FaVorites: Roberto Mena

When I first started celebrating Hannukah on the site, I struggled to find subjects.  Jewish actors were fairly easy to find, but finding male models was a little trickier.  They have to include their height and weight and hip measurements, but models don't generally include religion on their modeling comp card.  

This of course is of course a good thing. One's religion is personal, and shouldn't be a factor in getting a job.  Your religion at birth also doesn't mean anything when it comes to whether you practice or not, or your commitment and degree faith.  We all know self-proclaimed Christians who quote the Bible, but don't practice any of it's teachings.

The first year, when I was looking for male models to spotlight, I e-mailed a few of my favorite photographers with an odd question.  'Have you shot any Jewish models?'  Most were kind to respond to my odd question.  Most however, hadn't had in depth discussions about faith while at the same time asking for the model to stick to their naked butt out, a little further to the left.

I also messaged a few models who I thought might be Jewish, but those mostly went answered... Thankfully, as I was about to give up, Wes, from New Manhattan Studies remembered a shoot with a model named  Perseus.  (HERE:) Wes remembered the shoot for a number of reasons, mainly the incredible singing voice, especially when he belted out 'Old Man River' at a restaurant they went to unwind at  after the shoot.

This year, I had a much easier time.  First off, when I saw my first image of Jose Roberto Mena, he was wearing a Kippah.  Then, when I headed to his Instagram, along with the model contests that he'd won, he ended by adding 'journalist' and 'proud Jew'.  By the way, those modeling wins included; Mister Manhunt Costa Rica 2024, Mister International Costa Rica 2023, and Mister World Costa Rica 2022.

I was born into an Anglican family, but never felt necessarily felt proud of my religion. I wasn't unproud, but it just happened to be my family's religion.  When I was a teenager, I briefly joined a Pentecostal church, but left after a year or so.  I was drawn to the church and it's members, but eventually became disappointed with what I'd call a bit a 'me first' attitude.  I eventually went back to my original church, and was proud of some of some the work we did, especially the giving to others over the holidays.  I think the pride was more associated with my level of faith and commitment more than the religion itself.

I can understand the Pride Roberto feels when it comes to being Jewish, especially given the history, and the not so recent history.  The level of antisemitism has been shocking to witness over the last ten years or so.  I know it's always been there, but it's become so mainstreamed and politically supported.  When I was growing up, things seemed so black and white.  I didn't know anyone who supported Hitler, or the Nazi party, anyone who did, was usually quiet about it.  Today, especially on-line, it's terrifyingly being normalized, especially by some in political power.  Being proud of your religion and heritage is more important, and also riskier, than ever before..