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What is Mussar? The My Jewish Learning website describes it as "a Jewish spiritual practice that gives concrete instructions on how to live a meaningful and ethical life." It is "virtue-based ethics -- based on the idea that by cultivating inner virtues, we improve ourselves. This [contrasts with] most Jewish ethical teachings, which are rule-based. Today, a number of people who do not follow traditional Jewish rules and rituals are attracted to Mussar because it offers opportunities for personal transformation through a Jewish lens." This works through the study of different "middot" or characteristics, such as faith (emunah), lovingkindness (chesed), patience (savlanut), and order (seder). Study group members use Mussar texts and practices combined with personal interactions to align their daily behavior more closely with their spiritual values. Offered through Hebrew College; TST members receive a discounted rate of $152.

The group meets eight times per semester for 90 minutes, plus a 1-hour introductory meeting on Sept. 13th, approximately every other Tuesday evening, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. We have been meeting on Zoom since the pandemic began and will continue using Zoom in the fall.

Non-TST members should register through Hebrew College.

Contact Joan Atlas to learn more.