Anshei Darom News

A Special Bar Mitzvah

2011-12-16T11:28:00.001-05:00

The 13th annual Anshei Darom Retreat will be held February 17-19, 2012.

It's not just any retreat - it's our Bar Mitzvah year! - so we are planning for an extra-special weekend.

Our Scholar-in-Residence will be Rabbi Shalom Lewis of Congregation Etz Chaim in Marietta, Georgia... and we’ll also be joined by Mike Mills, International President of the FJMC (and a member of the Emanu-El Men's Club in Charleston).

If you've been to one or more Retreats in the past, you know how much fun this is going to be... and if you haven't, what are you waiting for? (Consider this your engraved invitation!)

Signing up is easier than ever this year. Just click here... or anywhere on the picture above... or on the "2012 Retreat Registration" link in the sidebar. You can pay online by credit card to make it even more convenient. (Be sure to sign up by February 6 to ensure that there will be room for you to put your junk in a bunk!)

Join us for the Anshei Darom Retreat - it's a Bar! - it's a Mitzvah! - it's a Bar Mitzvah!

The Class of 2011

2011-08-09T13:47:00.000-04:00

The Class of 2011: attendees at the twelfth annual Anshei Darom Retreat in February 2011.

Anyone interested in downloading a full-size suitable-for-printing image can find it here.

Meet our Latest Ma'asim Tovim Award Winner!

2011-08-09T13:43:00.003-04:00

Every two years, the Region gets a chance to honor someone who has done exceptional work in furtherance of the FJMC's mission - Involving Jewish Men in Jewish Life - with the Ma'asim Tovim award. Our newest honoree is Hank Needle, a member of the Etz Chaim Men's Club in Marietta, Georgia and former Regional President.

A native of Greensboro, NC, Hank Needle graduated from North Carolina State University and spent the first 13 years of his married life in Seattle, Washington before returning to the South. While in Seattle, he would often accompany his brother-in-law to morning minyan at the Conservative shul. He felt a great sense of bonding with this small group, a sense of bonding that carried over when he moved to Marietta, Georgia and joined Congregation Etz Chaim. As he started attending minyan there, he formed solid friendships with several of the men in the congregation, which led to being asked to join Men's Club. Times were tough back in those early days, but Etz Chaim was always there to provide support to the Needle family.

Upon joining Men's Club, Hank gradually became more and more involved. Before long, he was on the club's board and worked in several capacities, including Trustee, Programming VP, and President, at the same time continuing to work on various committees and projects. He is a key member of the kitchen crew for the club's monthly "Best Breakfast in Town," rising early to help cook and set up for the meeting. He has also a key organizer of the club's World Wide Wrap event, with this year's Wrap boasting a record number of kids and adults in attendance. Hank also assisted with the club's Gold Torch Award-winning Yom ha-Shoah program in the synagogue’s Holocaust Garden. By his example - and by his outgoing personality - he constantly encourages new people to take an active role in Men’s Club, including his grown sons.

In the early 2000's, Hank was attended the FJMC's Leadership Development Institute, setting in motion his involvement on the Regional level. Hank served first as Vice President and then as President of Anshei Darom, providing leadership and encouraging men's involvement around the Southeast. He was one of the first chairmen of the Anshei Darom Retreat, an annual event at Camp Ramah in Clayton, Georgia that has grown in numbers and popularity over the last 12 years. The Retreat serves as a great model for other regional retreats, in no small measure thanks to Hank's efforts.

On the synagogue level, Hank was a member of the Board of Directors, including serving as Corresponding Secretary on the Executive Board. Over the years his love of woodworking has been put to use and can be seen in several projects at Etz Chaim. He helped build the Ark as well as the wooden wall sculptures in the chapel, including hand-carving one depicting Jerusalem. The Rabbi also assigned Hank the task of building a large menorah to be used for the community Chanukah celebration. The menorah, built almost entirely out of PVC pipe and gold paint, stands almost ten feet tall and graces the synagogue's lobby during Chanukah.

All three of Hank's sons - Josh, Ben, and Mark - became Bar Mitzvah at Congregation Etz Chaim, and all were married by the congregation's Rabbi Shalom Lewis. His wife of 37 years, Karen, has also been extremely involved with the synagogue, from her many years on the Sisterhood board to her current involvement as an assistant for the Judaica Shop. Hank is a very proud father and father-in-law, and is especially overjoyed to be the grandfather of six amazing grandchildren.

Professionally, Hank has worked for Isuzu Commercial Trucks for 21 years. He is an avid lover of anything Jeep, including the 1950 Willys he has restored. Many Sundays find him working in his garage workshop; he is always looking for spare wood for one project or another.

Instead of taking it easy now that the "kids" are out of the house, Hank has found the exact opposite thanks to family events and his continuing work with Men's Club. Life doesn't appear to be slowing down any time soon!

Please join me in wishing Hank a hearty Mazal Tov on his receiving the Ma'asim Tovim Award!

Meet the Redneck Rabbi!

2011-01-31T09:30:00.002-05:00

Rabbi David Sirull will once again be a Scholar-in-Residence at this year's Anshei Darom Retreat... and this year, he's bringing his guitar!

The Darom Dozen: The 411

2011-01-17T20:40:00.000-05:00

Hey, Guys! With the twelfth annual Anshei Darom Retreat a little over a month away, it's a good time to check off a few items of Basic Information for this year's Retreatniks. The 411, as the kids say.

Please plan to arrive at camp on Friday, February 18 no later than 4 pm. You are welcome to arrive earlier that day to enjoy paradise for the afternoon - if you wish.

Please participate in the ritual programs - don't be bashful! There is plenty of time to volunteer to lead a portion of one of the services, enlighten us with a d'var Torah, and/or read Torah. To do so, please contact Jim Handler - jim [dot] handler [at] rrd [dot] com. We'd like everyone to get a shot at participating... and you'll never find a warmer or more supportive bunch of guys to daven or lehn Torah in front of!

What should you bring?

That's the big question everyone seems to be asking about this time. Nothing too complicated:

Your sense of humor
A desire to meet new people
Casual clothes for the entire weekend. No ties and jackets required! (For Shabbat morning, it's not a bad idea to bring a shirt with a collar... that's as dressy as things get.)
Sweat hut attire - a pair of shorts and a tee shirt.
Toiletries: Large towel, washcloth, soap, shower shoes. The camp provides soap and shampoo, but you can bring your own if you prefer, Mr. Fancy-Schmancy.
Religious equipment: Tefillin, Tallit, Kipah. The camp will provide siddurim and chumashim, so no need to shlep your own.
Misc. Equipment: Anti-snoring equipment (earplugs, clothespins, nose strips, CPAP machines). We're serious!
Flashlight and Camera
Optional - Your favorite pillow and an extra blanket
Optional - You are welcome - nay, encouraged - to bring a bottle of your favorite spirit to enjoy and share with group Saturday evening such as: Scotch, brandy, whiskey, beer, wine, root beer, prune juice, or Gatorade™. Also, if you wish to truly raise the testosterone level that evening - bring some cigars.

Can you entertain us?
If anyone plays the guitar, harmonica, or tuba, please plan to bring it with you for the Saturday night activities. We could definitely use musical talent. If you cannot play an instrument, make sure you bring your favorite jokes to share with the guys.

For those who have not attended before!!!

How do I get there?
Check your e-mail for directions, which will have been sent to you well before Retreat Time... or hook up with one of the other attendees from your shul... or contact Steve Krodman or Howard Silverstein.

Where will I be sleeping?
This is a modern facility in the heart of the North Georgia Mountains.
The road is now paved all the way to the camp and cell phones work there (sometimes). There is electricity and running water. The bunk house is heated and the flush toilet facilities and showers are within the walls of the bunk house. No "roughing it" for these boys!

Will there be beds?
Of course!!! The camp will also provide a pillow, linens, a blanket and one
towel. (Feel free to bring a sleeping bag and tent if you want to "rough it" with Rabbi Sirull.)

What kind of Shabbat Experience will it be?
We will create a unique Shabbat experience - together. We will be observing Shabbat by not writing, smoking, using electronic devices, or taking photographs. We will wash before all meals, say Motzi and Birkat ha-Mazon. There is an eruv around the camp so you can carry and can indulge in various recreational activities... including the all-important Shabbat nap.

When should I arrive?
Please plan on arriving at camp Friday, Feb 18 between 2 and 4 pm.

Payment:
Those who have not sent in your money, please do so ASAP. Please send your check (payable to ANSHEI DAROM) for $199.00 to:

Joe Zendlovitz
Regional Treasurer
4404 Glendale Square
Nashville, TN 37204

Get ready for a WONDERFUL weekend! We're looking forward to seeing you there.

If you have any questions please contact:

Steve Krodman - elisson1 [at] aol [dot] com
or
Howard Silverstein - hjsplay [at] comcast [dot] net

Sign Up for the Darom Dozen!

2011-01-17T20:27:00.002-05:00

If you haven't signed up for the Twelfth Annual Anshei Darom Regional Retreat - the Darom Dozen - what are you waiting for - an engraved invitation? The Moshiach?

This year's Retreat will be held February 18-20, 2011 at the Tumbling Waters Conference Center, AKA Camp Ramah Darom, in beautiful Clayton, Georgia.

Howard Silverstein, this year's Retreat chair, has been putting together a dynamite program with tow - count 'em! - Scholars-in-Residence. Scholar-in-Residence Aleph will be the one-and-only Redneck Rabbi, Rabbi David Sirull from Congregation Adas Yeshurun in Augusta, Georgia. Rabbi Sirull had such a wonderful time at last year's Retreat, he jumped at the opportunity to come back. (Anyone who wants to camp out by the waterfall with Rabbi Sirull is welcome to do so... but you'll want to bring your own tent and sleeping bag!) And Scholar-in-Residence Bet will be Rabbi Michael Bernstein of Congregation Gesher L'Torah of Alpharetta, Georgia. Barukh ha-Ba, Rabbi Bernstein!

As always, the Retreat will feature High Quality Jewish Experience - a completely shabbosdik weekend - a chance to put down all of the high-tech gewgaws and gimcracks, the iPads, iPhones, Droids, and BlackBerrys, the better to relax and recharge our mental and spiritual batteries.

Did someone say "What's for dinner"? We'll eat fine kosher meals, including a Saturday night cookout by the lake that will be followed by the usual l'chaims, tall tales, jokes, and The Famous Sweat Hut™.

The theme of this year's Retreat will be Healthy Bodies, Healthy Spirits, and Dr. Brian Nadolne will be there with discussions on health and wellness topics that will complement the Rabbinic presentations. We'll have a Programming Shuk where clubs can share information on their best / most popular / most successful programs. There will also be plenty of time set aside for hikes, learning, tennis and/or basketball, or relaxing: Just Plain Fun.

Some of the things you can expect:

1. A spirited Shabbat

2. Spirited brotherhood

3. Lots of good food

4. Lots of spirits

5. Lots of friends – old and new

6. Therapeutic and revitalizing yoga sessions

7. The twelfth appearance of the Famous Sweat Hut

8. A Jewish experience unique in the entire Jewish world

Make plans to attend NOW! February 18-20, 2011 at Camp Ramah Darom in the beautiful North Georgia mountains, just west of Clayton and decidedly north of Eden – the Eden Roc, that is.

The cost this year will be $199 - up less than five percent from last year. To reserve your spot, just send an e-mail to elisson1 (at) aol (dot) com, and send your check for $199 (made out to Anshei Darom Region) to our Regional Treasurer, Joe Zendlovitz:

Joe Zendlovitz
4404 Glendale Square
Nashville, TN 37204

In your e-mail, don't forget to include (1) your street address; (2) your phone number(s); (3) the name of your Men's Club; (4), whether you're a Kohen, Levi, or jest plain Israel; (5) your shirt size.

Sign up now and get ready for another excellent Retreat!

The FJMC Sefer Haftorah Visits Anshei Darom

2010-11-23T21:37:00.005-05:00

Since it was first unveiled during the 2003 FJMC Biennial Convention in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, the FJMC Sefer Haftorah scroll - a parchment scroll containing the entire year’s Haftorah readings, complete with vowels and trope notes - has traveled around North America to Men’s Clubs and Brotherhoods, to regional retreats and to FJMC conventions. It has been used in synagogues from West Coast to East Coast, from Florida to Canada.

As part of this year’s itinerary, the Sefer Haftorah made a stop at Congregation Or Hadash in Sandy Springs, Georgia last week. Here’s Stan Schnitzer, President of Congregation Or Hadash Men’s Club, with his commentary on the visit...

* * * * *

“This is really cool! This is really cool!”

That was the reaction of Rabbi Dr. Analia Bortz, co-spiritual leader of Congregation Or Hadash, Sandy Springs, GA, when she saw the FJMC Sefer Haftorah for the first time.

“Wow,” she said. “I have never seen anything like this.”

Neither had the congregation’s 50 Religious School students and teachers who gathered around to hear the story of how chanting the Haftorah and how the Sefer Haftorah project was born. Club President Stan Schnitzer, as past member of the FJMC Executive Committee and past president of the Northern New Jersey Region and Temple Beth Shalom (Livingston, NJ) Men’s Club, was able to tell some of the personal stories about people involved whose names are inscribed.

Stan Schnitzer and Rabbi Dr. Analia Bortz share the Sefer Haftorah with Or Hadash Hebrew School students.

On Shabbat morning, club member Aaron Stambler chanted the Haftorah from the scroll. Aaron is one of our congregation’s frequent Torah readers and Haftorah chanters, and he was most appreciative of being able to have the honor of this reading, the first in our congregation. The congregation is only seven years old, and the Men’s Club was formed four years ago and just affiliated last year.

The Men’s Club was extremely pleased to be able to bring this FJMC treasure to the congregation, and our rabbis and congregants are already looking forward to the next time the Sefer Haftorah can visit our synagogue.

The Sefer Haftorah travels from one congregation to the next every week. Where distances are great, the scroll is shipped via common carrier... but within the Southeast region, we try to add the personal touch. In the true Men’s Club spirit of brotherhood, Stan and his counterpart from the Temple Israel Men’s Club in Charlotte, NC, Mike Eisner, had met for lunch in Duncan, SC - midway between their synagogues - and had had lunch while making the transfer. (For those of you with New Jersey roots, it was Exit 63 off I-85.) After Shabbat, Stan then handed the Sefer Haftorah off to Steve Krodman, Anshei Darom Region President and member of Congregation Etz Chaim Men’s Club – the scroll’s next stop.

An Especially Fine Retreat

2010-03-10T17:00:00.006-05:00

The Anshei Darom Retreat, Class of 2010.

[Click on the pic for a larger version. This photo is also available for download in several sizes here, up to the full original size of 2955 x 1435 pixels... suitable for framing!]

This year's regional Retreat at Camp Ramah Darom - the eleventh of its kind - was blessed with exceptional weather, exceptional programming, and an exceptional group of guys.

The gathering began Friday afternoon, February 19, as men from around the Southeastern United States trickled in to the camp, tucked away in the hills of Clayton, Georgia. Mark Berlin, the president of FJMC (and a member of the Seaboard Region) joined us as well. We had an exceptional cohort of first-time attendees as well.

Our Scholar-in-Residence, Rabbi David Sirull of Congregation Adas Yeshurun in Augusta, Georgia, gave presentations on Being a Conservative Jew and Living in a Predominantly Christian Country, and Faith After the Holocaust, both of which stimulated plenty of discussion. And the sparks really flew during Mark Berlin's talk on Fairness in the Media, as attendees raised all kinds of questions concerning current policies vis à vis the Fairness Doctrine, political speech on the airwaves, and the like. Anyone who thought Mark's session would be a good time to catch a few zayins got a big surprise.

Gene Sacks continued a tradition of long standing by leading his usual Shabbat afternoon hike to the Camp Ramah waterfall... and another long-standing tradition, the Famous Sweat Hut, was once again loaded with hot rocks and packed with guys eager for a healthy schvitz... or eager to escape Saul Sloman's joke marathon by the campfire, yet another Camp Ramah tradition.

