Submission #28337 by Anshe Emet Men'S Club - Chicago, IL (608)

Submission information
Submitted by gpollack
Thu, 2023-04-27 18:26
73.75.56.142
2023
I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.
Club Name
Anshe Emet Men'S Club - Chicago, IL (608)
Pesach Kosher Wine Tasting
Club Representative
Person completing form
Dr. Jeff Shore
Gregg
Pollack
Club President at time of convention if known at this time
Alan
Mintz
Club President Now
Alan
Mintz
Jewish Observance

Page 1

Back by popular demand after a pandemic-driven hiatus, we offered our Pesach Kosher Wine tasting for the first time since 2019. We partner with our local wine merchant, Binny's, and their Kosher Wine Distributor, Royal Wines, who host a tasting of 8-10 wines, as well as a tutorial on Kosher wines, in their store's tasting room. Attendees can then order wines for their seders at a discount (no sales tax, volume discounts). We receive the wines in bulk at the synagogue and sort them for each individual order. Those who order are then contacted by men's club to pick up their wines once we finish sorting.
We start planning 2-3 months before Pesach to ensure that we can find a suitable date for the program ideally 3-4 weeks before the holiday starts. We did not charge for the program, though we provided kosher pizza in addition to the wine (which was provided by Binny's). During the "warm-up" period, we had a blind tasting of 3 different wines. We had about 30 attendees, most of whom purchased wine at the event. Our Kosher Wine Master, Simon Levin, described each wine as we tasted it, while also educating us on the different wine making regions, mevushal vs. non-mevushal, and the various varietals we were tasting. Price points ranged from $12 to $45 per bottle and included white, red and blush/sweet wines (something for everyone). At the end of the program, those who correctly identified the wines from the blind tasting received a free bottle from Simon. The program ran over two hours, and we received very positive feedback from attendees.
Attachments
Self Assessment
Helps our members start preparation for Pesach, while affording opportunity to learn about Kosher wines. Attracts a diverse group as well - younger couples hosting seders, as well as the usual men's club crowd, though often with spouses. So there's a social element to the program, as well as men's club providing a "service" to the synagogue community by helping members prepare for their seders, raising our club profile in the community. And having the wine delivered to the synagogue is also very convenient for our members.
Helping our members prepare for and observe the Pesach holiday in a ritually compliant manner, while also educating them and providing a valuable service. Many of the wines also come from Israel, so we are supporting Israeli wine producers. Of course, it's important to support Kosher wine producers no matter where they're based.
This is a great way to "show off" your men's club around your shul - shul members and clergy appreciate the service that we provide in helping members prepare for the holiday and also learn more about a critical seder component.

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Original Program
Previous Submission
Yes