaism's accessibility to every member of our community during Jewish Disabilities Awareness and Inclusion Month (JDAIM).

Empowering Insights: Sutton Place Synagogue recently hosted an enlightening Financial Insights Forum, featuring distinguished panelists from Wall Street, the Economic sector, and AI domains. Kudos to Past Regional President Les Agism and Sutton Place Men’s Club President Daniel Gross for orchestrating an exceptional

evening of learning and growth.

Embracing Hope: As Purim approaches, let us remain vigilant against the modern-day "Haman"; who threaten the safety and security of our people. Our region stands steadfast in support of Israel, actively engaging in projects to uphold peace and resilience during times of adversity.

Embarking on a Sacred Mission: Immediate Regional Past President Aaron Altman and I are excited to announce a regional trip to Israel in December 2024 or summer 2025. This journey is more than just a visit; it's an immersive experience into the heart and soul of the "Start-Up Nation"; and FJMC's impactful programs. Stay tuned for details on our upcoming informational meeting and planning committee.

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.

In Friendship,

Shea Z. Lerner

New York Metropolitan Region President

Now You Know

By Alan Budman

FJMC International President

March 1, 2024

Forty-three years ago, FJMC leaders created the Shoah Yellow Candle™ as a living symbol for home observance of Yom HaShoah Day. Since then, more than 2.2 million candles have been distributed in North America to people from all streams of Judaism, to institutions such as synagogues, schools, museums, military bases, churches, Jewish Federations, Jewish Day Schools, and government offices. Success means distributing as many Candles as possible to your community.

Thank you to those who already ordered candles for Yom HaShoah 2024.

Please open the following link for those who wish to order candles.

The last day to order candles or supplies for Yom HaShoah 2024 is April 3.  www.yellowcandle.fjmc.org

We light the candles at sundown on Sunday, May 5.

Post your Shoah Yellow Candle lighting stories and photos on our Facebook page: Shoah Yellow Candle at www.facebook.com/YellowCandles

We realize that many residents in college dormitories, senior centers, nursing homes, and other facilities do not permit an open candle flame. To respond to such needs, the Federation of Jewish Men’s Club has developed a practical and informal educational tool to remember Holocaust victims on Yom HaShoah, International Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27 every year), and other days. The information in the free app (available for both iPhone and Android devices, as well as the Mac OS) broadens participants’ understanding of the Holocaust. The app allows you to recite a Meditation developed by Rabbi James Harlow or hear it read out loud.

Please share the QR codes contained in the document with friends and family, whether you have children, nieces, nephews, or others who might benefit. 

One can also use the Shoah Yellow Candle™ app as a Yahrzeit candle for friends or family members on their remembrance dates. The app allows you to set an unlimited number of yearly reminders of such dates and specify for whom you light a candle. The app will remind you to light a virtual candle and remind you 24 hours after lighting when the flame image is extinguished. Your phone battery will not be damaged.

In Brotherhood,

Alan Budman

International President, 2023 - 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Original Shoah Yellow Candle App Now Available: Designed for individuals living in spaces where traditional candle lighting may be impractical or impossible, such as apartments, nursing homes, or college dorms, the app offers a poignant solution for commemorating the victims of the Holocaust, fighting antisemitism and other occasions of remembrance.

This Free Original Shoah Yellow Candle App emerges as a beacon of remembrance, innovation, and connectivity.

Available now for both Android and iPhone users, the Original Shoah Yellow Candle App provides a seamless experience, allowing users to participate in the age-old tradition of candle lighting with just a touch of their screens.

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:

• Featured Candle: Experience the solemnity of Yom HaShoah with a faithful representation of the traditional yellow candle, captured in a poignant image.

• Interactive Lighting: Touch the virtual matchbox and witness the flame ignite, symbolizing your act of remembrance.

• Flexible Remembrance: Light a candle for Yom HaShoah or any occasion of remembrance, anytime, anywhere.

• Scheduled Lighting: Plan ahead by scheduling candle lightings for specific dates in the future, ensuring your tributes are timely and meaningful.

• Support a Cause: Contribute to the FJMC Holocaust Fund directly through the app, supporting vital initiatives in Holocaust education and remembrance.

• Educational Resources: Gain insights into the significance of candle lighting and explore accompanying prayers, complete with audio for an immersive experience.

• Social Sharing: Share your virtual candle lighting with others, fostering a sense of community and collective remembrance.

• Purchase Options: Connect with real-world rituals by purchasing physical candles directly through the app.

• User Support: Access tutorials, contact information, and assistance whenever needed, ensuring a smooth and meaningful experience.

