The Mussar Institute

What can be your first step if you’re new to Mussar?

We have FREE resources for people wanting to learn what Mussar is and the importance of cultivating middot (traits).

These videos are fun, instructive and entertaining as you decide what your first course will be.

Check out our FREE resources here: https://www.mussarinstitute.org/learn/new-to-mussar/

Shabbat Shalom!

This week's reflection comes from Helaine Sheias, who writes about Parashat Korach, the conflict between Moses and Korach, and how it can illuminate the differences between their approaches to the middot (traits) of manhigut (leadership) and kedusha (holiness)

Parashat Korach: Beacons of Sacred Disagreement

Korach finds followers and confronts Moses and Aaron, insisting that all members of Am Yisrael (the people of Israel) should be considered equal, and that Moses has not earned his position of leadership.

But is this really true? Is Moses elevating himself above all his Hebrew brethren? Many Mussar masters have their own perspective on whether it was Korach or Moses who was correct. Rabbi Eliyahu Dessler states that the people of the world are separated into givers and takers, and that it is our divine obligation to be tzelem Elokim (made in the image of God) by giving freely. His argument is that Korach demands kedusha and manhigut without letting is actions mirror his words.

Rabbi Amy Eilberg speaks on how one of the most important attributes to develop is the ability to disagree with others in ways that re-affirms their basic humanity, what she calls “machloket l’shem shamayim,” or disagreements conducted with mutual respect. Was Korach embodying this in his disagreement with Moses, a disagreement which leads to his death? Or was he favoring his own point of view and not considering others?

Reflection Questions:
• How do you approach disagreements in your life?
• Can disagreements be a way to lead to a more spiritual path?
• How can we communicate with others without dismissing us all being Tzelem Elokim?
May we find the basic humanity in us all, to approach conversation with compassion and empathy, and to see the light in us all.

Wishing you a meaningful and uplifting Shabbat filled with learning, reflection, and blessing.

The High Holy Days are almost upon us. It's a time to stop, to reflect, to see how our year has gone and what lies ahead.

That time of reflection is crucial to start the new year with the right intention.

'Pause. Prayer. Practice. Being in the Presence of Elul" is a NEW program to commemorate the time of Elul. With our beloved TMI community, we will bring about the Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur we all need.

The full program is available to our beloved Chaverim. For non-members, the FIRST week is available to you, with the option to enjoy all the perks of being a Chaverim to get full access!

Your journey begins on August 12th, come join us in community and reflection, for collective wisdom and growth.

Register here: https://www.mussarinstitute.org/elul-2026/

There's only one way you can keep up to date on everything happening in the world of Mussar.

With updates including new courses, new interactive tools and so many different ways to engage, staying connected with TMI is your best way to go further down your Mussar path.

Join our mailing list for FREE today, and you can make sure you're the first to know what's coming up next.

Your connections, guidance and wisdom will never be the same!

Register here: https://www.mussarinstitute.org/support/join-our-mailing-list/

Last Spots Available for The Shabbat Effect!

With most sessions now full, only a few spots remain in the Sunday session led by Chasya Steinbauer.

Join this 12-week Mussar journey based on the teachings of Alan Morinis and co-created with Julie Dean.

Through small-group learning, chevruta conversations, reflection, and practice, you'll explore how Shabbat can help cultivate awareness, rest, enoughness, and joy in everyday life.

Sundays | 4:30–6:00 pm ET
Begins June 14

Read more and register here: https://www.mussarinstitute.org/the-shabbat-effect-course/

What challenges your patience most?

Waiting?
Interruptions?
Uncertainty?
People asking you for something when you already have too much going on?

We created a new free reflection tool to help you notice what tends to test your patience in everyday life.

See what may be challenging YOUR patience: https://bit.ly/PatienceTool