Today I Am a Man: Thoughts on Contemporary Male Identity for Bar Mitzvah Boys

Today I Am a Man: Thoughts on Contemporary Male Identity for Bar Mitzvah Boys

In this thought-provoking article, Rabbi Daniel S. Brenner explores what it means to be a Jewish man in contemporary American society, encouraging parents and educators to introduce Bar Mitzvah boys to some of the “traditional” values that have defined Jewish men throughout history. Rabbi Brenner is a Reconstructionist rabbi and the Chief of Education and Program at Moving Traditions, where he advances Shevet Achim: The Brotherhood, an educational program which aims to reverse the trend of young Jewish men disconnecting from the community following bar mitzvah. As a parent and educator, Rabbi Brenner suggests ways to explore these issues with tween boys before their Bar Mitzvah, including a men’s blessing circle and volunteer work with men. This article was shared on Ritualwell, a project of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College that provides a platform for creating new Jewish practices and observances.