Men's Club General Meeting - Tuesday, January 12

The Men's Club of Congregation Agudath Israel will hold its monthly general meeting on Tuesday, January 12 at 8 pm in the CAI conference rooms.

On the agenda will be:

• A recap of the December Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament and January 10th Blood Drive



• Preparation for the David Schenker (Washington Institute) talk in February



• An update on Men's Club involvement in the Purim Festival



• Discussion of a possible tour of the new Jets/Giants Stadium in the spring



• Jewish Chaplains Monument at Arlington National Cemetery



• Other March events

For more information please contact club president Adam Shandler at mensclubcai@gmail.com

Got Blood? Great, We Could Use It!

The CAI Men's Club is sponsoring one of its most important events on Sunday, January 10th from 9 am - 1 pm. It's the Annual Blood Drive, which is run with the help of the New Jersey Blood Center. We'll be set up in the synagogue's Adult Lounge located towards the back of the building. Donations will primarily serve the Agudath Israel Community and, where needed, the Jewish Community of MetroWest at large.

All donors are highly encouraged to eat a small breakfast. Brunch food, offered by the Sisterhood, will also be provided for donors. Donoars are also asked to bring a valid photo i.d. with them.

In addition to blood and platelet donations, the blood center is also offering free cholesterol screenings. (So a small high-fiber breakfast may be the way to go!)

For more on the blood drive please contact event chair Gary Kabler at gkabler@comcast.net. If you do one major mitzvah this year, give blood! You never know who may need it.

CAI Comeback Against JCC W.O. Falls Short

The Agudath Israel Men's Club Basketball Team was hoping for just one victory in 2009. Alas, despite a post-Hannukkah Maccabean effort it was not meant to be. CAI lost a heartbreaker 40-38 to the JCC of West Orange.

JCC-W.O. opened up the contest with a 14-0 run. But CAI closed the gap with a 9-2 run of its own with about 10 minutes left in the first half to make the score 16-9. Always reliable center David Kerner struggled with foul trouble forcing the team to go small in certain scenarios but Stu Markon proved a worthy stand-in tonight for Kerner.

With the JCC-W.O. up by as much as 12 points in the second half, CAI put a few runs together led by the fast break scoring of Richie Dicker and Jay Adlersberg. But it was two transition baskets and two key free throws by David Lurie (right) that cut the JCC-W.O. lead to 2 points. With four seconds left, CAI had the chance to tie it but the team's old bugaboo - turnovers - reared its ugly head. All in all this was a great second half effort and the team looks to build on this moral victory when it faces Temple Emanuel on Monday night, January 4th.

Richie Dicker (left) led all CAI scorers tonight with 16, including three 3-pointers.

Agudath Israel falls to 0-3 on the season with this loss and 0-11 dating back to the 2008-09 season.

JCC-Whippany Holds Off CAI, 39-30

The CAI Men's Club basketball team went bucket for bucket in the first half, but poor shooting and turnovers resulted in a 39-30 loss to the JCC team of Whippany Thursday night. Center David Kerner (left) led all scorers with 12 points, including his first career three-pointer. Greg Adler scored 8.

Playing a successful 2-3 zone for most of the second half, CAI held JCC-W to 3-of-12 shooting. But Agudath could not capitalize on their opponent's misses.

"Defensively I thought we really held our own," said team general manager Adam Shandler in a post-game press conference that only he attended. "We made them work for every shot and even when they scored we challenged them. But you can't miss the opportunities that we did and expect to win the game."

At halftime, JCC-Whippany led 18-16.

CAI Hoops is now 0-2 on the season and 0-10 dating back to last year. "Am I worried?" asked Shandler to no one in particular. "Not at all. I've seen some of the competition in our division and believe that, if we're healthy and have our top guys in there, we'll get some Ws."

Agudath was without starting point guard Richie Dicker and three-point ace Steve Eitman tonight. The team will have to get its first win without Larry Dodyk (hand) and Jay Baranker (knee) who are out for the season due to injury.

CAI gets a short weekend break then its back to action on Monday night at 8:15 for a contest against JCC of West Orange.