Sunday morning was especially inspiring for me as Willy Adler, a member of Congregation Emanu-El Men's Club (Charleston, SC) led the Pesukei d'Zimrah service, chanting the psalms of praise that are the daily prelude to the Shacharit service. Willy is 92, the oldest man to attend our Retreat... and a Holocaust survivor, having escaped from Germany in 1940, where he had been incarcerated in a concentration camp. Listening to him that morning was worth the price of admission, as far as I was concerned. I'm proud to say that Willy is a Man of the South... and I'm proud to have been at Camp Ramah with him.

Special thanks are due to Doug Friedman and Howard Silverstein, co-chairs of the Retreat committee, who did a fine job of making the arrangements and ensuring everything ran smoothly. Jim Handler headed up the Ritual committee, and the services under his direction were inspiring and well-coordinated. Norm Hamburger headed up our fund-raising activities - I am happy to report that we raised an additional $2,417 in support of the region's Mark Elkan Memorial Scholarship to Camp Ramah Darom - and our trusty Treasurer, Joe Zendlovitz, worked with Doug to make sure the financial end of things was taken care of, as well.

Kol ha-kavod, guys! Let's do this again next February!

If They Had Jewish Mothers

2010-01-21T20:36:00.003-05:00

If famous characters throughout time had Jewish mothers... just imagine:

MONA LISA'S JEWISH MOTHER:
"After all the money your father and I spent on braces, this you call a smile?"

CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS'S JEWISH MOTHER:
"I don't care what you've discovered - you didn't call, you didn't write..."

MICHELANGELO'S JEWISH MOTHER:
"A ceiling, you paint? Not good enough for you the walls, like the other children? Do you know how hard it is to get that schmutz off the ceiling?"

NAPOLEON'S JEWISH MOTHER:
"You're not hiding your report card? Show me! Take your hand out of your jacket and show me!"

ABRAHAM LINCOLN'S JEWISH MOTHER:
"Again with that hat! Why can't you wear a baseball cap like the other kids?"

GEORGE WASHINGTON'S JEWISH MOTHER:
"Next time I catch you throwing money across the Potomac, you can kiss your allowance good-bye!"

THOMAS EDISON'S JEWISH MOTHER:
"Okay, so I'm proud that you invented the electric light bulb. Now turn it off already and go to sleep!"

PAUL REVERE'S JEWISH MOTHER:
"I don't care where you think you have to go, young man, midnight is long past your bedtime!"

ALBERT EINSTEIN'S JEWISH MOTHER:
"Your senior photograph and you couldn't have done something with your hair?"

MOSES'S JEWISH MOTHER:
"Desert, schmesert!! Where have you really been for the last forty years?"

BILL GATES'S JEWISH MOTHER:
"It would have killed you to become a doctor?"

BILL CLINTON'S JEWISH MOTHER:
"Well, at least she was a nice Jewish girl."

Technically speaking, Albert Einstein and Moses did have Jewish mothers... so anything is possible!

[A tip o' th' yarmulke to Howard Silverstein, who found these gems on the Internet!]

It's January...

2010-01-20T13:29:00.002-05:00

...and you know what that means: February - and the Eleventh Annual Anshei Darom Regional Retreat - is just around the corner!

This year's Retreat will be held Feb 19-21, 2010 at Camp Ramah Darom (as always!) in beautiful Clayton, Georgia.

Our Scholar-in-Residence will be Rabbi David Sirull of Congregation Adas Yeshurun in Augusta, Georgia... and we will have Mark Berlin, president of the International FJMC, as our special guest. We'll have informative discussions, spirited davening, spirited spirits (hic!), and great food... and, most importantly, a chance to visit with old friends (and make new ones) from Men's Clubs throughout the region.

As far as weather is concerned, we can promise you that there will be weather. Exactly what kind, we have no idea... except to tell you that at past Retreats we've had everything from sun, rain, fog, and snow... sometimes in a single weekend!

Here are a few of the things you can expect:

1. A spirited Shabbat

2. Spirited brotherhood

3. Plenty good food

4. Lots of spirits

5. Lots of friends – old and new

6. Therapeutic and revitalizing yoga sessions

7. The eleventh appearance of the Famous Sweat Hut

8. A Jewish experience unique in the entire Jewish world

9. Cholent. Did I mention the cholent?

We'll have lots of opportunities exchange ideas with FJMC leaders and learn all about ways to inject vitality and meaningful Jewish experiences into our clubs' programs. And at the end of the day, that's what makes the whole thing work: our clubs. Make sure yours stands up and is counted!

Our featured entertainment will be... ~~Alan Sussman~~ ~~Saul Sloman~~ Us!

Our featured attendee will be... You!

[And did we mention the Famous Sweat Hut? Of course we did!]

Make plans to attend NOW! February 19-21, 2010 at Camp Ramah Darom in the beautiful North Georgia mountains, just ~~east of the sun, west of the moon~~ west of Clayton.

We've held the line on expenses. This year's tariff will be $190 - same as last year. To reserve your spot, just send an e-mail to doug (dot) friedman (at) labwize (dot) org, and send a check (made out to Anshei Darom Region) to our Regional Treasurer, Joe Zendlovitz:

Joe Zendlovitz
4404 Glendale Square
Nashville, TN 37204

Don't forget to tell us the name of your Men's Club, whether you're a Kohen, Levi, or jest plain Israel, and your shirt size.

Sign up today - don't delay - and get ready for another fine Retreat!

It's That Time Again...

2009-11-19T10:28:00.004-05:00

Yes, indeed: It's time to start making plans to attend the Eleventh Annual Anshei Darom Regional Retreat, to be held Feb 19-21, 2010 at Camp Ramah Darom in beautiful Clayton, Georgia.

My, how things have changed in just one short year! The economy is slowly crawling out of the tank, Lake Lanier and Lake Allatoona are so full that Governor Sonny Perdue is now praying for another drought, and Atlanta has received the "Best Imitation of Houston After a Heavy Rain" award. But one thing has not changed, and that's the quality Jewish experience you'll have at Camp Ramah Darom.

We're still working on the details of our program, but we can promise that it will be interesting, informative, packed with spiritual renewal, and Just Plain Fun. ~~Repeat Offenders~~ Those of you who have gone to previous Retreats know what I'm talking about... and if you've never been, what are you waiting for, the Moshiach?

Some of the things you can expect:

1. A spirited Shabbat

2. Spirited brotherhood

3. Lots of good food

4. Lots of spirits

5. Lots of friends – old and new

6. Therapeutic and revitalizing yoga sessions

7. The eleventh appearance of the Famous Sweat Hut

8. A Jewish experience unique in the entire Jewish world

We will have an opportunity to pick the brains of the FJMC leadership and learn all about ways to inject vitality and meaningful Jewish experiences into our clubs' programs. And when I say "leadership," I mean it... because we'll have Mark Berlin, president of the International Federation of Jewish Men's Clubs, right there with us.

Our featured entertainment will be... ~~Alan Sussman~~ ~~Saul Sloman~~ Us!

Our featured attendee will be... You!

[And did we mention the Famous Sweat Hut? Of course we did!]

Make plans to attend NOW! February 19-21, 2010 at Camp Ramah Darom in the beautiful North Georgia mountains, just west of Clayton and decidedly north of Eden – the Eden Roc, that is.

The cost this year will be $190 - same as last year. To reserve your spot, just send an e-mail to doug (dot) friedman (at) labwize (dot) org, and send a check (made out to Anshei Darom Region) to our Regional Treasurer, Joe Zendlovitz:

Joe Zendlovitz
4404 Glendale Square
Nashville, TN 37204

Don't forget to tell us the name of your Men's Club, whether you're a Kohen, Levi, or jest plain Israel, and your shirt size.

More details will follow, along with an updated link to the registration website. Meanwhile, sign up - or at least, mark your calendar - and get ready for another fine Retreat!

A Busy Day in Atlanta...

2009-10-14T15:15:00.004-04:00

Monday, October 5 - the first day of Chol ha-Moed Sukkot, if you're keeping track - was a busy day for a few Atlanta-area Men's Clubs.

I began my day (after morning Minyan, that is) at the Standard Club in John's Creek, where Congregation Etz Chaim's Men's Club and Sisterhood held their second annual Golf and Tennis Tournament.

The weather threatened to turn the day into a soupy, muddy botch - but we dodged a bullet there. The tennis activities were moved indoors, and the morning's rains had pretty much ended by the time the Army o' Golfers moved into position for the noon ~~shotgun~~ shofar start.

Our team did not finish anywhere close to being in the money, but I didn't care... because I had another destination...

...Congregation Or Hadash, where the Men's Club hosted a "Steak and Scotch in the Sukkah" evening.

[The Or Hadash Men's Club, not incidentally, is our region's newest FJMC-affiliated club. And, I might add, a solid addition to the region, given the excellent turnout for this little soirée. Club president Stan Schnitzer has been active in FJMC at the regional and national level for many years, so he has plenty of useful knowledge that will help OHMC to grow and prosper.]

The steaks were nice thick bone-in ribeyes... a worthy accompaniment to the six fine single-malt Scotch whiskies that were lovingly presented for our tasting pleasure. Caol Ila 12-year-old. Glenlivet French Oak finish 15-year-old. Bunnahabhain 12-year-old. Laphraoig 15-year-old. Jura 16-year-old. Each one excellent; each one with its own distinctive personality.

Kinda like us Men's Club guys.

Again with the Retreat-O-Grams

2009-01-15T21:28:00.002-05:00

2009 Anshei Darom Region Retreat - February 27 - March 1

"Now You've Come Home, Bill Becker, Now You've Come Home"...

Got that tune in your mind now? You'll be singing the praises of Bill Becker, our special FJMC guest for this year's special Tenth Anniversary Anshei Darom Retreat.

Bill will visit us from Hampton, VA, as president of the Rodef Shalom Men's Club and incoming VP of the Seaboard Region. But he's a native Atlantan and former "Savannah-ian." Bill's passion is programming, and his club has done a lot of innovative stuff - including Steak and Scotch in the Sukkah, and Kosher Sex with the Rabbi. (we'll have to ask the Rabbi about that one) - and Discussions at a Local Bar During Monday Night Football. Who knows what we'll all think up at the Retreat?

We also want to extend a warm Anshei Darom welcome to Rabbi Kliel Rose of the West End Synagogue in Nashville. Rabbi Rose came to Nashville from Miami Beach and served as student rabbi in London for two years...so you can ask him whether Yorkshire Pudding is kosher.

Our program also includes a return of our popular Yoga program, and we're planning more on health & wellness.

In case we didn't mention it, the Retreat will be at the world-renowned Camp Ramah Darom in Clayton, GA, nestled in the beautiful North Georgia mountains.

Oh yeah. Don't forget to register, too. Just click below (or on the sidebar) and follow the simple instructions.

www.fjmc.org/ansheidaromL.html

The Retreat Committee

New: We Now Have an Anshei Darom Page on Facebook. Check It Out!

Another Retreat-O-Gram!

2009-01-12T20:23:00.002-05:00

The 2009 Anshei Darom Region Retreat is on February 27 - March 1!

We're looking for Daveners, Torah Readers, a Haftarah Chanter, Motzi Men and
Birkat "Buchers"

Jim Handler has graciously agreed to handle our Ritual Assignments for the
Retreat. Everything is wide open, but you know the choice spots will fill up
fast. So, check out the sheet that came in your e-mail and let Jim know what you'd like to do.

In addition to having a great time, our retreat is renowned for all the guys who
step up and participate in our full weekend of ritual activities. So, step up, already! Nu, what are waiting for? Now that the Falcons, Titans, Panthers and Giants are out of the playoffs, you have time to start brushing up on those skills.

Oh yeah. Don't forget to register, too. Just click here and follow the simple instructions.

Retreat-O-Gram!

2009-01-04T16:05:00.003-05:00

The Tenth Annual Anshei Darom Regional Retreat will be held Feb 27-March 1 at Camp Ramah Darom in beautiful Clayton, Georgia!

So what if Lake Lanier and Lake Allatoona are as dry as a Yom Kippur sermon? There's still water in the lake up at Camp Ramah, and the waterfall is still functioning. And besides, based on a random sampling of the beverages most of us consume, who needs water anyway?

For our Tenth Big Retreat, we'll have a suitably impressive program. And, as usual, it will include:

A spirited Shabbat

Spirited brotherhood

Lots of good food

Lots of spirits

Lots of friends – old and new

Therapeutic and revitalizing yoga sessions

A Jewish experience unique in the entire Jewish world

We will have an opportunity to pick the brains of the FJMC leadership and learn all about ways to inject vitality and meaningful Jewish experiences into our clubs' programs. We'll also get an earful about Convention, coming up this July...and I can tell you that if you have never been to an FJMC International Convention, you don't know what you're missing!

Our featured entertainment will be...~~Sussman~~ Us!

Our featured attendee will be...You!

[And, of course, there's the Famous Sweat Hut!]

Make plans to attend NOW! February 27-March 1 at Camp Ramah Darom in the beautiful North Georgia mountains, just west of Clayton and decidedly east of Eden – Texas, that is.

The cost this year will be $190 - same as last year. Send reservations and checks to our Region Treasurer and Retreat Registrar, Joe Zendlovitz:

Joe Zendlovitz
4404 Glendale Square
Nashville, TN 37204

More details will follow, along with an updated link to the registration website. So don't worry about levels in Lake Lanier. Come to Clayton, where the buffalo - and Anshei Darom - roam!

A Sad Announcement

2008-08-25T15:55:00.004-04:00

Anshei Darom, the Southeastern Region of the Federation of Jewish Men's Clubs, regrets to announce the sudden and untimely loss of Marc Elkan on Saturday, August 16, 2008 (15 Av 5768).

Marc (r) with son Scott at the 2005 Anshei Darom Retreat.

Marc, a former Regional officer, is survived by wife Mindy; son Scott, daughter-in-law Devorah, and granddaughter Hadassah; daughter Michelle, son-in-law Ben Needle, granddaughter Alexis and grandson Max; and his parents Kurt and Inge Elkan.

The funeral took place Monday, August 18 at 10:00 a.m. at the Arlington Cemetery in Sandy Springs, Georgia. The family sat Shiva at the Elkan home in Roswell, Georgia, with services both morning and evening. Shiva concluded after Shacharit services Sunday morning, August 24. Needless to say, it was a difficult week for the family.

Marc, his son Scott, and his makhetunim (Hank Needle and his sons Josh, Ben, and Mark) have been familiar faces at many of our annual retreats. His sudden death at the age of 52 is a real shock, not only to his family, but to the people throughout the Southeast who got to know him through his involvement with Men's Club activities.

For many years, Marc took the lead in running the FJMC's Yellow Candle program at Congregation Etz Chaim. It was a program with special personal meaning to him, owing to his mother having been a survivor of the war who was saved by the Kindertransport.

Thank you for keeping Mindy, Ben and Michelle, Scott & Devorah, Kurt & Inge, the grandchildren and all the family and friends in your thoughts and prayers. Condolences can be sent to Ben Needle [benneedle (at) aol (dot) com].

Ha-Makom y'nacheim etchem b'tokh sh'ar aveilei Tziyon virushalayim.

May HaShem comfort you amongst the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

"Enjoy every day and make it count..." - Hank Needle

Wow, Wotta Weekend!

2008-02-24T23:36:00.006-05:00

The Anshei Darom Class of 2008. [Click to enlarge.]

Attendees of the Ninth Annual Anshei Darom Retreat at Camp Ramah Darom gather in front of the camp's latest acquisition, a truck donated by our own Alan Sussman.

If you're not in this picture, you missed a wonderful weekend...so be sure to sign up for next year's Retreat, the dates for which will be announced shortly. It'll be the tenth anniversary Retreat, so you can bank on its being something special!

