Class taught by Carolina Martinez. Our three sessions will cover the following topics:

Part 1:  Middot (character/values traits) and Creating Focus Cards
Part 2:  Middah Text Study, Behirah (Choice) Point,  and Creating Focus Cards
Part 3:  Journaling about Middot and Creating a Mussar Journal

Join Caroline Martinez for a three-session Mussar sampler class to engage in introspection about self, relationships, and Hashem. We will blend Jewish learning through text study, combined with journaling, and create artistically decorated Mussar trait focus cards and a journal for study. 

Mussar study is a Jewish virtues approach to Jewish ethics and character development, where participants set intentions for the week or month with the idea of balancing out their internal thoughts and outward communication and action. This allows participants to examine the character traits that can be problematic, and self-reflect to reach more equilibrium between positive and negative inclinations.

The Mussar tradition dates back to the 10th century Rabbi Saadiah Gaon, who wrote The Book of Beliefs and Opinions. His ideas spread from Spain across European Jewish communities and to Israel. In 19th century Lithuania, Mussar literature transformed from being an individual method of study to a communal practice and movement of Jewish enlightenment.

Please RSVP below. Bring one package of blank 3x5 notecards, a composition or spiral notebook, pen, and colored pencil and fine-line black sharpie.