Eitman Wins Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament

In a game that raged on till 11:15 pm, Men's Club Treasurer Steve Eitman won his first CAI Men's Club Texas Hold 'Em Poker title. Carl Schaerf took second place and David Kerner, who one has taken first, second or third prize at least once in his storied career, came in third.

The December 15 event, which featured 30 players, started with pizza and schmoozing. After the tables were assigned and money collected it was time to deal. It took almost an hour for the first player to bow out, but soon enough, a consolation table was filled with six players. Larry Dodyk, (pictured above, far left) playing with only one good hand (not a poker hand but his right hand) won first prize in that bracket and a starter poker kit.

We would like to thank Temple Beth Shalom of Livingston members Ira Sessler, Paul Schaeffer and Alan Shandler for participating in our event. We will be holding another Texas Hold 'Em Tournament in May. Stay tuned for details!

Happy Hanukkah From the Men's Club

The Men's Club of Congregation Agudath Israel of West Essex wishes you a festive and enjoyable Hanukkah. Whether you've welcomed a new child into the world, got a new job, or did a big mitzvah, we hope you are enjoying your miracles great and small this Hanukkah season. Chag Sameach!

CAI Drops First Game of the Season to B'nai Shalom

The CAI Men's Club Basketball team played a hard game but couldn't stop the hot shooting of B'nai Shalom, losing 58-48. In the game played at JCC of West Orange on Monday night, December 7, Agudath Israel dropped its 9th straight dating back to last season when it finished the 2008-09 campaign at 0-8.

"I would say we are the Nets of the JCC Temple League, but the Nets have won a game this year," said team general manager and small forward Adam Shandler, who was not present at the game.

Richie Dicker paced CAI with 14 points while Steve Eitman netted 13. David Kerner brought down 20 rebounds in the loss. Agudath Israel takes the floor again on Thursday, December 17 in a battle versus the JCC-Whippany team at 8:15 pm.

General Men's Club Meeting, Tuesday, December 8

The next general meeting of the CAI Men's Club will be held on Tuesday, December 8, 8:00 pm in the conference rooms. All new and prospective members and their ideas are welcome.

On the agenda:

-Recaps of the Topics on Tap event and Man of the Year Dinner

-Preparation for the December 15 Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament

-Blood Drive in January

-FJMC Night at the Nets Game

-Recap of season's first Men's Club basketball game

For more information, please contact club president Adam Shandler: adshandler@gmail.com

CAI Men's Club Basketball Announces 2009-10 Schedule

The CAI Men's Club begins its 2009-2010 basketball campaign on Monday, December 7th, at 7 pm. The team will take on B'nai Shalom at the JCC of Metrowest in West Orange. Agudath Israel, which went 0-8 last season, is looking for its first win since winning its second straight Jerusalem Division championship in 2008.

CAI will be led on the floor by last year's scoring leaders, center David Kerner and power forward Steve Eitman (pictured). Rich Gilbert returns from a thumb injury to provide depth at both guard and forward and Richie Dicker will run the point for another season. Marc Weinstein will coach this year's team and Adam Shandler will retain general management duties.

Come support your CAI Men's Club Basketball team! All games will be played at the JCC on Northfield Road in West Orange.

Monday, December 7, vs. B'nai Shalom, 7 pm

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Thursday, December 17, vs. JCC-Whippany, 8:15 pm

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Monday, December, 21, vs. JCC-West Orange, 8:15 pm

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Monday, January 4, vs. Temple Emanu-El, 7 pm

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Week of January 11 BYE WEEK

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Monday, January 18, vs. B'nai Shalom, 8:15 pm

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Thursday, January 28, vs. JCC-Whippany, 7 pm

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Monday, February 1, vs. JCC-West Orange, 7 pm

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Thursday, February 11, vs. Temple Emanu-El, 8:15 pm

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Week of February 15 BYE WEEK

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Thursday, February 25 - "B" Division Playoffs (Time TBD)

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Monday, March 1 - Division Final (Time TBD)

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Monday, March 8 - "A" vs. "B" Championship (Time TBD)

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Monday, March 15 - ALL-STAR GAME

Big CAI Presence at 2009 Man of the Year Dinner

On Wednesday night, November 11, the Northern New Jersey Region of Jewish Men's Clubs held its annual Man of the Year Dinner at the Crystal Plaza in Livingston. Eight clubs from the Northern sector of the region were represented, and Congregation Agudath Israel of Caldwell was featured prominently.

