Mussar
Cultivating Character Through Ethical and Spiritual Growth
How often do you feel out of sync with your own values, prompting you to think, “I wish I hadn’t done that” or "Why did I say that”?
A powerful Jewish practice known as Mussar can help us address challenges like this and align our actions and words with our “best selves." We learn to become less reactive and driven by habit, and to act more wisely, as a partner, friend, parent, colleague, and community member.
Mussar is for anyone who wants to more consistently be the person you mean to be, in the small and large actions of daily life, both for your own growth and for the improvement of the world.
In twice-monthly groups, we explore personal qualities, such as patience, compassion, and generosity, through reading, discussion, writing, and sharing reflections. We then use practical tools to address those that need balancing in our lives.
Beginning in fall 2025, Rabbi Bridget Wynne will lead three Mussar groups—two in person and one online. The fee for each 5-session series is $175, with the option to pay in full or in installments.
People of all backgrounds are welcome, and no experience is necessary. You don’t need to be Jewish to engage with Jewish wisdom! To learn more about or register for the Mussar series beginning in fall 2025, please email Rabbi Bridget Wynne. Space is limited and we often have a waiting list, so you're encouraged to be in touch as soon as possible.
Learn More About Mussar
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Alan Morinis, a teacher of Mussar, and participants in his program, talks about how Mussar has changed and deepened their lives.
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Tiffany Shlain's breezy and humorous story of her discovery of Mussar.
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What is Mussar? A history and overview.
Monday Group
In Person • 7:00-9:00 pm
1st and 3rd Mondays
October 13, 2025
November 3, 2025
November 17, 2025
December 1, 2025
December 15, 2025
Tuesday Group
Online • 7:00-9:00 pm PT
1st and 3rd Tuesdays
October 14, 2025
November 4, 2025
November 18, 2025
December 2, 2025
December 16, 2025
Wednesday Group
In Person • 7:00-9:00 pm
1st and 3rd Wednesday
October 15, 2025
November 5, 2025
November 19, 2025
December 3, 2025
December 17, 2025
Payment Policy: The total fee for the Mussar series is $175. You can choose to pay the full amount at registration or split the payment into two installments: half upon registration and the remaining half by the last session. Payments can be made through our online registration page or by check. Rabbi Bridget will send you the link to the online registration page once you let her know that you'd like to register for Mussar. Please note that you must register through our online registration page, regardless of your payment method.
Late Payment Fee: As a nonprofit organization, we operate on a tight budget and rely on timely payments to cover our essential costs. Therefore, there will be a late payment fee of $25 if the full series fee is paid between the final session and 30 days following (January 13, 14, or 15). If payment is not received until after 30 days following the last meeting, the late fee increases to $50. Your cooperation helps us to continue offering meaningful classes to our community. By registering for Mussar, you are acknowledging and agreeing to adhere to our late policy terms. Thank you.
"I knew Mussar would give me an opportunity to draw closer to my Jewish heritage. I did not anticipate the profound help it would offer me during this difficult moment in history.
Studying the principles of an ethical Jewish life has been enormously healing. I have moved from a sense of helplessness and dread about the course of the world to the identification of the personal strengths and talents I can use to make a difference.
I see that how I conduct myself in daily life matters. I participate more freely in community work, knowing that I need only do my part. I have begun to appreciate that life is not failing us when it is not easy – that what matters is how I rise to the challenges I am presented with. Mussar has redefined my understanding of faith and opened my mind to more spacious concepts of God."
- Laurie, member of Jewish Gateways Mussar group