The Men of Fairmount Temple (MFT) engage in a variety of social, religious, cultural and educational activities enhancing our congregation and the greater Cleveland community. Among the programs and events in which MFT activity participates are:
The Ed Broidy Mitzvah Corps: On the first Saturday of the month from September through June, MFT volunteers provide entertainment and refreshments for the residents at Montefiore. Our volunteers assist the resident from and to their rooms to attend the programs of song and story telling. In April 2017, the Ed Broidy Mitzvah Corps was honored, by a proclamation from the Mayor of the City of Beachwood for its 50 years of dedicated service to the residents of Montefiore. Ed Broidy, of blessed memory, is pictured at left with Rick Stone.
Sunday Morning Forum: During the year MFT features prominent local speakers whose presentations cover a wide-range of topics, from science to music, history to medicine, to current issues of concern to the Jewish community. The talks are free and open to all. RSVPs are not needed, and prior to the speaker’s start, there is a bagel breakfast.
Yom HaShoah Candle Distribution: Each year MFT, in conjunction with the Men of Reform Judaism, organize, package, and distribute to our congregants a yellow yahrzeit candle in observance of Yom HaShoah. These candles are delivered to the congregants’ homes and handed to religious school students.
Clothing Drive: Every November, MFT collects a mountain of clothing from our congregation to be donated to charitable organizations.
Blood Drive: Each December, MFT sponsors the blood drive, and staffs the registration tables.
Interfaith Seder: Shortly before the start of Passover, MFT is a sponsor of ACFT’s annual Seder. MFT members serve as table hosts assisting in explaining to those of other faiths, about the meaning and rituals of Passover.
Leo Jacobson Scholarship Award: At MFT’s annual meeting in April, MFT provides a religious school student from the 10th grade, as chosen by the clergy, with an award of $500 in memory of former MFT President/ACFT Educator Leo Jacobson.
Chanukah Menorah Distribution: A long-time MFT tradition continues as shortly before the start of Chanukah, MFT distributes menorahs to first graders of the religious school. Many parents of the children receiving these menorahs still have theirs, given to them when attending the religious school.
Ushering at Shabbat Services: Before Shabbat services begin, our MFT members are often found distributing prayer books and welcoming those coming to Shabbat Services.
Greater Cleveland Food Bank: During December, MFT volunteers assist with the packaging of food items at the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. These items are then distributed to shelters and other centers for distribution to those in need.
Social Activities/Events: During the year, MFT hosts various social programs and activities. Programs/events, past and current, include(d) an evening at Blossom Music Center, a visit to a local mosque, the annual Dinner and Show and the Chagrin Valley Little Theater, Poker night, an evening with Anita Hollander, and visit to a brewery/distillery.
To learn more about MFT, contact Lester S. Potash, President at lspotash@icloud.com. To join in our good works, contact Hedy Silber at Fairmount Temple at 216-447-9540, or e-mail her at hedy@fairmounttemple.org.