Our 2009 club honoree was Larry Dodyk. Larry, a recent past co-president now serving as club adviser, partnered with Scott Kopen to keep our club vibrant while CAI went through a two-year building renovation. His enthusiasm with events like the speaker's breakfast, family picnic and participation on our two championship basketball teams was very much needed during our time of diaspora.

Austin Mahler was CAI's Youth of the Year, a new concept for the dinner. Austin could always be counted on to help us put up and take down the Sukkah. As his mitzvah project, Austin catalogued and organized every volume for easy access in the shul library. An imminent Eagle Scout (who had his board review the morning of this blog entry), Austin is a senior at Newark Academy in Livingston. He is the son of Alfie, an active club member, and Jeannette Mahler.

The superstar of the night was Harvey Hershkowitz. Introduced by our own Rabbi Alan Silverstein as a man whose committment to Israeli causes goes unmatched, Harvey accepted his honor with grace, humility - and the best part - a short speech! Especially the last part about eating! Harvey, who was a three-year president of CAI Men's Club from 2004-2007, serves on the NNJR board as its Vice President.

Thirty-seven people from the CAI circle were in attendance, including the family of Austin Mahler and Larry's co-workers from PricewaterhouseCoopers. Congratulations to all of our award recipients!

Topics on Tap Recap

Rabbinic Intern Michael Jay was a hit as moderator of his first Topics on Tap event!

On Tuesday, November 10th, the Men's Club hosted 30 congregants who took part in our first current events discussion group of the calendar year. Formerly known as Torah on Tap and held at Cloverleaf Tavern, the program with the new name moved on campus to Agudath Israel's library. Amidst the ancient texts and the classic Jewish literature, participants dined on pizza and snacks and drank cool refreshing beer while discussing the topic "Barack and Bibi: Can We Really Be Friends?"

Michael did a masterful job of kicking off the talk with a commentary on the week's parsha before seguing into a history of American presidents' relationship with Israel. Then the floor - and floodgates - were open for dialogue. It was hard for participants not to draw comparisons betweeen the tepid Obama-Netanyahu relationship and those of U.S. and Israeli leaders of the past. Many were critical of the President's non-committal stance on the Jewish state, and his foreign policy in general, despite the administrative support he receives from Jewish members of his staff. That said, in the eng the group agreed that it is still early in the relationship and hoped to see more of a bridge built between the two nations.

The Men's Club would like thank Michael for his superb, well researched presentation and the Topics on Tap Committe of Harvey Hershkowitz, Ken Levitt and Adam Shandler. We would also like to recognize Metrowest Youth Shaliach from Israel Yotam Zach for attending and offering the perspective of a young Israeli.

The Club is considering adding another Topics on Tap event for 2010 and is open to ideas. Current events that affect world or American Jewry and the state of Israel tend to be of most interest.

(Pictured above are Israel Committee Co-Chairman Harvey Hershkowitz, Rabbinic Intern Michael Jay and Men's Club President Adam Shandler.)

CAI Walk for Israel

Once again, the CAI Walk for Israel was a huge success! The annual event brought great awareness to the cause of solidarity for Israel and wonderful visibility to Congregation Agudath Israel. The marchers looked great walking around town in their dark green shirts. Am Yisrael Chai!

The CAI Men's Club would like to acknowledge the following synagogue members for volunteering to be marshals: Larry Dodyk, Avi Eisen, Derek Fields, Alan Gerberg, Asa Gladstein, Mitchell Gladstein, Scott Kopen, Ken Levitt, and Diane Reidenberg. Lee Gladstein and Harvey Hershkowitz should also be commended for leading the Israel Committe and organizing this important project.

