Guys Night Out for March Madness

Bring on the Madness! Once again, the CAI Men's Club treks up Route 10 West to Miami Mike's Sports Zone for the first night of NCAA Tourney action! Thursday night, March 15, we'll assemble at this most awesome of East Hanover Sports Bars to dine, drink and root on our favorite teams...and those that we had moving on in our brackets. We gather at 7 pm.

Suggested fee is $20 to offset the cost of the bar tab. Contact club president Marty Schenker for more details: marty-boy@comcast.net

Builders Raise Another Great Sukkah

The Men's Club stared arriving around 9:30. By 10:50 the interior lights flickered on. People of Agudath Israel, we have a Sukkah for 2010. The temporary dwelling will be very active for the weeklong holiday starting on Thursday, September 22. Every committee, organization and club from the nursery school to the Sisterhood will be holding some kind of educational or culinary event in the Sukkah.

On Tuesday, September 28, 8 pm, the Men's Club will be hosting "Bourbon in the Booth" a follow-up to last year's wildly successful "Scotch in the Sukkah". Representatives from some of the bigger brand name bourbons will be on hand to teach about the crafting and tasting of this distinct whiskey. All CAI members and friends are welcome to this event, which has a $20 admission. All participants will receive a commemorative glass or flask while supplies last. Contact Mike Chiaet to RSVP or receive more info: mchiaet@gmail.com.

At right, Men's Club President Marty Schenker assists with organizing some of the roofing beams. At left, the team of builders puts it all together.

The Sukkah will come down on Sunday morning, October 3 at 9:45. All new members are welcome to help with this important project.

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.

Men's Club Shabbat - Friday, June 18th

We welcome all members of Congregation Agudath Israel, and the North Jersey Jewish Community at large, to join the Men's Club of CAI as they lead Friday night Shabbat services. The Men's Club receives this annual honor on Friday night, June 18, 8 pm.

In addition to the prayer service, there will be some additional pomp and circumstance. We will be awarding the Jack Lippe Scholarship to a deserving, graduating high school senior. We will also be honoring the Men's Club Man of the Year, Larry Dodyk, pictured second from right. The evening will wrap with the induction of the new Men's Club board. Oneg and schnapps following services.

Come out and support this award winning Men's Club and contact Scott Kopen if you would like to volunteer to take on a part: scottkopen@comcast.net

Bocian Takes Texas Hold 'Em Crown, May 5th

Art Bocian (pictured, middle) won the Men's Club's Spring 2010 Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament on May 5th, earning his second career title. Newcomer Saul Gutterman (right) came in second and Harriet Sepinwall, (at left) a mainstay at these tournaments, took home her first career trophy with a 3rd place showing.

Always one of our most popular events, the Texas Hold 'Em Tournament brought out a nice crowd. (Could be the free pizza that brings 'em out...or the big deal of winning the coveted Hold 'Em Trophy!) The poker tournament is the last social program of the calendar year. Another tournament will return in the fall.

Special thanks to the event organizers: Harvey Hershkowitz, Larry Dodyk and Adam Shandler, and of course, all the players who came out and enjoyed the game!

Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament - May 5

The Agudath Israel Men's Club will be holding the second and final Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament of its programming calendar on Wednesday, May 5 at 8 pm.




A $20 buy-in gets you poker chips and a pizza and soft drink dinner. Trophies will be awarded to the top 3 finishers and there will be a consolation game with a poker-related prize. All Agudath Israel members, as well as their family members and friends from outside of the community, are welcome. All players must be 18 years of age or older.

In our fall tournament, the Steve Eitman, Carl Schaerf, and Dave Kerner finished 1, 2 and 3. Larry Dodyk was our consolation tournament winner.

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

Guys Night Out a Blast on March 18

Ohio's upset of Georgetown was the highlight on the big screen. In the bar, it was the 22 CAI Men's Club members enjoying a night of great food, drink, and of course, college basketball at Miami Mike's in East Hanover. Held on Thursday night, March 24 to watch the first night of NCAA Tourney action, Guys Night Out for March Madness is one of those winning events that we've sponsored four years running.

Agudath Israel had a basketball celebration of its own, honoring members of the 2009-10 team that returned to the playoffs after a winless 2008-2009. Team members in attendance included Israel Mazjner, Greg Adelsberg, Steve Eitman, Adam Shandler and Marc Weinstein.

The Men's Club would like to thank all the guys who came out for the event, with special kudos to Larry Dodyk, pictured with Miami Mike, for his tremendous organization.

CAI Hoops Falls to B'Nai Shalom in Playoffs, 61-46

The Agudath Israel Men's Club Basketball Team ended its 2009-10 campaign with a 61-46 loss to B'Nai Shalom in the first round of the B Division Playoffs on March 1st.

CAI, which never led in the game, found itself down 8-0, but put together a 5-0 run early to close the gap to three points. But B'nai Shalom's hot shooting kept CAI at bay, in spite of a 22 point night from David Kerner and a stifling man-to-man defense in the 2nd half. Guard/Forward Greg Adelsberg tore a calf muscle early in the second half. The loss of Greg certainly could have made a difference. We wish him well in his recovery.

The 2009-10 season was a bounce-back year for CAI. The team redeemed itself for last year's 0-8 year and broke a 13 game losing streak by winning its last three games to finish 3-5. "We had to learn how to win again -- with new players and without some of the guys who helped us win the championship the first two years," said general manager Adam Shandler. "Other teams are worried about playing us again, but all the teams in our division have gotten better over the last three years so we need to continue to improve to stay competitive."

