Mussar
Cultivating Character Through Ethical and Spiritual Growth
How often do you feel out of sync with your own values, leading 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 navigate these challenges.
Mussar supports personal growth by guiding us in how we live each day, treat others, and contribute to the world around us. It invites us to live more consistently with our values and become closer to the person we aspire to be.
Through Mussar, we learn to align our words and actions with our best selves. By becoming less reactive and less driven by habit, we can respond more wisely in our roles as partners, friends, parents, colleagues, and community members.
In twice-monthly groups led by Rabbi Bridget Wynne, we explore Jewish values such as patience, compassion, and generosity through reading, discussion, writing, and shared reflection. We also use practical tools to bring those qualities into greater balance in our everyday lives.
People of all backgrounds are welcome, and no prior experience is necessary.
What to expect:
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Twice-monthly group learning and discussion
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Exploring Jewish teachings about qualities such as patience, compassion, and generosity
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Choosing a simple practice to try between sessions
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Reflection and journaling about what you notice
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One-on-one sharing with a learning partner
Monday • Online
7:00-9:00 pm PT
October 19, 2026
November 2, 2026
November 16, 2026
December 7, 2026
Tuesday • In Person
7:00-9:00 pm
October 20, 2026
November 3, 2026
November 17, 2026
December 8, 2026
Wednesday • In Person
7:00-9:00 pm
October 21, 2026
November 4, 2026
November 18, 2026
December 9, 2026
Program Fee: $140 for all four sessions.
"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."
- Laurie, member of Jewish Gateways Mussar group