Upcoming Programs & Special Events
Reaching Towards Compassion: Mussar Retreat
In-Person Retreat:
5/19-23/2024
Embark on a journey of balancing self-compassion, extending kindness to others, and navigating difficult conversations with empathy. Discover Rachamim, a harmonious blend of loving-kindness and judgment, shaping meaningful interactions. Join us to explore and deepen your understanding of compassion in daily life.
NEW Omer Challenge
FREE Community Program:
4/23-6/11/2024
The Omer countdown, the days between Passover and Shavuot, is not only about marking time; it's a tradition that encourages personal growth. Over 3,400 years ago, the people of Israel while exiling from Egypt, experienced not only a rigorous physical journey in the desert but also an extraordinary spiritual encounter. The Israelites reached a transformative peak as they stood at the base of Mount Sinai, awaiting the Torah, when they were practically angelic. It was 49 days of profound change!
The Timeless Wisdom of Rabbi Salanter, Founder of the Mussar Movement
FREE Webinar
6/17/2024, 1:00 PM ET
Join us for an enlightening webinar featuring the authors, translators, and commentators of the brand-new book Ohr Yisrael and Other Writings by Rabbi Israel Salanter!
Get ready to meet:
- Rabbi Irving "Yitz" Greenberg: A musmach of Yeshivat Beyt Yosef Novardok, Rabbi Greenberg's journey into the world of Rabbi Salanter and the Mussar movement is a tale of transformation. From surviving Nazi concentration camps to becoming a leading figure in Orthodox rabbinate, academia, and Jewish communal life, Rabbi Greenberg's insights are not to be missed.
- Rabbi Justin Pines: As the grandchild of four Shoah survivors and a Harvard-lawyer turned Jewish educator, Rabbi Pines brings a unique perspective to the discussion. From his work as CEO of the Jewish Broadcasting Service to his role as Mashgiach Ruchani at Ramaz Middle School, Rabbi Pines' experiences in Jewish education and leadership are rich and inspiring.
Past Events
How is Your Mussar Holding You at This Challenging Time: Schmooze Group with Rabbi Eric Gurvis
FREE Community Discussion Group
For so many of us, Mussar has been an important anchor and set of tools during these dark and challenging months. This will be an open opportunity for us to share with one another ideas and questions about how Mussar can help us maintain our balance during this time.
Tikkun Ha’Am: Repairing Our People with Rabbi Jeffrey Salkin
FREE Webinar
Rabbi Jeffrey Salkin's latest book, "Tikkun Ha’Am," originally set for publication right after the events of October 7th, was delayed as he urgently revised it to incorporate the impact of that day. Engaging in a conversation with Rabbi Salkin, Rabbi Eric Gurvis will explore key insights from the book, relevant to our lives, Mussar study, and practice in the post-October 7th reality. Described as one of American Judaism’s prolific and courageous voices, Rabbi Salkin co-founded "Wisdom Without Walls" and is known for his award-winning column, "Martini Judaism," and influential books sparking national conversations on Jewish identity, Israel, gender, and culture.
Judaism Is About Love: Recovering the Heart of Jewish Life with Rabbi Shai Held
FREE Webinar
In March, Rabbi Shai Held's new book, "Judaism Is About Love," drawing from Jewish tradition and Mussar teachings, will be published. Join Rabbi Eric Gurvis in a conversation with Rabbi Held, President and Dean of the Hadar Institute, exploring the book's value for Mussar students. Rabbi Held, a Covenant Award recipient, is recognized as an influential Jewish leader and author of notable works, including "The Heart of Torah." Don't miss this opportunity to learn from him.
Torah From a Mussar Perspective
Weekly Torah Commentary emails and Podcast:
Every Thursday
Discover Rabbi Eric Gurvis' insightful weekly Torah commentary through the lens of Mussar. As the Director of Chaverim and Outreach, Rabbi Gurvis, a graduate of SUNY-Albany and ordained at the Hebrew Union College Jewish Institute of Religion in New York, brings extensive knowledge and experience from serving congregations in various locations. His profound insights and thoughtful reflections on the Torah portion offer a unique perspective that enriches the understanding and relevance of the ancient teachings in our modern lives.
Interested in receiving the Weekly Commentary directly to your email? Send a message to info@mussarinstitute.org!
Start Your Journaling Journey with our downloadable Mussar Journaling template!
Ready to explore journaling? Try out our daily reflection journal crafted with beginners in mind!
What makes it special?
- Simple Prompts: Straightforward questions to kickstart your journaling experience.
- Discover Your Best Self: Engage in self-reflection and personal growth with a friendly guide.
- Journaling Wisdom: Embrace the power of Mussar, adding meaning to your reflections and nurturing intentional living.
What you'll discover inside?
- Daily Reflections: Effortlessly navigate through the events of your day.
- Artistic Mussar Muse: Unleash your creativity in your own unique way.
- Easy-to-Follow Guide: No more confusion—start journaling effortlessly!
Ready to make journaling a seamless part of your routine? Your $18 donation supports The Mussar Institute and unlocks your Journal.
Ready to get started? Make a meaningful contribution of $18 to The Mussar Institute and begin your journaling journey!