Topics on Tap Event, Tuesday, November 10

Rabbinic Intern Michael Jay (pictured at left) will be the new moderator of our Topics on Tap (formerly Torah on Tap) current events discussion series. Michael debuts his skills on Tuesday night, November 10, 8 pm, with the topic "Barak and Bibi: Can We Really Be Friends?"

The format is simple. Michael will "set the table" of the relationship between President Obama and Prime Minister Netanyahu and participants are asked to weigh in. So come with great questions and insights and settle in for a stimulating evening.

There is no admission for this event and pizza, beer and soda will be served. Contact CAI Men's Club President Adam Shandler for more details: adam@adshandler.com

Bringin' Down The Sukkah

It was windy. It was rainy. It was cold. But all of that was not enough to stop the Agudath Israel Men's Club from dismantling the Sukkah on the morning of Sunday, October 18. Under the direction of Gary Kabler, Al Mahler and Mike Chiaet the panels, wood and bamboo schach got stored with east. Thanks to the ten or so men that came up to help with this effort.

It's always a little sad to bring down a festive shelter like the Sukkah. It brought a lot of joy and usefulness to the congregation during Sukkot and we're looking forward to more great events in the Booth in 2010.

General Men's Club Meeting, Tuesday, October 13

The CAI Men's Club will hold it's October meeting on Tuesday, October 13 at 8 pm. We will meet in the CAI conference rooms. On the agenda:

-Review of Scotch in the Sukkah Event
-Organization of Sukkah dismantling
-Topics on Tap Event for Tuesday, November 10
-Man of the Year Dinner for Wednesday, November 11
-Marshalls and Marchers for the CAI Walk for Israel

All new and prospective members, and their great ideas, are welcome. Contact club president Adam Shandler at mensclubcai@gmail.com for more information.

Scotch in the Sukkah Review

There are many Men's Clubs in the NNJR that host a Scotch Tasting in the Sukkah. But how many of them can say they have the Glenlivet ambassador, straight from Scotland, to provide insights as to how great Scotch is distilled?

On Thursday, October 8th, 35 very thirsty members of CAI made this event a huge success. Upon arrival, participants received a Men's Club branded Scotch glass and listened as Greg Pongracz from Sunrise Cellars discussed the crafting of single malt Scotch. Following Greg's presentation, Rickie Crawford, the Glenlivet Ambassador (pictured, below right) very passionately talked about the qualities in each of the Scotches displayed. Not to get you salivating, but Glenlivet provided a 15-year-old bottle, a 16 Nadurra, an 18 (very popular among the group), a 21 and a 25. No Glenlivet bottles made it out of the Sukkah alive. There were some leftovers of other whiskys which were enjoyed at CAI's Simchat Torah celebration on Saturday, but admittedly, "without Rickie and Greg's insights it just wasn't the same."

Marty Schenker and Mike Chiaet did an exceptional job bringing this event to life and the club would like to extend special thanks to Ned Gladstein, owner of Sunrise Cellars, for donating all the Scotch and for securing our presenters for the evening. Alfie Mahler should also get a pat on the back for donating a box of tasty cigars.

If you missed this event, don't worry. We're already dreaming up ways to make it better next year.

Pictured are CAI Men's Club President Adam Shandler, event co-chair Mike Chaiet, Glenlivet Ambassador Rickie Crawford, Glenlivet Field Sales Manager Fred Fischer, event co-chair Marty Schenker and Sunrise Cellars rep Greg Pongracz.

Thanks to High Holy Day Ushers

The High Holy Day ushers aren't just folks who stand at the sanctuary entrance with a name tag looking authoritative. They keep order and calm on CAI's busiest days and help those in need find seats. We thank all of our volunteers for ushering on Rosh Hashanah, Kol Nidre and Yom Kippur:

Jay Baranker; Steve Abrams; Mike Simon; Arthur Franklin; Carol Berman; Mike Chiaet; Howard Burg; Froman Mehl; Arthur Bocian; Mike Berwald; Roy Blank; Gary Kabler; Alan Rein; David Dranikoff and David Lurie.