The Original Shoah Yellow Candle App ensures that the flame of remembrance burns brightly, digitally 'lighting' candles for 24 hours before gently extinguishing, a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of memory and the enduring legacy of those we honor.

Download the free iPhone or Android App today and join us in preserving the memory of the past for a brighter future.

Kol Yisrael Ariym Ze B’Ze!

All Jews are responsible for each other

NOW is the time to join the

FJMC Mission to Israel!

A meaningful opportunity to volunteer in Israel

August 18-22, 2024

FJMC wants to know if you are interested in joining us on this important mission!

Why Now? Israel needs our support more than ever. By joining this mission, you are not only experiencing the beauty of Israel firsthand but also playing a vital role in strengthening our connection to the land and its people.

Here's what you can expect on this extraordinary journey:

Destination: Israel  

Date: August 18-22, 2024

Price: $3000 per person (excluding airfare)

Please contact Danny Mandeau by March 15, 2024,

if you are interested. Limited Availability

Don't miss this opportunity to be part of something greater. Israel is calling, and we must answer.

In brotherhood,

Danny Mandeau

email: dmandeau@fjmc.org

Cell: 617-771-1834

New York Metropolitan Region

Federation Jewish Men's Clubs presents:

40th Annual Honoree

Recognition Program

Sunday, May 19, 2024

The New York Metropolitan Region Honors 

Les Agisim

New York Metro Regional Man of the Year

Stay tuned! Further details to follow!

SAVE THE DATE: 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

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

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!

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

Midway Jewish Center

330 S. Oyster Bay Road

Syosset, NY 11791

www.mjc.org

Phone: (516) 938-8390

Midway Jewish Center

22nd Annual Shalach Manot

Purim Event

For further info, contact Saul Schlesser at saul.schlesser@gmail.com

SHALVATA NYC PURIM

at one of NYC's Best Rooftop Clubs!

In partnership with J-Vibe!

March 23 at 10pm - March 24

at 4am EDT Harbor NYC Rooftop

621 West 46th Street, New York City

Purim is your chance to let loose and don your best mask! Get your party costumes ready because we've partnered with J-Vibe to bring you the hottest rooftop party with the best Jews in NYC.

Tickets: $33.85/per person. RSVP here!

Thank you for your participation in the Build-a-Pair Program this year. This is the 15th year of the program and it is as strong as ever, with over 15 thousand students having participated in learning the mitzvah of tefillin.

Up to four $125 prizes will be awarded for presentations such as funniest, most serious, largest group, or most creative. 

Note: your submission must be in by March 15th, 2024. Winners will be announced on April 1, 2024. Please see the attached PDF for further details.

If you (or someone you know) would like to contribute to the endowment fund, please let us know. In this way, we can honor Dr. Ungar for all of the hard work he's done to teach this important mitzvah to our kids. 

Thank you, in advance!

In Brotherhood,

Warren Sufrin

cell: 412-805-8946

email: warren.sufrin@gmail.com

Battling the Epidemic of Loneliness

by Michael Ettinger

Attorney at Law

Elder Law Estate Planning

According to former Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy, MD, loneliness poses real threats to both mental and physical health, including depression and anxiety, addictions, heart disease and dementia. His book “Together” reveals that loneliness affects about one-quarter of adult Americans, and “The reality is that loneliness is a natural signal that our body gives us, similar to hunger, thirst. And that’s how important human connection is.” Such is the public health crisis, that in the UK the government has appointed a Minister of Loneliness to help combat the problem.

One of the best ways to overcome loneliness is to volunteer. AARP Foundation Experience Corps reports that 85% of volunteers felt their lives had improved through their volunteering efforts.

Here are some suggestions and resources gleaned from Val Walker’s ground-breaking book “400 Friends and No One to Call” subtitled “Breaking Through Isolation and Building Community.”

• Be patient and compassionate. It takes time and understanding to build solid relationships.
• Cast a wide net for meeting new people. It takes a lot of “nos” to get to a “yes”.
• Stay open-minded and not too fixated on who fits your “tribe”. You might be surprised who welcomes you into their world.
• If volunteering, look for opportunities to combine volunteering with socializing and avoid volunteering that is isolating (like stuffing envelopes).
• Have a “calling card” with your contact information.
• Go to newcomers groups or network meet ups (meetup.com) to meet people who are eager to build new relationships.
• Consider “house sharing”. One of the many websites for older women is silvernest.com.
• AARP’s website for fighting isolation, connect2affect.org, has many evidence-based suggestions to help people get more involved in their communities.
• For women living in New York City or Long Island, visit ttnwomen.org. 

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
• Very Competitive Rates

For further information and rates, email Lisa Pollack at assistant@fjmc.org

Reaching over 25,000 Families

New York Metro Region GESHER Newsletter

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.