In my third year of Mussar study, we were asked to look at a challenging relationship in our life. For me it was a daughter-in-law of more than twenty years, who I always thought was angry with me. After a year of considering her wounds, I was able to initiate a non-defensive conversation with her. Hearing her, I told her how sorry I was for times I had hurt her and that I really do love her and appreciate the wife and mother she is. I told her I hoped we could start anew; it’s now been more than two years and all is well.
Sandi

When people would ask me how I, as a Reform Jew, practice Judaism in my daily life, I never knew how to respond . . . until I had participated in Mussar. For me, this will be a lifelong practice, but one that brings a conscious awareness of Jewish thinking on a daily basis. 
Jean Adelsman

Our Mussar study is providing me a “mindfulness” alternative in a Jewish tradition. My desire to live an ever more meaningful life led me to search for a better understanding of God’s will for me. Mussar is satisfying my quest.
John Ourisman

Mussar has proven to be a true life companion. I see changes occurring in long held patterns, particularly in the realm of patience. I see myself available to others, receiving feedback that this is true, and yet I understand when self-care is needed and appropriate. In other words, Mussar, as taught by CCM, provides a language and a framework for creating a healthy soul container while acting in our fragmented world.
Martha Hare

In a challenging situation, I ask myself how I should respond from a “Mussar” perspective and that self-reflection helps me to react in a more caring and generous way. I have also been enriched by the relationships I have formed with my study partners and teachers – meaningful bonds with wonderful people.
Debbie Levin

2021 Open Classes for

New Students

If you are affiliated with TES, please follow this link!

Seeds of Mussar

No prerequisite – Open to all

Click here for full class description.

Click here for payment policies and procedures.

Seeds of Mussar 

Madrich: TBD

Date and Time: TBD

If you have questions please reach out to admin@contemporarymussar.org

Foundations of Mussar/Kibbush

Prerequisite – Seeds of Mussar (or prior Mussar training, contact instructor)

Click here for full class description.

Click here for payment policies and procedures.

Foundations of Mussar/Kibbush I 

Madrichah: Carol Daniels

Tuesdays on ZOOM: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM ET
August 24 – December 7, 2021
Enroll Now — Fee $325

If you have questions please reach out to Carol Daniels at caroldaniels604@gmail.com

Transformations of Mussar/Tikkun I 

Accepting New Students

Madrichah: Carol Daniels

Two sections available:

Section I: Mondays, 6:30 – 8:30 PM ET
October 4 – December 27, 2021

Section II: Wednesdays, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM ET
October 6 – December 29, 2021

Enroll now — Fee $325 

Seats are available for students who have completed the prerequisite study of Foundations I – III (or equivalent). To apply to this va’ad please reach out to Carol at caroldaniels604@gmail.com

Lectures on Levinas 

Accepting New Students

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.

Every other Thursday On Zoom, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM ET
September 30 – December 23, 2021
Enroll now — Fee $180 

 

If you are looking for a teacher or would like to start a new group please contact us.

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