By Steven Mandel “Do not judge your fellow until you have stood in his place “ – Pirkei Avot Michael rarely misses a Shabbat Service or Men’s Club breakfast. He enjoys conversations but sometimes withdraws from noisy gatherings. Unknown to most members, he has significant hearing loss. Some people feel that he is aloof or […]
By Steven Mandel MD Cooperstown is a perfect weekend, or longer, getaway for families. In addition to the National Baseball Hall of Fame, there is beautiful scenery, an outstanding museum, word class music, great accommodations and family friendly activities. 3 ½ to 4 ½ hours from NY. The National Baseball Hall of Fame preserves and […]
By Jonathan Brody Upon returning from the FJMC retreat, I find myself reflecting on a weekend that perfectly combined the holiness of Shabbat with a deep sense of brotherhood. This biennial event, held at Camp Zeke in the scenic Pocono Mountains, provides a much-needed sanctuary from the fast-paced life of New York. It allowed us […]
By Steven Mandel MD When Jonathan and his wife Sarah, moved to a new city, they looked for a Conservative Synagogue with a Men’s Club and Sisterhood. Sponsored by the FJMC Men’s Club, they decided to attend the BBQ. What started as a simple afternoon at a BBQ, quickly helped Jonathan put names to faces, […]
by Steven Mandel MD Why should Jewish men’s clubs care about environmental sustainability? Protecting the land reflects core values of stewardship, responsibility, and preserving creations for future generations. This includes bal taschit ( do not waste or destroy), shomrei adamah( guardians of the earth), and Sabbatical year ( Shimita), emphasizing caring for forests, soil, wildlife […]
by Jonathan Brody My love of Israel guides me every day, especially when I am competing in an athletic event. Last Sunday was no different; it was one of the factors I considered when running the half-marathon. I knew I wanted to bring Torah and the love of Israel to the Brooklyn Experience half-marathon. The […]
by Steven Mandel MD, Clinical Professor of Neurology, Hofstra/NorthwellVP of Outreach & Engagement, NY Metro FJMC Imposter syndrome is more common than you think — and the Jewish community may be especially vulnerable to it. Rabbi Dave had prepared for weeks. But standing before his father’s congregation — the same pulpit where his father had […]
By Jonathan Brody On Sunday, April 26th, I ran my first-ever 13.1 miles, a half-marathon. I haven’t even run 10 miles; the most I’ve run is 8.14, on April 12th, 3 weeks ago. There’s a pattern in the Torah that’s easy to miss but huge once you see it: Every time the Jewish people do […]
By Steven Mandel MD, VP Outreach and Engagement, NY Metro FJMC S.8599/A.9335( LASHER) and Part K of S.9005/A.10005 On March 11, 2026, members of the UJA, ADL, JCRC, other Jewish organizations, and leaders from many faiths, and throughout many regions of NY State, to Lobby Legislators and meet with Governor Kathy Hochul to have the […]
James Parkinson was a London physician who first described “the shaking palsy” in 1817. In 2017, the World Health Organization declared his birthday April 11to be the World Parkinson’s Day, and the entire month of April to become Awareness Month. This was to ensure more people know about Parkinson’s disease and support care for patients […]