Yet Another Furshlugginer Retreat-O-Gram!

2008-02-14T11:45:00.003-05:00

Hey, Guys! The ninth annual Anshei Darom Retreat is just eight days away! We look forward to seeing you at Camp Ramah February 22-24, 2008.

Please plan to arrive at camp on Friday, February 22 no later than 4 pm. You are welcome to arrive earlier that day to enjoy paradise for the afternoon - if you wish.

Please participate in the ritual programs! There is still time to volunteer to lead a portion of one of the services, enlighten us with a d'var Torah, and read Torah. To do so, please contact David Kerven - dkerven [at] comcast [dot] net. We'd like everyone to get a shot at participating...and you'll never find a warmer or more supportive bunch of guys to daven or lehn Torah in front of!

What should you bring?

That's the big question everyone seems to be asking about this time. Nothing too complicated:

Your sense of humor
A desire to meet new people
Casual clothes for the entire weekend. No ties and jackets required! (For Shabbat, we ask that you bring a shirt with a collar.)
Sweat hut attire - a pair of shorts and a tee shirt.
Toiletries: Large towel, washcloth, soap, shower shoes. The camp provides soap and shampoo, but you can bring your own if you prefer, Mr. Fancy-Schmancy.
Religious equipment: Tefillin, Tallit, Kipah. The camp will provide siddurim and chumashim, so no need to shlep your own.
Misc. Equipment: Anti-snoring equipment (earplugs, clothespins, nose strips, CPAP machines). We're serious!
Flashlight and Camera
Optional - Your favorite pillow and an extra blanket
Optional - You are welcome to bring a bottle of your favorite spirit to enjoy and share with group Saturday evening such as: Scotch, brandy, whiskey, beer, wine, root beer, prune juice, or Gatorade™. Also, if you wish to truly raise the testosterone level that evening - bring some cigars.

Can you entertain us?
If anyone plays the guitar, harmonica, or tuba, please plan to bring it with you for the Saturday night activities. We could definitely use musical talent. If you cannot play an instrument, make sure you bring your favorite jokes to share with the guys.

For those who have not attended before!!!

How do I get there?
Check your e-mail for directions, which will have been sent to you by the time you read this...or hook up with one of the other attendees from your shul...or contact Steve Bodenstein or Stan Schnitzer.

Where will I be sleeping?
This is a modern facility in the heart of the North Georgia Mountains.
The road is now paved all the way to the camp and cell phones work there (sometimes). There is electricity and running water. The bunk house is heated and the flush toilet facilities and showers are within the walls of the bunk house. No "roughing it" for these boys!

Will there be beds?
Of course!!! The camp will also provide a pillow, linens, a blanket and one
towel.

What kind of Shabbat Experience will it be?
We will create a unique Shabbat experience - together. We will be observing Shabbat by not writing, smoking, using electronic devices, or taking photographs. We will wash before all meals, say Motzi and Birkat ha-Mazon. There is an eruv around the camp so you can carry and can indulge in various recreational activities...including the all-important Shabbat nap.

When should I arrive?
Please plan on arriving at camp Friday, Feb 22 between 2 and 4 pm.

Payment:
Those who have not sent in your money, please do so ASAP. Please send your check (payable to ANSHEI DAROM) for $190.00 to:

Joe Zendlovitz
Regional Treasurer
4404 Glendale Square
Nashville, TN 37204

Get ready for a WONDERFUL weekend! We're looking forward to seeing you there.

If you have any questions please contact:

Steve Bodenstein - sjbodenstein [at] gmail [dot] com
or
Stan Schnitzer - stan [at] theschnitz [dot] com

Meet Our Special Guests

2008-01-18T12:03:00.000-05:00

’Cause what’s a retreat without a few Special Guests?

Maj. Mike Neulander (US Army, Ret.) will conduct Men’s Club Boot Camp and tell us about his experiences as an openly Jewish soldier in Saudi Arabia – Protestant B Not.

Rabbi Mario Karpuj of Atlanta's Congregation Or Hadash will provide his unique insights on Men’s Clubs as a community and remind us that rabbis at retreat are Just One of the Guys.

We have a lot going on – like yoga instead of yogurt before Shabbat morning services and yoga in the afternoon instead of...well...whatever. And we’re getting together a card game. And we’ve lots of honors and participation opportunities left for our Shabbat and Sunday services. They’re all listed in the post below. Just let David Kerven, our ritual coordinator, know what you want to do – click the link to send an e-mail to him at dkerven (at) comcast (dot) net.

There’s still room in the tent for you. To join us, go to our online registration site. Fill out the online form and send a check for $190 (payable to Anshei Darom Region) to our Regional Treasurer and Retreat Registrar:

Joe Zendlovitz
4404 Glendale Square
Nashville, TN 37204

Hey, how much easier can it be?
The Retreat Committee

Openings, We Got Openings...

2008-01-14T06:12:00.000-05:00

...for Ritual Activities at the Ninth Annual Anshei Darom Retreat.

There are plenty of chances for you to be a part of our services, whether it involves no preparation at all or a few hours of practice and study.

As of today, we still need people to carry the ball for the following Ritual Tasks:

Friday Evening

Page Caller
Candle Lighting

Shabbat Morning

Page Caller
Shacharit Davener
M'Vorchim ha-Chodesh (Bentching for the New Month)
Musaf Davener (through Amidah)
Musaf Davener(Ein Keiloheinu to Adon Olam)

Gabbai Aleph
Gabbai Bet
Ark Opener
Ark Opener
Ark Closer
Ark Closer
Torah Carrier for Recessional

Torah Reader - Levi Aliyah (3 verses)
Torah Reader - Sh'lishi Aliyah (5 verses)
Torah Reader - R'vii Aliyah (12 verses)
Torah Reader - Chamishi Aliyah (5 verses)
Torah Reader - Shishi Aliyah (11 verses)
Torah Reader - Sh'vii Aliyah (6 verses)

Prayer for the Government
Prayer for the State of Israel

Shabbat Minchah/Ma'ariv

Page Caller
Minchah Davener
Page Caller
Ma'ariv Davener
Havdalah

Gabbai Aleph
Gabbai Bet
Ark Opener
Ark Opener
Ark Closer
Ark Closer
Torah Carrier for Processional
Torah Carrier for Recessional

Torah Reader - Levi Aliyah (3 verses)
Torah Reader - Sh'lishi Aliyah (7 verses)
Torah Reader - R'vii Aliyah (10 verses)

Sunday Morning

Page Caller
P'sukei d'Zimra Davener

We can provide .mp3 files and the appropriate tikkun pages to assist you in studying any readings you might want to take on. Even if you've never read Torah before, the Retreat is the best time to try it!

Contact David Kerven to sign up for Ritual activities. Do it today...you'll be glad you did.

Yet Another Retreat-O-Gram!

2008-01-08T16:38:00.001-05:00

The Ninth Annual Anshei Darom Region Retreat is coming...Feb 22-24 at Camp Ramah Darom in the beautiful mountains near Clayton, Georgia!

Yes, It's Rocket Science

With the drought possibly forcing an outdoor fire ban for our Anshei Darom Region Retreat, we have the finest scientific minds in the mountains of north Georgia trying to figure out how we can heat the rocks for our world-famous sweat hut.

We know every one of you has an opinion or two about how we can do it - and some of you may actually have some knowledge. We're open to all suggestions, no matter how ridiculous, so just let us know what you think will work.

If you're spiritually moved, maybe you can petition Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue to pray for rain or even snow between now and our retreat Feb 22-24. There was a little snow there this week, but we don't know if it was enough.

And if nothing brings precipitation, maybe we'll drag race golf carts on the dry lake bed.

To join us, simply go to our handy online registration form by clicking the link - there's also a link on the sidebar of this page, near the top. Fill out the registration form online and then send a check for $190 (payable to Anshei Darom Region) to our fearless Region Treasurer and Retreat Registrar, Joe Zendlovitz:

Joe Zendlovitz
4404 Glendale Square
Nashville, TN 37204

If you are interested in davening, reading Torah, or otherwise actively participating in our Shabbat services or Sunday morning minyan, please be sure to contact David Kerven - dkerven (at) comcast (dot) net - to sign up. We'll have an updated list of all honors and participation opportunities still available.

Hey, how much easier can it be?

Be sure to ask your (male Jewish) friends to sign up - the Retreat is a great place to introduce 'em to a whole bunch of guys from all around the Southeast region. Camaraderie, new friendships, Adult Beverages in the bunkhouse and around the campfire (assuming we can have one!)...what's not to like? It's a super opportunity to experience the FJMC mission firsthand: Involving men in Jewish life. And...it's fun.

See you there!

The Retreat Committee

Our 2007 Ramah Darom Project

2007-12-11T11:13:00.000-05:00

The Camp Ramah Darom Havdalah Kit.

Last Monday, Hank Needle and I had an extremely pleasant errand to conduct at the in-town offices of Camp Ramah Darom: handing Sharon Rosenfeld a check that represented the contributions of Anshei Darom members from across the region in support of this year's Project.

It's become a tradition for the attendees at each year's Anshei Darom Retreat to fund a special project to benefit Camp Ramah...and we all know how important a role tradition plays in our lives. Over the past several years, we've funded the purchase of the camp's MARP-mobile; the beautiful Aron Kodesh that graces the lakeside pavilion (and which was featured on the cover of last year's USCJ calendar); a hand-inscribed parchment Megillat Eichah with its cylindrical case. But this year's project may be the best one yet...

...because it will help Ramah Darom campers share some very special traditions with their families.

Spending a summer at Ramah is more than just sports, teamwork, and recreation. It means forging a connection with Jewish life and with Jewish observance. It means observing Shabbat and understanding the distinction between Shabbat Kodesh and sheishet y'mei ha-ma'aseh - between the six days that G-d created the world and the holy Day of Rest that followed. And because Shabbat is a unique day among the days of the week, Camp Ramah has evolved its own beautiful Havdalah traditions, when campers bid farewell to sacred time and resume the week's normal activities.

Our 2007 project is all about helping Ramah Darom campers share this special Havdalah tradition with their families by providing each camp attendee with a Havdalah video - featuring our own campers! - and a Havdalah candle...and, we hope, helping to enhance their own family traditions.

Sharon Rosenfeld , Director of Development at Camp Ramah Darom, and Steve Krodman, acting president of the FJMC Anshei Darom region, show off the results of our 2007 Project.

To all the Retreat attendees who contributed to this year's Project, please accept the heartfelt thanks of Camp Ramah Darom and of the FJMC, for helping Jewish families lead Jewish lives...and for helping continue our Anshei Darom tradition of Tikkun Olam.

Another Retreat-O-Gram!

2007-12-05T16:26:00.000-05:00

The Ninth Annual Anshei Darom Region Retreat is coming: Feb 22-24, 2008 at Camp Ramah Darom!

Ritual Participation Opportunities? We got 'em:

Davening - Torah Reading - Leading Birkat ha-Mazon - and lots more!

One of the things that sets our Anshei Darom Region Retreat apart from all the rest is our high level of ritual participation. We - Us Guys - lead all services, all birkats and all motzis - and we handle all the Torah readings.

Hey, who else is gonna do it?

Please send an e-mail to David Kerven (dkerven (at) comcast (dot) net), who has graciously accepted the role of Ritual Coordinator, and tell him exactly which part you'd like and it will be yours - as long as you're the first to sign up for it (or make the biggest pledge - HAH!)

If you've never led a service or read from the Torah before, this is the ideal opportunity to make your debut. We're all about teaching and encouraging and helping anyone who wants to expand his horizons. We can hook you up with a website where you can learn Torah trope, or provide you with a CD or an .mp3 file with your reading - whatever you prefer.

To join us, click this link to go to our online registration site (it's also on the sidebar near the top of this page). Simply fill out the registration form online and then send a check for $190 (payable to Anshei Darom Region), to Joe Zendlovitz, our venerable Region Treasurer and Retreat Registrar:

Joe Zendlovitz
4404 Glendale Square
Nashville, TN 37204

Hey, how much easier can it be?

Wishing All Y'all A Happy Bowl Game Season,
The Retreat Committee

Retreat-O-Gram!

2007-11-30T16:18:00.000-05:00

The Ninth Annual Anshei Darom Region Retreat will be held Feb 22-24 at Camp Ramah Darom in beautiful Clayton, Georgia!

But we may not have any weather. Our region is in the throes of a drought, and no relief is expected until sometime next fall. So, for the first time, there may not be weather.

But there will be:

A spirited Shabbat

Spirited brotherhood

Lots of good food

Lots of spirits

Lots of friends – old and new

A Jewish experience unique in the entire Jewish world

Our featured FJMC program leader will be Major Mike Neulander, Past President – Seaboard Region and Past Pilot – Apache Helicopters – Operation Desert Storm (These days, he storms dessert.)

Our featured entertainment will be...Us!

Our featured attendee will be...You!

Make plans to attend NOW! February 22-24 at Camp Ramah Darom in the beautiful North Georgia mountains, just west of Clayton and decidedly east of Eden – Texas, that is.

The cost this year will be $190 - same as last year. Send reservations and checks to our Region Treasurer and Retreat Registrar, Joe Zendlovitz:

Joe Zendlovitz
4404 Glendale Square
Nashville, TN 37204

More details will follow – and we may even have some weather!

Convention 2007

2007-07-16T14:14:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I sat in my window seat on my American Airlines flight, gazing out at the landscape as it slowly slipped by. As we continued southward, occasional puffs of white cumulus were replaced by glowering thunderheads, their anvil tops sheared off flat by invisible temperature gradients. Our plane jinked and dodged around them, searching for patches of smooth air.

I was going home after a remarkable five days as a first-time delegate to the biennial convention of the International FJMC. Anshei Darom was well-represented. Joining me from Etz Chaim were Hank Needle, Barry Dolin, and Chuck Bernstein; from Beth Shalom, Stan Schnitzer; from West End Synagogue in Nashville, Jim Handler, Joe Zendlovitz, Gene Sacks (and his lovely wife Ruthi); from Temple Israel in Charlotte, Michael Abadi and the irrepressible Alan Sussman; from Synagogue Emanu-El in Charleston, Eric Oser (accompanied by his lovely wife Ruth); and from Beth Shalom Synagogue in Columbia, Rabbi David Siff.

So many stories. So many faces - some new, some familiar from past meetings.

One of the other delegates was Mark Travis, the youngest brother of Larry, he of blessèd memory, a stalwart of the Etz Chaim Men’s Club. Seeing him was strangely like seeing Larry magically come to life: The resemblance between the brothers was uncanny, extending even unto the gravelly voice. I showed him the memorial tribute to Larry our club had placed in the convention program, and the tears flowed as I told him how I sat in his brother’s old place every day at morning Minyan.

We applauded as Joe Zendlovitz, our beloved Treasurer, received the Ma’asim Tovim award along with honorees from across North America.

We recognized the accomplishments of Bob Breitman, outgoing FJMC President, and cheered the installation of Norm Kurtz as our new President.

We listened to a concert that included world-class cantorial talent: Steven Stoehr, David Propis, Alberto Mizrahi, Aaron Bensoussan, George Mordecai, Rebecca Carmi, Alisa Pomerantz-Boro. As the weekend approached, our religious services received an extra dose of musicality and spiritual intensity from several of these most excellent chazzanim.

Saturday morning, I had the honor of reading Torah along with a cadre of seven of the finest ba’alei koreh in the organization. Nothing gets your adrenalin going like reading a 29-verse slab of Torah in front of 500 people...and being the leadoff batter to boot.

We enjoyed l’chaims at several late-evening soirées. At the Wednesday evening cocktail party hosted jointly by Anshei Darom and the Florida region, we had mint juleps, screwdrivers, and home-baked cookies. I’m not being overly biased when I tell you that we had the best party of them all, a room packed with happy people renewing their friendships. And over the next several days, the International Kiddush Club offered up an assortment of fine single-malt scotches, cask-strength bourbons, Irish whiskies, et alia. And plenty of kosher wine, in a Wine Tour of Israel. None of that Manischewitz or Mogen David stuff. These were serious wines, the finest varietals from Eretz Yisrael, including a late-harvest Gewürtztraminer that could melt a heart of stone.

