JEWISH GATEWAYS MUSSAR GROUPS ARE FILLING FAST!
CONTACT RABBI BRIDGET WYNNE TO LEARN MORE
Mussar
Cultivating Character Through Ethical and Spiritual Growth
A powerful Jewish practice known as Mussar can help us align our actions and words with our “best selves." We learn to become less reactive and driven by habit, and to act more wisely, as a partner, friend, parent, colleague, and community member.
How often do you feel out of sync with your own values, prompting you to think, “I wish I hadn’t done that” or "Why did I say that”?
Mussar is for anyone who wants to more consistently be the person you mean to be, in the small and large actions of daily life, both for your own growth and for the improvement of the world.
In twice-monthly groups, we explore personal qualities, such as patience, compassion, and generosity, through reading, discussion, writing, and sharing reflections. We then use practical tools to address those that need balancing in our lives.
Beginning in fall 2024, Rabbi Bridget Wynne will lead two Mussar groups—one in person and one online. The 8-session series costs $240, with the option to pay in full or with a $50 deposit and installments. NOTE: The in-person group is currently full. If you're still interested in joining Mussar, there is space available in Monday's online group.
People of all backgrounds are welcome, with no experience necessary. You don’t need to be Jewish to engage with Jewish wisdom! To learn more or register, please email Rabbi Bridget Wynne. View the schedule below.
Mussar sessions are held on the 1st and 3rd Mondays and Tuesdays of each month
Monday Online Mussar Group
7:00 - 9:00 pm PT
October 14, 2024
November 4, 2024
November 18, 2024
December 2, 2024
December 16, 2024
January 8, 2025
January 20, 2025
February 3, 2025
Tuesday In-Person Mussar Group *now full*
7:00 - 9:00 pm, Berkeley
October 15, 2024
November 5, 2024
November 19, 2024
December 3, 2024
December 17, 2024
January 9, 2025
January 21, 2025
February 4, 2025
Learn More About Mussar
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Alan Morinis, a teacher of Mussar, and participants in his program, talks about how Mussar has changed and deepened their lives.
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Tiffany Shlain's breezy and humorous story of her discovery of Mussar.
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What is Mussar? A history and overview.
"I knew Mussar would give me an opportunity to draw closer to my Jewish heritage. I did not anticipate the profound help it would offer me during this difficult moment in history.
Studying the principles of an ethical Jewish life has been enormously healing. I have moved from a sense of helplessness and dread about the course of the world to the identification of the personal strengths and talents I can use to make a difference.
I see that how I conduct myself in daily life matters. I participate more freely in community work, knowing that I need only do my part. I have begun to appreciate that life is not failing us when it is not easy – that what matters is how I rise to the challenges I am presented with. Mussar has redefined my understanding of faith and opened my mind to more spacious concepts of God."
- Laurie, member of Jewish Gateways Mussar group