Soul Purpose
This course is based on Ruchi Koval's NEW upcoming book Soul Purpose, which offers a fresh and practical commentary on Pirkei Avot, a central text of Jewish ethics. The course will draw upon six primary Mussar middot frequently found within Pirkei Avot: Honor, Kindness, Strength, Time Management, Truth and Wisdom, as a lens to help clarify and actualize one's unique Soul Purpose.
Level: Intermediate |
Recommended Experience: Basic knowledge of Mussar |
| Format: Online Live Class | 6 Sessions |
Ruchi Koval is the co-founder and director of the Jewish Family Experience in Cleveland. She is a certified parenting coach, educator, author, musician, and motivational speaker. Her first book, "Conversations with G-d," was released in 2016. Ruchi was a recipient of the CJN's 18 Difference Maker award in 2015. She has been teaching Mussar from classical texts to hundreds of students for well over a decade.
Course Overview:
Soul Purpose is an accessible and practical journey through Pirkei Avot, the foundational Jewish text of ethical teachings, based on Ruchi Koval’s highly anticipated new book.
This course, designed for learners at any stage, offers a modern lens on timeless Jewish wisdom, guiding participants toward deeper clarity, personal growth, and meaningful connection.
With Ruchi’s engaging commentary and interactive lessons, participants will gain insights to navigate ethical challenges with purpose and integrity, understanding Mussar both theoretically and practically.
Each of the six teaching weeks will focus on a key topic from the book, while alternate weeks offer the opportunity for independent learning or chevruta (paired) study.
In these sessions, participants will explore texts together to enrich their understanding of how these teachings shape Jewish thought and everyday behavior.
Participants will explore six dynamic middot-based topics:
Kavod / Honor
Learn to honor others and oneself, fostering respect and dignity that uplift relationships and deepen community bonds.
Chesed / Kindness
Discover the transformative impact of kindness, enhancing everyday interactions and cultivating a compassionate approach to life.
Gevurah / Strength
Build inner resilience and courage to tackle challenges with clarity and confidence.
Zman / Time Management
Master practical tools for managing time and priorities, creating balance and intention in work, relationships, and personal growth.
Emet / Truth
Embrace honesty and authenticity in all areas of life, fostering trust and integrity in both self and community.
Chochmah / Wisdom
Draw on the wisdom of Pirkei Avot to make thoughtful decisions and lead a life aligned with Jewish values.
What students say about Ruchi's courses:
"Highly recommend. It felt almost like personal counseling sessions!"
Jacci Bickford
"REGISTER ASAP!"
Camille Gertler
"This is a wonderful addition to the TMI curriculum!"
Natalie Kirsh
"Take it!!!!! I will definitely be on the lookout for more courses offered by Ruchi Koval :)"
Bonnie Bernstein Herst
Tuition:
Select the tier pricing you are most comfortable with:
Tier 1 - $330Tier 2 - $282Tier 3 - $198
If you are able to register at a higher tier, you can help subsidize course registration for those with greater financial need.
Learn About Our Tier Pricing Here.
All course fees are 100% tax deductible.
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/Chavera - Join Here.
Schedule:
Tuesdays bi-weekly, 4 pm ET (12/10, 12/24, 1/7, 1/21, 2/4, 2/18)
6 sessions of 75 minutes each (and optional Chevruta Study)
Format:
Each interactive session is 75 minutes and is recorded for those who cannot join live. We highly recommend that you also study these texts in chevruta (we will assist you with chevruta pairing upon request).
Course materials include:
- Participants are encouraged to purchase a copy of Soul Purpose to enhance their course experience. Purchasing options will be shared soon—stay tuned for details!
- Additional source texts
- Active practices (kabbalot) and Mussar focus phrases
- Guidance for [optional] chevruta study