Journey into Mussar
Mussar has served as Jewish wisdom to guide the soul for centuries by teaching a person to realize and reinforce those qualities within him that could enrich his life and the lives of those around him.

In Afikim’s continuing quest to bring quality Jewish
educational outreach programming, we have been working with noted author and lecturer Alan Morinis to pilot a program encouraging mussar study groups across the country. One of the great innovations in Judaism was the development of mussar - a practical way to approach character-building. Initiated in the Middle Ages, mussar has served as Jewish wisdom to guide the soul for centuries by teaching a person to realize and reinforce those qualities within him that could enrich his life and the lives of those around him.

Dr. Alan Morinis, a Canadian Jew, found mussar as an adult. More than finding it, once he realized how it could help others, he began to champion mussar. His book, Climbing Jacob’s Ladder was an instant hit and attracted the attention of audiences across North America.. Dr. Morinis didn’t stop with that success and continued on to create an online learning program which inspired a new community of mussar-learners.

In several U.S. cities, Alan Morinis gave informative and inspiring lectures about his return to Judaism through the study of mussar. Upon completion of the lecture, participants were offered the opportunity to join in a 10-part mussar course and discussion group. The groups were led by individuals who attended an Afikim-sponsored New York conference which explored mussar teaching methodologies as well as utilizing a curriculum developed by Alan Morinis. In Charlotte, NC, Des Moines, IA, Atlanta, GA, Chicago, IL, and New York City, committed groups of people now meet weekly to explore concepts in mussar that encompass daily life as well as the study of Torah. Many of these groups finished the initial 10-part course and decided to continue exploring different aspects of Jewish life through the study of mussar.

The Afikim Foundation hopes to continue this journey and implement this program in many more locations across the country. Stay tuned for a stop at a station near you!