Part 1 of a 3-Part Beginner Course

In this engaging va’ad (small group) -based course, you will learn from three revered Mussar teachers: Dr. Alan Morinis, Founder of The Mussar Institute, Rabbi Amy Eilberg, the first ordained woman Rabbi in the Conservative tradition, and Rabbi Avi Fertig, the Chief Programming Officer at TMI. Each of these teachers will introduce the main concepts and context for one of the three parts.

Your course will be guided by a Mussar facilitator as you work in your va’ad (small group) and with your chevruta (partner). You will refine your understanding and develop new skills as you grow in awareness and wisdom, and transform your sense of your own inner nature, your relationships with those closest to you, and your relationship with the Divine Presence.

Format:

Each course offers six va’ad sessions in which four middot (Soul Traits) are covered through the lens of a particular theme. Each of these va’adim is facilitated by an expert TMI facilitator via Zoom.

A Three-Part Course: (intended to be taken sequentially)

Part I: Connecting Self and Soul – introduction by Alan Morinis

Part II: Transforming Relationships – introduction by Rabbi Amy Eilberg

Part III: Engaging the Divine Presence – introduction by Avi Fertig

In all three parts, you will experience Mussar learning through text study, cheshbon ha’nefesh (accounting of the soul), visualization, chanting, meditation, and kaballot (exercises). You will study on your own, with a chevruta (study partner) and in your va’ad (small group).

Part I: Connecting Self and Soul

In the Jewish perspective, the soul is the primary essence of who we are. However, we do not necessarily experience our inner lives in this way, and instead develop a belief that ourselves, our egos, form our primary identity.

In following the path of Mussar to build our inner lives, we have to come to appreciate the difference between self and soul, and especially to develop an understanding of the ideal relationship we can foster between these two dimensions.

In the first part of this three-part course, we bring these ideas to bear by focusing on four inner traits (middot) that with deeper understanding and balance can give us insight into and brighten the light of our soul.

After an introductory video by Alan Morinis, we will be discussing these Middot (soul traits):

• Humility / Anavah
• Simplicity / Histapkut
• Strength / Gevurah
• Alacrity / Zerizut

Sessions / Facilitators: Sessions are full. We will offer this course again next term.

Meet Your Facilitators

Special Pricing for Part I Only

Tuition (3-Tier Pricing):

• Tier 1 – $258  (Supporter Rate: Covers full costs and helps others access Mussar)
• Tier 2 – $210  (Sustainer Rate: Covers the full cost of your course)
• Tier 3 – $126  (Accessible Rate: A reduced price for those who need it)

Which Tier Is Right For You? 

*All course fees are 100% tax deductible.

Chaverim members enjoy a 15% discount off of course pricing. Members, please select the Chaverim rate of your choice on your registration form, membership will be verified before your enrollment is secured for the course.

We invite everyone to become a Chaver or Chavera – Join Here.