The words — from the Torah — are simple. But the concepts they represent are extraordinary. Today, the ancient vocabulary continues to shape the world. Mussar (Spiritual Practice) and Middot (Character Development) are part of a disciplined approach to incorporating the Jewish values of Chesed (Lovingkindness), Kavod (Respect), Tzedek (Justice), and Tikvah (Hope) into our daily lives.

Rabbi Mike’s four-session course — Words That Shape The World — offers a practical guide to sustaining moral behavior as we cope with threats to the natural world, economic turbulence, extremism, and war.

1: “Listen to me, Kiddo.”
A father (Moses ben Nachman, a/k/a Ramban) writes to his son about the secret of life to insure “that you will succeed in all your ways.” The year is 1263. What could possibly go wrong?

• Download the study sheet for class one here

2: Are human beings worth it?
If God is so perfect, why are we so messed up? Should we have even been created? 

3: What do you do with people you hate?
Every soul supposedly has value. Oh, really?! What’s in it for me to connect with someone I loathe?

• Download the study sheet for class three here.

4: Am I wise or am I a fool?
What goes into the making of a personality? Do I have any control? What if the evil-eye is inside me?

The classes are open to all, regardless of background or level of knowledge. Each meeting will be a stand-alone lesson, perfect for dropping in.

$54 for members/$72 for non-members for all four classes or $18 per individual class.