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

Classes Open to New Students

Seeds of Mussar

No prerequisite – Open to all

Click here for full class description

Seeds of Mussar 

Madrichah: Hazzan Naomi Hirsch 

Online Zoom Class – Every Thursday
Meets 7:30 – 9:00 PM ET • October 22 – November 19, 2020
Course F20-SD-TH-NH  –  Course Fee: $100   

Seeds of Mussar 

Madrichah: Karen Kripke

Online Zoom Class – Every Monday
Meets 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM ET • November 30 – December 28, 2020
Course W20-SD-MO-KK  –  Course Fee: $100   

Click Here to Register for Seeds of Mussar with Karen Kripke

Foundations of Mussar/Kibbush

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

Click here for full class description

Foundations of Mussar I 

 Madrichah: Karen Kripke

Mondays on ZOOM: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM ET
January 25 – May 3, 2021
Course S21-F1-MO-KK – Fee $325

Due to Passover there will be no classes March 29 or April 5, 2021.

If you have questions please reach out to Karen Kripke at kskripke@comcast.net

 

Register for Foundations I with Karen Kripke

Foundations of Mussar I 

 Madrichah: Elana Eisner

Mondays on ZOOM: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM ET
October 5 – December 28, 2020
Course F20-Y1/S1-MO-EE – Fee $325

 If you have questions please reach out to Elana at elanaeisner@gmail.com

Foundations of Mussar for Men I

Offered as a collaboration of CCM and Menschwork

Madrich: Herb Levine

Every Other Wednesday on ZOOM: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM ET
September 23, 2020 – March 31, 2021
Course F20-Y1/S1-WE-HL 

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

Foundations of Mussar – Semester 2 – Open to returning students

Madrichah: Carol Daniels

Mondays on ZOOM: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM ET
October 19 – January 11, 2021
Course F20-Y1/S2-MO-CD – Fee $325 

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

Open Community Class 

Nefesh Ha’Hayyim with Rabbi Ira Stone 

This shiur started as an offering from Rabbi Stone during quarantine. He sought to provide the community with an opportunity to learn some Torah and Mussar for solace during the crisis. It has grown into a treasured and permanent ongoing class.

Online Zoom Class – Every other Thursday
Meets 1:00 – 2:00 PM ET • August 27 – December 17, 2020
Course Fee: $180   

Our Collective Trauma: Antiracism through Mussar Lens

Madrichah: Nancy Axelrod 

This class is open to all.

In the wake of killings of George Floyd, Armaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and others, and the Black Lives Matter protests that have propelled people across the globe to confront racism, this course invites participants to engage in deep study and conversation about race and racism through a Mussar lens.

Online Zoom Class – Every other Tuesday

COURSE F20-CT-TU-NA

7:00 – 9:00 PM ET • October 6 – March 30, 2021

Course Fee: $325   

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

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