For many men in their 40s and 50s, life is full. Careers are demanding. Children are growing up and perhaps moving out. Parents are aging and need help. Perspectives shift. Questions deepen. And yet, meaningful spaces to process all of it—openly and honestly—can be hard to find.
Micah Men was created to meet that need. Rabbi Mo started this monthly gathering for men in their 40s and 50s to reflect in community on the challenges and joys of navigating this stage of life. The group meets on the second Wednesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. at Temple Micah, offering something both simple and rare: intentional conversation rooted in Jewish wisdom and shared experience.
As Rabbi Mo explains, “We offer a window for men to, perhaps, go a little deeper than what might happen or be expected in our society at this time.”
A Cultural Moment Calling for Connection
Across the country, there’s growing awareness that men are often socialized to suppress vulnerability and “power through” life’s pressures. A recent story from Colorado Public Radio highlighted grassroots efforts across Colorado to create “Dude Talk Dinners” for men—spaces where men can speak honestly about stress, isolation, and emotional well-being. The article notes how many men report feeling alone in their struggles, even when surrounded by family, colleagues, and community.
The takeaway is clear: men need spaces where depth is welcome.
Micah Men provides exactly that—within a Jewish framework.
Letting Down the “Man-Walls”
Participant Mark Nassi describes the impact this space has had on him:
“I can’t speak for anyone else, but as my family and I age, my perspective has changed. Having a space like Micah Men—where I can let down the defensive ‘man-walls’ society expects me to carry—has become incredibly important to my sanity. Being grounded in shared traditions with a group of men in a similar stage of life, and having a framework to process life, ethics, motivations, and frustrations, has helped me become a calmer, better husband, businessman, father, and member of society.”
Dan Rimland echoes that sentiment, highlighting the rare quality of the conversations:
“I really appreciate the Micah Men’s group because it’s a chance to share those moments in life that you wouldn’t necessarily share with everyone, and talk with friends that just want to listen and be supportive. After every meeting, I find myself reflecting on a conversation or particular insight that I typically don’t have anywhere else.”
These reflections capture something powerful: Micah Men isn’t just about talking. It’s about growth. About becoming more grounded, more thoughtful, more aligned with one’s values. It’s about recognizing that strength and vulnerability are not opposites.
A Safe Space Rooted in Jewish Values
Mike Kaplan emphasizes the unique tone Rabbi Mo sets:
“Rabbi Mo has done an excellent job creating a safe space for everyone who attends to openly share themselves, their life experiences, their struggles, and their triumphs. At the same time, he incorporates a good amount of humor and thoughtful topics that emphasize Judaism’s core values of self-exploration and learning.”
The group balances seriousness with levity, tradition with real-world application. Conversations are shaped by Jewish teachings and ethics, offering participants a framework for examining relationships, work, purpose, responsibility, and resilience.
In a world that often rewards surface-level connection, Micah Men makes room for substance.
Why It Matters
Research and lived experience alike tell us that isolation can quietly erode well-being. Middle adulthood, in particular, can bring both invisible pressures and transformative opportunities. Having a consistent, values-centered community can make all the difference.
Micah Men is a circle of men committed to showing up—honestly, thoughtfully, and with curiosity about who they are becoming.
If you’re interested in joining this group, please send an email to Rabbi Mo.
