Mussar is a contemplative Jewish practice of refining one's middot, qualities of heart, and behavior. In each of the 9 monthly sessions, we will study texts and practice techniques for cultivating a middah, such as patience, generosity, compassion, or faith. Paired chevruta study between sessions will be arranged and encouraged.

This class takes place in a hybrid format and is open to all. Come in person to Congregation Knesset Israel in Pittsfield, MA, or Zoom in from 3-4:30 PM Eastern on Mondays, October 16, November 20, December 18, January 29, February 26, March 18, April 15, May 13, June 10. The course and materials will cost $250 for members of Knesset Israel, and $275 for others. All sessions will be recorded. Newcomers will be welcome for the November session.

Rabbi Pamela Wax has been a Mussar practitioner for over 20 years and have taught hundreds of students in classes and workshops around the country. She authored the Chai Mitzvah Teen Mussar curriculum and co-wrote a weekly Mussar Torah commentary, Pitchei haLevavot, under the auspices of The Institute for Jewish Spirituality. Her essays about Mussar have been published by the Mussar Institute and in The Mussar Torah Commentary (CCAR Press, 2020) for which she was an advisor.