Harris Nydick; Mel Berkowitz; Harvey Hershkowitz; Sandy Fishman; Adam Shandler; Allen Zacks; Rich Fertel; Mark Goldman; Steve Alberts; Ted Eisenberg; Lori Wolfson; Randy Kanter.; Ira Cohen; Hal Wolfson and Scott Kopen.

Steve Eitman; Mark Berman; Rich Zodikoff; Doug Klein; Steve Sandler; Larry Dodyk; Marty Schenker; Larry Samuels; Garry Botwinick; Elliott Bramnick; Al Mahler; Walter Baumgardt; Charles Lorber; Manny Morman and Jack Plawner.

Eric Edelstein; Len Rudin; Mike Liberman; Harry Kartus; Gary Berger; Stan Blank; Steve Jacobs; Morris Lewis; Alan Bonder; Ken Levitt; David Black; Debbie Lieb; Mitch Broder; Burt Henry; Abe Akselrad; Mark Frank; Arthur Nicholas; Ed Finkel; James Gurland; Howard Feiwus; Rich French; Alan Cooper; Howard Levine; Heather Levitt and Mike Podell.

Special kudos go, as always, to ushering coordinator Ken Levitt. This is one of the most challenging jobs of the year and Ken always comes through.

Rain, Schmain...The Sukkah Is Up (and it's good!)

The rain came down but the Sukkah went up on the morning of Sunday, September 27. In spite of the challenges of inclement weather, a short window with Kol Nidre that night and some really good football games to get home to, the Men's Club raised the Sukkah in just under an hour-and-a-half. (It seems to get quicker every year!)

The Sukkah will play host to several Agudath Israel events, many of them sponsored by the youth and school programs. The Men's Club will take center stage in the Booth on Thursday, October 8, 8 pm, when it hosts its first annual "Scotch in the Sukkah" event. The cover charge of $18 gets participants a Scotch tasting, seminar from a Scotch Maven and a commemorative glass. Additonal glasses can be purchased from the Men's Club for a discounted price of $6.00.

Marty Schenker, Men's Club VP is co-chairing this event and can be reached at marty-boy@comcast.net.

Special thanks to our Sukkah builders, with special yasher koaches going to event chair Gary Kabler (pictured, catching raindrops with his tongue) and our foremen Mike Chiaet and Alfie Mahler, who brought the good drill.

Scotch! In the Sukkah! On October 8th!

First, we ask that you join the Men's Club as we raise the Sukkah on Sunday morning, September 27 at 10:30 am. Then on Thursday, October 8th, 8 pm, come join us for a brand new event!

Scotch in the Sukkah! Sip wonderful scotches of distinct flavors. Hear how they're made from a Scotch Maven. Schmooze with old friends and make new ones! The $18 cover charge gets you the tasting and a commemorative Scotch glass. (Additional glasses will be sold at a discount.) Other refreshments will be served. You don't have to be a Scotch drinker to enjoy this event!

Then, on Sunday, October 18, kindly help us in taking down the Sukkah. Meeting time is 10:00 am.

Men of the Year 2009

The CAI Men's Club has selected it's 2009 Man of the Year, to be honored at the NNJR MOY Dinner at the Crystal Plaza in Livingston on Wednesday, November 11. Larry Dodyk, recent past co-president receives the well-deserved honor this year. Alongside Scott Kopen, Larry led the Men's Club during the synagogue's renovation years. His efforts sustained favorite programs of the past and introduced new events. In addition to his presence in the conference room, he is also a force on the basketball court, serving as power forward on the CAI Men's Club Basketball team. At left, Larry is preparing one of the carnival games for the 2009 Purim Festival.

Also being recognized this year is Harvey Hershkowitz, a past Men's Club president who now serves as Vice President of the NNJR of Jewish Men's Clubs. He is the NNJR Man of the Year for 2009. Harvey's representation on the NNJR board does us proud and his continued participation in many CAI committees is a great inspiration to the shul's many lay leaders. Harvey is pictured, second from right, with NNJR board members, delivering a check to the Worldwide Masorti Movement.

