Bruce Tomar Acceptance Address as President of FJMC International

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July 4, 2025

Mark Twain once said – “There are two important days in a person’s life – The day you are born, and the day you find out why!”

Today I accept the honor of becoming your 47th FJMC International president, and with that I answer that most important question – why?

Why? Because of the work that you, Alan, along with our team of the last two years started on inclusion and family focus has not only been inspiring but has put us on this transformative path on which we continue.

Why? Because the Vision that was planted in my brain still remains.

Why? As Robert F. Kennedy made famous: “Some men see things as they are and say why. I dream of things that never were and say why not.”

Not to sound too cliché, but I had that dream. That dream became the vision. The vision became the new mission. The mission that will expand far beyond my administration.

The vision and a mission that was born out of a growing desire to engage in an ever-growing
community of men who are searching for more meaning and brotherhood in their lives, both here in North America and globally. Statistics show that more and more, men in general feel isolated and alone. They are looking for a place (that’s us) where they can be accepted for their true selves and find those opportunities for personal growth and strong relationships. A vision and a mission to strengthen our bonds with our brothers in the traditional sphere of the synagogue and club experience and to engage with younger men and those whose access to synagogue or club is more limited. A vision and a mission to promote health and wellness, both physical and mental for all our brothers. Our vital programming through Hearing Men’s Voices, webinars, affinity groups and social gatherings are and will continue to be a part of that support to help men deal with vulnerabilities and build character. And of course, let us not forget our International Kiddush Club. First timers – make sure you join us! Designated drivers not needed.

This is our future. This is our now. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to lead the way.

In this week’s parsha Chukkat, Moses comes up against two monumental changes in his life. The death of Miriam and the faux pas of striking the rock for water. According to Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, the first may have led to the second. Miriam was his support. What Rabbi Sacks teaches us is that every leader cannot carry the weight of his visions and his mission alone. He requires a support system on which to lean.

A leader needs three kinds of support:

1. Allies who will fight alongside him. For me, the mentorship and advice of these, my predecessors.
   
2. The team to whom I delegate to carry out our mission. Our team, learning from Alan’s amazing team and expanding on their work. My right hand – my EVP – Gary Katz. Treasury – led by Rick Wronzberg. Secretary – led by Jonathan Norton. Regions – lead by VP Mitch Ross. Clubs – lead by VP Marc Cohen. Revenue and fundraising – led by VP David Glass. Newly renamed Special Activities – led by VP Creighton Cohn, who will be working with our LDI team, convention 27 team, training team and our new team – the retreats team. Programming for Jewish Life – led by VP Benny Sommerfeld, And brand new – Programming for Men’s Life – led by VP Bob Watts. My four appointees: Strategic Planning – Aaron Altman, Club Expansion – Danny Mandeau, Communications – Lester Shapiro, Dues – Mark Givarz
   
   And certainly, all of you. Your regions, your clubs – I salute your motivation and input. Let us go from strength to strength as we take our vision and mission from words to action.
   
3. And lastly – a soulmate to whom a leader can confide their doubts and fears, who will listen without agenda other than being a supportive presence. Moses had his Miriam; I have mine. My wife of 49 years this August, Marcia – whose Hebrew name happens to be Miriam, has always been there to cheer me on, bring me to my senses, and ground me with the proper temperament.

As one of my many mentors taught: end on a high note:

Men – A new frontier
This is the future of FJMC
Its new mission and vision
To provide men with new opportunities and growth
To seek out new relationships and engagements
To boldly go where no men’s organization
has gone before!