Mussar Resources

  1. “Climbing Jacob’s Ladder - One Man’s Journey to Rediscover a Jewish Spiritual Tradition”, by Alan Morinis. When I first studied with Alan Morinis, I asked him which of his books I should read first. He said “Climbing Jacob’s Ladder”. The second book to read after that was/is, “Everyday Holiness”.
  2. “Everyday Holiness- The Jewish Spiritual Path of Mussar”, by Alan Morinis (the founder of the Mussar Institute). This book is a terrific guide into the understanding and practices of Mussar.
  3. https://mussarinstitute.org/ - Mission: We are a community of learners and seekers who strive to reach our full potential as individuals and in our communities. We draw on and share the teachings of Mussar, a practical and inspiring Jewish spiritual tradition, to foster a life of greater meaning and enhanced relationships. We open the pathway of Mussar to Jews of all denominations and affiliations, and to others who wish to explore these Jewish spiritual practices.
The Mussar Institute may be able to connect you with some Mussar teachers who are going to teach in our area in the fall as well. They offer online courses for beginners, intermediate and advanced levels of Mussar study.

Also from the Mussar Institute:
In response to the uncertainty and pain of recent weeks and months, we are presenting a series of three podcasts from Mussar Masters for our entire community, and for our Chaverim members, three live follow-up webinars for connection and discussion.
Here is the second podcast from Rabbi Judy Shanks: Curiosity / Sakranut in Challenging Times. Director of Mussar, Rabbi Avi Fertig describes her recording with these words: "She eloquently and poetically deals with the current crisis with sensitivity, and balance between head, heart, and soul."
For our Chaverim, we will offer a follow-up webinar June 21, 3 p.m. ET led by Rabbi Avi Fertig. (We will send a zoom link to all Chaverim before the podcast.)
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST
  1. Temple Beth Zion in Brookline may be offering another adult Education Mussar class this coming Fall with Rabbi David Jaffe or someone else so check them out. This is not confirmed.
  2. Ronit Ziv-Kreger in Sharon, MA may also be offering a Fall course through CJP. This is not confirmed.
  3. CJP/Hebrew College is offering the following 2 summer Mussar courses:
THE MUSSAR BRIDGE Instructor: Rabbi Eric S. Gurvis | Online Tuesdays, 7:15-8:45 pm, July 14-August 18 Cost: $150 
Many regular Mussar students/practitioners find that their Va'adim (Mussar groups) takes a break in the summer. In Summer 2020, faced with the challenge of our lives, this is not a time for "a break from our Mussar." In this series we will explore "off-the-beaten path" middot (soul traits) and reconsider well-traveled paths in light of our current existential reality. Mussar study and practice need not go on summer break—especially as we need our Mussar to ground us in these uncertain times.
 
MUSSAR FOR EVERYONE Instructor: Merry Arnold | Online Thursdays, 7:15-8:45 pm, July 9-August 13 Cost: $150
We will use the class to look at and practice middot (traits) that could assist us to cope in new ways with the demands placed on us by COVID-19. We might also look at how the middot can help us gain a new understanding of the High Holy Days. Each class will have a settling in period, reflections on the week past, introduction of a new middah, and text study. Weekly practice of the new middah will be strongly encouraged.
  1. Other possible resources are:
    1. ​​​“Every Day, Holy Day: 365 Days of Teachings and Practices from the Jewish Tradition of Mussar” 1st Edition by Alan Morinis
    2. “With Heart in Mind- Mussar Teachings to Transform Your Life”, by Alan Morinis. I have yet to read this book though I will be starting it soon.