Jewish Men After October 7

The brutal attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, was traumatic for Jewish people worldwide, and this trauma was exacerbated by the rise in global Anti-Semitism immediately afterwards. Jewish men have faced challenges dealing with grief and anger. Relations with friends, family and colleagues have sometimes been strained. At the same time many men have reacted by being part of a surge of increased participation in the Jewish community as they work to better embrace their Jewish identity. As a response to these observations the Jewish Men After October 7 project will focus on three main activities.

• Hearing Men’s Voices Programming

• Focus on Jewish ritual skills

• Programming on historical and political background to the current situation in Israel

HEARING MEN’S VOICES

Here are some initial subjects that will also contain personal stories and essays.

1. “Jewish Identity after October 7”: Discussion of Jewish identity and changes of practicing of rituals. Which do you identify with. Why? We have identified three core groups that will be explored:

a. The Strengthened: Those already involved, who deepened their religious or political commitment.

b. The Seekers: Those previously disconnected who began looking for Jewish community for the first time in years.

c. The Disillusioned: Left-leaning Jews on college campuses or in urban centers who pivoted toward Jewish advocacy after feeling ostracized by their peers.

FOCUS ON JEWISH RITUAL SKILLS

Bring our membership awareness to the programs that we have developed over the years that strengthen our membership Jewish identity. Art of Jewish Living, World Wide Wrap, Learner’s and Alternative Minyanim, etc. These hallmark programs can be more tailored to the reawakened Jewish man inside the FJMC organization, as well as, reaching out to untapped numbers of Jewish men that are seeking Jewish belonging and meaning making activities.

HISTORICAL AND POLITICAL PROGRAMMING

Review and develop materials to explore the historical and political background of the situation in Israel and the greater Middle East.