J-Boys
J-Boys is based on Moving Traditions’ research and has been tested with multiple groups of boys in a variety of Jewish educational settings. The most striking research finding is that putting boys’ developing masculinity — their “journey to manhood” — at the center of male-focused Jewish programming, with a well-trained male facilitator, will keep more boys engaged in Jewish life beyond bar mitzvah.
The report is distilled from three years of research, 40 focus groups with Jewish boys, and program development, and grows out of the success of Moving Traditions’ work with adolescent girls through Rosh Hodesh: it’s a Girl Thing!
JYW’s group will be led by Raj Seymour, who has many years of experience in teaching and leading Jewish youth programs. He is attending group leader training geared specifically for this program.
The informal curriculum, is presented in two-hour sessions that can be incorporated into on-going programming or offered on a stand-alone basis. The curriculum includes:
- Enjoyable activities that create safe space and enable boys to engage in meaningful discussion.
- Content that draws on Judaism and gives boys the opportunity to explore issues they care about, such as friendship, sex, power, money, and work.
- Resources to help educators and youth workers facilitate meaningful conversations with boys.
Learn more about J-Boys’ background (called The Brotherhood by Moving Traditions, renamed locally with their permission)
For more information, please contact Lolly Gold at 303-320-6185 or lolly@judaismyourway.org
J-Boys is a program of Moving Traditions, which envisions a dynamic and welcoming Judaism that incorporates new gender roles and understandings. Moving Traditions inspires women and men, boys and girls to engage more deeply with Judaism.
