BECOME A TMI-TRAINED FACILITATOR

What We Look for in a TMI Mussar Facilitator

A qualified and skilled Mussar facilitator of TMI courses and programs acts as a guide through a self-reflective learning experience, and is not a teacher of Mussar. They are Jewish, have a strong understanding of Jewish ethics and values, the ability to extract meaning and relevance from Jewish spiritual texts, both traditional and contemporary, and know how to help their participants learn to do the same.

The facilitator has a passion for Mussar study and practice and a deep connection to TMI and its community, acting as a supportive representative of the organization. They have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively guide and facilitate group discussions, having the ability to balance stronger voices and allow all to feel comfortable participating.

Additionally, the facilitator should be patient, compassionate, and non-judgmental in order to create a safe and supportive learning environment for participants. They know how to set boundaries for themselves and others, acting with the utmost professionalism, keeping the va'ad (small group) discussions confidential and respectful to members, TMI, and the broader community. The facilitator has a strong commitment to their own personal growth and spiritual development, as well as to the personal growth and spiritual development of whom they are guiding. MEET OUR FACILITATORS

In addition to training, TMI supports the professional development of all Mussar facilitators through THE TMI FACILITATOR NETWORK providing meaningful opportunities to meet other TMI facilitators and grow spiritually. This is where you'll meet friends and colleagues. LEARN MORE

Option One

Yesod: Foundational Training in Mussar Facilitation

Yesod is an introductory, six-week course for Jewish individuals who plan to offer TMI programs, such as Seeking Everyday Holiness, in synagogues and organizations. Participants study and practice foundational middot that illustrate Mussar insight and methods.

APPLY FOR YESOD

Prerequisites

  • Completion of at least one va'ad-based course with TMI such as Pathway to the Inner Life Part I
  • A committed and ongoing personal Mussar practice that includes regular study in a va'ad-based course

Tuition

  • Application Fee: $25. Non-refundable plus $325 for the program. Payment in full of $350 must be made prior to the start.
  • For those who receive notice of acceptance into the program, details will be provided on how to make the tuition payment.

Graduates Receive

  • A certificate of completion from The Mussar Institute and a one-year membership in the Facilitator Network.

Dates

  • Tuesdays, 7-8:30 pm ET on 10/17, 10/24, 10/31, 11/7, 11/14, and 11/21, 2023

Get Started

Applications are due October 3rd, 2023!

  1. Submit the Basic Interest in Yesod form.
  2. You'll receive (1) a reference form and (2) a more in-depth application form. Please submit these and your resume to info@mussarinstitute.org.

 

Please allow 2-3 weeks for your completed application to be processed and a decision to be delivered to you by email. This is a selective process.

Option Two

MANCHIM ADVANCED CERTIFICATION IN MUSSAR FACILITATION

Manchim is for Jewish individuals who are already deeply engaged in their Mussar work with TMI, and possess a sincere desire to help others on their spiritual paths. It is for people who are interested in facilitating TMI courses and programs and committed to staying engaged in their professional development. Successful completion enables you to facilitate all TMI courses you have personally taken, from the beginning to the advanced levels.

APPLY FOR MANCHIM

Manchim will require up to four hours per week of study and meeting activities, including participation in your va’ad and meeting with your chevruta. You will write reports and post them on the course site.

As part of Manchim, you will lead a pilot group while continuing to meet with your Manchim va'ad and chevruta. Personal coaching is available on an as-needed basis.

Prerequisites

  • Completion of one year of study in a TMI va'ad-based course, such as Pathway to the Inner Life Parts I-III or equivalent.
  • A committed and ongoing personal Mussar practice that includes regular study in a course or independently.

Tuition

  • Application Fee: $25. Non-refundable plus $475 for the program. Payment in full of $500 must be made prior to the start.
  • For those who receive notice of acceptance into the program, details will be provided on how to make the tuition payment.

Manchim graduates receive a certificate from The Mussar Institute and a one-year membership in the Facilitator Network.

Dates

  • October 9, 2023 start for the upcoming Fall 2023 cohort.

Get Started

Applications are now closed. Our Fall 2023 cohort is full. You may click on the Apply for Manchim button above to add your name to the waiting list for an upcoming training program cohort application process, schedule TBD.

  1. Submit the Manchim basic application.
  2. You'll receive (1) a reference form and (2) a more in-depth application form. Please submit these and your resume to info@mussarinstitute.org.
  3. Engage in an interview with the Manchim Trainer.
    Please allow 2-3 weeks for your completed application to be processed and a decision to be delivered to you by email. This is a selective process.
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SCHEDULE A CALL TO DISCUSS YESOD

Harvey Winokur

Rabbi Winokur is Co-Director of the Facilitator Development Council and Director of Yesod. He is a native of New York. He received his B.A. from SUNY at Buffalo, and his M.A. and Ordination from the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati, Ohio. He is Rabbi Emeritus of Temple Kehillat Chaim, a Reform congregation in Roswell, Georgia, which he founded in 1982. Rabbi Winokur is a Facilitator/Trainer for Prepare-Enrich, an organization that administers premarital/marital needs assessments, a certified Spiritual Director, and an active trainer and facilitator for The Mussar Institute.

Nancy Weiss (1)
SCHEDULE A CALL WITH NANCY ABOUT MANCHIM

Nancy Weiss

Nancy Weiss, LCSW, is a depth psychotherapist, spiritual director, and Mussar facilitator dedicated to helping others discover unique pathways to their soul’s expression. is a member of TMI’s Facilitator Development Counci and Coordinator of Manchim after working closely with Alan to create the Manchim curriculum. Nancy collaborated with two Mussar practitioners to create a deck of 90 Mussar cards titled, “Lights of Mussar™ Cards for Creating a Balanced Life.” A collage artist, poet, and SoulCollage® facilitator, Nancy guides people in bringing an expressive voice to the Mussar traits and spiritual principles.