An added feature to the Man of the Year Dinner is the Youth of the Year Award. The club has selected Austin Mahler for this inaugural honor. Austin's mitzvah project of organizing the Agudath Israel library has made the room a better place for learning and meditation. Austin can also be counted on for helping us raise the sukkah every year. An Eagle Scout-to-be, Austin is a senior at Newark Academy in Livingston.

Please help us recognize all three of this outstanding gentlemen by attending the Man of the Year Dinner on November 11th and taking out an ad in the event's ad journal. Please contact Adam Shandler at adam@adshandler.com for more info and pricing.

Yotam Zach Speaks, Inspires at Agudath Israel

On Tuesday, September 15, the CAI Men's Club and Israel Program Committee welcomed speaker Yotam Zach, 23, to Caldwell. Yotam is the 2009-2010 Youth Shaliach (emissary) from Israel.

Yotam took the audience through a very thorough but inspiring timeline that began all the way back in 1936 when his grandparents fled an oppressive Iraq and post-war Europe respectively. He spoke of growing up in the Tel Aviv suburb of Azur where his parents held high ranking civic titles.

Yotam spent much of his lecture talking about the public relations and physical wars that were fought in the Gaza strip during his days of military service. Two of the most challenging but impactful experiences were having to remove Jews from Gaza during disengagement and battling Kazam rocket-launchers during the incursion. But the P.R. war seems to have been one of the toughest things Yotam had to deal with. Friends would call him on his cell phone to verify and refute disparaging reports about the Israeli military seen on international media.

Towards the end of the presentation, Yotam encouraged the audience to write letters of hope for POW Gilad Shalit and talked about reactions from the death of IDF pilot Assaf Ramon.

Yotam will be spending the year engaging with Jewish communities of all ages in the Metrowest area and Rutgers University. We highly recommend having him speak to your group. You'll get some great stories about what it's like growing up in Israel and you'll be able to connect with a young Israeli who genuinely wants bring a bit of the Holy Land to the States. For more information contact Men's Club President Adam Shandler at adshandler@gmail.com.

Thanks to Yotam for giving us a strong start to the Men's Club 2009-10 programming calendar, and to Randi Brokman for suggesting this terrific speaker. (At right, Yotam Zach, center, poses with, from left, Men's Club VP Marty Schenker, Israel Committee Co-President Harvey Hershkowitz, Men's Club President Adam Shandler and Israel Committee Co-President Lee Gladstein.)

Men's Club Votes on New Logo, Slogan

The CAI Men's Club has voted on a new logo, pictured, at left. The logo fonts and torch were designed by club president Adam Shandler but reformatted by a committee of Men's Club veterans.

"The font is Neuropol, a new design featured in MS Word 2007," said Shandler. "The torch represents the numerous NNJR Torch Awards for Excellence in Programming that we've won throughout the years." The Men's Club has also rolled out a new slogan for the 2009-2010 programming year. "Excellence in Friendship."

"The slogan best captures what we're all about - being a nationally recognized Men's Club that focuses on brotherhood," Shandler added. Last year's slogan was "A National Award Winning Club".

The CAI Men's Club kicks off its 2009-10 programming calendar this Tuesday night, September 15, at 8 pm when it hosts speaker Yotam Zach. Yotam is this year's Metrowest Youth Emissary from Israel and a former IDF Intelligence Officer. The Men's Club is sponsoring this event in partnership with the CAI Israel Program Committee. For more info, email mensclubcai@gmail.com

Men's Club Meeting - Tuesday, September 8, 8 pm

The next general meeting of the CAI Men's Club will take place on Tuesday night, September 8th at 8 pm. We will meet in the CAI conference rooms.

