Inspiring Others and Illuminating Brotherhood: NER Honors Its 2025 Keepers of the Flame

On Sunday, Oct. 26, the New England Region of FJMC International was proud to gather at Temple Israel of Natick (MA) for the annual “Keeper of the Flame” (KOF) awards ceremony. 

KOF is the highest recognition that New England’s clubs can bestow on one of their members. The program began in 2001 to enable each synagogue’s Men’s Club or Brotherhood to honor one of their greatest contributors – someone who inspires others to rise to a greater purpose. Metaphorically, these Keepers of the Flame illuminate the darkness to keep the fires of brotherhood burning across their congregations and the entire regional community. This year’s Keeper of the Flame honorees included:

• Herb Daroff of Congregation Beth Israel in Worcester, MA

• Mark Gershlak of Temple Ner Tamid in Peabody, MA

• Arnie Harris of Temple Aliyah in Needham, MA

• Gary Keimach of Temple Israel of Sharon in Sharon, MA

• Max Klein of Temple Emunah in Lexington, MA

• Marc Silver of B'nai Tikvah in Canton, MA

• Adam Steinberg of Temple Emanuel in Newton, MA

• Adam Wilen of Temple Israel of Natick in Natick, MA

• Neil Wilson of Congregation Ahavas Achim in Newburyport, MA

Temple Israel was packed with the awardees’ family members, friends, and – of course – fellow club members. In his welcoming remarks, NER President Marty Paley spoke of the importance of evenings like this, when the NER community comes together in support of one another. “I believe that one of the most powerful words in the English language is with,” he shared. “As in ‘Will you join with me?’, ‘Come with Me,’ and ‘Spend some time with me.’ 

“Men’s Club is all about being with each other in good and bad times,” Paley continued. “Time is a precious commodity that we all wish we had more of. We can make the most of it with others. Our clubs can be a place for men to learn, to enjoy, to discuss, and to simply be with each other.”

In that spirit, as each honoree rose to receive their award, they were also celebrated with video testimonials from people whose lives they’ve impacted. While the stories differed from man to man, they each showed how the Keepers of the Flame are keeping the flame burning – just as they have for more than two decades – for their clubs and communities.

The New England region would like to congratulate all of this year’s honorees and thank everyone who joined us for the Keeper of the Flame ceremony. This event would not have been possible without the great work of the organizers, led by KOF Chair and NER Executive Vice President Stephen Shrago, along with David Tursky and the Temple Israel of Natick KOF Committee.