Would you like to cultivate greater patience, gratitude, lovingkindness, humility, compassion, moderation, responsibility, etc. in a Jewish context?  Devoting only one day of the year— e.g. Yom Kippur—to taking account of our souls is like going to the gym and exercising only one day a year. Mussar is a regular practice, designed to help us fulfill our very purpose in life, which is to cultivate and refine our spiritual character - i.e. to become holy.  Typically we are either "too strong" or "too weak" in one or more soul traits. Mussar practice and work help us to move to a more moderate, middle position in these soul traits.  The word Mussar is best translated to mean moral lesson, and encompasses all forms of ethical behavior.  Mussar is a character education program rooted in Jewish tradition.  The Mussar Va'ad is for high-functioning adults who are open to self-exploration and committed to growing spiritually within a supportive group process.  We use readings, discussion, journaling, meditation, practice, and chevruta/partner study.  Check out mussarinstitute.org for more info about Mussar. 

Sponsored by the Richman Spiritual Relationship Endowment Fund.

Click here to purchase the book for the class - Everyday Holiness: The Jewish Spiritual Path of Mussar.

www.tinyurl.com/sinaiprogramming
Password 5645

To Join Via Phone Only
Phone number: 1.929.205.6099
Meeting ID: 414 524 2805

Dr. Steve Chervin is certified by The Mussar Institute (founded by Alan Morinis) as an instructor, and has been practicing and teaching Mussar for more than 15 years; he facilitated Mussar groups at Temple Sinai for five years before relocating to Philadelphia two years ago. He has been a Jewish educator for over 40 years, as a Melton teacher at the Marcus JCC,  director of Jewish Continuity for the Altanta Jewish Federation, adjunct faculty at Emory University, head of a Solomon Schechter Day School in Florida, director of School Consulting and Professional Services for a central agency for Jewish education, Israel trip coordinator, religious school director, camp staff.   He received a B.A. from Columbia University, an Ed.M. from Harvard University, and an Ed.D. from Stanford University, in addition to receiving a year-long fellowship for study as a Senior Educator at The Hebrew University in Jerusalem.