Boyz II Mensches with Adam Teitelbaum

In this thought-provoking episode of Sapir Conversations, Rabbi David Wolpe engages with Adam Teitelbaum, author of the essay 'Boys to Menches,' to explore the deepening crisis facing Jewish boys and young men in America. Teitelbaum argues that the bar mitzvah—once a rite of passage—has become a hollow finish line, disconnected from lifelong Jewish identity. He proposes a radical reimagining: transforming the bar mitzvah into a starting gate for a six-year journey of Jewish growth, modeled after a 'Jewish Boy Scouts' program where boys form lasting chavurot (study groups), learn Torah and ritual, and eventually mentor younger peers. The conversation unpacks systemic issues—economic pressures, the feminization of professions, the erosion of male roles, and the emotional toll of modern masculinity—while emphasizing that the solution lies not in new institutions, but in reclaiming and revitalizing existing Jewish wisdom and ritual. Teitelbaum stresses that true engagement begins at home, with families creating spaces for shared learning, conversation, and vulnerability, especially around the dinner table. The episode also grapples with broader societal challenges: the loneliness epidemic, the impact of social media, and the gendered dynamics of Jewish communal life. While acknowledging the success of Orthodox communities in maintaining continuity, Teitelbaum cautions against blaming tradition or equating it with exclusion. Instead, he advocates for a nuanced, inclusive vision that honors both gender-specific spaces and shared experiences. The discussion culminates in a call to action: reinvigorate Jewish life not through more programs, but through deeper, more meaningful rituals that foster connection, purpose, and emotional courage. Ultimately, the episode is a passionate plea to rebuild Jewish masculinity not as dominance, but as responsibility, service, and love.