The Men’s Club’s Pancakes & More Breakfast, aka the Dec. 25 Pancake Breakfast, Has been an ongoing program for at least 40 years. For many years everything was closed on Xmas, so we would rent a movie theater and show a current movie. But now everything opens at 12pm so we just go to a local multiplex and everyone picks their own movie.

During the annual calendar meeting in June, we reserve December 25 for the Pancakes & More Breakfast. If it falls during Channukah, it is called the Channukah Chappening, and if so, get menorah molds for the pancakes, play Channukah music in the background, etc. We charge a modest fee, $8 an adult, $5 a youth over 6, entire family $25. This is a very cheap event to run. We usually net $200 to $400 which is donated to the Rebbe’s Tisch.

In November the flyer is updated, and the shopping lists are prepared. At the November Men’s Club meeting ask for volunteers to man the various stations. Starting in December the synagogue’s weekly email newsletter runs the flyer. Congregants can prepay or pay at the door. Two weeks before check supply of condiments (sugar, coffee, tea, ketchup, etc.). Also check kitchen utensils and electric griddles and clean. The Hebrew school will borrow them and sometimes they neglect to clean them. If you do not have griddles (two, one for eggs and one for pancakes) and need to rent them, check with your rabbi on how to kosher them.

Several days before go shopping for food and store it in synagogue’s dairy kitchen. Last business day before breakfast collect money and list of prepays from the synagogue office.

On December 25, everyone on the team arrives at 8 to set up. Synagogue staff sets up the tables, MC team sets up the various stations. The stations are for pancakes, eggs, cereal, toppings (syrup, chocolate syrup, ketchup, etc.), coffee and hot water for tea, and milk. Pancake batter is mixed prior to opening the doors at 9. We mix the batter in a plastic pail using a mixer attachment that attaches to an electric drill, during the breakfast this is done several times. Yes, we do make that many pancakes. There are also runners who resupply the stations and someone at the door to collect money from anyone who did not prepay. The cooking is done by Men’s Club members, but we often let the older children, 10 and up, to make the pancakes under adult supervision.

At 12 noon, we invite everyone to go to the theater and enjoy a movie of their choice. Everyone on the breakfast team stays behind and cleans up. Leftover food, fruit and unopen packages, are donate to food pantry or shelter.

This program works on many levels. Not only does it give Jewish families a place to go and something to do on Xmas, but it is also an opportunity for families to socialize with each, meet new people and make friends. Kids see their Hebrew school friends and get to play with them. Several generations of families and socialize. Also, this is a good time for the Men’s Club members to meet and greet new synagogue members, whom we can get to join the Men’s Club.