Musings on Masculinity

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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The Jewish Path to Fatherhood: Why Being a Better Dad Matters

by Rabbi Noam Raucher, MA.ed

In the timeless tapestry of Jewish teachings, the role of a father is imbued with profound significance. Guided by the rich legacy of Jewish values, fathers are called upon to be not just providers but also moral leaders and spiritual guides for their children. In today’s world, where the challenges of fatherhood are ever-evolving, embracing …

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Nurturing Personal Leadership Skills in Men: The Boardroom Versus Personal Sphere

by Rabbi Noam Raucher, MA.ed

In the realm of leadership, men often find themselves navigating between two distinct arenas: the boardroom and their personal lives. While traditional leadership skills may be honed within the confines of corporate settings, there’s an increasing recognition of the need for men to cultivate personal leadership skills, which extend beyond professional spheres into their interpersonal …

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From Bro Culture to Brotherhood: A Call for Men to Embrace Connection and Growth

by Rabbi Noam Raucher, MA.ed

In the fabric of contemporary masculinity, there exists a prevalent ethos: the “bro culture.” It’s a term that conjures images of frat parties, locker room banter, and a stoic, often superficial facade of what it means to be a man. Despite how “bro culture” often dominates male interactions, there’s a growing recognition of the need …

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Men and Masks

by Rabbi Noam Raucher, MA.ed

Purim is one of my favorite Jewish holidays. I love how much our faith takes the idea of irreverence into spiritual practice. We all need a chance to let go and “act a fool,” as Ludacris says. Sometimes, we all need permission to let go of the necessary strictures for everyday life.

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