The JGuy's Guide: The GPS for Jewish Teen Guys

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.

Rabbi Joseph B. Meszler is a noted spiritual leader and educator, recognized for his ability to connect the importance of Jewish tradition with everyday life. He is coauthor of The JGuy's Guide: The GPS for Jewish Teen Guys and author of A Man's Responsibility: A Jewish Guide to Being a Son, a Partner in Marriage, a Father and a Community Leader; Witnesses to the One: The Spiritual History of the Sh'ma and Facing Illness, Finding God: How Judaism Can Help You and Caregivers Cope When Body or Spirit Fails (all Jewish Lights). He is the rabbi at Temple Sinai in Sharon, Massachusetts, and an instructor at the Kehillah Schechter Academy.

Rabbi Joseph B. Meszler is available to speak on the following topics:

• The Spiritual History of the Sh'ma: What "God Is One" Might Mean
• Not Your Father's Brotherhood: What Being a Jewish Man Meant Then and Now
• How Judaism Can Help You Cope with Illness

Dr. Shulamit Reinharz is the Potofsky Professor of Sociology at Brandeis University, where she serves as founding director of both the Hadassah-Brandeis Institute and the Women's Studies Research Center. She is coauthor of The JGuy's Guide: The GPS for Jewish Teen Guys and The JGirl’s Guide: The Young Jewish Women's Handbook for Coming of Age (both Jewish Lights).

Liz Suneby is coauthor of The JGuy's Guide: The GPS for Jewish Teen Guys; The Mitzvah Project Book: Making Mitzvah Part of Your Bar/Bat Mitvah … and Your Life; It's a ... It's a ... It's a Mitzvah (all Jewish Lights) and coauthor of the Children's Choice Award winner See What You Can Be: Explore Careers That Could Be for You!

Liz Suneby is also available to speak on the following topic:

• Mitzvah Projects

Diane Heiman is coauthor of The JGuy's Guide: The GPS for Jewish Teen Guys; The Mitzvah Project Book: Making Mitvah Part of Your Bar/Bat Mitzvah … and Your Life; It's a … It's a … It's a Mitzvah (all Jewish Lights) and the Children's Choice Award winner See What You Can Be: Explore Careers That Could Be for You.

Diane Heiman is also available to speak on the following topic:

• Mitzvah Projects