Men's Work & Facilitation
As a gay person who has experienced discrimination in many forms and struggled for years to fully accept myself, I have been deeply shaped by the healing and nourishment I have found in the circles I have joined, especially Men’s Circle. My work with men has been informed by professional group facilitation training in interfaith dialogue and meditation, as well as by participation in a range of group settings, including Beit Midrash-style study, a chaplaincy residency with group therapy, and ongoing facilitation practice.
For over a decade, I have facilitated groups on identity, interfaith dialogue, and men’s circles in diverse settings, including nonprofits, as a chaplain at Rikers Island Jail, and within Jewish and Buddhist communities. Today, I offer one-on-one support to LGBTQ+ people—queer, trans, and gender-diverse people—as well as to other marginalized individuals who have struggled to be accepted socially or institutionally, along with young adults and elders. I also offer several online Men’s Circle groups informed by Jewish texts and values, spiritual direction, Zen, and contemplative practices. In these spaces, I hold space for personal sharing and vulnerability while attending carefully to group process, cohesion, and interpersonal dynamics in service of trust-building, mutual support, and community formation
Testimonials
"Rabbi Yonatan's passion and dedication to those who are incarcerated and awaiting trial has led him to continue visiting individuals exploring Judaism in our jails for over 2 years and providing them with important pastoral and spiritual support in this difficult environment.
His gentle manner and listening ear has provided a sense of calm and caring to many in need."
Rabbi Gabriel N. Kretzmer Seed, Jewish/Administrative Chaplain, NYC Department of Correction
Rikers Island, NY
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I had the pleasure of participating in a Men's circle facilitated by Yonatan for over a year both in person and online. Yonatan holds space by inviting you to share vulnerably, express yourself without inhibitiion, and push your boundaries and then models that himself, somehow demonstrating that space is unlimited when there is respect and compassion. That space shared is more healing and enjoyable than being alone.
Keegan Aspelund - educator, nomad, OI aspirant
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I highly recommend Yonatan as a men’s circle facilitator. I participated in a men’s circle he led in Jerusalem in 2025, and it was a very special and empowering experience for me. I arrived with no prior background or knowledge of what a men’s circle is, and Yonatan made me feel comfortable sharing. He created a safe space where we could speak and share openly.
Matan Marom
Field Coordinator with Rabbis for Human Rights
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Yonatan is a soft, gentle, and brave-hearted person with abundant energy to bring people together and create space for them to share what truly matters to them. He is an initiator with deep loyalty to both the group and the process, always acting with love and care.
I’ve had the opportunity to co-facilitate with him several times, witnessing his remarkable ability to guide people into intimate parts of themselves. He skillfully holds the space with warmth and groundedness, making everyone feel at ease while courageously inviting them into their own vulnerability.
Julius van der horst
Psycho-somatic coach
The Netherlands
