Continuing Va’ads — Spring and Summer 2022
Foundations of Mussar/Kibbush: I, II, and III
(click here for class descriptions)
Foundations/Kibbush II
Madrichah: Carol Daniels
Tuesdays on ZOOM
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM ET
February 8 — May 10, 2022
Fee $325
This class is full.
Foundations/Kibbush III
Madrichah: Sonia Voynow
Thursdays on ZOOM
4:00 PM – 5:30 PM ET
March 3 — June 9, 2022
Fee $325
This class is full.
Transformations through Mussar/Tikkun: I, II, III and IV
(click here for class description)
Transformations/Tikkun I
This class is full
Madrichah: Elana Eisner
Mondays on ZOOM
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM PT
February 7 — May 2, 2022
Fee: $325
Transformations classes are for students who have completed the prerequisite study of Foundations I – III (or equivalent). To apply to this va’ad please reach out to Elana at elanaeisner@gmail.com
Transformations/Tikkun IV
Madrichah: Hazzan Naomi Hirsch
Mondays on ZOOM
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM ET
Dates: January 31 – May 16, 2022
Fee: $325
This class is full.
Nefesh haHayyim
With Rabbi Ira Stone
This shiur is based on Nefesh haHayyim, The Soul of Life, by Rabbi Chaim Volozhin, viewed through a Mussar perspective. The translation we are using describes the book as Nefesh HaTzimTzum to emphasise the doctrine of tzimtzum or “conflation.” The course began as a free offering by Rabbi Stone during the early days of quarantine in the Summer of 2020, and has blossomed into a deep and ongoing study. In the introduction, this text is described as a Shulchan Aruch of Hashkafa, “a formal presentation of how a Jew is to view and philosophically interact with the world.”
Fee: $180
Every Other Thursday on ZOOM
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM ET
Dates: January 13 – May 19, 2022
Not currently accepting new students. To be placed on waitlist please email: admin@contemporarymussar.org
Lectures at Levinas
With Rabbi Ira Stone
One of the unique aspects of the Center for Contemporary Mussar’s approach was developed by using the philosophic lens of Emmanuel Levinas. He was born in Lithuania, but studied in France, where he eventually made his permanent home. His emphasis on the obligation to bear the “other” as our responsibility runs through much of CCM’s material. This bi-weekly course will trace the main lines of Levinas’ philosophic thought through his specific Judaic essays and commentaries. The centrality of ethics in his philosophical approach, derived in part from his Judaic background, provides a unique lens through which to view traditional Mussar texts and practice.
Fee: $180
Every other Thursday on ZOOM
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM ET
Dates: January 20 – May 26, 2022
Not currently accepting new students. To be placed on waitlist please email: admin@contemporarymussar.org
Mussar for Mensches
With Rabbi Eugene Fleischman Sotirescu
In this class, we return to the final chapters of Mesillat Yesharim, focusing on concepts such as Hasidut, or Love as expressed in deeds, Anavah, or inner humility, Fear of Sin, or awe in the face of the magnitude of our obligation, and Holiness, which is about elevating all activities to the level of Divine Service. You will revisit weekly the original 18 Cheshbon HaNefesh middot.
Fee: $265
Wednesdays on ZOOM
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM ET
Dates: February 9 – May 18, 2022
Not currently accepting new students. To be placed on waitlist please email: admin@contemporarymussar.org