Convention Far from Conventional

The great thing about having high expectations is when the actual event even surpasses them. This was the case with my first-time experience at the FJMC International Convention in Toronto. I must say that I initially was somewhat apprehensive when I sat down on the Porter Airlines plane at Midway Airport in Chicago and saw it was a propeller plane. But the entire flight was flawless, and the 10-minute trip from the Billy Bishop Airport to the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel in downtown Toronto could not have been more convenient.

TEFILAT HaNESHAMA /  PRAYER OF THE SOUL:

New FJMC initiative Debuts at Toronto Convention

“If I only attended this one session, it would have been worth coming to convention!”

Take a look around you the next time that you are in the synagogue sanctuary. Look at the faces and the body language of the men and women at prayer. Observe the intensity of the involvement and participation in the liturgy. I’ve been talking with many Conservative Jews recently about prayer and what they tell me is essentially that they don’t feel involved.

We’re not in Kansas anymore .... A Spouse's Perspective on Convention

 Any chance I have to travel is one I won’t refuse. Upon hearing this year’s convention was in Toronto was no different. My husband, David Singer, encouraged me to download the FJMC app so I could schedule activities with other spouses/significant others and see the daily schedules. Traveling with others to the Textile Museum and the Jewish walking tour made exploring the city less intimidating. I had instant friends to chat with and go out to lunch. Conversation always flowed easily. Everyone was friendly, shared stories about their families and hometowns and seemed pleased to be there. 

Anteing up for Tzedakah

International Convention is always a great time. Beginning in 2016, I got together with several members of FJMC from other regions; Doug Seagerman and Alex Pomerantz.  I said, you know, we really enjoy playing poker at LDI and the retreat. We should do something at International Convention that would showcase our members who play poker and raise some money for FJMC.