Start your Mussar Journey with CCM
CCM renews spiritual practice and Jewish text to transform relationships, awakening each person to their profound responsibility for the other. We offer introductory and continuing classes that focus on Mussar texts, theology, and practice. A complete curriculum is offered over three years; students commit for a semester at a time. We also offer specialty classes open to new students each semester focused on different themes.
Check out the list of available classes below!
Available classes
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The Courage to Return: A Mussar Journey for Elul
Offered nationally, via Zoom
7-8:30 p.m. ET | Aug. 26 & Sept. 2
As we prepare for Elul—a season of reflection, renewal, and return—many of us are carrying the emotional weight of a world that often feels fractured and uncertain. The constant stream of conflict, suffering, and difficult choices can leave us feeling discouraged, exhausted, or disconnected from our deepest values. How do we stay compassionate without becoming spiritually overwhelmed?
*Open to all
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Foundations / Kibbush 2
Offered nationally, via Zoom
5-6:30 p.m. PT | Tuesdays
Sept. 22 - Jan. 26
In the foundational classes of Kibbush I – III we will study middot (character traits) such as seder/order and savlanut/patience, as a way to understand and recognize when our energy is in a state of Ra, or self-absorption.
*Open to students with Foundations 1 experience or similar
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Seeds of Mussar
Offered nationally, via Zoom
5-6 p.m. MT | Mondays
Sept. 28 - Nov. 2
This class will introduce a method that focuses on refining our attributes so that they enable us to serve others with greater and greater joy. We work on our character attributes, not simply to take care of ourselves and enjoy more fulfilling lives, but to practice bearing responsibility for others.
*Intended for new students
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Foundations / Kibbush 1
Offered nationally, via Zoom
4-5:45 p.m. PT | Tuesdays
Oct. 6 - Dec. 15
In these foundational classes of Kibbush I – III we will study middot (character traits) such as seder/order and savlanut/patience, as a way to understand and recognize when our energy is in a state of Ra, or self-absorption.
*Open to new & experienced students
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Seeds of Mussar
Offered locally in Austin, TX
10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. CT | Sundays
Oct. 18 - Nov. 15
You are invited to join an introductory class in Mussar that emphasizes ethical mindfulness and connection with others learning to be their best selves.
*Open to new students in Austin, TX only
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Foundations / Kibbush 1
Offered locally in DMV area & via Zoom
Thursdays 7-8:30 pm & Sundays 10:30 am - 12 pm
Oct. 18, 2026 - Jan. 24, 2027
Kibbush, which literally means “capture,” is the Mussar practice of self-restraint. This is a foundational step in Mussar practice and evokes the question: What is it that keeps us asleep, even as we desire to be awake to the needs of the other? In this class we will study middot (character traits) such as seder/order and savlanut/patience, as a way to understand and recognize when our energy is in a state of Ra, or self-absorption.
*Open to new & experienced students in the DMV area
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Weekly Mussar Meditations
10-10:30 a.m. ET | Wednesdays
*This class took a break for the summer and will resume on Wednesday, September 9!
Mussar is fundamentally a mindfulness practice; that is, in order to truly practice Mussar, one needs to be ever more aware of what is actually happening – not just immediately responding to projections, fears, and entitlements. I think some sort of meditation practice is necessary as a precursor to practicing Mussar, but increasingly I feel like it’s even more than that – Mussar is what meditation looks like when one leaves the cushion and enters the realm of relationship.
*Free & open to new students!
On-going Va’ads
(not open to new students, unless noted)
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Tikkun of Aging
Local, in-person vaad in PA
10-11:30 a.m. ET | Mondays, Sept. 14 - Dec. 21
Led by Sandi Kirschner
A continuation of the previous vaad, this class will explore the Middot through the lens of aging.
*Not open to new students
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Tikkun of Aging III
Local, in person vaad in PA
4:15 - 4:45 p.m. ET | Wednesdays, Sept. 16 - Dec. 16
Led by Sandi Kirschner
A continuation of the previous vaad, this class will continue exploring the Middot through the lens of aging.
*Not open to new students
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Pirkei Avot Tikkun Vaad
Offered nationally, via Zoom
9:30-11 a.m. CT | Wednesdays, Oct. 7, 2026 - May 19, 2027
Led by Heidi Schneider
This class is a continuation of the previous vaad studying Pirkei Avot.
*Seeking two more advanced students to join Vaad - Interested? Contact me
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Tomer Devorah Plus
Offered nationally, via Zoom
7-9 p.m. ET | Mondays, Oct. 12 - Jan. 4
Led by Martin Jacobs
A continuation of the previous vaad, this class is completing a review of Mesillat Yesharim.
*This class is open to new students who have completed CCM basic curriculum -- they must contact the madrich before registering (martin.jacobs@verizon.net).
In addition to the classes listed above, CCM also offers:
Clergy Cohort — a year-long course offered to clergy members with Mussar experience who are looking for deeper training and community. Learn more here!
Madrichim Training Course — available to those who have completed the 3-year CCM curriculum and who are accepted into the teacher training program.
Local Mussar classes — our madrichim are spread out throughout the United States and Canada, and many teach Mussar classes at their local synagogues.