A Beginning Course in Mussar
In Three Parts
In this engaging va'ad-based course, you will learn from three revered Mussar teachers: Dr. Alan Morinis, Founder of The Mussar Institute, Rabbi Amy Eilberg, the first ordained woman Rabbi in the Conservative tradition, and Rabbi Avi Fertig, the Director of Mussar at TMI. Each of these teachers will introduce the main concepts and context for one of the three parts.
Your course will be guided by a Mussar facilitator as you work in your va'ad or small group and with your chevruta or partner. You will refine your understanding and develop new skills as you grow in awareness and wisdom, and transform your sense of your own inner nature, your relationships with those closest to you, and your relationship with the Divine Presence.
Pathway to The Inner Life is a course in three parts, intended to be taken sequentially.
Part I: Connecting Self and Soul, introduction by Alan Morinis
Part II: Transforming Relationships, introduction by Rabbi Amy Eilberg
Part III: Engaging the Divine Presence, introduction by Avi Fertig
In all three parts, you will experience Mussar practices, such as text study, cheshbon ha'nefesh or accounting of the soul, visualization, chanting, meditation, and kaballot or exercises. You will study on your own, with a chevruta or study partner and in your va'ad or small group.
How the Course is Delivered
You'll begin each of the three parts with an essay and recorded podcast followed by bi-weekly texts and practices to help you prepare for six weekly va'ad sessions and four chevruta sessions.
Part I: Connecting Self and Soul
In the Jewish perspective, the soul is the primary essence of who we are. However, we do not necessarily experience our inner lives in this way, and instead develop a belief that ourselves, our egos, form our primary identity.
In following the path of Mussar to build our inner lives, we have to come to appreciate the difference between self and soul, and especially to develop an understanding of the ideal relationship we can foster between these two dimensions.
In the first part of this three-part course, we bring these ideas to bear by focusing on four inner traits (middot) that with deeper understanding and balance can give us insight into and brighten the light of our soul. These are:
- Humility/Anavah
- Simplicity/Histapkut
- Strength/Gevurah
- Alacrity/Zerizut
Alan Morinis provides the introductory essay and podcast.
Sessions / Facilitators:
- Jeffrey Amer, Thursdays, 7-8:30 pm ET, 12/21-2/29/2024 (Course Full)
TUITION:
Non-Chaverim Tier 1 $330
Non-Chaverim Tier 2 $282
Non-Chaverim Tier 3 $198
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.
Starts: December 2023
Part I and II Combo
We have a special Combo offer opening Winter 2024. Enroll in both Part I and Part II for the price of Part I with a Manchim Advanced Mussar Facilitator Trainee. Hand-selected trainees will be completing their Manchim training for advanced-level Mussar facilitation certification with TMI. They have an added benefit of trainee supervision so you'll be in good hands.
Part I Sessions / Facilitators:
- Pamela Sherman, Mondays, 12-1:30pm ET, 1/8-3/25/24
- Audrey Warner, Tuesdays, 4-5:30pm ET, 1/9-3/12/24
- Toby Schmich, Wednesdays, 7-8:30pm ET, 1/17-3/20/2024
Part II Sessions / Facilitators:
- Pamela Sherman, Mondays, 12-1:30pm ET, 4/1-6/17/2024
- Audrey Warner, Tuesdays, 4-5:30pm ET, 3/26-6/4/2024
- Toby Schmich, Wednesdays, 7-8:30pm ET, 4/3-5/29/2024
Tuition:
Non-Chaverim Tier 1 $330 both Part I and Part II
Non-Chaverim Tier 2 $282 both Part I and Part II
Non-Chaverim Tier 3 $198 both Part I and Part II
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.
Starts: January 2024
Part II: Transforming Relationships
Our relationships are where "the rubber hits the road. " Too often, our relationships with those closest to us are the most problematic. In this eight-week section, we will explore the middot that are directly linked with relationships and transform, or radically alter our insight into and ability to balance them. We'll study:
- Patience/Savlanut
- Anger/Ka’as
- Lovingkindness/Chesed
- Forgiveness/Selicha
Sessions / Facilitators:
TBD January 2024
Tuition:
Non-Chaverim Tier 1 $275
Non-Chaverim Tier 2 $235
Non-Chaverim Tier 3 $165
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.
Part II is open to those who have completed Part I
Part III: Engaging the Divine Presence
In this portion of Pathway to The Inner Life, you will deepen your personal relationship to God, the Other, or the Divine Presence and come to understand the context of personal growth in relationship to your spiritual life.
You will explore the middot of:
- Gratitude/Hakarat Ha’tov
- Trust/Bitachon
- Honor/Kavod
- Faith/Emunah
Tuition:
Non-Chaverim Tier 1 $275
Non-Chaverim Tier 2 $235
Non-Chaverim Tier 3 $165
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.
Part III is open to those who have completed Parts I and II