ACHIM CORPS
FOR OUR SAKE, AS MEN...
NFTB SPONSORS
THE ACHIM CORPS PROJECT
"Today's Jewish male may not clearly be the product of an upbringing that leaves him secure in the knowledge of Judaism. He may not have known the role models of an earlier generation that he can emulate. The specter of Jewish family observances may intimidate him. He may not feel comfortable in synagogue worship experiences. The supportive position of a caring and responsive Brotherhood can suggest and present the right combination of friendship and instruction to help the individual overcome any misgivings. Today's Jewish male must be encouraged to learn, to feel and to appreciate the gift of being Jewish." - Rabbi Lawrence M. Colton, Temple Judea of Bucks County, PA
Initiated in 1996, NFTB's "Achim Corps Project" refers to the programs and modules NFTB has developed to give brotherhood members the opportunity to explore and celebrate, through study, worship and service, issues of concern to Jewish men. We seek to develop innovative programs that speak to our members as fathers, sons, brothers, spouses, friends, and especially, as Reform Jews. Our goal is to increase our ranks with men ready to transform their renewed links to Reform Judaism into an active expression of commitment to perform mitzvot for their temple and their community.
NFTB has begun this new and exciting endeavor by:
- Initiating the NFTB Men's Health Initiative, a series of step by step program guides for local brotherhoods to conduct men's health oriented activities on such topics as prostate cancer, stress and heart disease for their members and the entire congregation;
- Producing an activity resource guide for "And You Shall Teach Them To Your Sons", a UAHC/NFTB published handbook of biblical stories designed for fathers and their teenage sons to jointly explore the Torah's relevance in their lives as Jew men;
- Creating a new NFTB "Men and Observance" Series, an organized collection of innovative, adult education modules designed specifically for brotherhoods to increase their members' familiarity with their faith. The first in this series focuses on Shabbat.
- Promoting region wide men's conferences and retreats focusing on critical issues of concern to Jewish men.
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