Mindful Masculinity: Mental Health and Resilience for Jewish Men

Mindful Masculinity: Mental Health and Resilience for Jewish Men

A Hearing Men’s Voices session for men to begin talking about emotional wellness within the Jewish context. As we know, Judaism is a faith which values health, both physical and emotional, as critical to the functioning of an individual. Men are often more reluctant than women to talk about health in general, but mental health in particular, often to our own detriment. By building a safe space to raise this important topic, it opens doors to connection which may have very real emotional benefits.

Ground Rules:
The facilitator briefly introduces HMV as a safe, nonjudgmental space for Jewish men to talk issues together. Some important keys for success require one person speaking at a time, one should speak from their own experience, members should always assume good intent, what’s shared stays within the group, and that participation is voluntary.

The facilitator is encouraged to share a personal story related to the topic to help break the ice before launching into questions. Make sure to allow adequate time for each person who wishes to comment for each topic and give everyone a chance to speak who wants to speak.

1. What does “being well” mean to you personally as a Jewish man?

– Possible prompts: spiritual balance, emotional openness, physical health, role in family/community.

2. Name one small practice (religious, secular, or everyday) that helps you feel steadier during a stressful week.

3. When you’re stressed or struggling, who or what do you typically turn to first—and why?

– Follow-up: Are there barriers that stop you from reaching out earlier?

4. How do Jewish rituals, traditions, or texts help (or could help) with emotional resilience?

– Prompt: Any specific prayers, rituals, or teachings that have comforted you?

5. Masculinity and expectations: Which cultural or communal messages about being a man have helped or harmed your wellbeing?

6. Practical coping skills: What daily or weekly habits actually make a difference for you emotionally (sleep, exercise, talking to friends, volunteering, learning, therapy)?

7. Supporting each other: What are concrete ways our kehilla (synagogue/group) could better support men’s mental health?

8. If you could give your younger self one piece of advice about mental health, what would it be?