Mussar is a Jewish spiritual practice of cultivating character through dedicated attention to designated virtues (middot) such as compassion, patience, or equanimity. KI welcomes your participation in its monthly Mussar class, whether you are new to the practice or a veteran. Fall sessions will take place on Monday evenings, October 5, November 9, and December 7. Tentative 2027 dates are: January 11, February 8, March 8, April 12, May 10, and June 7. The first session will include an introductory session from 5:30-6:30 for newcomers as well as veterans who would like to brush-up on their understanding of Mussar practice and history, with that first session concluding at 8 PM . Thereafter, sessions will take place from 6:00-7:30 PM .

Attendance in person at Knesset Israel in Pittsfield is highly encouraged for those who are local, with a Zoom option available for those who are not. No new registrants will be accepted after the first October session.

The course will be facilitated by Rabbi Pam Wax, KI’s Director of Adult Education and Programming, who has been studying and practicing Mussar for over 25 years. She is the author of Mussar curriculums for both adults and teens through Chai Mitzvah, was the co-author of the Mussar Torah commentary Pitchei Ha-Levavot distributed by The Institute for Jewish Spirituality in 2015-16, was on the editorial committee for The Mussar Torah Commentary: A Spiritual Path to Living a Meaningful and Ethical Life (CCAR Press), and has taught Mussar in dozens of venues for many different populations.

Pre-register at www.knessetisrael.org/rsvp. There will be 9 monthly sessions from October-June, $120 for those who are not members of Knesset Israel or Anshe Amunim.