Many men carry stress like a backpack filled with rocks — heavy, ever-present, and largely invisible to those around them. Cultural expectations, family dynamics, and gendered norms often shape how men learn to manage emotion, relate to others, and ask for support, sometimes at a real cost to their well-being and relationships. This program is the first in an ongoing series of conversations focused on men's mental health and wellness.

In this talk, Dr. Brad Jacobs* invites us to take a closer look at how stress, shame, and silence interact in men’s emotional lives. Drawing on physiology, social patterns, and lived experience, he will explore why “holding it in” often backfires, how shame can quietly shape communication and connection, and what healthier emotional expression can look like — both for men and for the people who care about them. Participants will gain insight into how stress shows up in the body, how emotional patterns are reinforced over time, and how clearer communication and boundaries can support more honest, connected relationships in a culture that often discourages men from naming what they feel.

This conversation resonates with anyone who identifies as male or has a father, male-identifying partner, brother, or son — and opens the door to compassionate understanding without blame.

FOR MEMBERS OF CONGREGATION RODEF SHOLOM ONLY: 
If you're in need of virtual options, reach out to mhi@rodefsholom.org.

Rodef Sholom’s REAL Mental Health Initiative is generously supported by the Laszlo N. Tauber Family Foundation.

*Brad Jacobs, M.D., MPH, is a Stanford-trained physician, educator, and speaker whose work focuses on stress, resilience, and the intersection of emotional and physical health. He has delivered widely viewed talks and workshops on men’s emotional well-being, leadership, and connection.