Musings on Masculinity

A Different Kind of Father’s Day Reflection

by Rabbi Noam Raucher, MA.ed

Father’s Day can stir up a wide range of emotions—pride, gratitude, regret, grief, even longing. It’s more than a celebration; it’s a mirror. That’s why we created “Fatherhood, Rewritten: A Reflective Guide for Men.”  It’s a simple, thoughtfully designed journal filled with powerful questions for men to reflect on: the kind of fathers they want to …

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Mountains and Manhood: What Shavuot Teaches Us About Masculinity Today

by Rabbi Noam Raucher, MA.ed

Shavuot, the festival that commemorates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, may not come with the same fanfare as Passover or the sensory rituals of Sukkot, but it is, in many ways, the beating heart of Jewish spiritual life. It’s a holiday about revelation—not just the thunder and lightning of that moment at …

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Seasons of Brotherhood: A Holiday Workshop for Men – Passover

by Rabbi Noam Raucher, MA.ed

SEASONS OF BROTHERHOOD Reflective Inner Work Through the Seder Experience. by Rabbi Noam Raucher, MA.Ed – Executive Director, FJMC This unique workshop is designed to help men explore their inner lives, relationships, and personal growth through the themes and symbols of Passover. Using reflection, a hevrutah (study partner), and group discussions, participants will draw connections …

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Hearing Men’s Voices: Purim Edition

by Rabbi Noam Raucher, MA.ed

Hearing Men’s Voices: Purim Edition Unmasking Ourselves: Exploring Identity, Vulnerability, and Purpose through the Masks We Wear by Rabbi Noam Raucher, MA.Ed – Executive Director, FJMC Program Overview: This program uses the Book of Esther as a meaningful framework to guide men in reflecting on their inner and outer lives. By weaving together artistic expression, textual …

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Hanukkah for Macca-Bros

by Rabbi Noam Raucher, MA.ed

Prompts and Reflections for Men During the Festival of Lights FJMC has some resources for men to help celebrate this festival of  lights! Each night offers a new prompt and reflection! THE LIGHT WITHIN Prompt: The Shamash (Helper Candle) ignites all other lights of the Menorah without losing its own flame. Reflect on how you …

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Beyond being a mensch: Confronting misogyny and antisemitism in the ‘manosphere’

by Rabbi Noam Raucher, MA.ed

See article published in eJewish Philanthropy on October 31, 2024.  In Short Synagogues can provide spaces for men to learn about and practice healthy masculinity and move them away from the toxicity pushed by social media influencers

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The Power of Asking “How Are You Doing?” — And Meaning It

by Rabbi Noam Raucher, MA.ed

A few weeks ago I was going through a rough patch- simultaneously wrestling with: the grief of lost love, resting anxiety that I’ve had most of my life, feelings of low self-worth, and guilt over parenting failures. Talk about a cocktail of stress and emotion! To make it worse, I fell into an old personal …

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Labor Day Reflections: Honoring Men in the Labor Movement and Rethinking the Role of Provider

by Rabbi Noam Raucher, MA.ed

As we celebrate Labor Day, it’s essential to recognize the significant contributions men have made to the labor movement in the United States. (Note: this is not to disregard the countless contributions from women in the labor market. But my interest is in men and their experiences.) For generations, men have been at the forefront …

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Top 5 Reasons Why Your Jewish Community Needs a Men’s Group

by Rabbi Noam Raucher, MA.ed

In today’s rapidly changing world, Jewish communities face the challenge of addressing the unique needs of men in ways that are both relevant to modern issues and deeply rooted in Jewish tradition. As societal norms evolve, men are confronted with pressures and expectations that can often lead to isolation, emotional distress, and a lack of …

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The Importance of Shabbat and Rest for Men: A Path to Holistic Well-being

by Rabbi Noam Raucher, MA.ed

The pressure to be a good provider can weigh heavily on Jewish men. The traditional role of a provider often becomes a mask, obscuring the deeper needs for spiritual and emotional well-being. Shabbat, the Jewish day of rest, offers a profound antidote to this imbalance, providing essential benefits that are both timeless and timely. The concept …

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