On the agenda:

*Finalizing details for the Sept. 15 speaking event with Yotam Zach

*Voting on CAI Men's Club logo

*Selecting a Man of the Year and Youth of the Year for the NNJR MOY Dinner in November

*Sukkah Building Update

*Scotch in the Sukkah Planning Update

Contact club president Adam Shandler if you'd like more info: adshandler@gmail.com or mensclubcai@gmail.com

Yotam Zach, Speaker for Sept 15 Event, Featured in NJJN

Yotam Zach, the 2009-10 MetroWest Youth Shaliach (emissary) from Israel, who will be speaking at CAI on September 15, was featured with fellow emissaries in the most recent edition of the New Jersey Jewish News.

Yotam and four other twenty-somethings are in the U.S. this year promoting kinship with American Jews and talking of their experiences as young Israelis.

Yotam, 23, was a soldier and intelligence officer in the IDF and twice represented the Tzofim Youth Caravan (Israeli Scouts) on public relations missions on behalf of the state of Israel.

If you don't subscribe to the NJJN you can download the article online right here: http://www.njjewishnews.com/njjn.com/081309/mwComingToAmerica.html

Yotam, pictured, back row, right, will speak to our congregation on Tuesday, September 15 at 8 pm in the CAI conference rooms. This event is co-sponsored by the Men's Club and the Israel Program Committee. There is no charge for this event but donations are appreciated and will benefit the October 25 CAI Walk for Israel.

For more information contact Adam Shandler, adshandler@gmail.com, or Harvey Hershkowitz at HSHINC@aol.com

(*Photo credited to Lori Silberman Brauner of the NJ Jewish News)

Adult Israel Encounters - September 15

The Men's Club is proud to announce its first program for the 2009-2010 calendar.

The club will host "Yotam", a speaker from Adult Israel Encounters. Yotam, a young Israel adult visiting American synagogues and Jewish institutions this fall, will discuss growing up in the Holy Land and what life was like in the IDF. A Q&A will follow, and light refreshments will be served. Please contact club president Adam Shandler at adshandler@gmail.com for more info.

General Meeting of the Men's Club - Tuesday, August 11

The next general meeting of the CAI Men's Club will be held on Tuesday night, August 11 in the synagogue conference rooms. We'll start at 8 pm.





On the agenda:


*Discussion of the tentative 2009-10 programming calendar, including discussion of our first program for September.


*Presentation of the Torch and Quality Club Awards


*The new CAI Men's Club logo.


*High Holiday Ushering


*Sukkah building and dismantling (and scotch in the Sukkah!)



For more information please contact club president Adam Shandler at 973-325-2849 or adshandler@gmail.com. (We promise our meeting will be more productive than the one in the Dilbert cartoon, above!)

CAI Men's Club Wins FJMC Torch Award

The Agudath Israel Men's Club continues to receive recognition at the international level. At the Federation of Jewish Men's Clubs (FJMC) Convention, held in Philadelphia on July 4th weekend, CAI took home a Torch Award for excellence in individual programming. "An Evening with David Schenker of the Washington Institute" was recognized for being a strong program in the Israel Awareness category. Marty Schenker, Vice President of CAI Men's Club, organized this event - one of the best attended in our programming calendar last year. David Schenker (pictured) will be invited back to speak to our community in early 2010.

The Torch Award for the Schenker lecture complements a FJMC Quality Club Award that our Men's Club won for overall excellence in 2008-09. The Quality Club Award was bestowed upon CAI at the NNJR Presidents Dinner on June 17th in North Brunswick. This marks the the third straight year that the CAI Men's Club has taken home a Quality Club Award.

Congratulations to Mary Schenker and all of our members for an outstanding year of service, dedication and hard work. Let's do it again in 2009-10!

Men's Club Sets Tentative Programming Calendar for 2009-10

At the community-wide calendar meeting on Monday, June 22nd, the CAI Men's Club scheduled a series of events for 2009-10. Among the highlights are the return of two Texas Hold 'Em poker Tournaments, a scotch-tasting in the Sukkah, and another lecture from the Washington Institute's David Schenker. Some of our "old reliables" remain on the calendar, such as our annual blood drive, NCAA Tournament Party at Miami Mike's and Men's Club Shabbat. The calendar of events, as it stands, is listed below. Some events and dates are subject to change.

