What We Work On
I work with young men in two situations:
Some are struggling—off the derech, disconnected from Jewish life despite being in Jewish schools, or making choices that worry the people who care about them.
Others are doing well but want more—they're ready to go deeper, to build a more meaningful connection to Jewish wisdom and practice, to challenge themselves and grow.
Wherever they're starting from, we focus on building the foundations of mature, responsible Jewish manhood:
Taking responsibility
Learning to own their choices, their time, and their commitments without excuses or deflection.
Building connections
Understanding that real strength comes from healthy relationships with family, community, and themselves—not isolation or bravado.
Setting and pursuing goals
Developing the honesty to set real goals, the discipline to work toward them, and the resilience to rebuild when they fall short.
Developing self-awareness
Creating a vocabulary for their inner life so they can see where they are, where they want to go, and what needs to change.
Engaging with Jewish wisdom
Discovering that Jewish texts, practices, and values are relevant resources for building a meaningful life.
This isn't about making your son more observant. It's about helping him become more grounded, more capable, and more engaged with the life he's building—whether that means getting back on track or taking his development to the next level.
My Approach
I bring together three skill sets: the depth of a rabbi, the relational insight of a mentor, and the practical tools of a youth life coach.
I'm real with them. Young men can smell inauthenticity a mile away. I don't pretend to have all the answers, and I don't preach. I share what I've learned from Jewish tradition and from life, and I help them figure out how it applies to their situation.
I see the good in them. Most struggling young men have been told what's wrong with them a thousand times. I start from a different place: I look for what's strong in them, what's authentic, what wants to grow. I help them see it too.
I don't coddle them. Real mentorship means telling the truth, even when it's uncomfortable. I hold them accountable. I point out patterns they can't see. I challenge them to step up. But I do it with patience and without judgment.
I make Judaism relevant. I've spent 25 years building a Jewish life that speaks directly to who I am and what matters to me. I know how to help young men do the same—not by forcing observance, but by showing them that Jewish wisdom has something real to offer.
How It Works
Initial Conversation
We start with a free 30-minute call to see if this is the right fit. I'll want to hear about the young man—what's going on, what the concerns are, what you're hoping for. You'll get a sense of who I am and how I work.
The Work Begins
If we decide to move forward, I'll meet with the young man weekly for one-on-one sessions (typically 50-60 minutes). Sessions are usually virtual via Zoom, though in-person is available if local.
Commitment Structure
We work in 6-12 week increments. This gives us enough time to build trust and see real progress, while keeping a clear endpoint in sight. Many families choose to extend beyond the initial commitment—it depends on what your son needs.
What Happens in Sessions
Every young man is different, so sessions vary. But generally, we talk about what's happening in his life, where he's stuck, what he's working on. I ask questions. I challenge assumptions. We learn and discuss Jewish texts when relevant. I help him set concrete goals and hold him accountable for following through.
This isn't therapy—I'm not treating mental health issues. But if therapeutic support is needed, I'm happy to work alongside a therapist.
Parent Communication
For parents, I'll check in periodically to share observations and progress, while respecting the young man's privacy. The mentoring relationship works best when he trusts that what he shares with me stays between us, but parents won't be left completely in the dark.
Investment
$120-150 per hour
Sessions are typically weekly and last 50-60 minutes. Payment is processed monthly.
Is This Right For This Young Man?
This work is most effective when:
- The young man is open (even reluctantly) to meeting with me
- There's commitment to giving this time to work—real change doesn't happen in two sessions
- There's understanding this isn't about forcing observance or "fixing" him, but about helping him grow
If you're not sure whether this is the right fit, let's talk. I'm happy to have an honest conversation about whether I'm the right person to help.