“If you never leave the basics, you never have to go back to the beginning” -Alcoholics Anonymous Session Summary Objectives Understand the importance of bodily functions Increase awareness around treating their body well See the connection between self-care and optimal performance
“Who is wise? One who learns from every human.” - Pirke Avot Overview Objective Think critically about what it means to be “intelligent” Have an opportunity to reflect on the different messages they are receiving about intellectual standing and achievement as boys from the media, parents, peers, teachers, and from Jewish tradition
No two minds are alike, just as no two faces are alike. - Talmud, Berachot 58a Overview: Objectives: Identify core models of masculinity in American culture and to begin thinking critically about them, and the messages boys have received about these core models Raise awareness of the limitations imposed on men by preconceived notions and…
My God, guard my tongue from evil. – from the Siddur (based on Ps. 34:14) Session Summary: Objectives Think critically about the impact their words have on others Describe the role that words—particularly names—play in shaping their identities Learn the value Jewish tradition places on the spoken word, including the concept of lashon harah (harmful…
A person’s life has three phases: the phase when their body develops, the phase when their thought develops, and the phase when their deeds develop. Tikkune Zohar, Tikku, 19, 67a. Introduction Objectives Identify the concept of “balance” as a Jewish value Demonstrate strategies to manage stress with parents, peers, and at school Explain how self-management…
Objectives Introduction Objectives Identify examples of extreme thinking that are drawing us out of balance Connect how these extremes and high expectations contribute to their overall well-being and mental health Examine what messages boys get from society about what it means to be a man in extremes
Objectives: Reflect on the relationship between their Jewish identity and other aspects of their identities, including their male identities; Respond to the questions “how am I Jewish?” and “what makes me Jewish?”
Introduction: Objectives: Re-establish guidelines for the group as a place where boys can be themselves; Reflect on the relationship between their Jewish identity and other aspects of their identities, including their male identities; Respond to the questions “how are Jewish people identified?” and “what, according to the world, makes me Jewish?” This session is meant…
Overview: Objectives: By the end of the session, participants will be able to: Describe characteristics of healthy and supportive friendships; Describe the role of a friend and why it is important to have friends; Reflect on Jewish teachings about friendship
Overview: Objectives: Participants will be able to think critically about social and cultural messages they receive about competition; Reflect on the drawbacks and benefits of the various competitions (academic, athletic, artistic, etc.) that they are pursuing, or might pursue, in the future
