CJC Class Archive
An Introduction to COASTSIDE MUSSAR:
The Principles and The Practice
Presented by Coastside Jewish Community on Tuesday, January 18, 2022 from 7:00-8:15pm
Taught by Rabbi Moshe Heyn.
View the recording of this class
Mussar is a genre of Jewish literature and a system of Jewish ethical practices designed for personal and spiritual growth. Learn more about this ancient tradition, its benefits, and the different ways in which it is practiced today.
Introduction to The Principles of Coastside Mussar is free and will answer questions like:
- What exactly is Mussar? What are its origins and tenets? What is its purpose? Why is it valuable?
- What is unique about “Coastside Mussar”? Why is it attractive to both theists and non-theists?
Integral Judaism – July, 2021
Integral Judaism is a synthesis of Jewish mysticism, humanism, and the science of meditation and mindfulness. It builds upon the principles and practice of Mussar by adding a spiritual component that works for people who believe in God as well as those who don’t believe in God. This three-part series will cover the theory and practice of Integral Judaism, demonstrating how it can enrich not only one’s approach to Mussar, but to life in general.
1) July 6, Introduction: the theory of Integral Judaism
2) July 13, The Practice: Jewish meditation for theists and non-theists
3) July 21, Continuing: the benefits of incorporating Integral theory and practice into your daily life
Coastside Mussar: A God Optional Approach
The previous class focused on Mussar, and was based on “Everyday Holiness: The Jewish Spiritual Path to Mussar”, by Alan Morinis. The class ran from December 1, 2020 through March 23, 2021. The class included two distinct parts, one academic, the other a Practicum wherein participants practiced Middot.
The last session featured Rabbi David Jaffe, who spoke about the integration of social activism with Mussar. In case you missed it, or would like to review, here’s the recording on YouTube.
An Introduction to Mussar
In Spring of 2020, Rabbi Moshe offered our first Mussar class, which became named “Cohort Aleph” when attendance continued to grow, and R’Moshe decided to start a 2nd group called “Cohort Bet”. Both groups used Greg Marcus’s book “The Spiritual Practice of Good Actions: Finding Balance Through the Soul Traits of Mussar”
3/23/2021: Changing the World from the Inside Out with guest speaker Rabbi Jaffe, a nationally recognized leader in the contemporary Mussar movement,.
11/6/2020 – Interfaith Refugee Shabbat
10/24/2020 – The Jew in the Lotus – The Past, Present and Future of Jewish-Buddhist Coherence
4/25/2020 – Let My People Know