Some of those new players included newcomer of the year Greg Adelsberg and backup center Stu Markon. Israel Mazjner, an off-again, on-again player for CAI in the past, made a bigger committment this year and his presence paid off dividends. Congrats to all members of the team on a great season: Greg Adelsberg, Richie Dicker, Steve Eitman, Rich Gilbert, Israel Mazjner, Jay Lubetkin, David Lurie, David Kerner, Stu Markon, Adam Shandler, and Captain Marc Weinstein.

Men's Club Feeds the People at Purim Festival

On Sunday, February 28, the CAI Men's Club kept the burgers, hotdogs, hamantaschen and beverages flowing at the 2010 Purim Festival. The Festival, organized by the Agudath Israel Sisterhood, featured carnival games, arts and crafts, a magic demonstration, beer tasting and ventriloquist show. And with all that entertainment the crowd worked up quite an appetite!

The Men's Club would like to acknowledge Ken Levitt for purchasing all the food, Harvey Hershkowitz and Alan Gerberg for running the cash box, Randy Krasner, Michael Simon, Steve Eitman, Larry Dodyk and Gary Berger for running the grill, and all our volunteers for plating and delivering the food during this very successful event. Happy Purim!

CAI Hoops Finishes Regular Season With Rout of Emanuel

The Agudath Israel Men's Club Basketball team closed out it's 2009-10 regular season with a 60-42 thumping of Temple Emanuel -- and a three-game win streak. The win avenged a three-point loss about a month ago when CAI fell to the E-Men 43-40.

In the win, center David Kerner (pictured, top) continued his hot streak with 15 points. Richie Dicker (bottom picture) added 14. All but two of the eleven men who showed up got on the scoreboard and those that didn't made other contributions to the cause.

Agudath Israel gets a bye week as the league takes its President's Day/School Vacation hiatus for February. But CAI returns to action in the playoffs on Thursday, February 25th. Pairings and times have not been announced, but Agudath Israel is likely the 4th seed in Division B and will face top-ranked B'nai Shalom of West Orange, whom CAI has never beaten this year. Continue to visit this blog for official details.

General Men's Club Meeting: February 9th

In spite of a speaking engagement cancellation for February 9th, the Men's Club will still hold it's general monthly meeting on this date, 8 pm, in the CAI conference rooms.

On the agenda:

-Recap of World Wide Wrap event.

-Purim Festival assignments.

-Jewish Family Night at the Nets.

-March Madness Guy's Night Out.

-Yom Hashoah Candle Packing Night (pictured.)

-NNJR Retreat.

Contact Adam Shandler at adshandler@gmail.com for more info. All new members and their ideas are welcome.

CAI Defeats JCC-Whippany; Snaps 13-game Losing Streak

The Agudath Israel Men's Club Basketball team got a huge monkey off its back on January 28, defeating the JCC-Whippany team, 51-44. The win snaps a 5-game losing streak on the season and a 13-game losing streak dating back to last year's campaign.

In the win, David Kerner (pictured) poured in 15 points in arguably his best game in a CAI uniform. He also added 10 boards and 4 blocks. Steve Eitman netted 20, including 4 key free throws down the stretch.

"It was vintage CAI basketball, the kind that won us the championships in '07 and '08," said team general manager Adam Shandler. "Work the ball around for good shots, clock control, low turnovers. It didn't hurt that Kerner was relentless on the boards."

CAI played sound, disciplined ball with minimal turnovers and only had one five-minute dry spell on offense. Defensively, the team held JCC-W to three points in the final four minutes.

Agudath Israel is back on the court on Monday night, 7 pm, for a rematch with JCC-West Orange. CAI fell to JCC-WO four weeks ago by two points, after clawing back from a 16-0 deficit.

CAI Men's Club Blood Drive a Success

The January 10 CAI Men's Club Blood Drive was a tremendous success thanks to the efforts of program chair, Gary Kabler, the volunteers from both Men's Club and Sisterhood and the hard-working crew of the Blood Center of NJ. And what's a blood drive without donors? By 11 am over 30 people had come to donate blood. There was even a wait - a good problem to have as the winter months tend to pose the greatest blood shortage.

Gary, pictured, and his wife Evvie brought in a great breakfast spread for the donors and volunteers and Evvie is without peer when it comes to high-quality bagel and vegetable slicing and plating.

If you missed today's Blood Drive, don't worry. The Blood Center of NJ is always looking for donors. To set up an appointment call 973-676-4700, x132. The Blood Center website also has a wealth of information: http://www.bloodnj.org/

In the image below, donor and Men's Club member Mike Chiaet has a delightful conversation with a NJ Blood Center volunteer.

CAI Loses Heartbreaker to Temple Emanu-El, 43-40

CAI Hoops got all the breaks for 48 minutes of their contest with Temple Emanuel on Monday, January 4. Alas, some final minute turnovers and an inability to score in the last two minutes led to a 43-40 loss and 0-4 record on the season. Richie Dicker (right) poured in 16 points in the loss including three 3-pointers while David Kerner kept up his consistency with 10 points.

CAI Hoops has a bye week the week of January 11th but will next take on B'nai Shalom on the 18th at 8:15 pm.

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.

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!