Print this pageJ-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 Boulder group, offered in partnership with Boulder JCC will be led by Yoni Ashar, a graduate student who has many years of experience in teaching and leading Jewish youth programs.
In Denver, Jason Shiroff will lead the group, offered jointly by B’nai Havurah and JYW. Jason is a creative school teacher who has led youth adventure trips, and has interests ranging from web design to hiking and fitness, to poetry and creative non-fiction.
Both Yoni and Jason have attended the intensive 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.