Saturday night, we gathered for a poolside Havdalah service. Being among a throng of several hundred people singing Eliyahu ha-Navi made saying goodbye to Shabbat a lot easier.

We listened at breakfast Sunday morning as Jerry Markbreit told of his adventures as the first Jewish referee in the NFL, working the Super Bowl not once but four times.

And then, all too soon, it was over. Time to pack the bags, check out, say our goodbyes, and head off in our many separate directions, heads filled with new learning and new programming ideas.

Let me tell you: If you have never been to Convention, mark your calendar right now for July 2009. You will have an unforgettable experience. And if you have been to Convention, you’ll want to mark your calendar too...for you know just what I’m talking about.

Anshei Darom Regional Events

2007-02-21T18:50:00.000-05:00

Ever wonder what's going on at other Men's Clubs in the region?

Wonder no more! All you have to do is visit the Anshei Darom Regional Events Calendar, where you can see what the other clubs are up to. You can also enter information about your club's events so everyone else knows what's going on in your corner of the world.

Simply click the link on the sidebar - or right here!

Pics from the 2007 Retreat

2007-02-13T11:53:00.000-05:00

We had a record crowd of over seventy attendees at the Eighth Annual Anshei Darom Retreat. Here are a few pictures...

If you want to download printable versions of these photos, click here. Just click on any of the thumbnails to get a larger image...click the "View Album as Slideshow" button on the left to see a larger-format slideshow...or you can order hard-copy prints.

Liveblogging from the Anshei Darom Retreat

2007-02-10T22:40:00.000-05:00

I’m in the library at Camp Ramah Darom in the north Georgia mountains, sneaking in a quick post.

The bonfire is roaring, heating the rocks that will power the Famous Sweat Hut. There are about a dozen guys in the Beit Knesset playing poker; the rest are out by the lake, standing around the bonfire and doing their level best to empty every bottle of single malt Scotch, reposado tequila, and all other High-End Spirits on hand. Bobby Slayton’s comic stylings are playing over the loudspeaker, adding to the general atmosphere of Boyish Merriment. And the crisp mountain air is perfumed with the aroma of cigar smoke.

Yes, it’s Saturday Night at Camp Ramah.

We’ve had a weekend filled with spirituality, excellent presentations by our guest speakers, and good food. Last night, we spent several hours demolishing several bottles of Scotland’s finest while socializing in the bunkhouse.

After Havdalah this evening, we started the lakeside bonfire with a display of fireworks orchestrated by the Next Generation of Anshei Daromers: the Needle boys (Mark, Ben and Josh), Ari Weitz, and Mark Sussman.

With a crowd of about 70 guys - including a raft of Newbies - it’s been an exceptionally fine weekend so far.

In a few minutes, I’ll head back out to the lake and watch as the First-Timers experience the Famous Sweat Hut. While they schvitz, I’ll challenge my liver with a few more “wee drams.” It’ll help keep me warm. For up here in the mountains, the air is nice and cold, and there is a clear sky in which every star in the firmament is visible. Glorious.

Photographs will follow...but this will give you a taste.

World Wide Wrap 2007

2007-02-06T12:18:00.000-05:00

On Sunday, February 4, 2007, Men's Clubs throughout the world celebrated the Mitzvah of Tefillin with their congregations.

At Congregation Etz Chaim in Marietta, Georgia, over 85 congregants, including our sixth-grade Hebrew School students and their parents, helped make this the biggest World Wide Wrap ever.

Rabbi Paul Kerbel led morning Minyan, explaining the various parts of the Shacharit service to the assembly.

After "wrapping up" Shacharit, members of the Etz Chaim Men's Club, along with other congregational leaders, instructed the students - and their parents - on the procedure of donning tefillin.

Wrapping things up nicely.

Wearing Great-Grandfather's tefillin.

Afterwards, everyone enjoyed a Bagel and Lox Breakfast courtesy of the Men's Club...complete with "Wrap Music" for entertainment!

Enjoying a little "Wrap Music" with breakfast.

Tell us about how your Men's Club and congregation celebrated the World Wide Wrap! Send an e-mail with all the details to Steve Krodman at elisson1 [at] aol [dot] com - don't forget to include some pictures - and we'll post 'em right here.

Register Now for the 2007 FJMC Convention!

2007-02-03T23:50:00.000-05:00

The biennial Convention of the International Federation of Jewish Men's Clubs will be held July 11-15, 2007 at the Indian Lakes Resort, Bloomingdale, Illinois.

Click here for more information and for a link to the Convention registration page. (There's also a link on the sidebar to the left.)

At the Convention, you can:

Learn and Teach New Men's Club Programs
Share Ideas and Interact with Fellow Men's Club Leaders
Study and Learn with Luminaries of the Jewish World

There's plenty more, but rather than puff up this blogpost with a lot of verbiage, I'll just encourage you to click on the link and see what it's all about.

Register before February 15 to get the early Bird Registration Discount...save $100!

Some Pix from 2006

2007-01-22T10:38:00.000-05:00

Just to give you a taste of what to look forward to...some photos taken at last year's Anshei Darom retreat.

Beautiful Camp Ramah Darom.

Alan Sussman and Region President Hank Needle present the "Goldene Beskitball" to tournament winner Dennis Rosenthal.

The Saturday night bonfire.

The Anshei Darom Boyz enjoy a schvitz in our Famous Sweat Hut.
Left to right: Alex Jassen, Scholar-in-Residence; Mark Needle; the infamous Alan Sussman.

The Famous Sweat Hut...the morning after.

Dennis Renyi and Jay Bailey head over to the dining room for Sunday morning breakfast.

Retreat-O-Gram!

2007-01-18T15:22:00.000-05:00

Anshei Darom Men's Club Retreat Attendees:

We look forward to seeing you at Ramah February 9-11, 2007.
Please plan to arrive at camp on Friday 1/9 no later than 4 pm. You are welcome to arrive early that day to enjoy paradise for the afternoon - if you wish.

Please participate in the ritual programs! There is still time to volunteer to lead a portion of one of the services, enlighten us with a d'var Torah, and read Torah. To do so, please contact Matt Gottlieb - matt[at]mattgottlieb[dot]com.
We are striving for everyone's participation!

Spoil yourself a bit - you deserve it:
Appointments are available for Massage Therapy on Saturday afternoon by a licensed therapist. Please contact Gene Sacks to make an appointment - docsacks [at] aol [dot] com. Cost for 1/2 hour is $40 and for the full hour only $75. We currently have openings for up to 5 additional massages. From our experience, an hour-long massage allows for a far more enjoyable experience...it's worth the extra bucks!

Please sign up with Gene and send a check to him no later than Feb 5. Here's the address:

Gene Sacks
1584 Ragsdale Rd.
Brentwood, TN 37027

What should you bring?

Sense of humor
Desire to meet new people
Casual clothes for the entire weekend. No ties and jackets required! (For Shabbat, we ask that you bring a shirt with a collar.)
Sweat hut attire - a pair of shorts and a tee shirt.
Toiletries: Large towel, washcloth, soap, shower shoes. The camp provides soap and shampoo, but you can bring your own if you prefer, Mr. Fancy-Schmancy.
Religious equipment: Tefillin, Tallit, Kipah. The camp will provide siddurim and chumashim.
Misc. Equipment: Anti-snoring equipment (earplugs, clothespins, nose strips, CPAP machines)
Flashlight and Camera
Optional - Your favorite pillow and an extra blanket
Optional - You are welcome to bring a bottle of your favorite spirit to enjoy and share with group Saturday evening such as: Scotch, brandy, whiskey, beer, wine, root beer, or Gatorade™. Also, if you wish to truly raise the testosterone level that evening - bring some cigars.

Can you entertain us?
If anyone plays the guitar, harmonica, or tuba, please plan to bring it with you for the Saturday night activities. We could definitely use musical talent. If you cannot play an instrument, make sure you bring your favorite jokes to share with the guys.

For those who have not attended before!!!

How do I get there?
Check your e-mail for directions, which will have been sent to you by the time you read this.

Where will I be sleeping?
This is a modern facility in the heart of the North Georgia Mountains.
The road is now paved all the way to the camp and cell phones work there (sometimes). There is electricity and running water. The bunk house is heated and the flush toilet facilities and showers are within the walls of the bunk house. No "roughing it" for these boys!

Will there be beds?
Of course!!! The camp will also provide a pillow, linens, a blanket and one
towel.

What kind of Shabbat Experience will it be?
We will create a unique Shabbat experience - together. We will be observing Shabbat by not writing, smoking, using electronic devices, or taking photographs. We will wash before all meals, say Motzi and Birkat. There is an eruv around the camp so you can carry and can indulge in various recreational activities...including the all-important Shabbat nap.

When should I arrive?
Please plan on arriving at camp Friday, Feb 9 between 2 and 4 pm.

Payment:
Those who have not sent in your money, please do so ASAP.
Please send your check for $190.00 to:

Joe Zendlovitz (Treasurer)
4404 Glendale Square
Nashville, TN 37204

Please make your check payable to ANSHEI DAROM.

Get ready for a WONDERFUL weekend! Looking forward to seeing you there.

If you have any questions please contact:

Jon Berger - jonathan [dot] d [dot] berger [at] jci [dot] com
or
Eric Oser - cdoser1 [at] comcast [dot] net

Mark Your Calendars!

2006-11-01T12:55:00.000-05:00

The Eighth Annual Anshei Darom Retreat is set for the weekend of February 9-11, 2007. For those who are interested, that's 21-23 Shevat 5767.

It's going to be a great Retreat. Anshei Darom University will be presenting a discussion entitled Israel: Is the News Accurate & Timely? offering perspectives on recent Israeli events from the USA, international and Jewish media. Our special guest will be Arthur Horwitz, publisher of the Jewish Times in both Atlanta and Detroit.

Don't miss this information-filled, fun-filled, and spirituality-filled weekend. (Spirits-filled, too.) You can register simply by clicking on the Retreat Registration link on the sidebar at left...or simply by clicking right here.

The Next Anshei Darom Retreat...

2006-08-24T14:29:00.000-04:00

will be held February 16-18, 2007.

Maybe by then I'll have posted the photos from this year's retreat! Heh.

Update: We've moved it up to the previous weekend (Fenruary 9-11) to avoid a conflict with another event at Camp Ramah. More to follow...

Aron I Seen You Someplace Before?

2006-08-23T21:25:00.000-04:00

Does this Aron ha-Kodesh look familiar?

It might. You may remember it from this post...

...or you may remember seeing it on the cover of the new United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 5767 calendar!

The Great Erev Tisha b'Av 5766 Road Trip

2006-08-23T21:02:00.000-04:00

[Hank Needle, Anshei Darom Regional President, reports on a special evening earlier this month...]

Last night the men of Anshei Darom and the FJMC made a difference. At our February 2006 regional retreat we raised money for a donation to Camp Ramah Darom: a hand-inscribed parchment scroll of Megillat Eichah (the Book of Lamentations). The ninth day of Av is a day of mourning and sorrow that commemorates the destruction of the first and second Temples, both of which were destroyed on that day (the first by the Babylonians in 586 B.C.E.; the second by the Romans in 70 C.E.) It is the saddest day of the Jewish calendar, a day that brings together remembrances of other tragedies that have befallen our community through the ages. It is observed by fasting from sundown to after sunset, and by reading Megillat Eichah at night.

What better time for a road trip?

Stan Schnitzer, FJMC Executive Board Member, and Matt Gottlieb, VP for Georgia, decided to join me for a road trip to Camp Ramah for the first reading of the new Eichah scroll. We left Atlanta in the evening and drove up to camp, arriving about an hour before services were to start.

Upon our arrival, we were warmly greeted by camp director Rabbi Loren Sykes in the dining hall. We all saw campers and congregants we knew from home who immediately greeted us. Paul Rovin, the camp woodworking instructor and artist, volunteered to give us a tour of the camp, presenting us with a preview of his ideas for the decorative case he will be constructing for the scroll. We then walked back to the covered basketball area and watched as the campers solemnly filed in and sat on the ground, awaiting the start of services.

Rabbi Sykes welcomed everyone and acknowledged our gift to the 500 campers and 200 staff in attendance. Services started with the oldest campers each reading a pasuk, the crowd listening by candlelight. The room was very quiet and the crowd somber in keeping with the spirit of the holiday. I read about Tisha b’Av and followed along in the siddur. The service was short but touched the whole camp community.

Afterward, many people came up to thank us for our donation. Rabbi Sykes said that the scroll had somehow had changed the mood of the evening by elevating the observance of the whole group. It was indeed a mystical evening in the North Georgia Mountains.

With services ended, we said our goodbyes and departed for home.

I thought about our gift for a long time. It is small in size. It has traveled many miles: from Israel to New York, back two times from New York to Nashville, Tennessee, and finally from Nashville to Camp Ramah in the hands of a camper. After a lengthy journey of six months and 10,000 miles, it was read in a candlelit service. But back when the Eichah scroll was an idea in the planning stages, we had no idea of the additional historic significance it would gain as a reminder of the current conflict in Israel and how the Jewish people still struggle for survival almost 2,000 years after the destruction of the Second temple.

Normally I have trouble driving at night after a long day, but last night I felt unbelievably awake and alive. Thank you all - the Men of the South, Anshei Darom - for your generosity in making this gift possible and for the honor of letting me represent you as your president.

Hank Needle
Thursday, August 3, 2006
9 Av 5766

Anshei Darom Presents Megillat Eichah to Camp Ramah

2006-08-23T20:56:00.000-04:00

Two campers at Ramah Darom (top photo) prepare to read from the camp’s new Eichah scroll in observance of Tisha b’Av. The scroll, hand-inscribed in Israel, was presented by the Anshei Darom Region of the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs.

Gathering for the presentation and observance were (left to right) Stan Schnitzer, Congregation Beth Shalom, and member of FJMC Executive Committee; Hank Needle, Congregation Etz Chaim and president, Anshei Darom Region; Rabbi Eliezer Havivi, Beth David Synagogue, Greensboro, NC; Rabbi Loren Sykes, Congregation Etz Chaim and director, Camp Ramah Darom; Matt Gottlieb, Congregation Beth Shalom and Georgia VP, Anshei Darom Region; and Paul Rovin, camp woodworking instructor and member of the Congregation Beth Israel Men’s Club, Greenville, SC. Rabbi Sykes expressed appreciation to the Men’s Club region behalf of the camp’s 500 campers and 200 staff members.

Retreat-O-Gram!

2006-02-16T17:41:00.000-05:00

From Hank Needle (our Esteemed Regional Prez) and the Retreat Committee:

Well, it is a crazy week, spare time was very short and when I got home I could not get myself back to the computer after staring at one all day. I know you all were hanging on the edge of your chairs waiting for this week's edition. Well here it is, a little late.

We are into the final week of planning. Actually, the planning is stopping and the execution has begun. The retreat committee is meeting weekly to polish the program and put everything into production with gathering, printing, and collating.

How's your Hebrew?

There is still time to volunteer to lead a portion of one of the services, read from the Torah, or help out in any number of ways. Contact Matt Gottlieb - his e-mail is matt (dot) gottlieb (at) century21 (dot) com.

Music, anyone?

If anyone plays the guitar, please plan to bring it with you for the Saturday night activities. We could definitely use musical talent.

What are the emergency phone numbers?

Can you hear me now...Can you hear me now...Can you hear me now!??!

During Shabbat the phone is off limits. Cell phones, pagers and satellite phones generally do not work, so for the most part please tell your loved ones to only call the camp in case of an extreme emergency. We'll provide you with emergency numbers.

