NEW COURSE – Join Rabbi Micha Berger as we study Rabbi Eliyahu Dessler’s Kuntras HaChesed (Discourse on Lovingkindness), learning how the battle between the “will to give” and the “will to take” shapes our lives, and how developing a giving nature can deepen our families, communities, and spiritual growth.
Level: Intermediate-Advanced |
Recommended Experience: One Year Mussar Studies (e.g. New Pathways to the Inner Life Course |
Format: Online Live Class | 6 Sessions |
Micha Berger is a father, grandfather and husband, and sees in those roles much of the expression of his Judaism — and his Mussar work. He is currently learning about the Middot of Holiness and of Patience and Tolerance adjusting to a new life as a recent immigrant to Israel. Micha was a student of Rav Dovid Lifshitz, the Suvalker Rav zt”l, at Yeshivas Rabbeinu Yitzchak Elchanan (a Yeshiva University affiliate). From this contact, Rabbi Berger took away a dream to infuse his Jewish practice with the blend of love, Mussar, and grounding in Jewish thought that marked Rav Dovid’s Torah and life. To that end, he established The AishDas Society, and was very involved during the founding and much of the history of The Mussar Institute. In 2019 Micha published Widen Your Tent, a book rooted in the Mussar teachings of Rav Shimon Shkop, Rav Dovid’s mentor, and developed from classes he taught for The Mussar Institute.
Course Overview:
Most people believe we give to those we love. Rabbi Eliyahu Dessler, the Master of Mussar, suggests the exact opposite: we love those to whom we give.

Join Rabbi Micha Berger for a new course as we dive into Rabbi Dessler’s classic, Kuntras HaChesed (Discourse of Lovingkindness). We will explore the cosmic battle between the “Will to Give” and the “Will to Take,” and learn practical strategies to cultivate a “giving” personality that fosters deep, lasting bonds in our families, communities, and spiritual lives.
Discover why true kindness isn’t just an action, but a fundamental shift in how we see the world.
Format and Delivery:
Duration: 6 sessions (75 min.)
Delivery: Live Web Meetings
Sessions: Sundays, 2:00-3:15 pm ET, 4/12, 4/19, 4/26, 5/3, 5/10 and 5/17
Tuition (3-Tier Pricing):
Tier 1 – $330 (Supporter Rate: Covers full costs and helps others access Mussar)
Tier 2 – $282 (Sustainer Rate: Covers the full cost of your course)
Tier 3 – $198 (Accessible Rate: A reduced price for those who need it)
Chaverim members enjoy a 15% discount off of course pricing. Members, please select the Chaverim rate of your choice on your registration form, membership will be verified before your enrollment is secured for the course.
We invite everyone to become a Chaver or Chavera – Join Here.