Though I wouldn’t call myself a practitioner, I am intrigued by the ancient Jewish path to self-improvement called Mussar. Mussar is defined as:
…a treasury of teachings and practices that help individuals understand their true natures as holy souls, then to break through the barriers that surround and obstruct the flow of inner holiness or light. The goal of Mussar is to release the light of holiness that lives within each soul. (Find out more here)
Mussar has been popularized in the non-Orthodox Jewish world by Alan Morinis. His teachings and books have brought Mussar teachings to light for many, and serve as the basis of the class being taught at Wise’s own Melton adult study school.
Among the core concepts of Mussar are middot – ethical principles or qualities that one can spend a lifetime cultivating, strengthening, and – most importantly – expressing in one’s actions. Morinis has identified 18 key middot. They are:
Humility: ענוה – Anavah
Patience: סבלנות – Savlanut
Gratitude: הכרת הטוב – Hakarat Ha’Tov
Compassion: רחמים – Rachamim
Order: סדר – Seder
Equanimity: מנוחת הנפש – Menuchat Ha’Nefesh
Honor: כבוד– Kovod
Simplicity: הסתפקות – Histapkut
Enthusiasm: זריזות – Zerizut
Silence: שתיקה – Sh’tikah
Generosity: נדיבות – Nedivut
Truth: אמת – Emet
Moderation: שביל הזהב – Shevil Ha’zahov
Loving Kindness: חסד – Chesed
Responsibility: אחריות – Achrayut
Trust: בטחון – Bitachon
Faith: אמונה – Emunah
Awe: יראה Yirah
Though context does not permit me to discuss all of them, I’ll pick some of my favorites over the next few days and reflect on what they mean to me and could mean to you – our community. I invite you to reflect on this list, explore the Mussar website and contemplate how you might incorporate some version of this practice into your own life.
– Rabbi Ron Stern