WHAT ARE MUSSAR MIDDOT?
Through the study and practice of Mussar, students balance the characteristics or traits of their nefesh (soul) that cause the light within to dim. In Hebrew, the word for traits of the nefesh is middot. The singular form is middah.
While many middot are discussed in Mussar literature, in his book, Everyday Holiness, Alan Morinis explores 18 middot and lists 58 in the Soul Trait Inventory, p. 295
Humility: ענוה – Anavah (often spelled with two vavs as ענווה )
Patience: סבלנות – Savlanut
Gratitude: הכרת הטוב – Hakarat Ha’Tov
Compassion: רחמים – Rachamim
Order: סדר – Seder
Equinimity: מנוחת הנפש – Menuchat Ha’Nefesh
Honor: כבוד– Kovod
Simplicity: הסתפקות – Histapkut
Enthusiasm: זריזות – Zerizut
Silence: שתיקה – Sh’tikah
Generosity: נדיבות – Nedivut
Truth: אמת – Emet
Moderation: שביל הזהב – Shevil Ha’zahov
Loving Kindness: חסד – Chesed
Responsibility: אחריות – Achrayut
Trust: בטחון – Bitchon
Faith: אמונה – Emunah
Awe: יראה Yirah – *No English translation is accurate. A close association is fear/awe.
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