Mussar Group with MHSS

After hearing many great things about the Mussar group Zvi was part of over the past year, I was excited when Zvi organized two mussar sessions open to all around the holidays. This was my opportunity to check out what a mussar group is with out making too big of a commitment. The two session he co-faciliated were based around the high holidays: humility & joy.

First, let's put a quick definition of what Mussar group is. From the sense I get, it's a group of people who get together to reflect and learn over 13 human behaviors and how we relate to them as well as how our behaviors affects those around us. Torah study is often incorporated in these group reflections, but the group learning can be creative and have a variety of study methods - dance, song, partner discussion, art, etc. (I'm sure Zvi can give you a better definition). The cool thing about mussar is it's never really over. Even after the group finishes the discussion of the 13 behaviors, it's quite normal to start the cycle over the re-reflect. You can never do too much reflection toward being a better you. Also, how much does one really remember about a conversation a year later.

I found both sessions very interesting. I learned a lot from what other people were saying. And found that I struggled with both Torah Studies, but I'm glad I made this mussar a priority and took some time out of my busy schedule to reflect and learn about myself. I find that the biggest challenge right now in my hectic life, to take a step back to reflect and listen and work toward being a better Lindsay. Perhaps sometime in the future, an opportunity of another mussar group will appear and I'll be much more willing to make it a priority because now that I've tried it I know I'll enjoy the experience and gain something from it.