Upcoming Events
The Power of Poetry and Mussar: “Shiva: Poems of October 7th”
11/19/2024 @ 2 PM ET
In the wake of the October 7th tragedy, Israeli poets - both well-known and emerging - turned to poetry to capture the nation's raw emotions. Each day, new voices surfaced on social media and in literary journals, expressing the pain, silence, rage, and heartbreak of a grieving people. The “Shiva” anthology, curated by Rachel Korazim along with Michael Bohnen and Heather Silverman, brings together 59 Hebrew poems, each paired with an English translation, giving voice to this collective experience.
Ruach Chaim – Living with Spirit
Lifting Up our Lives in Trying Times
One-Day Mussar Gathering
1/26/2025
Celebrate 20 years of The Mussar Institute with our first one-day online Mussar Gathering, Ruach Chaim: Living with Spirit, on Sunday, January 26, 2025. In these challenging times, especially since the tragic events of October 7, 2023, we’ve been called to explore the essence of ruach - spirit - as a source of strength and renewal.
This transformative event will feature internationally renowned Mussar teachers leading inspiring lectures, small-group discussions, and practical workshops, including Mussar text study, introspective practices, and sessions tailored for facilitators.
Whether you're new to Mussar or a seasoned practitioner, join us for a day of learning, connection, and inspiration, starting at 11:00 AM ET and concluding around 6:30 PM ET. Together, we’ll lift our spirits and embrace the wisdom to support ourselves and those around us.
Ruach Chaim - Carrying Spirit Forward
Nourishing Ourselves, Uplifting Others
In-Person Retreat
5/18/2025 - 5/22/2025
Join us for our upcoming in-person Mussar retreat, Ruach Chaim – Carrying Spirit Forward: Nourishing Ourselves, Uplifting Others, held at the stunning Brandeis-Bardin Campus in Simi Valley, CA, from Sunday evening, May 18, to Thursday, May 22, 2025.
This immersive retreat offers a unique opportunity to deepen your spiritual practice through intensive text study, introspective workshops, small-group learning, and transformative teachings.
Guided by esteemed Mussar teachers and leaders, including Alan Morinis, Avi Fertig, and Julie Dean, you’ll reconnect with your mind, body, and soul amidst beautiful natural surroundings while building resilience and uplifting others. Enjoy a meaningful, four-day journey filled with nourishing meals, inspiring sessions, and the warmth of community. Read More.
Stay tuned for more details!
Access Past Webinar Recordings
Tikkun Ha’Am: Repairing Our People with Rabbi Jeffrey Salkin
Rabbi Jeffrey Salkin's latest book, "Tikkun Ha’Am," originally set for publication right after the events of October 7th, was delayed as he urgently revised it to incorporate the impact of that day. Engaging in a conversation with Rabbi Salkin, Rabbi Eric Gurvis explored key insights from the book, relevant to our lives, Mussar study, and practice in the post-October 7th reality. Described as one of American Judaism’s prolific and courageous voices, Rabbi Salkin co-founded "Wisdom Without Walls" and is known for his award-winning column, "Martini Judaism," and influential books sparking national conversations on Jewish identity, Israel, gender, and culture.
Judaism Is About Love: Recovering the Heart of Jewish Life with Rabbi Shai Held
Rabbi Shai Held's new book, "Judaism Is About Love," draws from Jewish tradition and Mussar teachings. We joined Rabbi Eric Gurvis in a conversation with Rabbi Held, President and Dean of the Hadar Institute, exploring the book's value for Mussar students. Rabbi Held, a Covenant Award recipient, is recognized as an influential Jewish leader and author of notable works, including "The Heart of Torah."
Reaching Towards Compassion: 2024 Mussar Retreat
We embarked on a journey of balancing self-compassion, extending kindness to others, and navigating difficult conversations with empathy. We discovered Rachamim, a harmonious blend of loving-kindness and judgment, shaping meaningful interactions. We explored and deepened our understanding of compassion in daily life.
Becoming One Omer Challenge
The Omer countdown, the days between Passover and Shavuot, is not only about marking time; it's a tradition that encourages personal growth. Over 3,400 years ago, the people of Israel while exiling from Egypt, experienced not only a rigorous physical journey in the desert but also an extraordinary spiritual encounter. The Israelites reached a transformative peak as they stood at the base of Mount Sinai, awaiting the Torah, when they were practically angelic. It was 49 days of profound change!
The Timeless Wisdom of Rabbi Salanter, Founder of the Mussar Movement
We were so grateful to host this enlightening webinar featuring the authors, translators, and commentators of the brand-new book Ohr Yisrael and Other Writings by Rabbi Israel Salanter!
Our speakers:
- Rabbi Irving "Yitz" Greenberg: A musmach of Yeshivat Beyt Yosef Novardok, Rabbi Greenberg's journey into the world of Rabbi Salanter and the Mussar movement is a tale of transformation. From surviving Nazi concentration camps to becoming a leading figure in Orthodox rabbinate, academia, and Jewish communal life, Rabbi Greenberg's insights are not to be missed.
- Rabbi Justin Pines: As the grandchild of four Shoah survivors and a Harvard-lawyer turned Jewish educator, Rabbi Pines brings a unique perspective to the discussion. From his work as CEO of the Jewish Broadcasting Service to his role as Mashgiach Ruchani at Ramaz Middle School, Rabbi Pines' experiences in Jewish education and leadership are rich and inspiring.
Standing in the Darkness: Looking for the Light with Hope
Featuring Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz, renowned author and spiritual leader.
We reflected on our collective trauma and finding light even in the darkest times. A recording of this incredible event can be found at the button below.
A Light for Israel:
Mussar Community Gathering of Prayer and Reflection
As we commemorated the first anniversary of the October 7th attack, we gathered to seek the light of hope amidst the darkness. Through prayer and reflection, we honored the lives that have been lost and prayed for healing and restoration for Israel and the Jewish people.
Elul 5784: The Shofar Calls - To What Will We Awaken?
This program, designed to guide us through this period of reflection and renewal, held profound significance as we grappled with the ongoing crisis that fell upon us on October 7.
Start Your Journaling Journey with our downloadable Mussar Journaling template!
Ready to explore journaling? Try out our daily reflection journal crafted with beginners in mind!
What makes it special?
- Simple Prompts: Straightforward questions to kickstart your journaling experience.
- Discover Your Best Self: Engage in self-reflection and personal growth with a friendly guide.
- Journaling Wisdom: Embrace the power of Mussar, adding meaning to your reflections and nurturing intentional living.
What you'll discover inside?
- Daily Reflections: Effortlessly navigate through the events of your day.
- Artistic Mussar Muse: Unleash your creativity in your own unique way.
- Easy-to-Follow Guide: No more confusion—start journaling effortlessly!
Ready to make journaling a seamless part of your routine? Your $18 donation supports The Mussar Institute and unlocks your Journal.
Ready to get started? Make a meaningful contribution of $18 to The Mussar Institute and begin your journaling journey!