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 “I wish I hadn’t said that”?
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A powerful Jewish practice known as Mussar can help us 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.
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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.
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In twice-monthly groups, we explore personal qualities, such as patience, compassion, and generosity, through text study, discussion, writing, and sharing reflections. We then use practical tools to address those that need balancing in our lives.​​
We offer two Mussar groups, both led by Rabbi Bridget Wynne. We will start a new series in fall 2023.
If you have questions or might be interested in participating in the upcoming Mussar series, please contact Rabbi Bridget Wynne.
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People of all backgrounds are welcome. No experience is necessary, and you don't have to be Jewish to explore and draw on Jewish wisdom. Please feel free to invite any friends who may be interested.
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Want to learn more? Below are two brief, interesting videos that offer introductions to Mussar, and here is an article on the history of Mussar.
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Tiffany Shlain's breezy and humorous story of her discovery of Mussar.
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Both Mussar groups meet 7:00-9:00 pm. Dates for the fall-winter series are below.
Mondays
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October 16, 2023
November 6, 2023
November 20, 2023
December 4, 2023
December 18, 2023
January 15, 2024
February 5, 2024
February 19, 2024
Tuesdays
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October 17, 2023
November 7, 2023
November 21, 2023
December 5, 2023
December 19, 2023
January 16, 2024
February 6, 2024
February 20, 2024
"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.
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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.
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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.
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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."
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- Laurie, member of Jewish Gateways Mussar group