Google Earth

Believe it or not, you can find Camp Ramah on Google Earth! There is even a counselor sunning on the dock...but for those less inclined, the directions to camp will be provided.

One more time!!!!

What do I bring?

Sense of humor
Desire to meet new people
Warm clothes. The layered look is in.

For those who want the ultimate camp experience, here is what to bring from the camp list of old.

Boys Clothing 'n' Supplies
2 pair socks
3 pair underwear (white squeezers or boxers, no European stuff please)
2 pair blue Jeans
1 T-shirt
1 Sweatshirt
Shabbat shirt with collar
1 pair Hiking shoes
1 pair Athletic shoes
Anshei Darom shirt (if you have one)
Anshei Darom sweatshirt (if you have one)
Hat
Gloves
Earmuffs
Scarf
Poncho
Pajamas (no nude sleeping please. I don't care what you wear at home, but please have mercy on us)
Shvitz hut attire

Toiletries
Large towel
Washcloth
Soap
Shampoo
Deodorant
Toothpaste
Toothbrush
Shower shoes
Reading material

Religious equipment
Tefillin
Tallit
Personal Siddur, if desired (siddurim will be provided)
Kipot

Misc. Equipment
Anti snoring equipment (Earplugs, clothespins, nose strips, CPAP machines )
Booze (rum, gin, whiskey, beer, wine)
Cigars (outside smoking only)
Stationery to write letters home, to gain admission to dinner (just kidding)
Flashlight
Camera

For those who have not attended before - see below!!!

So, where will be sleeping?

For those new guys, we want to lower your anxiety level by letting you know that this is a modern facility in the heart of the North Georgia Mountains. The road is now paved all the way to the camp...and some day the cell phones may work here, too! There is electricity and running water. The bunk house is heated and the flush toilet facilities are within the walls of the bunk house. We will not make the rookies sleep on the top bunk, nor make them squeal like a non-kosher animal - 'nuff said? We will, though, ask that the older generation be allowed to have lower bunks. Absolutely no 70-year-old guys on the top bunk!

Will there be beds?

Of course!!! The camp will also provide a pillow, linens, a blanket, and a towel. If you want an extra blanket, you may wish to bring your own.

What kind of Shabbat Experience will it be?

At Anshei Darom, we strive to create a unique Shabbat experience. We will be observing Shabbat by not writing, smoking, using electronic devices, and taking photographs. We will wash and say Motzi before all meals, and sing Birkat ha-Mazon after all meals. There is an eruv around the camp so you can carry and can indulge in various recreational activities - including, but not limited to, the all-important Shabbat nap.

When should I arrive?

Please plan on arriving at camp Friday, Feb 24 between 2 and 4 pm.

Payment

Those who have not sent in your money will not eat and will be paraded around the campground in their skivvies.

Looking forward to seeing you soon. If you have any more pressing questions, please ask!

Reading List from our Scholar-in-Residence

2006-02-16T17:31:00.000-05:00

Alex Jassen, our Scholar-in-Residence, has prepared the following outline of web sites for reading about the Dead Sea Scrolls. We hope this will help all of us focus a little better on the Dead Sea Scrolls and give us all a good start on this subject. Alex has broken the sites down into several levels. We hope you will enjoy your studies and that they will enhance the program we are planning for you prior to your arrival at the retreat.

Introduction to the Dead Sea Scrolls

For the Curious:

1. Basic Information on the Dead Sea Scrolls

a. Orion Center for the Study of the Dead Sea Scrolls and Associated Literature, The Hebrew University.

http://orion.mscc.huji.ac.il/educate/educate.shtml

b. Dead Sea Scrolls Fact Sheet (by Edward Cook)

http://homepage.mac.com/edcook/fact_sheet.htm

2. General Information on the Site of Qumran

http://mosaic.lk.net/g-qumran.html

3. The Library of Congress Dead Sea Scrolls Exhibition Website

http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/scrolls/toc.html

For the Slightly More Ambitious:

1. Introductory Lecture on the Dead Sea Scrolls by James Davila (University of St. Andrews)

http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/~www_sd/dssintro05.html

For the Even More Ambitious (and willing to go to the bookstore):

1. VanderKam, James C. The Dead Sea Scrolls Today. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1994. [a very readable introduction]

2. Davies, Philip R., George J. Brooke, and Phillip R. Callaway. The Complete World of the Dead Sea Scrolls. London: Thames and Hudson, 2002.
[Also a good introduction with many pictures and other images]

3. Shanks, Hershel, ed. Understanding the Dead Sea Scrolls. A Reader from the Biblical Archaeology Review. New York: Random House, 1992. [A collection of essays intended for a popular educated audience]

Please feel free to contact Alex with questions or additional requests: [apj205 (at) nyu (dot) edu]

Calling All Torah Readers!

2005-12-18T17:27:00.000-05:00

As we did last year, I'm posting a list of the Torah and Haftarah readings that we'll need to prepare for Anshei Darom Retreat #7.

The Navigating the Bible II website provides all the information you need to prepare for reading a slab of Torah. Just click on the link to get there.

This year, we'll read Parshat Mishpatim during Shacharit services on Shabbat, with the verses appropriate for the second year of the triennial reading cycle. It's also Shabbat Shekalim, so there is a special Maftir reading as well as a special Haftarah. At Minchah we'll read three aliyot from Parshat Terumah.

Llne breakdowns are provided below, along with links to the correct spots on the Navigating the Bible site. There, you'll have the Torah script (with and without vowels and trope, so you can practice) along with links to sound files so you can hear how each line is supposed to sound. [The links will take you to the beginning of each reading. Use the "Forward" and "Back" buttons on the webpage to navigate to the other lines. Note that the website breaks its aliyot based on reading the full parashah, so our Kohen aliyah starts at the third reading.]

Shacharit - Mishpatim

Kohen - Sh'mot 22:4-8
Levi - Sh'mot 22:9-12
Sh’lishi - Sh'mot 22:13-18
R’vii - Sh'mot 22:19-26
Chamishi - Sh'mot 22:27 - 23:5
Shishi - Sh'mot 23:6-13
Sh’vii - Sh'mot 23:14-19
Maftir - Sh'mot 30:11-16

Haftarah - II Kings 12:1-17

Minchah - Terumah

Kohen - Sh'mot 25:1-5
Levi - Sh'mot 25:6-9
Sh’lishi - Sh'mot 25:10-16

The readings this year are all pretty manageable. None of 'em are excessively long (Chamishi is the biggest, with nine verses) so, c'mon, all you lehners and lehner-wannabes, let's see some volunteers! You'll have a chance to read Torah in a supportive and welcoming atmosphere - several of the guys have read Torah their very first time at an Anshei Darom retreat. Contact Matt Gottlieb [Matt (dot) Gottlieb (at) Century21 (dot) com] and sign up for a reading today!

Retreat #7 - Coming Soon to a Ramah Darom Near You!

2005-12-09T08:42:00.000-05:00

Yes, that’s right - the Retreat-o-Grams are back again for another year, and if getting them in your e-mail wasn't bad enough, I'm posting them here on the Anshei Darom Blog.

Henry Levine and Hank Needle are conspiring on this one and will even have some guest
writers in to entertain you with their “PROSE” in the future...oy, vat vill dey tink ov next!??!

The annual Anshei Darom Retreat will be here before you know it. This year we will be at Camp Ramah Darom on February 24, 25 and 26. That’s Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, as usual - but this year, it's the last week of February. Mark your calendars and register now for a great time.

Registration can be accomplished by clicking this link, which you can also find on the sidebar on the left. Fill out the online form, then send your check for $180.00 in to our treasurer, Joe Zendlovitz.

We have a fabulous program planned, and we will continue to update you as the retreat draws closer. Here are some of the highlights:

Anshei Darom University presents From Mobile to Charlotte: Prophets, Magicians, and Mysteries of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Our Scholar in residence will be Rabbi Alex Jassen of the Department of Hebrew and Judaic Studies at New York University.

Our faculty:

Rabbi Ron Roth of West End Synagogue, Nashville, Tennessee.
Rabbi Roth is Anshei Darom Region’s spiritual advisor.
Cantor Joel Fox of Congregation Ahavath Achim in Atlanta, Georgia.
Tom Sudow, Vice President and Chairman of Club Services, FJMC
Paul Rovin, Master Woodworker/Artist in Residence Ramah Darom

Get involved and get more out of the retreat weekend!

Are you interested in davening, learning a Torah portion, or delivering a d'var Torah at the retreat? All are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please contact Matt Gottlieb by emailing Matt (at) mattgottlieb (dot) com. He is our ritual chairman and can supply you with a list of opportunities.

Tapes or CD's will be made available on request for Torah portions. In addition, we'll be posting a list of the readings here, along with links to websites that will allow you to read and listen to the verses.

New Recreational Opportunities

Basketball Free Throw Tournament
Saturday afternoon with Final 4 on Sunday Morning

Snoring Contest
Friday night , Snore off Saturday night if necessary, Awards Sunday

More to come...check back frequently for the latest news!

Henry Levine - Chairman Retreat and Retreat Committee
Hank Needle - Regional President

Camp Yofi

2005-11-22T17:14:00.000-05:00

The following D’var Torah was delivered by Anshei Darom’s very own Dr. Gene Sacks on Shabbat Shuvah, October 8, 2005. Its message is one that we thought would be of interest and inspiration to the Men of the South.

Shabbat Shuvah falls each year between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Consistent with the theme of the Yomim Nora’im, the Days of Awe, Shabbat Shuvah asks us to look within and to turn from our previous ways, to repent for the things we could have done and did not, for the ways we could have been kinder to our fellow man and were not.

As some of you know, I’ve been actively involved with Ramah Darom, the summer camp, Center for Southern Jewry and Retreat Center in Clayton Georgia, since its inception 9 years ago. Though we have had the privilege of providing a high level of camping for our children and wonderful retreats for our adults of all ages, we have not been responsive to Jewish families with special needs. Each of the Ramah camps across North America, over the past half-century, have instituted Tikvah programs. Tikvah means hope, and these programs have given physically and mentally challenged children and young adults the opportunity to spend part of their summers in programs tailored to their needs and abilities. At Ramah Darom, under the leadership of Rabbi Loren Sykes and a board of wonderfully dedicated men and women, we sought to identify an underserved population of families. After some research, we decided to create a camping experience for families with autistic children. This had never been done before in North America. The challenge was daunting, but the obligation was even greater.

Families with autistic children live in a very isolated world, often requiring them to move only to communities where specialized services are available. And yet, many still feel isolated and alone. Balancing Jewish life with the constant challenges of dealing with one or more autistic children as well as normal children can be a most challenging task. One family was asked to leave a New York synagogue because their child was making gurgling noises during services. Another family tried five synagogues before they found acceptance.

By recognizing that we have not sought out these special needs families until now, and by acting on this realization of doing what we must do, we involve ourselves in an act of teshuvah.

On the opening day of Camp Ramah in 1997, as the first group of campers got off the bus, I was overwhelmed with emotion. I had the same experience six weeks ago at Ramah during shacharit, when an autistic child, the son of Cantor and Dr. Rochvarg of Charlotte, read from the Torah and later corrected his mother’s Torah portion. This service was held at the lakeside prayer pavilion, where the newly built and magnificent Aron ha-Kodesh, commissioned by Anshei Darom, the Men’s Clubs of the Southeast Region, had just been installed. Tethered to a winch to hoist the Ark to the ceiling beams when not in use, and set into wings made of several types of beautiful wood, this wonderfully creative structure could not have been put to better use than by those who participated in this seminal event.

There were 20 families who came to Ramah from all parts of the country. The staff of some 35 chaverim, specialty counselors and coordinators, were trained by a group of special educators from Nova SE Universities’ Division of Autistic Studies. A chaver (typically a college or graduate student) was assigned to each family. Several goals of the program were to give families opportunities to be with other families having similar challenges, to help them grow Jewishly, and to provide some respite from their anything-but-normal lives. This was achieved with parallel scheduling in the morning, where parents spent time learning with Rabbi Shaun Fields Meyer, herself the mother of an autistic child and who runs support groups in the LA area. While parents studied, hiked, climbed the alpine tower or used the lakeside facilities, the children had other learning opportunities. The autistic children were paired with the chaver - a special friend who stayed with them at all times - and together, enjoyed all the activities the camp offered: swimming, arts and crafts, and sports. The siblings had their own groups and participated in similar activities with counselors who helped them to recognize their special place in the family and to learn to develop some coping skills to deal with the unique issues of being siblings to special needs children.

In addition to meals, afternoon was family time when they could take advantage of the lake, pool, hiking, family cooking, art projects, and on Friday, challah braiding. Early evenings included family programs - a carnival one evening, a campfire on another. Making s’mores around the campfire put smiles on the faces or a number of children who just seemed, for a while, to leave their inner, lonely worlds, to join the party and have fun. After the children were put to bed, the counselors came back to baby-sit, while parents enjoyed a wine and cheese party one evening, an Iron Chef competition on another, and game night on Shabbat.

Susan Techtiel, who has run the family camp at Ramah for years and this summer started a taste of Ramah for entering 3rd graders, was director of the program. She describes the program as a series of miracles. The expressions of appreciation by the parents could only bring tears to your eyes. One family said that Camp Yofi was the first time in 7 years we felt like we’ve done something meaningful as a family. Others expressed similar feelings:

“It would have been enough just to create an environment that gave autistic children an opportunity to experience camp. But to additionally structure a program for both parents and siblings is what made Camp Yofi perfect. And to not structure discussions specifically focused on autism, but to give parents a chance to address their day-to-day issues in both spiritual and community contexts is what really pulled the experience together and added so much meaning…”

The Yomim Nora’im, the Days of Awe, are a time of contemplation, repentance, atonement, of taking stock of our lives. According to Maimonides, teshuvah is the road to the healing of the spirit. Having experienced a part of this miraculous happening at Ramah Darom has helped me to focus on the true meaning of the Yomim Nora’im. I hope we will all seek the vision that our real selves are the divine images within us, and that we are all capable of true teshuvah, so that each of our names may be inscribed in the book of life for another year. Shabbat Shalom!

The Fancy-Schmancy Deli

2005-11-20T14:45:00.000-05:00

Harry was walking down Regent Street and stepped into a posh gourmet food shop. An impressive salesperson in a smart morning coat with tails approached him and politely asked, "May I help you, Sir?"

"Yes," replied Harry, "I would like to buy a pound of lox."

"No, no," responded the dignified salesperson, "You mean smoked salmon."

"OK, a pound of smoked salmon, then."

"Anything else?"

"Yes, a dozen blintzes."

"No. No. You mean crêpes."

"Okay, a dozen crêpes."

"Anything else?"

"Yes. A pound of chopped liver."

"I'm sorry, Sir. You mean paté."

"Okay," said Harry, "A pound of paté then, and I'd like you to deliver all of this to my house on Saturday."

"Now, see here, Sir," retorted the indignant salesperson, "we don't schlep on Shabbos!"

[A tip o' th' yarmulke to Irwin Weitz!]

Golf - The Gift of the Jews

2005-11-09T16:22:00.000-05:00

It has long been thought that the game of golf originated in Scotland in the fifteenth century. Recently uncovered evidence indicates that this sport actually began in eastern Europe and for many years was enjoyed by the Jews of the area.

Stories passed down from generation to generation told of Moses and Aaron and their famous Desert Classic, which endured for 40 years. This great tradition was re-born many years later in the fields and forests of eastern Europe.

