Everyday Holiness: The Jewish Spiritual Path of Mussar

Unbalanced soul-traits act as “veils”8 that block the inner light. The issue is never the inner qualities themselves—Mussar tells us that all human qualities, even anger, jealousy, and desire, are not intrinsically “bad.”

We are actually wired into all kinds of larger circuits and systems, from the molecular to the social, and we don’t control many of the factors that have a role in shaping our lives. Least of all can we expect to rule the timetable according to which life takes place.

balanced, moderate, accurate

One group of techniques is designed to bring to conscious awareness material that

But if a leader laid claim to even more space than was appropriate, they would be Pharaoh.

“Humility is associated with spiritual perfection. When humility effects depression it is defective; when it is genuine it inspires joy, courage and inner dignity.”

They represent not only places of uncertainty in your behavior but also openings where you have the greatest potential to ascend spiritually.

the intellect is a valuable but incomplete tool for transformation.

While Adam the first is dynamic and creative, transforming sensory data into thought constructs, Adam the second is receptive and beholds the world in its original dimensions. He looks for the image of God not in the mathematical formula or the natural relational law but in every beam of light, in every bud and blossom, in the morning breeze and th