BRIEF HISTORY OF MUSSAR
The study of Mussar began in tenth-century Babylonia when Sa’adia Ga’on published his Book of Beliefs and Opinions and launched an inquiry into human nature that has been going on in the Jewish world ever since. Before the nineteenth century, Mussar was an introspective, solitary practice. However, in the mid-1800s Rabbi Yisrael Salanter called on…
Read MoreWHAT IS A VA’AD OR GROUP, WITH A PARTNER OR CHEVRUTA, AND IN SOLITUDE
A va’ad is a unique facilitated group learning environment that is traditional to Mussar. While we learn a great deal on our own, we learn differently with a partner, and differently again when we discuss things with other people, who bring additional experience and perspectives to the issue. When you work in a va’ad, the main form of interaction…
Read MorePATH OF THE SOUL
Path of the Soul is an advanced-level Mussar course designed for people who have completed at least two years of Mussar study. How do you recognize and follow the path of your soul? Only by answering profound questions—not in theory, but in the flesh of your life—can you discover and follow the track that leads to…
Read MoreMUSSAR CLASSICS
The Duties of the Heart, by Bahya ibn Pakuda Gates of Repentance, by Rabbeinu Yonah Orchos Tzadikim, anonymous Mesillat Yesharim, by Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto Cheshbon ha-Nefesh, by Rabbi Menahem Mendel Leffin Strive for Truth, by Rabbi Eliyahu Dessler
Read MorePATH OF THE MENSCH
Path of the Mensch has been customized for Conservative Congregations. The Jewish tradition of Mussar offers the Jewish world a deep and rich experience of spirituality. In this introductory program, participants are brought into a deep exploration of the nine most important soul-traits or middot. The text, which every participant receives, is the inspiring book, Everyday Holiness, by…
Read MoreELUL LEARNING PROGRAM
ELUL LEARNING FOR ALL – During the month of Elul, which precedes the High Holydays, TMI presents a daily program of introspection and self-analysis, two cardinal aspects of Mussar practice. This season, Rabbi Avi Fertig, Director of Mussar, will bring our community a weekly podcast with a variety of Mussar teachers, and daily lessons and practices…
Read MoreOMER 5780 (2020)
Each year, on the evening of the second Passover Seder, we begin the traditional counting of “the Omer,” the seven weeks between Passover and Shavuot. We count these 49 days with a free program of Mussar learning and practice. During this time of crisis, our community is coming together in a special way to honor…
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