Who am I? How do I feel about myself? Do I seem cool? Do I fit in?
"At a bar mitzvah people talk about becoming a man in the Jewish religion, but what is that supposed to mean? For sure it means you are no longer a child, but you are also not yet an adult. Fortunately, there's no one official definition of manhood, just as there is no one official way of being Jewish. That's where this book comes in."
-from the Preface
Courage, friends, stress, sex, God, identity-these are some of the things that concern teen guys. This book addresses those concerns-without preaching, judgment or criticism-to help you figure out what becoming a Jewish man means to you.
It presents surprising facts, interesting stories, ideas and actions taken by Jewish men today and all the way back to biblical times to show how they answered the same kinds of questions you're asking yourself. It challenges stereotypes and myths, and offers different opinions, not only from old guys but from dozens of teenage Jewish guys just like you.
Like the Talmud, The JGuy's Guide offers many perspectives and reflection questions to help you find your own truths.
The JGuy's Guide helps young teens see how Judaism can help them navigate adolescence and strengthens Jewish identity and pride. A candid, interactive book that is ideal for individual teens as well as discussion groups.
"What a cool book! Filled with ... the voices of teenage peers who talk with honesty about the challenges and joys in their lives. A great bar mitzvah or confirmation gift!"
-Dr. Ron Wolfson, Fingerhut Professor of Education, American Jewish University
"Wise, witty and, in its own way, deeply powerful. I could have used it when I was growing up. My teen years would have been a whole lot easier."
-Rabbi Jeffrey K. Salkin, editor, Text Messages: A Torah Commentary for Teens
"For his bar mitzvah, get the kid a new tallis and kippah ... and this book. The wisdom and warmth of The JGuy's Guide will be a blessing as he grows into adulthood.... He'll thank you for that."
-Rabbi Edward Feinstein, author, Tough Questions Jews Ask: A Young Adult's Guide to Building a Jewish Life; rabbi, Valley Beth Shalom, Encino, California
"I often tell the story about how my life has been a journey and, had I turned left instead of right, who knows where I may have ended up. [This] book gives you that perspective about making choices in life."
-Andre Tippett, member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame
"Chock full of Jewish and peer wisdom on the things that teen boys think about. What a gift!"
-Rabbi Sid Schwarz, senior fellow, Clal; founder, Panim Institute for Jewish Leadership and Values; author, Jewish Megatrends: Charting the Course of the American Jewish Community
"A superb resource for working with adolescent boys. Raises timely questions, provides context for the big ideas in the book, and includes interesting material from popular culture that will engage boys."
-Matt King, head of Rashi School, Dedham, Massachusetts
