Submission #22074 by Temple Israel Men'S Club - Charlotte, NC (1709)

I have read the 2021 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.
Club Name
Temple Israel Men'S Club - Charlotte, NC (1709)
Lag B' Omer Bonfire and Steak Dinner
Club Representative
Person completing form
Michael
Eisner
Club President at time of convention if known at this time
Michael
Eisner
Club President Now
Michael
Eisner
Jewish Observance

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A MC member offered the use of his kosher home and yard for a Men only Lag B’ Omer event featuring fire pits, yard games, happy hour, a kosher steak dinner, teaching about Lag B’ Omer, followed by cigars and bourbon back outside at the fire pits after dinner.
Planning is relatively easy with the use of your synagogue’s kosher caterer. Otherwise, it is very feasible to plan the menu and do the cooking, there’s just a lot more work. We thought it was worth the extra cost to have a hassle-free event. Some members are tasked with bringing fire pits, some with yard games (including suction cup bows and arrows in honor of the festival tradition), and still others with procuring the hooch. Two of our most learned members are putting together the educational component, and there will be a guided Hearing Men’s Voices component with the absence of women at the dinner.
Attachments
Self Assessment
The most significant impact of this event is to offer a “higher level” of Jewish participation to our members. We actually heard someone say how glad they were that they didn’t have to go to Chabad to celebrate Lag B’ Omer! Our club motto this year is Building Stronger Relationships in a Jewish Context. This event is about as Jewish a context as you get. It is also a great way to get several members together to work toward a common goal with manageable, individual or small group tasks.
Using the structure of HMV in this setting will make the conversation relevant and moving. Giving men the chance to step up and lead smaller aspects of this event, along with the "new" nature of our having a Lag B'Omer event of this kind checks off all Leadership--Innovation--Community boxes.
Helping our members (and others) see that Chabad doesn't have a monopoly on "Doing Jewish" is a good thing.

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Original Program
Previous Submission
Yes