Some more evidence:

Jewish golfers wear two pairs of socks...in case they get a hole in one...
A shepherd, Velvel Gross, passed the time by hitting pebbles with his shepherd's crook. The number of times he hit the stones became known as Gross Score.
Gross eventually decided to lay out an actual course by utilizing the adjacent farmers' properties. The playing area consisted of 18 segments - the number chosen to represent the Hebrew symbol Chai, meaning Life. The game could then be played by Wednesday golfers as 9 holes (half-Chai), regular golfers as 18 holes (Chai), enthusiasts and fitness-freaks as 27 holes (Chai-and-a-half), and with the wives during mixed play (double-Chai).
The putting surface was named after Lazar Green, because the shortest grass was found on his property.
The search for durable projectiles (which could sustain repeated strikes with wooden sticks) led to the Rebbetzin's kitchen, where her dimpled matzoh balls were the clear-cut winners. They came in 90 or 100 compression and were vigorously tested by a mechanical arm called Iron Myron.
Parve, later contracted to "Par," meaning neither here nor there, was the number of shots allocated to each hole.
Faivel the Sissy scored the first recorded Birdie, as onlookers shouted, "Not bad for a Faygelah!" The Eagle was so named for Adler the Shtarker, who scored the first amazing 2-under-par!
Soon courses sprung up all over the land with such exotic names as Knobble Beach, Grieven Valley, Seder Brook and the two richest clubs: Chelm Ridge and Chai Ridge. This particular group was known as The Haymishe Five Membership in these clubs provided many diverse activities. Tournaments such as Blintzes and Schnapps and Beat the Tsar (a shotgun) were organized.
Social events included Revolutionary Hop and Pogrom Night and were carefully planned. A committee of men was responsible for the many rules and regulations that all were required to observe.
Men's and women's facilities were strictly segregated according to Jewish law. A dress code was rigidly enforced, in spite of the women's insistence on the right to bare arms.
Shortly thereafter, the top golfers in the land emerged and formed the PGA (Poylish-Galitzianer Association).
Famous Jewish golfers of the era were Julius Boros, Sam Snead, Ben Crenshaw, Jack Nicklaus, Max Faulkner, Harry Varden and Al Geiberger. These names are immortalized in the Chalah Fame.

Of course the person who carried the golfers' equipment around the course
was called a Mercedes. And, oh yes - it is believed that the name "GOLF"
is an acronym of the often-heard words - Gevalt, Oy, Ligner, and Feh!

[A Tip o' th' Tam o' Shanter to Irwin Weitz for passing this along.]

A Message from Our President:The Aron ha-Kodesh at Ramah Darom

2005-08-17T22:46:00.000-04:00

It seems a very long time since Anshei Darom accepted the challenge and chose to fund the creation of a new Aron ha-Kodesh in the Lakeside Campus Prayer Pavilion at Camp Ramah Darom. Norm Hamburger chaired this project and within 30 days we had it funded. Thanks again to all the members who contributed - you made this project a success. The Aron ha-Kodesh has now been completed and is in use at the camp. It is breathtaking in its concept and beauty.

Norm Hamburger saw it when he picked up his children at Ramah and wrote me, “It is a very spiritual piece and its location, with the lake in the background, is awe-inspiring. Paul Rovin and Professor Daphne Robinson were the design and execution team leaders on the project and they deserve all possible kudos.”

The artists / craftsmen told Norm that the creation of this Aron ha-Kodesh is quite a story. Once the design was in place it was constructed by the campers under the guidance of the artists in a race against the end of the summer camping season.

Many things in life have a way of coming full circle. At our retreat this coming February we will close the circle on this project. Paul Rovin will join us and tell us about the creative process that brought this Aron ha-Kodesh to the camp. I hope the weather will allow us all to personally enjoy the pavilion. To whet your appetite, the Lakeside Campus Prayer Pavilion Aron ha-Kodesh is suspended from the ceiling of the pavilion. It is hinged and can be winched up and out of sight. This allows the pavilion to be used for other purposes and for the Aron ha-Kodesh to be protected from the elements. The actual ark is placed into a frame that allows it to be removed and placed into the building for better protection.

Rabbi Sykes, Ramah Darom Director, sends a special thanks to all who made this masterpiece possible. I wish to thank all of you, and especially Norm, for his work. This project was funded by Anshei Darom, the men of the Southeast Region of the Federation of Jewish Men's Clubs.

Hank Needle
President, Anshei Darom Region

Tired and Thirsty...

2005-06-01T14:58:00.000-04:00

The Dutchman says, "I'm tired and thirsty. I must have gin."

The Frenchman says, "I'm tired and thirsty. I must have Cognac."

The German says, "I'm tired and thirsty. I must have beer."

The Greek says, "I'm tired and thirsty. I must have ouzo."

The Italian says, "I'm tired and thirsty. I must have wine."

The Russian says, "I'm tired and thirsty. I must have vodka."

The Scot says, "I'm tired and thirsty. I must have whisky."

The Japanese says, "I'm tired and thirsty. I must have sake."

The Korean says, "I'm tired and thirsty. I must have soju."

The Jew says, "I'm tired and thirsty. I must have diabetes."

It's Tribute Time! The FJMC Convention Journal

2005-05-26T13:29:00.000-04:00

Following is an important message from Hank Needle, our Regional President:

Chaverim,

The window of opportunity is rapidly closing for us to honor our fellow Men's Clubbers via tributes in the 2005 FJMC Convention Journal. There are so many people to honor for what they have done to make their communities and the FJMC better places for us, and for who they are.

The FJMC leadership, those in leadership positions in the region, and leaders at the club level deserve our tributes. The Ma'asim Tovim (doer of good deeds) honoree for our region, Past President Norm Hamburger, deserves our tributes. Sid Katz (z"l) is the 6th recipient of the FJMC's Presidential Award; we can also put tributes in the journal in Sid's memory for all of the things he has done over the years for the FJMC.

This year the journal format has been revised to include photos of the FJMC officers, region presidents and honorees. It will also include the biographies of the Ma'asim Tovim honorees and the Presidential Award recipient. These biographies are meant to inspire us and give us a better appreciation for the men who have earned the FJMC's most prestigious honors.

A list of FJMC officers, region presidents, and honorees is included in this post. Most of us know many of these men and all of us can attest to the positive influence they have made on the Jewish Community, the FJMC, and the Men's Club world that we know. Now is the time for us to act. Now is the time for us to thank them and honor them via tributes in the convention journal.

The tribute ad form is available simply by clicking this link, which will take you to an online ad form. You can also download the form as an Adobe Acrobat document (.pdf) by clicking here.

Tributes are available starting at $36 for a single listing. Proceeds from the 2005 FJMC Convention Journal are needed to help the FJMC continue to operate and provide the level of service, programming, and educational materials that have made it world renowned. Our region will also benefit from ads placed in the journal since a portion of the ad proceeds from each region are returned to that region to help the region maintain its level of services to the clubs.

The deadline for tributes in the 2005 FJMC Convention Journal is June 10...which is fast approaching!

Let’s take advantage of the opportunity to recognize and honor these most deserving men.

Please indicate Anshei Darom on your ad journal form, and thank you for your support!

Hank Needle
Anshei Darom Regional President

FJMC Officers, 2005-07

Bob Braitman, President
Norm Kurtz, Executive V.P.
Larry Wiederhorn, V.P.
Stephen Steckler, V.P.
Mark Berlin, V.P.
David Kravitz, V.P.
Tom Sudow, V.P.
Ken Elfand, V.P.
Myles Simpson, Secretary
Mike Mills, Treasurer
Dan Stern, Honorary President
Rabbi Charles Simon, Executive Director
Allan Gottesman, Executive Committee
Stan Schnitzer, Executive Committee
Bruce Sicherman, Executive Committee
Richard Gray, Executive Committee

Ma’asim Tovim Honorees

Norm Hamburger – Anshei Darom
Jon Kelman – Connecticut Valley
Jerry Rosenberg - Florida
Robert Kaplan - Great Lakes
Bruce Sicherman - Hudson Valley, NY
Henry Mentle - KIO
Len Sobel – Mid-Atlantic
Rodney Urgent - Midwest
Lester Macklin – New England
Barry Goodman – New York Metro
Lance Adelson – Northern New Jersey
Allan Kahan - Seaboard
David Gerstein - Southwest
Milton Eisner – Tri-State
Larry Wiederhorn - Western
Sid Katz – Presidential Award Recipient

Regional Presidents

Anshei Darom
Norm Hamburger (Outgoing)
Hank Needle (Incoming)

Connecticut Valley
Jeff Adler (Outgoing)
Lou Stafler (Incoming)

Florida
Jeff Litt (Outgoing)
Robert Mandel (Incoming)

Great Lakes
Richard Racusin (Incoming)

Hudson Valley, NY
Hal Marcus (Incoming)

KIO
Michael Steinbuch (Outgoing)
Marc Rosenson (Incoming)

Mid-Atlantic
Michael Starkman (Incoming)

Midwest
Evan Rumack (Incoming)

New England
Jon Delatizsky (Outgoing)
David Kaplan (Incoming)

New York Metro
Shelly Handell (Incoming)

Northern New Jersey
Stu Kaplan (Incoming)

Seaboard
Scott Swirling (Outgoing)
Michael Neulander (Incoming)

Southwest
David Gerstein (Outgoing)
Joe Ringer (Incoming)

Tri-State
Steve Neustein (Outgoing)
Dr. Ira Unger (Incoming)

Western
Phil Rosenbaum (Outgoing)
Joel Shrater (Incoming)

Shirts? We got shirts!

2005-05-26T12:45:00.000-04:00

Have you seen your friends walking around in their snazzy Anshei Darom polo shirts with the cool Anshei Darom logo (featuring the Famous Sweat Hut™) and been driven into an insane, frothing-at-the-mouth envious rage because you don't have one of your own?

Or perhaps your old Anshei Darom polo is getting a little frayed around the edges...a little long in the tooth? Well, now's your chance. Here is some good news from Norm Hamburger!

We are pleased to announce a limited time only reissuing of

The Official
Anshei Darom Polo Shirt
in the Famous Wine/Burgundy Regional Color.

This shirt was distributed only once, at the second annual Men’s Club Retreat at Ramah Darom four years ago. Your shirt may be a little worn, you may want an extra one, or you may have missed the shirt the first time. It's a great way to show your RUACH!

The cost per shirt is only $30.00. Anshei Darom members attending the International FJMC Convention in Ft. Lauderdale can take advantage of a 50% discount for their first shirt ordered.

Please add $4.95 per shirt to cover shipping. [Those who live in Nashville, Atlanta, or Charlotte will not need to have their shirts shipped.]

Send your order TODAY with your name, address, phone number, email address and size (S-M-L-XL-XXL-XXXL), along with a check for the total amount (don't forget to include shipping if applicable) made out to Anshei Darom to:
Norman Hamburger
1004 Wilson Pike
Brentwood, TN 37027
615.373.1840

Click Here to E-mail Norm!

Shirts will be available for order only until June 18, 2005, so act now! Don't miss your opportunity to wear the Anshei Darom colors with pride - getcha a brand new Anshei Darom Polo Shirt!

Atlanta City-Wide Minyan

2005-05-22T13:15:00.000-04:00

On Sunday, May 22, Men's Clubs in Atlanta held a City-Wide Minyan. About thirty men attended, representing several congregations and Men's Clubs in the north Atlanta area.

Don Cohen, co-president of the Congregation Beth Shalom Men's Club, served as emcee, and Barry Kreisler davened shacharit. At breakfast, Cantor Joel Fox of Congregation Ahavath Achim punched the Ruach-Meter up a notch with spirited niggunim and songs. Anshei Darom Regional Veep Irwin Weitz and Atlanta Area Veep Matt Gottlieb spoke a few words, as did Stan Schnitzer, the FJMC Training Veep. Lotta veeps, that.

With the leadership of our various clubs meeting for breakfast on a regular basis, we're beginning to take the first real steps toward creating a closely-knit regional Men's Club organization in Atlanta. This City-Wide Minyan was the first in what, hopefully, will be a series of activities that involve Men's Clubs of several area congregations. Our goal is more friendships, more contacts, and more opportunities to get to know one another – not just at Convention or at the annual Anshei Darom retreat.

A Talmudic Question...

2005-05-22T13:00:00.000-04:00

Q: How do you go about catching a Gefilte Fish?

A: First, apply to your hook some "Bait Yisrael"...

Good News!

2005-05-10T12:47:00.000-04:00

Region President Hank Needle is passing along some good news about Anshei Darom:

I just received my 2005 Spring Edition of the Camp Ramah newsletter and wanted to let you know there are two very wonderful articles in it relating to the Anshei Darom Region of the FJMC. If you came to the retreat, Ramah will be sending your own copy as a small token of their appreciation for the generous donation to the camp.

One of our region's founding members, Dr. Gene Sacks (West End Synagogue Men's Club) was elected president of the Ramah Board in November. He is a founding member of the board (1996) and has been a supporter of the Ramah movement for many years. Gene was president of his Men's Club and also a VP in the Anshei Darom Region. He has always been a tremendous supporter of the region and of our ongoing efforts. Congratulations to the Good Doctor from all of us.

In the same newsletter, there is an article entitled "Anshei Darom Gives New MARP Mobile" and a photo of this gift that was given to the camp by our Region and by the members who attended our annual retreat two years ago. The MARP Mobile was presented to Camp Ramah last summer. This kind of giving is a pillar of the region and will draw more people and clubs to our region's activities. Thanks to Norm Hamburger, Past President of the Anshei Darom Region, for these fine efforts.

Thanks for passing on the good news, Hank!

Anyone else with Regional news to share, please e-mail Steve Krodman at elisson1 (at) aol (dot) com.

Principles of Jewish Buddhism

2005-04-13T23:19:00.000-04:00

Irwin W. was kind enough to forward this Funny Internet Dreck to me. Now, through the Magic of Blogging, you, too, can enjoy it!

The Lotus & the Mishpokheh: The Principles of Jewish Buddhism

1. Let your mind be as a floating cloud. Let your stillness be as the wooded glen. And sit up straight. You'll never meet the Buddha with such round shoulders.

2. There is no escaping karma. In a previous life, you never called, you never wrote, you never visited. And whose fault was that?

3. Wherever you go, there you are. Your luggage is another story.

4. To practice Zen and the art of Jewish motorcycle maintenance, do the following: get rid of the motorcycle. What were you thinking?

5. Be aware of your body. Be aware of your perceptions. Keep in mind that not every physical sensation is a symptom of a terminal illness.

6. If there is no self, whose arthritis is this?

7. Breathe in. Breathe out. Breathe in. Breathe out. Forget this and attaining enlightenment will be the least of your problems.

8. The Tao has no expectations. The Tao demands nothing of others. The Tao does not speak. The Tao does not blame. The Tao does not take sides. The Tao is not Jewish.

9. Drink tea and nourish life. With the first sip, joy. With the second, satisfaction. With the third, Danish.

10. The Buddha taught that one should practice loving kindness to all sentient beings. Still, would it kill you to find a nice sentient being who happens to be Jewish?

11. Be patient and achieve all things. Be impatient and achieve all things faster.

12. To find the Buddha, look within. Deep inside you are ten thousand flowers. Each flower blossoms ten thousand times. Each blossom has ten thousand petals. You might want to see a specialist.

13. Be here now. Be someplace else later. Is that so complicated?

14. Zen is not easy. It takes effort to attain nothingness. And then what do you have? Bupkes!

Kiddush Clubs Observe Siyyum Ha-Shots

2005-03-30T17:19:00.000-05:00

On Saturday morning in synagogues around the world, Kiddush Club members celebrated the completion of a seven-and-a-half-month cycle of weekly drinking.

The celebration, called Siyyum Ha-Shots, was marked by the downing of various whiskeys, bourbons, ryes, rums and brandies until every bottle was empty.

"Shots in shul are a time-honored tradition," said siyyum organizer Ben Shikker. "We all know that wherever four Jews gather, there's always a fifth."

The siyyum (Hebrew for conclusion) is held every seven-and-a-half months because it takes that long for the average Kiddush Club to polish off all its liquors and begin new bottles.

Shikker concedes that pressure is now being placed on synagogues to abolish their Kiddush Clubs and the Siyyum Ha-Shots.

