In this advanced course we will study, Ohr HaTzafun – The Hidden Light, the collected writings based on the talks and teachings of the Alter [Elder] of Slabodka, Rabbi Nosson Tzvi Finkel (1849-1927). The Alter’s unique and innovative approach stressed the individual inherent greatness of each student. With brilliant educational mastery, he helped his students to actualize their potential and become Torah leaders who went on to establish their own institutions and to impact the entire Jewish world.

The goal of the course is to understand and absorb the educational methodology and unique Mussar approach of the Alter and to apply this approach to our personal Mussar journeys. The specific text we will use includes both the original Hebrew and an original English translation by Avi Fertig and Alan Morinis and contains eight essential essays from among the many that are published in the Hebrew Ohr HaTzafun.

In Part V, the final part in this series, we will study the essay called “In the Pathways of Chesed.” The specific topics we will explore are:

• The essence of Chesed
• The goal and purpose of creation
• The connection between Chesed and Yirah 
• The levels of Chesed and the highest form of Chesed
• Walking in God's ways
• The true power of actions
• The value of being kind to oneself