TBE’s first session focused on “Navigating Family Relationships During COVID.” With the advent of the pandemic, men have had to simultaneously work from home, help their wives, participate in their children’s daily care and education, and assist with elder or disabled family members. For many men, this upheaval in their pre-COVID routines and responsibilities has often been overwhelming and frustrating, fueled by the anxiety over the virus itself.

Eleven TBE men that night talked about the rewards and challenges these new dynamics created for each of them. At times, the conversation was surprisingly open and honest; at other times, light and humorous. Due to COVID, the session was held on Zoom instead of in person.

There is a list of rules participants follow for each HMV session. Among them are: what is said in the room stays in the room; listen and don’t act defensively; speak from the heart; keep your ego out of it.

A short survey taken after the session showed an overwhelming desire to continue with the program and to see it expand among the men at TBE. As a result, planning has started for the next session. Topics under consideration include: work and worth—how do you define success; body and spirit—how to stay healthy and fit; the role of religion and spirituality—what defines your Jewish identity.