Message from the Chair – September 2021

Ever since I became a student of Mussar in 2009, the High Holidays have had a different resonance for me.  In my pre-Mussar days, I appreciated the month of Elul, and particularly the Selichot service, as an opportunity to reflect, seek forgiveness from others and myself, and pledge to do better in the coming year.  I have to admit that, as a leader in my congregation, I self-righteously harbored judgement about those 2-day a year Jews who only practiced religion on the Chagim, and otherwise went about their business with varying states of ethics, or lack thereof.  But was I any better? While I prided myself on my busy calendar of family and social justice activities, I was not taking time on a regular basis to review whether I was truly serving anyone other than myself. 

Once I developed a Mussar practice, however, it felt like every month was Elul and every day was Selichot.  Every day – might I say every moment – became an occasion to engage in Cheshbon haNefesh, an accounting of my soul.  Every interaction became a chance to look into the face of an other and ask:  “How can I best be present to you – see your joy and your pain, hear your cry, touch your heart?” “How are my words and behavior impacting you?” “Is my busyness an excuse to not attend to your – or my own – emotional needs?”

And so, as I — on behalf of the entire Board of Directors of CCM — wish you much sweetness in the New Year, I also hope that your Mussar practice provides you with continual opportunities all year to engage in the contemplative work of Cheshbon haNefesh so that together we may bring transformation to our relationships and our communities.