Continuing Va’ads — Fall 2022
Foundations of Mussar/Kibbush: I, II, and III
(click here for class descriptions)
Foundations/Kibbush I
Madrichah: Sandi Kirschner
Wednesdays IN-PERSON
4:15PM – 5:45 PM ET
September 14 – December 7, 2022 (no class 11/23/22)
Fee $325
To Register and Pay using PayPal or Credit Card, please click HERE.
To Register and Pay using a Check, please click HERE.
This class is for members of Temple Beth Hillel Beth-El only.
Transformations through Mussar/Tikkun: I, II, III and IV
Transformations classes are for students who have completed the prerequisite study of Foundations I – III (or equivalent).
(click here for class description)
Transformations/Tikkun II
Madrichah: TBA
More information coming soon!
Transformations/Tikkun III
Madrichah: Carol Daniels
I. Mondays on ZOOM
6:30PM – 8:00PM ET
September 12 – December 12, 2022
Fee $325
To Register and Pay using PayPal or Credit Card, please click HERE.
To Register and Pay using a Check, please click HERE.
OR
II. Wednesdays on ZOOM
9:30AM – 11:00AM ET
September 7 – December 7, 2022
Fee $325
To Register and Pay using PayPal or Credit Card, please click HERE.
To Register and Pay using a Check, please click HERE.
Transformations/Tikkun IV
Madrichah: TBA
More information coming soon!
On Mussar and Theology
With Rabbi Ira Stone
Drawing on the previous classes studying both Nefesh haHayyim and Emmanuel Levinas, this class will focus specifically on the role of theology to undergird Mussar practice. Is it necessary? Where and why does God enter into the practice? What understanding of God can we have in a post-holocaust world to play this role if it is deemed important?
One does not have to have taken both or either of the previous classes
Fee: $180
Thursdays on ZOOM
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM ET
Dates: September 15 to November 17, 2022 (no class on October 6)
To Register and Pay using PayPal or Credit Card, please click HERE.
To Register and Pay using a Check, please click HERE.
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: TBA
Dates: TBA
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: TBA
Dates: TBA
Not currently accepting new students. To be placed on waitlist please email: admin@contemporarymussar.org
Mussar for Mensches
Madrich: TBA
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: TBA
Dates: TBA
This class is for Men only.
Not currently accepting new students. To be placed on waitlist please email: admin@contemporarymussar.org