Understanding the Haftarot: An Everyperson's Guide
Rabbi Charles Simon has served as the Executive Director of the Federation of Jewish Men's Clubs since 1981. Under his guidance, FJMC has produced numerous books, guides, films, and programs designed to enhance Jewish life, for men and women and their communities. Rabbi Simon has been responsible for the production of a host of materials designed to make Jewish life more accessible. These accomplishments include the development of the highly acclaimed Art of Jewish Living series, authored by Dr. Ron Wolfson, the writing and production of two educational films, A Guide to the Shabbat Morning Torah Service and The Ties That Bind. He edited and supervised the Hearing Men's Voices series, five manuals designed to assist Jewish men to address issues facing them today. He has also written 2 books devoted to teaching people how to lead and participate in community prayer. He has published in Commentary Magazine, Judaism Magazine and Reform Judaism. Rabbi Simon was instrumental in the creation of the Leadership Council of Conservative Judaism and starting and nurturing three Masorti congregations in France and two in the United Kingdom. His Mezuzah Housewarming party was translated into Spanish in 2005. In 2007 Rabbi Simon received the prestigious Sheirut l'am (Service to our People) award from the World Council of Synagogues and in 2011 the Yuval Award from the Cantors Assembly. He serves as the Conservative/Masorti Movement's representative to Europe. Recent endeavors are a weekly haftarah commentary that began in October 2009 and a book titled Developing a Successful Volunteer Culture. His primary interest is the development of lay leadership and the cultivation of volunteers. He lives in New York with his wife Mary Katzin.