4th Straight Quality Club Award for CAI Men's Club

The Agudath Israel Men's Club is proud to announce that it has been awarded its fourth-straight Quality Club Award from the Federation of Jewish Men's Clubs (FJMC). In order to be bestowed with this honor, a local club must meet five of eight criteria on the international level and 10 of 15 at the Regional and Club Level. Holding a Men's Club Shabbat, providing service to the synagogue and community, having a succession plan and taking part in FJMC sponsored events are just some of the requirements.

"We put up one of our best showings ever to win the award this year," said Adam Shandler, recent past president, now adviser of the Club. "We hit on six of eight criteria for international consideration and 12 of 16 regional/club requirements. If only I could be that accurate on the basketball court." Shandler added, "Winning this award takes a lot of hard work and strong leadership. It was a great team effort and the Club should be very proud of what it accomplished this year."

New Hawaiian Shirt Tradition a Big Hit at Men's Club Shabbat

Last Friday night, June 18, the Agudath Israel Men's Club introduced a new tradition with resounding applause. We all wore Hawaiian shirts while leading the annual Men's Club Shabbat. "I thought this would be a rather memorable last act of legislation," said outgoing president Adam Shandler. "I checked with Rabbi Hammerman (our executive director) and Cantor Caplan and got both their blessings."

In addition to the vibrant dress code there was also vibrant davening. With the accompaniment of Cantor Caplan and the angelic sounds of the Neshama Choir, the Men's Club came through with another special night. Accentuating the service was the presentation of the Frank Nathanson Man of the Year Award to Larry Dodyk, the Jack Lippe Scholarship to Yotam Tubul and the installation of the new Men's Club Board for 2010-2012. Marty Schenker will serve as the new President, Marc Weinstein is the club's new VP and Steve Eitman and Steve Jacobs retain their roles as Treasurer and Secretary, respectively. We wish all our new board members the best of luck in their posts.

Scott Kopen, the man behind the scenes, did another impeccable job chairing this event.

Pictured are some of the Men's Club members prior to the service, showing off their best Hawaiian shirts. Left to right: Lee Gladstein, Mel Berkowitz, Ken Levitt, Mike Chiaet, Harvey Hershkowitz, Scott Kopen, Adam Shandler, Steve Jacobs, Marty Schenker and Marc Weinstein.

Aloha Means "Good Shabbos" this Friday night

This Friday night, June 18, the CAI Men's Club will be leading Shabbat services in the main sanctuary, starting at 8 pm. Being this is a Men's Club event we have decided to start a new tradition in our unique and inimitable style.

We will be wearing Hawaiian shirts.

Those interested in joining us for services are more than welcome. Just make sure your shirt has sunset, seagulls or swaying palm trees...or the rabbi may ask you to leave for not following halacha.

FJMC Sefer Haftorah Comes to CAI June 9

The Federation of Jewish Men's Clubs (FJMC) Sefer Haftorah makes its annual visit to Congregation Agudath Israel this week. CAI's Men's Club will host the scroll from Wednesday, June 9 to next Wednesday June 16 before handing it off to Temple Beth Shalom's Club in Livingston.

The scroll, first commissioned by the FJMC in 2003, includes every Haftorah and makes its way around the country every year. Last February, the Sefer made an appearance at the Torch-award winning David Schenker talk. This year the Sefer will be on display at the bar mitzvah of Alex Nathan. Alex's father Randy is a big supporter of the Men's Club and contributes to our programming.

In addition to reading haftorah portions from the sefer, the scroll serves as a reminder that anyone can purchase their own scroll or have a personally meaningful haftorah inscribed. Simply contact international@fjmc.org or consult the Sefer Haftorah page on the FJMC website.