KA CC Archive May 2025

Eight years ago, my friend Barry Dvorchik (z’l) asked me to be the president elect of the Men’s Club, which was renamed a few months later to the Brotherhood of Kol Ami.  While I had served as synagogue security chair in the past, this was arguably the biggest leadership role that I had taken at the shul.  Learning from great leaders like Barry and his successor, Mario Rodriguez, proved to be invaluable in teaching me how to run this organization. 

In another month, I’ll step down as president and we will vote on June 8 at a Brotherhood Breakfast in the Social Hall (cheap plug — please come, it’s after minyan) on a new slate of officers, including Yoav Rappaport to take over as president.

Over the years of my presidency, I like to think we have accomplished a lot, and Brotherhood has gained status as an important arm of the synagogue.  We have been awarded “Quality Club” status from the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs (FJMC) for the last five years and have recently put in our application for a sixth consecutive year.  This was not done by myself alone, but quite the opposite.  I had a lot of help!!

I would like to thank my board members:  Michael “Doc” Binder, Mitch Weiss, Yoav Rappaport, Russell Wolff, Mario Rodriguez, Glenn Yancey, Gerald Woods, Ari Horowitz, and Alan Borden.  I would also like to thank other Brotherhood members for their leadership roles in chairing events and being former/future board members:  “Coach” Dan Ochman, Craig Kalter, Ron Gray, Carlos Romay, Jeff Hinds, Mark Jaffe, Rabbi Marc Blatt, and Eric Weiner. 

Someone asked me what event or accomplishment of Brotherhood made me the most proud.  As much as I love our signature events like Cigars and Spirits Night, Torah on Tap, Hearing Men’s Voices sessions, Craft Beer Night, Steaks in the Sukkah, and more, I can honestly say the fact that helping to bring Jewish men together to bond, daven, learn about Judaism, and cultivate friendships meant the most to me.

I look forward to my friend Yoav Rappaport taking over the reins, as I know he’ll do a great job.  Thank you to all who took part in any Brotherhood activity.  I’m proud to have been able to serve Kol Ami.  But I’m not going anywhere, I’ll still be around!  See you all at shul.

Jonathan Zimmer