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

2022 Open Classes for

New Students

Seeds of Mussar

No prerequisite – Open to all

Click here for full class description.

Click here for payment policies and procedures. 

Foundations of Mussar

No prerequisite – Open to all (Note: if you have not taken the Seeds of Mussar class, please contact the appropriate Madrich(ah) before enrolling in Foundations.

Click here for full class description.

Click here for payment policies and procedures. 

Fall 2022 Classes

If you are interested in beginning Mussar studies with CCM, please complete this CLASS INTEREST FORM.

Seeds of Mussar

Madrichah: Rabbah Gila Caine

Sundays on ZOOM

10:00 AM MDT
August 28 – October 2, 2022 (no class 9/25/22)

Fee $100

To Register and Pay using PayPal or Credit Card, please click HERE.

To Register and Pay using a Check, please click HERE.

Seeds of Mussar

Madrichah: Sandi Kirschner

Fridays on ZOOM

10:30 AM – Noon ET
October 7 – November 4, 2022

Fee $100

To Register and Pay using PayPal or Credit Card, please click HERE.

To Register and Pay using a Check, please click HERE.

Foundations/Kibbush I

Madrichah: Cathy Schechter

Sundays on ZOOM

2:00 PM – 3:30 PM CT
August 28 – December 11, 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.

Foundations/Kibbush I

Madrichah: Helene Kates

Fridays on ZOOM

11:00 AM – 12:30 PM ET
September 9 – November 11, 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.

This class is for Women only.

Foundations/Kibbush I

Madrichah: Sandi Kirschner

Wednesdays IN-PERSON

4:15 PM – 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.

On Mussar and Theology

Madrich: 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.

This class is open to all Mussar students.

An Introduction to the Life and Work of Hannah Arendt  

Madrich: Rabbi Joshua Boettiger 

The 20th Century Jewish political philosopher Hannah Arendt was a controversial and brilliant thinker, who was deeply concerned with what we might call Mussar if we are able to stretch our classical understanding of the term. In this five-session class, we’ll look at Arendt’s life, read excerpts from her work, and explore together what the implications of her thought might be for us today, both politically and personally.

Fee: $100

Tuesdays on ZOOM
Time: Noon-1:00 PM ET

Dates: October 18 to November 15, 2022

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 open to all Mussar students.

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

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