by mussar | Oct 1, 2020 | Newsletter, Notes From The Rabbi, October
The French-Jewish philosopher Emmanuel Levinas once said that his whole philosophy could be reduced to two words: Apres vous, “After you.” It is a cliché, perhaps, to assert that good manners are the foundation of the ethical life, but like all cliches there is more...
by mussar | Sep 17, 2020 | Notes From The Rabbi
The Torah is a template for interpretation; not a very new or radical idea, however we often don’t fully appreciate how important this fact is. Since the Torah is also a magnificently constructed narrative we are often seduced by the narrative and ask ourselves: “What...
by mussar | Aug 7, 2020 | August, Newsletter, Notes From The Rabbi
All of us at the Center For Contemporary Mussar are very excited about our upcoming Elul learning program. In these difficult days, when most of us will be unable to take advantage of in-person religious programs leading up to and including the High Holy Days, the...
by mussar | Jun 21, 2020 | Notes From The Rabbi
Discover Solace through Study: Torah & Mussar with Rabbi Stone Join us on Zoom (instructional link below) Every Thursday beginning March 26, 1:00-2:00 PMPlease register below to receive details Dear Chevre, In light of the fact that many of us are now in various...
by mussar | Jun 21, 2020 | Notes From The Rabbi
One of the central pillars of Mussar thought and practice, often either overlooked or dismissed, is that of obligation. The metaphoric shorthand for this concept is the Sinai moment and as we approach the festival of Shavuot which celebrates this moment in the...
by mussar | Jun 21, 2020 | Notes From The Rabbi
Pesach in a Time of Crisis Rabbi Ira F. Stone Part 2 Today I want to focus on a small paragraph that is recited at the Seder, just before we commence the meal. It is likely one of the earliest elements that went into the construction of the Seder meal as it evolved...