As always, the Agudath Israel Men's Club will hold its general meetings on the second Tuesday of every month unless it conflicts with a holiday.

Tuesday, September 15, 8 pm - Torah on Tap or Guest Speaker

Sunday, September 27, 12 pm - Sukkah Raising (after High Holiday Appeal)

Thursday, October 8, 7:45 pm - Scotch Tasting in the Sukkah (pictured)

Sunday, October 18, 10:00 am - Sukkah Dismantling

Wednesday, November 11, 8:00 pm - Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament

MAN OF THE YEAR DINNER - NNJR - TBD

Tuesday, December 15, 8:00 pm - TBD (Possible Networking Night or Speaker)

Sunday, January 10, 9:00 am - Annual Blood Drive

Sunday, February 7, 10:00 am - World Wide Wrap

Tuesday, February 9, 8:00 pm - David Schenker Lecture (Tentatively)

Sunday, February 28, 8:00 am - Purm Fest Set-Up, followed by Purim Fest at 12 pm

Thursday, March 18, 7:00 pm - Guys Night Out for the NCAA Tournament

YOM HASHOAH CANDLE PACKING - TBD

Wednesday, April 21, 8:00 pm - Torah/Topics on Tap Discussion

Wednesday, May 5, 8:00 pm - Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament (pictured

Friday, June 18, 6:30/8:00 pm - Men's Club Shabbat Dinner and Service with Neshama Choir

CAI Men's Club Wins FJMC Quality Club Award

The CAI Men's Club has taken home the prestigious FJMC (Federation of Jewish Men's Clubs) National Quality Club Award for excellence in 2008-09. This is the third straight year the club has been honored with this prize. In order to win the award clubs needed to meet Federation, religious, service and Israel-based programming criteria.

The Agudath Israel Men's Club is also up for four Torch Awards for excellence in individual programming. The Torch Awards will be announced at the FJMC National Convention on July 4th Weekend in Philadelphia.

Congratulations to the CAI Men's Club for another superb year worthy of national recognition!

Recap: Men's Club Shabbat

On Friday night, June 19, the CAI Men's Club closed out its 2008-09 programming year with its annual Men's Club Shabbat. A Men's Club-Style Shabbat meal preceded the service complete with sloppy joe platters, chicken tenders and hot dogs. The latter two items were for the kids but a President's audit of the dinner plates showed that many adults had dipped into the kids' trays.

The service itself was a remarkable affair. The Cantor Caplan-led Neshama Choir gave the evening a real feeling of Shabbat...and drowned out the Men's Club's less-than-stellar voices! Jack Greene, Froman Mehl, Harvey Hershkowitz, Lee Gladstein, Ken Levitt, Mel Berkowitz, Steve Jacobs, Jay Baranker, Steve Eitman, Scott Kopen, Gary Kabler and Adam Shandler read parts during the Mincha service and Larry Dodyk, as always, did an exceptional job leading the evening minyan.

Shortly after the Kiddush, led by Michael Chaiet, the Men's Club board members were reinstalled for the second year of their two-year term. Mel Berkowitz handled the installation with dignity and a prominence only Mel can bring. This was followed by the President's speech which was delivered by Adam Shandler. Adam focused on the theme of bridging the generational divide and being a stronger club for it.

Michael Simon, the 2007 Frank Nathanson Man of the Year recipient, introduced the 2008 winner, Scott Kopen, pictured. Scott, who was a recent past-president with Larry Dodyk, helped keep the club running for two years while CAI underwent its renovation project. Finally, Randy Kanter, chair of the Jack Lippe Memorial Scholarship, presented Allison Eitman with the honor this year. Allison, who spoke about her service to the Jewish and Caldwell communities, met all four of the criteria for the scholarship: strong academic performance, community service, involvement in the Jewish community and demonstration of superior character. We wish her the best of luck in her studies at Michigan.

The CAI Men's Club takes a summer hiatus but contact us if you'd like to get more involved. Our 2009-10 season opens on September 15, 2009 at 8 pm and will feature either a guest speaker or a session of our award-winning Torah on Tap program.