Anger may seem like something that can’t be controlled, but it is actually a selfish action. Sometimes it is necessary to let out concerns or thoughts about someone or something, but their are better ways to handle these things rather than anger. We must find strength in ourselves to not let loose our bad intentions.  Through the meeting we will learn what leads up to feelings of anger, and how to deal with it through jewish scripture.

The meeting on men’s mental health focused on breaking the silence around grief and emotional resilience, encouraging men to embrace their emotions instead of hiding them. We discussed the pressure men often feel to be stoic during tough times, especially when grieving, and how expressing feelings through things like journaling, talking to trusted friends, or even seeking professional help can be healing. Drawing on Jewish teachings, we reflected on the value of life and the belief that death is part of a greater plan, helping men find meaning and strength in their emotional journeys and reminding them that seeking help is a powerful, necessary act of self-care.

The meeting focused on addressing substance use and addiction, beginning with an introduction to the dangers of substance abuse and the cycle of addiction, particularly its connection to shame, stigma, and mental health challenges. Discussions also explored solutions such as rehab, seeking help, and the impact of societal pressures on men to avoid vulnerability, often leading to self-medication. The Jewish perspective on substance use emphasized the importance of preserving physical and mental health, rejecting recreational drug use, and offering assistance to those struggling with addiction.

The meeting focused on how career pressure uniquely affects men's mental health, addressing both the positive aspects, like providing purpose and financial stability, and the negative impacts, such as burnout and the struggle for work-life balance. Individuals discussed the challenge of balancing ambition with self-care, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries, redefining success, and relying on support networks to maintain mental well-being. The Jewish perspective on humility and ambition encouraged men to strive for greatness while acknowledging the need for self-reflection, realistic goals, and the importance of mental health in the face of societal pressures.

The meeting focused on coping with loneliness and isolation, emphasizing the importance of community and connection. The discussion explored how loneliness can lead to depression, anxiety, and low self-worth, particularly for men, who face societal pressure to be "strong" and often have fewer outlets for emotional expression. The group also connected loneliness to Jewish teachings, highlighting the Torah's emphasis on connection and the dangers of isolation, and discussed stoicism as a tool for reframing loneliness as an opportunity for self-growth and meaningful connections.

The meeting focused on handling rejection and failure, particularly in the context of men's mental health. It explored how societal expectations of masculinity can lead men to internalize rejection, leading to stress, anxiety, and depression. Discussions emphasized the importance of acknowledging and expressing emotions, reframing self-worth, and viewing failure as a learning opportunity to build resilience. Jewish teachings like B’Tzelem Elohim and the concept of Gam Zu L’Tovah were incorporated to encourage resilience and personal growth.

The meeting explored how Sukkot can offer insights into men's mental health, highlighting the idea that difficult emotions, like the sukkah itself, are temporary and don't need to be fixed right away. It emphasized the strength in embracing emotional vulnerability and the importance of expressing feelings openly, rather than repressing them. By reflecting on the themes of gratitude, presence, and the fleeting nature of challenges, the meeting encouraged a healthier approach to mental well being, offering a reminder that emotions, like seasons, come and go, and we have the power to navigate them with strength and support.

The meeting focused on the themes of forgiveness, introspection, and emotional vulnerability, emphasizing the importance of apologizing to others, oneself, and G-d for personal growth and healing. It discussed breaking the stereotype of always needing to be strong and instead embracing regret, remorse, and vulnerability as key to healthy emotional processing. The Jewish and mental health components highlighted the significance of Yom Kippur in seeking forgiveness and renewal, while also addressing the need for personal actions, such as apologizing to those we’ve hurt, to truly grow and move forward.

In the meeting, we started by discussing the societal expectations placed on men, using the whiteboard to brainstorm ideas. As the conversation shifted, we talked about how social media influences these pressures, highlighting the constant bombardment of images of men with "perfect" bodies—tall, muscular, and with ideal proportions. We reflected on how this shapes our view of masculinity, with the rise of toxic masculinity, the misunderstanding of stoicism, and the harmful idea of trying to be a “real man,” which ultimately leads to men being disconnected from their true selves and well being.

The meeting centered on the teachings of Pirkei Avot 2:5, exploring the idea of what it means to "be a man" and challenging traditional expectations of masculinity. Participants shared personal experiences of being pressured to act a certain way or being judged for not meeting societal standards of manhood. The session encouraged honest reflection, asking questions about vulnerability, identity, and the impact of gendered expectations, and ended with an open discussion to connect and share openly.