"It's shameful," said Shikker. "The OU is waging a whole campaign against us, called 'Now You Siyyum, Now You Don't.' But we won't be intimidated."

Shikker asserts that being part of a Kiddush Club actually improves the fervency of one’s davening.

"You can't spell spirituality without spirits," he noted.

He added that men who partake in a private kiddush during the Haftarah "shokkel more during Musaf."

Some rabbis see it differently, however.

"They shokkel because they can't stand straight after all that schnapps," said Rabbi Nofun Ahloud. "Or even worse, they desperately need the bathroom."

Despite the current protests, Shikker vows that shul Kiddush Clubs and the Siyyum Ha-Shots will continue. Furthermore, he advocates bringing the tradition into one's home.

"When my wife asks me to buy her a dozen roses, I give her three bottles of Four Roses," said Shikker. "I'm very proud of that."

[Shamelessly ripped off from an Internet e-mail. As I learned from a gracious commenter, the "Siyyum Ha-Shots" article was written by one Meish Goldish and came from The Jewish Week, which published it as part of its Purim Spoof. Good one, Meish!]

Dances with Wolves, et al.

2005-03-17T10:49:00.000-05:00

Remember how in the movie Dances with Wolves, the Kevin Costner character got his name because that's what he was doing when it came time to select his ~~Indian~~ Native American name?

I guess he's lucky he wasn't called "Wipes with Leaves."

As Jews, we have Hebrew names that include our name and our father's name. But what if we used Native American naming conventions? Submitted for your approval, here are some

INDIAN NAMES FOR CERTAIN JEWISH INDIVIDUALS

Actually Likes Manischewitz

Brags About Children

Cheats At Dreidel

Complains About Rabbi

Drinks Schnapps At Oneg

Drives Mercedes, Feels Guilty

Drives Volkswagen, Feels Guilty And Inadequate

Eats Cholent And Is Unconcerned About The Consequences

First To Finish Shemoneh Esrei

Hides Christmas Tree When Rabbi Visits

Ignores Tropp

Keeps Kosher At Home But Eats Treyf Out

Makes Kissy Faces At Wife From Bimah

Misses Entire Point Of Sermon

Orders In Pizza During Chol Hamoed Pesach

Pretends To Be Reading Hebrew But Is Really Using The Transliteration

Prides Self On S'micha Purchased From Sears Roebuck Catalog

Shuckles While Davening

Sits In Back of Shul

Slobbers On Tzitzit While Kissing Them

Speaks Broken Yiddish

Still Goes To Catskills

Takes Very Seriously The Admonition To Get Drunk At Purim

Talks During Kedushah

Tangles Tefillin

Tells Lengthy And Yet Unfunny Jokes, Frequently In Ungrammatical Yiddish

Thinks He Is On Broadway When He Really Is In Shul

Trips On Tallis

Vacations In Miami

Wears Dime-Sized Kipah

[Can you think of any others? If so, leave 'em in the Comments.]

Pictures, we got pictures...

2005-03-15T17:46:00.000-05:00

Fog over the lake at Ramah.

Fine lodging facilities.

We even had flush toilets! Now all we need to get is a noise suppression system to handle those snorers. (Probably about as easy as handling schnorrers.)

'Round the campfire.

Steve Krodman, Dennis Renyi, Steve Stone, and Sid Milstein enjoy the campfire and try to decide whether to brave the Famous Sweat Hut.

The Needle-Elkan clan.

Top row: Josh and Ben Needle, Scott and Mark Elkan.
Bottom row: Mark and Hank Needle.

Two generations - and machateinim, besides!

Irwin Weitz enjoys a 'gar.

Thanks to Jeff Eagle for these fine photographs, of which we have elected not to publish some of the less-savory...

More pictures to come, so stay tuned to Anshei Darom News!

Last-Minute Stuff...

2005-02-17T13:50:00.000-05:00

One day to go!

The good news is that it now looks like we'll have nice weather - if you believe the forecasts, that is. The latest poop from The Weather Channel shows Friday and Saturday as sunny (well, "mostly sunny" on Saturday), with rain moving in on Sunday. Temps will be in the mid- to lower 50's during the day (a little cooler on Sunday), and getting down into the upper 20's - low 30's at night.

Well, we'll have to see what really happens. Bring rain gear, just in case - those of us who came to Anshei Darom Retreat #4 two years ago will not soon forget the sight of the Famous Sweat Hut being swallowed up by the rising tide.

The other good news is that there are still some slots open for massages. Take a look at Hank Needle's e-mail for more details, such as to whom to make the check out, how much, etc., etc.

Those Atlanta-area attendees who wish to carpool should contact Steve Krodman - plan is to meet at Etz Chaim at 12:30 to assign drivers and riders.

This promises to be another great Retreat. See y'all at Ramah!

Two Days to Go...

2005-02-16T11:49:00.000-05:00

...and we're up to 54 attendees.

Way to go, guys! At this rate, we'll have to set up one of those deli-style "Take-A-Numba" thingies at the entrance to the schvitz!

Frequently Asked Questions - and Answers

2005-02-10T13:06:00.000-05:00

Hey guys - listen up! - we got some Important Stuff to share with y'all!

All is in readiness and we are looking forward to your arrival at camp at beautiful Camp Ramah Darom in the North Georgia mountains next week. Our thanks in advance to the retreat committee for all their hard work.

FJMC At The Retreat:
Now in its 6th year, the Anshei Darom retreat at Camp Ramah has previously been our only regional function. Two years ago at the retreat we formalized the region with bylaws and officers. We continue to work on developing the region into a focused group of clubs sharing "Best Practices." We welcome your input and discussions over the weekend as we raise your spirits and also raise your awareness of the region and its main function - that of being the link between the clubs and our national organization.

We are fortunate to have Stan Schnitzer as our guest this year. He is on the board of the FJMC and is a Past President of the New Jersey region. As you can imagine, that's a lot of yichus to bring to the table. Stan also brings his knowledge of club building and the organization to the retreat. Please make sure you have a chance to say hello to Stan and to speak to him. Of course, we'll also have a perennial favorite, Rabbi Chuck Simon, the FJMC Executive Director, joining us - be sure to give Rav Chuck a big hello, too!

As the Retreat is fast approaching, here are some FAQ's that bear repeating:

How do I get there?
You will receive directions to Camp Ramah via e-mail. They are (mostly) the same as previous years', so if you got lost before, you will probably get lost again. You won't get into too much trouble if you use MapQuest or Yahoo! maps.

What are the emergency phone numbers?
Can you hear me now? Can you hear me now?? Can you hear me now!??!
During Shabbat the phone is off limits. And if that were not enough, cell phones, pagers and satellite phones do not work especially well at Camp Ramah Darom thanks to the remote mountain location. Please tell your loved ones to call the camp only in case of an extreme emergency.

The RAMAH DAROM emergency numbers are 706-782-9410 / 706-782-9400 dining hall. In addition, the on-site coordinator carries an emergency beeper. This number is 706-782-8954.

What should I bring?
First, the basics:

Sense of humor. (You'll need it after seeing the guys running in and out of the Famous Sweat Hut)

Desire to meet new people.

Warm clothes. The long-range weather report is calling for daytime highs in the mid 50's, with sun on Friday giving way to rain on Saturday (ecch), and nighttime temps down to the low 30's Friday. Hopefully, this will change for the better as the Retreat weekend approaches, but at Ramah Darom, you just never know what you're gonna get - hey, that sounds like Forrest Gump's box of chocolates! Two years ago we had everything from rain to sun to snow. Really. So, as always, layers are the way to go...with maybe something water-resistant.

The extremely well-prepared camper will also bring -

Clothing 'n' such:
2 pairs socks
3 pairs underwear (white squeezers or boxers, none of that nasty European stuff please)
2 pairs blue jeans
1 T-shirt
1 Sweatshirt
Shirt with collar (for Shabbat morning)
1 pair hiking shoes
1 pair athletic shoes
Anshei Darom shirt (if you have one)
Anshei Darom sweatshirt (if you have one)
Hat (kipah will be provided, but bring your own fedora, shtreimel, deerstalker cap, or fez. Guys who bring porkpie hats will be turned away at the gate - this is a kosher establishment)
Gloves (see comments on weather, above)
Earmuffs (see comments on weather, above)
Scarf (see comments on weather, above)
Poncho or other rain gear
Pajamas (no nude sleeping please. We don't care what you wear at home, but please give us a break)
Shvitz hut attire

Toiletries:
Large towel (optional - the camp will provide towels)
Washcloth
Soap (optional - the camp will provide soap, nothing fancy)
Shampoo (optional - see above comment)
Deodorant (yes, you most definitely do need it - puhleeze!)
Toothpaste
Toothbrush
Shower shoes

Religious equipment:
Tefillin
Tallit
Personal siddur, if desired (Camp Ramah Darom is well stocked with Siddur Sim Shalom)
Kipot

Miscellaneous equipment:
Anti-snoring equipment (Earplugs, clothespins, nose strips, duct tape, and yes, you can bring your CPAP machine)
Booze (rum, gin, whiskey, beer, wine, Slivovitz, Sterno)
Cigars (outside smoking only, after Havdalah)
Flashlight (this is really useful for post-Shabbat stumbling around)
Camera (for campfire and Sunday morning pix, natch)
Reading material

What kind of dump is this?
What kind of a frequently asked question is this? Relax...this is a modern facility despite its location in the heart of the North Georgia Mountains. This ain't no “Tobacco Road,” - there's electricity, running water, showers, and flush toilets. (LOUD flush toilets.) Mit toilet paper.

Will there be beds?
Hell, yes, we got beds. For $180, we give you more than just a schmattah on the floor. In addition to a "comfy" bunk bed, the camp also provides a pillow, linens, a (really thin) blanket and a towel. Bring an extra blanket if you wish..."really thin" means what it says. Hey, dibs on the bottom bunk!

What kind of Shabbat experience will it be?
The Anshei Darom Shabbat experience is everything Shabbat is supposed to be - but too often is not - in our hectic, day-to-day lives. We will be observing Shabbat by not writing, smoking, using electronic devices, and taking photographs. We will wash and say Motzi before all meals and join in Birkat ha-Mazon after all meals. There is an eruv around the camp so you can carry and indulge in various recreational activities, including the all-important Shabbat nap. However, please note that carrying and indulging Alan Sussman is expressly forbidden.

When should I arrive?
Please plan on arriving at camp Friday Feb 18 between 2 and 4 pm.

Payment:
What, you haven't paid yet? Those who have not yet sent in their money will be contacted. By a very large, hairy person.

Last-minute Charlies:
If you know someone who is undecided, unsure, or uneasy about participating, encourage him to join us. There's still time to register. Just click on the link on the left sidebar - the one that says Retreat Registration - and put your data in. Be sure to include your address, day and evening phone numbers, shirt size, whether you're a Kohen, Levi, or jes' plain folks (Israel), what shul/Men's Club you're from, and what position (if any) you hold. Bring your check for $180 (US funds, payable to FJMC - Southeast Region) to the retreat and make sure you get it to either Hank Needle or Alan Sussman before Shabbat starts.

Massages...
...are a popular activity for those Shabbat afternoon hours. There are still slots available. To sign up, hurry, hurry, hurry and send an e-mail to Gene Sacks at docsacks@aol.com and let him know whether you want a 30- or 60-minute session. Gene'll let you know the tariff and payment specifics and you can give him a check upon arrival at Camp Ramah (before Shabbat!).

Department of Useless Statistics:
As of right now, we have 52 - count 'em - 52 registered attendees. As usual, Georgia will be very well represented at the Retreat, with 35 Happy Campers. Tennessee is contributing 11 attendees, and North Carolina 3. We also have a few ~~oddballs~~ independent-minded spirits from Florida and Virginia (welcome back, Steve!), not to mention Rabbi Chuck from New York.

As usual, most of us are jes’ plain Yisraelim, but we will be honored by the presence of four Kohanim and five Levi’im. Get that foot wash ready - no, wait, we ain't dukhening this year.

We're looking forward to seeing you in just a few more days. If you have any more pressing questions please ask Hank Needle (hank.needle@gm.com), Alan Sussman (vendproCLT@aol.com), Norm Hamburger (NormRinah@comcast.net), or Gene Sacks (docsacks@aol.com).

B'shalom...

Yet More Bios

2005-02-10T09:05:00.000-05:00

Here's some more information on a few of the people who will be helping to make this year's Anshei Darom Retreat extra-special...

Rabbi Louis Zivic
Rabbi Louis Zivic was ordained by the Jewish Theological Seminary in 1976. Since that time he has served congregations in Lansdale, PA; Beverly, MA; and Lebanon, PA before being called to the pulpit of Heska Amuna Synagogue in Knoxville. He is a past president of the North Penn Mnisterium and the Eastern Pennsylvania region of the Rabbinical Assembly. In 2004 the State Legislature of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania awarded him a Legislative Citation for his work on behalf of his community and Lebanon County. In addition to the degree of Master of Arts in Rabbinics, Rabbi Zivic was awarded his Doctor of Divinity degree, honoris causa, in February 2003. He served as the Jewish chaplain at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Lebanon and established the first HIV support group in Lebanon. He was also an adjunct assistant professor of Religion and Philosophy at Lebanon Valley College. His most recent article, "A Winter's Tale," appeared in the fall 2003 edition of Women's League "Outlook." He has one child, a son, Jonathan.

Cantor Joel Fox
Cantor Joel Fox grew up in Dallas, Texas in an enthusiastic home filled with a love of Judaism and music. As a young boy, he demonstrated a great deal of interest in music and singing. His early studies included playing the piano, singing in theater groups, and learning solfege.

At age fourteen, Joel and his family moved to Israel. After completing his studies at the Rubin Academy of Music in Jerusalem, Cantor Fox attended the Israel Institute of Cantorial Art where he learned with internationally known cantors such as Naftali Hershtik, Eli Jaffe and Moshe Stern. From 1989 until 1992 Cantor Fox served in the Israel Defense Force as a member of their acclaimed Rabbinical Army Choir.

In 1992 Cantor Fox moved back to the United States and became the Cantor at the Jacksonville Jewish Center in Jacksonville, Florida. He is currently the Cantor of Congregation Ahavath Achim in Atlanta, Georgia.

Throughout his career, Cantor Fox has traveled and given concerts across the globe for a variety of audiences. As an accomplished pianist and entertainer, Cantor Fox's repertoire includes traditional and contemporary music in English, Hebrew, Yiddish and Ladino. With his father Rabbi Edward Fox, who is also a Cantor, he recorded "Cantors Fox Together." Cantor Fox has recently completed his latest CD, "Oh Say Shalom," and is currently working on another production. He rides a "Challah" Davidson motorcycle - but not on Shabbat.

Detailed Retreat Schedule

2005-02-07T13:06:00.000-05:00

Guys, here's the nitty-gritty lowdown on the events for Retreat Weekend. Questions? Leave a comment and we'll get back to you!

Anshei Darom University - February 18-19-20, 2005

Friday, February 18

1:00 - 2:00 pm
Alan Sussman sets up the Famous Sweat Hut at the Camp Fire by the Lake.

2:00 - 4:30 pm
We arrive at camp. Registration is at the Chadar Ochel (lower level of the Levine Ramah Center). That's where we'll pick up our participant packages, including whatever "goodies" Sussman has lined up for us this year. Depending on when everyone shows up, we'll have time to greet old friends and move into our cabins.

While we're checking in, snack food will be available at the Chadar Ochel.

4:45 - 5:00 pm
We return to Chadar Ochel - if we're not there already.

5:00 - 5:15 pm
Orientation/Welcome at the Chadar Ochel, at which time we'll introduce the FJMC officers attending the Retreat.

5:15 - 6:00 pm
The Nashville boys will conduct an Icebreaker at the Chadar Ochel.

6:07 pm
Shabbat starts.

6:07 - 7:00 pm
Rabbi Chuck Simon conducts Kabbalat Shabbat Services at the Chadar Ochel.

