The Charlotte Jewish News- September 2025- Page 8
Religious Life
Temple Israel Men’ s Club Enriches Jewish Life in Charlotte and Beyond
By Dana Goldfarb
If you’ re looking for meaningful ways to connect with Jewish life, give back to the community, and have some fun along the way, look no further than Temple Israel Men’ s Club( TIMC). With a vibrant slate of social activities, service initiatives, and spiritual programs, TIMC brings men together to build friendships and make a difference.
Led by new president Dana Goldfarb and a 15-member board, TIMC is guided by core values of compassion, inclusivity, flexibility, humanity, respect, gratitude, fun, and trust. These principles are the foundation for a community that supports one another while celebrating Jewish heritage in authentic and engaging ways.
Tradition Meets Action: TIMC’ s Signature Programs
TIMC combines ritual observance with community spirit through programs like building the Temple’ s Sukkah, teaching the art of wrapping tefillin during the Worldwide Wrap, and organizing Men’ s Club Shabbat— an annual service followed by a Kiddush for the entire congregation. Members also connect through the Anshei Darom Retreat, an immersive Shabbat weekend in the North Georgia mountains with fellow southeastern FJMC clubs. Service-driven traditions include preparing meals for Yom Gemilut Hassadim, honoring those engaged in acts of loving-kindness, and distributing yellow remembrance candles on Yom HaShoah to keep the memory of the Holocaust alive.
Where Brotherhood Meets Fun: TIMC Social Events
Beyond the synagogue, TIMC offers a range of social events for every interest. Members gather for Brisket, Bourbon & Brotherhood under the Sukkah, face off with Temple Beth El’ s Brotherhood in the Great Hamantaschen-Latke Debate, and enjoy brewery tours, golf outings, comedy shows, and movie nights. They also meet for Whitewater River Jam concerts, cheer on the Charlotte Knights and Checkers, and compete in March Madness pools.
Tikkun Olam in Action: TIMC’ s Charitable Work
Service is central to TIMC’ s mission. The club supports the Loyd Scher Toy Drive, bringing joy to children in need, and raises funds through the Irv Swartz Memorial Challah Sale. It partners with Temple Israel’ s Social Action Team and provides volunteer assistance for Temple fundraising efforts and programming. Award-Winning Impact TIMC’ s work has been recognized with two consecutive FJMC Quality Club Awards, a Silver Club Award, and seven Torch Awards— including four golds— for outstanding programming and innovation. One of its most notable legacies is the Worldwide Wrap, a tefillin education event that began at TIMC and has grown into a global movement under the FJMC. Join the Men’ s Club TIMC invites you to become part of a dynamic, welcoming, and purpose-driven community. Whether you’ re seeking spiritual connection, meaningful service, or simply a good laugh with new friends, there’ s a place for you at the Temple Israel Men’ s Club. Learn more and sign up at TImen. org.
Temple Israel Men’ s Club Golf Outing
Lay-Led Services Open to All for High Holidays
By Elaine Millen
Havurat Tikvah extends an open invitation to the greater Charlotte Jewish community to attend its in-person High Holiday Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur services( Avondale Presbyterian Church, MacLean Fellowship Hall, 2821 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28209). For those unable to attend due to illness or other circumstances, Zoom options will be available throughout the service schedule. Links can be requested in advance by emailing admin @ havurattikvah. org.
On Sept. 23 and 24, Rosh Ha- Shanah Day One and Day Two services will begin at 10 a. m., followed by Kiddush, Hamotzi, and a kosher / vegetarian / dairy / pareve / peanut-free potluck luncheon. Later that day, congregants and guests will gather for Tashlich at 3 p. m. on the East side of Latta Park in Dilworth.
Kol Nidre services will be held on Oct. 1 at 7 PM. Attendees must be seated by 6:45 p. m.
Yom Kippur services will continue on Oct. 2 10 a. m., with
Meg D. Goldstein
Attorney-At-Law
Estate Planning Estate and Trust Administration Pre-Marital Agreements Charitable Planning and Entities General Corporate and Tax Law Business Succession Planning
Yizkor at approximately 1 p. m. After an afternoon break, services will resume at 6 p. m. with a healing service. Ne’ ilah will begin at 6:40 p. m., followed by a kosher / vegetarian / dairy / pareve / peanut-free break-the-fast potluck supper at 7:43 p. m.
Members and guests are encouraged to bring their own tallit and kippah. A limited quantity of both will be available on-site. Attendees are also encouraged to bring a shofar to participate in the concluding Yom Kippur service. Masks may be worn by those who wish to wear them. Vaccinations are required. COVID-19 testing is appreciated but not required. Childcare is not available.
As in past years, first-time attendees— including students and active-duty military personnel— are welcome to attend services, participate in Tashlich, and stay for the Rosh HaShanah luncheon and Yom Kippur break-the-fast at no cost. All others are asked to pay a nominal fee: $ 54 for individuals or $ 90 per family.
Checks can be mailed to Havurat Tikvah, P. O. Box 1714, Matthews, NC 28106-1714. Email admin @ havurattikvah. org for more details.
Havurat Tikvah is a warm, supportive, and nurturing Jewish Reconstructionist congregation offering Shabbat services, a full spectrum of holiday observances, and religious education for both families and single adults. We are a diverse group of families, singles, and Jewish and interfaith couples engaged in projects that promote social justice. We value and depend upon member participation and leadership in our religious services, spiritual growth, and governance.
For more information on upcoming services, programs, membership or other queries, call 980-225-5330, email membership @ havurattikvah. org, or visit havurattikvah. org. Havurat Tikvah is also on Facebook at www. facebook. com / groups / havurattikvah /
704.846.3607 office 704.756.3626 cell MGOLDSTEIN @ MGOLDLAW. COM WWW. MGOLDLAW. COM