Hubba challah — the 2016 Nice Jewish Guys Calendar has finally arrived! To celebrate the fifth annual edition of the Nice Jewish Guys calendar, we’re sitting down with Mr. July himself (aka Andrew Fromer) to learn the ins and outs of what it really means to be a nice, Jewish guy! Andrew is a native of the Los Angeles area and grew up as an active member in the Jewish community through Stephen S. Wise Temple. He moved to Tel Aviv, Israel for a year after graduating from the University of California, Santa Barbara where he graduated with a Minor in Jewish Studies and High Honors. So, yeah, let’s just say he knows a thing or two about being a nice, Jewish guy!

1.  How were you chosen to be in the calendar?

I first heard about the calendar in college and to me it is hilarious, and yet serves our community very importantly! Some folks want hunky fireman, others want kittens, but there was (not surprisingly) a demand for nice Jewish men to adorn the walls of those looking to admire good-hearted, wholesome adorableness.

Through mutual friends I was put in touch with one of the folks putting together the calendar.  I filled out a fun questionnaire, sent in my picture and then went in for an interview during which we chatted about my various hobbies and ways I spend my days. The rest is history!

2.  So what is it about you that makes you the perfect ‘Nice, Jewish Pin-Up Guy?’

Anyone who knows me will tell you that I go above and beyond for anyone who needs anything, ever.  I have an undeniable instinct to make sure that my friends are taken care of and that they have someone in their corner if they ever get in a jam.  The most important virtues to me are loyalty and respect… essentially I strive for true mensch-dom every day.

3.  What is the one specific trait that landed you in this year’s calendar?

Charm. I’m a big-time schmoozer and it’s especially easy when the people you meet are so nice and wonderful, like the fine folks at Super Delicious.  When I did my interview, it was just like coffee-talk; I wanted them to feel like they had no choice but to pick me and I guess it worked! Never deny the power of the schmooze.

       4.  What are you hoping to get out of your calendar appearance? 

I just wanna play my part in raising awareness that there are still sweethearts out there. Chivalry is not dead, true gentlemen have not gone away just yet, and the calendar highlights 12 guys that you can count on to be a great friend, significant other, or B’nai Mitzvah tutor perhaps.  Some say “nice guys finish last” and hopefully the calendar can help put an end to that madness.

5.  What do you think are the most important characteristics of a nice, Jewish guy?

To me, the most important thing is an intense desire to circle up with friends/family under a bed of stars, arms around each other and sing the Hashkiveinu before going to sleep. This act highlights friendship, kindness, reverence for nature, sense of community, respect for others and life itself… these values are all encapsulated in this one act and some of my favorite nice Jewish memories are doing exactly that.

6.  As a single Jewish man, what do you look for in a woman?

A kind, sweet person who has a sense of adventure and is always looking for ways to challenge herself, and myself.  A woman that can say the most adorable things in the world to me with the most beautiful smile on her face… just before she kicks my butt in a snowboard race or bowling, and then we have a beer.

7.  Who is more proud of your calendar appearance: Your mom or Bubbie? Why?

While I unfortunately no longer have a bubbie, I know for a fact my mom is the correct answer. No one could be prouder than her. I don’t think there are any copies of the calendar left, pretty sure she bought them all…at this time I’d like to thank my mom for her constant love and support. #proudjewishmama (cue the kvelling).