7:00 - 7:45 pm
We go upstairs for Shabbat Dinner. Cantor Joel Fox will lead us in Birkat Ha-Mazon and z'mirot.

8:00 - 9:30 pm
Back downstairs for a presentation by Dr. Norm Hamburger on Men's Health Issues, followed by a group discussion.

9:30 - 9:45 pm
We return to our cabins for an evening of schmoozing, at which various adult beverages may be consumed. No cigars, though - save 'em for after Shabbat.

Saturday, February 19

8:00 - 9:00 am
We drag our butts out of bed and head over to Chadar Ochel (upper level) for breakfast, followed by Birkat Ha-Mazon.

9:00 - 11:45 am
Shabbat Morning Services at Chadar Ochel (lower level), including a d'var Torah on "Facing Sinai."

11:45 am - 1:15 pm
When services are over, we go upstairs to have lunch. Cantor Joel Fox leads us in Birkat Ha-Mazon and z'mirot.

1:15 – 2:15 pm
FJMC Presentation at the Amphitheatre, conducted by Stan Schnitzer, the FJMC Director of Training.

2:30 - 3:30 pm
Rabbinic Presentation by Rabbi Zivic.

3:30 - 5:30 pm
Leisure time. Play basketball, take a hike to the beautiful Ramah Darom waterfall, take a Shabbat power nap. If you like, sit in on a Club Building session with Stan Schnitzer, or study with Rabbi Zivic.

2:45 - 5:30 pm
Massage therapy, for those who have made advance arrangements with Gene Sacks (docsacks@aol.com). Location to be announced.

5:30 - 6:00 pm
We regroup for Minchah at Chadar Ochel, lower level.

6:00 - 6:30 pm
Seudah Sh'lishit (Shabbat evening meal), upper level.

6:30 - 7:30 pm
Dr. Gene Sacks presents the FJMC program on Keruv. Chadar Ochel, lower level.

7:30 - 8:00 pm
Ma'ariv, lower level, followed by Havdalah at the Camp Fire site.

8:00 - 12:00 midnight
"The Famous Sweat Hut" and Camp Fire. Bring your favorite drinkables and smokables. Cigars, anyway. Don't get any ideas.

Da Needle Boyz (Ben, Mark, and Hank) will provide entertainment and general troublemaking. We'll also have a pizza and ice cream feast. Hmmm. Ice cream on pizza?

12:00 midnight (or thereabouts)
Return to cabins.

Sunday Morning, February 20

8:30 - 9:15 am
Shacharit Service at Chadar Ochel, lower level - or by the lake, weather permitting.

9:15 - 9:45 am
Breakfast at Chadar Ochel, upper level, followed by Birkat Ha-Mazon.

9:15 - 10:45 am
Power Breakfast for the Region Officers and Club Presidents with Stan Schnitzer. Regional elections. Chadar Ochel, upper level.

10:45 - 11:00 am
Closing message by the FJMC Staff and Officers. Chadar Ochel, upper level.

11:30 am
We gather to say our farewells, plant the annual tree, and take group photos. (Chadar Ochel, outside) Time to hit the road for home!

Huge Crowds Expected...

2005-02-04T14:36:00.000-05:00

...at this year's Retreat!

Hank Needle informs me that, as of right now, we have 47 confirmed attendees. And there might even be more, lurking amongst the devious nooks and crannies of his impossible-to-decipher spreadsheet.

With two weeks to go, there's still time to sign up, so tell your friends! Time's a-wastin', podnuh!

The not-so-few, the proud...the Men of the South!

[Update: 49!]

Bios? We Got Bios

2005-02-04T14:25:00.000-05:00

Because you can never know too much about the people you might find yourself next to in the Famous Sweat Hut™...

we are pleased to present this (mercifully) brief biographical sketch of (ta-daaah)

Norman Hamburger, MD

Currently President of Anshei Darom, the southeast region of FJMC, Norm lives in Brentwood, TN, a suburb of Nashville, with his wife of 25 years, Rinah, and his 3 children, Jacob (17), Sarah (12) and Daniel (12). He attends West End Synagogue, where he has served as a member of the Board of Trustees and is a former president of the Men’s Club. A former Youth Commission Leader, he was also an NCSY youth leader in college. [Liked leadin’ them youth, he did.]

Norm is a graduate of Queens College, CUNY and received his medical degree from the University of Louisville. He is a practicing physician in the specialty of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He is a first generation American; both of his parents were refugees from Nazi Germany. His hobbies include playing with his computer; Science Fiction; reading action/adventure novels; and traveling to Israel. He is active in local Israel advocacy programs.

Oh, yeah. Rinah reminded him to add that, for a change, next year’s retreat will not be on the third weekend in February - because that’s the weekend of his twins’ B’nai Mitzvah. Way to go, Sarah and Daniel!

Retreat -O-Gram #2

2005-02-01T11:24:00.000-05:00

OK, yes - it's another one of those witty and humorous e-mails from the Retreat Committee, presented for your enjoyment here as a blogpost.

Registration Fees

Let's get this one out of the way first. If you've already sent in your check, just read on for sheer enjoyment.

Please send in your payment for the retreat now. Not "tomorrow," not "whenever," but now. My wife doesn't like me when I am anxious, and I am approaching critical mass at the moment. So, to make her happy (and me less anxious) , please send your payment to:

Hank Needle
3784 Brown Owl Ct
Marietta, GA 30062

Your check for $180 should be made payable to FJMC - Southeast Region.

This is a group request...for now. The next one will be individualized. Please don't make me call in my secret weapon, Larry Travis (ex Miami cop and bill collector extraordinaire). Larry is a great guy with a really ~~gravelly-sounding~~ sweet voice that will really motivate you to make that payment.

The BLOG

Keep checking this blog for more information on the Retreat. We'll be posting all kinds of good information on what to bring, etc., etc.

Story Time

Be prepared with a Defining Moment story for the campfire and be ready for an all-around good time!

Weather

We are contacting the Weather Channel and asking for a long range forecast, but let me assure you, there will be weather. Lots of weather. Make no bones about it, it will be there when you get there, and we will deal with it: whether it's good weather or bad weather we will weather the weather...whether or not. Whatever.

Please hope for beautiful weather and come prepared for a great time no matter what the weather is...

Staff Addition

We are pleased to announce that Rabbi Louis Zivic of Heska Amuna Synagogue in Knoxville, TN will be joining us as one of our scholars-in-residence and will be participating in our program during the weekend. He will be adding to our knowledge and will be helping to make this one of the best retreats ever. Rabbi Zivic will be joining our other presenters: Rabbi Chuck Simon; Cantor Joel Fox; Norm Hamburger, our Men's Health Issues session leader; Gene Sacks, our Keruv Program session leader; and Stan Schnitzer, our FJMC session leader.

Stats

So far, the weekend looks like this from a state perspective:

Yankees
1 from New York
1 from Florida

Southerners
45 from North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, and Virginia

We may even take our Northern brethren snipe huntin'.

As you can see, y'all are in for one heck of a weekend.

Looks like we got them Yanks outnumbered. Looking forward to seeing you all!

Norm and Hank

Anybody? Anybody?

2005-01-26T09:16:00.000-05:00

One nice thing about blogs (compared to regular old-school websites) is that you can leave comments. To make that process even easier, I've added Haloscan commenting.

To leave a comment, just click on the Comment link at the bottom of any post and a new window will open up. Just type your comment in the box and hit the "Publish" button and you're good to go. You can, if you wish, leave your name, e-mail address, and even a website or blog address if you've got one.

So - don't be bashful, guys! Let us know if this blog is useful. Let us know if it's mostly useless. Let us know if you have any questions. Or just rant, if you want to.

Comments: good, and good for you!

Anshei Darom University

2005-01-25T17:15:00.000-05:00

Remember those great college days?

Remember pulling all-nighters? Drinking altogether too much? ~~Exposing yourself at Graduation~~ Graduating (with or without honors)? That sense of accomplishment at the things you learned?

Well, we're going to re-create those great days for you. Well, not all of that stuff. Maybe some of it, anyway.

This year we will introduce Anshei Darom University, but without the Will Ferrell-style naked jogging like in the movie Old School. No matter how tempting it looks with that nice lake.

This year's Distinguished Professors will be:

Doctor Norm Hamburger, AKA "Region President," leading a session on men's health issues. (Bring your own rubber gloves, please). Yes, he's a real doctor!

Doctor Gene Sacks, AKA "Docsacks," leading an important session on Keruv. This is an important new program developed by the FJMC that deals with intermarriage and outreach.

Stan Schnitzer, FJMC Training Director, will help us strengthen our clubs and ensure their future health through succession planning and leadership development. Stan has just moved here from New Jersey, so he needs a warm southern welcome out there in the Back Woods.

Cantor Joel Fox will be with us to help raise the roof with song and ruach. He'll be giving you a taste of the upcoming spirit that will be in evidence at the FJMC International Convention in July, in Fort Lauderdale. (That's in Florida. Of course, all of us Jews know where Florida is, am I right?)

Rabbi Chuck Simon, Executive Director of the FJMC, will be in attendance to lift our souls with words of wisdom and to discuss current issues relevant to the Men of The South and the FJMC.

As Hank Needle pointed out in his e-mail, we have the young guns - Ben, Mark, and friends - in charge of the fire on Saturday night. Hey: Kids and fire??? What was Hank thinking when he made that ~~incredibly stupid~~ brilliant offer? Even though the "Boyz" have assured us a great night of fun and campfire-related hi-jinks?

Torah readings for Shabbat Shacharit and Minchah services are still available and can be looked at here. Please contact me or Irwin as soon as possible to grab a reading. They're all reasonably short this year, so you don't have to strain yourself!

We will be posting more info on what to bring and what to wear in the coming days and weeks, so bookmark this website and come back often!

Where else can you get all of this and be with great friends for a great time, in a great place?

The Retreat Committee is:
Irwin Weitz
Steve Krodman
Henry Levine
Ben Needle
Mark Needle
Marc Elkan

If you haven't sent your check in yet, get it in the mail to:

Hank Needle
3784 Brown Owl Ct
Marietta, GA 30062

See you soon!

Attention Torah Readers!

2005-01-24T13:50:00.000-05:00

Here's a great resource for all you Torah (and Haftarah) readers out there.

It’s called Navigating the Bible II, and it's a website that provides all the information you need for a polished reading. Just click on the link to get there.

We'll be reading Parshat Tetzave during Shacharit services on Shabbat, and at Minchah we'll read Parshat Ki Tissa.

To help you find exactly what you need, here are the line breakdowns along with links to the correct spots on the Navigating the Bible site. There, you'll have the Torah script (with and without vowels and trope, so you can practice) along with links to sound files so you can hear how each line is supposed to sound. [The links will take you to the beginning of each reading. Use the "Forward" and "Back" buttons on the webpage to navigate to the other lines.]

Shacharit - Tetzave

Kohen - Sh'mot 27:20 - 28:5
Levi - Sh'mot 28:6 - 28:9
Sh’lishi - Sh'mot 28:10 - 28:12
R’vii - Sh'mot 28:13 - 28:17
Chamishi - Sh'mot 28:18 - 28:21
Shishi - Sh'mot 28:22 - 28:25
Sh’vii - Sh'mot 28:26 - 28:30
Maftir - Sh'mot 30:8 - 30:10

Haftarah - Yechezkel 43:10 - 43:27

Minchah - Ki Tissa

Kohen - Sh'mot 30:11 - 30:13
Levi - Sh'mot 30:14 - 30:16
Sh’lishi - Sh'mot 30:17 - 30:21

This year, we're in the first year of the triennial reading cycle, and the readings are fairly short - so, c'mon, all you lehners, let's see some volunteers! Contact Irwin Weitz [cobra02000 (AT) aol (DOT) com] and sign up for a reading today!

World-Class Daveners!

2005-01-21T07:00:00.000-05:00

The 4th Annual Retreat - 2003.

6th Annual Retreat - Schedule of Activities

2005-01-20T23:45:00.000-05:00

Here's a rundown of the scheduled activities for the Retreat. This is all subject to change, but it should give you a good idea of what to expect.

Friday, February 18

Afternoon - Gather together at Ramah Darom
5:00 pm - Mincha-Ma'ariv
7:00 pm - Shabbat Dinner
Keruv Program
Bunk Activities: The Great Debate

Saturday, February 19

8:00 am - Breakfast
9:30 am - Shabbat Services
12:00 noon - Lunch
Hearing Men's Voices
2:30 pm - Free time, hikes, naps, massage therapy
5:30 pm - Mincha
6:00 pm - Se'udah Sh'lishit (Sabbath evening meal)
7:30 pm - Havdalah
8:00 pm - Entertainment - Campfire - The Famous Sweat Hut
The Great Debate continues (BYOB)

The Famous Sweat Hut!

Sunday, Feb 20

8:30 am - Shacharit
9:15 am - Breakfast
10:00 am - Growing Clubs/Building Leaders
11:30 am - Gather to make lunch for the trip home and to say our goodbyes

Guest Speakers!

2005-01-20T06:30:00.000-05:00

This years's retreat will feature two terrific Guest Speakers:

Rabbi Chuck Simon

Rabbi Simon is the FJMC Executive Director. A familiar face to many of us Anshei, he's been a participant at many of our previous Retreats.

Stan Schnitzer

Joining us as well will be Stan Schnitzer, an FJMC board member and past President of the New Jersey region.

The Official Anshei Darom Dictionary

2005-01-19T22:54:00.000-05:00

We've come up with a few entries for the Anshei Darom Dictionary. See if you can come up with some more of your own - just leave 'em in the Comments!

Suspicious - What Sussman does after drinking a gallon of iced tea.

Suspension - What Sussman expects to live on after he stops working.

Sustained - How Sussman looks after a Florida vacation.

Commenter with the best new dictionary entry will win...a prize to be announced at the Retreat! If you haven't signed up yet, what are you waiting for, the Moshiach?

Get Ready for Retreat #6!

2005-01-19T01:16:00.000-05:00

The Sixth Annual Anshei Darom Retreat at Camp Ramah will be held February 18-20, 2005. That's 10-11 Adar I, 5765, y'all! This year's Retreat is being coordinated through the joint efforts of the Men's Clubs of the West End Synagogue in Nashville, TN, Congregation Etz Chaim in Marietta, GA, and Temple Israel in Charlotte, NC. As always, we will feature the best of prior years' Retreats, including the Famous Sweat Hut, Therapeutic Massage, the new Midnight Snack Buffet and, of course, leadership and organizational development workshops.

The Retreat website is up and running - just click on the link to register online. After you register, send your check for $180 (US funds), made out to "FJMC - Southeastern Region," to:

Hank Needle

3784 Brown Owl Court

Marietta, GA 30062

Save the Date - February 18-20, 2005

The 6th Annual Anshei Darom Retreat
at Ramah Darom

Scenic beauty in North Georgia.

Join men from across the Southeast U.S. and from across America in the idyllic setting of the most modern and most picturesque Ramah camp in the United States. Rest and relax in the Georgia mountains, with therapeutic massage and fantastic gourmet meals. Kosher? Of course!

Join us as we lift our voices together in prayer.
Interact with the Executive Committee of the International Federation of Jewish Men's Clubs and learn about FJMC program opportunities.
Participate in leadership and organizational development workshops. Share the experiences of clubs from all over the region.
Enjoy this special Shabbat experience in the beautiful Chattahoochee National Forest in Northeast Georgia and share the fellowship and ruach (spirit) with men from all over the Southern U.S.
Take a schvitz in the Famous Sweat Hut and relax with (optional) Therapeutic Massage.

Come for a weekend of spiritual exploration, fun, and friendship. Come away recharged and renewed.

Register online at http://www.fjmc.org/ansheidaromL.html - Fee for the entire weekend is $180 (same as last year, a bargain) and includes all meals, bed linens, towels, and a warm place to daven!