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# American Mussar

21st century Jewish spiritual practice for an authentic and meaningful life

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://americanmussar.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Is Kindness the Real Punk Rock? A Mussar Reflection on Honor and Equanimity](https://americanmussar.com/is-kindness-the-real-punk-rock-mussar-reflection/) - What if kindness is the most rebellious act today? A reflection on kindness and Mussar via Superman, punk rock, and choosing compassion over criticism.
- [How Much Space Should I Take Up? A Mussar Reflection on Humility](https://americanmussar.com/how-much-space-should-i-take-up/) - How Much Space Do We Take Up? Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about the space we take up in the world. Not just physical space, but emotional and spiritual space, too — in relationships, in community, and especially in leadership. I’ve stepped into a role where people tend to look to me for direction,
- [When 9/11 and Elul Collide: A Mussar Reflection on Life and Death](https://americanmussar.com/911-elul-mussar-reflection/) - This year 9/11 falls on the 18th of Elul, the Jewish day of life. A Mussar reflection on holding grief and gratitude together.
- [Psalm 27 2025 Workshop Materials](https://americanmussar.com/psalm-27-workshop-materials-2025/) - Week 1 Handout MS Word Week 1 Handout PDF Cantor Cohn Video
- [Finding Awe During Life Transitions: A Mussar Perspective](https://americanmussar.com/finding-awe-during-life-transitions-a-mussar-perspective/) - Life changes can be overwhelming—but Mussar teaches us to seek awe even in the chaos. Discover how spiritual curiosity can shift your perspective.
- [Five Mussar Traits to Help You Move](https://americanmussar.com/mussar-traits-to-help-you-move/) - Whether you’re packing boxes or facing emotional change, these five Mussar traits can help you move forward—spiritually, practically, and with purpose.
- [Finding Trust in a Troubled World: A Mussar Perspective on Worry](https://americanmussar.com/finding-trust-in-a-troubled-world-a-mussar-perspective-on-worry/) - Finding Trust in a troubled world is not easy, especially when we are talking about trusting in The Divine. Can it really be an answer to worry and lament?
- [Mensch or Jerk is Determined by Small Moments](https://americanmussar.com/mensch-or-jerk-determined-by-small-moments/) - At breakfast a few years ago, a friend of mine and I discussed a volunteer meeting we had recently attended. It ran over its allotted time by 45 minutes, until 9:45 at night. My friend was really upset because it interfered with family plans. As one of the leaders of the meeting, I instantly apologized.
- [Trump's Biggest Danger: Too Much Truth](https://americanmussar.com/trumps-biggest-danger/) - It might strike you as strange to think that Donald Trump's biggest danger is too much truth. After all, The Atlantic just ran a story called "Trump's War On Truth" that laid out how often Trump deliberately and manipulatively lies in order to smear his opponents. Yes, he tells some whoppers. But why do people believe
- [What is Mussar?](https://americanmussar.com/what-is-mussar-excerpt/) - What is Mussar? Believe it or not, there is a solid argument that the Jews invented self-help over 1000 years ago. At the time, the Rabbinic scholars were trying to understand why it is so hard to be good. The Ten Commandments and other Jewish teachings clearly spell out how we should act. Yet many
- [Mussar Chesed Story of Comforting a Mourner](https://americanmussar.com/mussarchesed/) - Mussar Chesed means supporting another person without expecting anything in return. Comforting a mourner is an important way to practice Chesed. So inspired!
- [Mussar Chesed As a Focused Practice](https://americanmussar.com/mussar-chesed-as-a-focused-practice/) - Mussar Chesed is a foundational practice, so much so that our weekly Mussar meeting will touch on Chesed every week, even when focusing on other soul traits.w
- [Mussar Hitlamdut This Fourth of July](https://americanmussar.com/mussar-hitlamdut-this-fourth-of-july/) - Mussar Hitlamdut is self reflective learning to act on what we've learned. This 4th of July I'm reflecting on values, inspired by the Marquis de Lafayette
- [Mussar Reflections On Becoming a Rabbi](https://americanmussar.com/becoming-a-rabbi/) - Becoming a rabbi was an unexpectedly transformative experience. I have changed a lot in school, but the ceremonial weekend itself changed my life.
- [Harm Reduction as a Mussar Humility Practice](https://americanmussar.com/harm-reduction-as-a-mussar-humility-practice/) - This has been a challenging month for me, as it has been for many in the Jewish and Jewish adjacent communities. The War in Israel has cut to the core in ways that I can't begin to enumerate. Many people both inside and outside of the Jewish community are fragile and overwrought by the scale
- [Contemplating Mussar Silence In Tel Aviv](https://americanmussar.com/contemplating-mussar-silence-in-tel-aviv/) - My wife and I are still in Israel, trying to get a flight out. We went quiet for a few days on Facebook, and people were asking if we were safe. As I am processing what we are experiencing, the soul trait that is most applicable is Silence. Because sometimes there are no words. What
- [What Will You Learn This Year After Rosh Hashanah?](https://americanmussar.com/what-will-you-learn-this-year-after-rosh-hashanah/) - A Jewish thought leader recently said on a podcast "You can't teach character." As a Mussar guy, I objected - of course you can teach character. I kept percolating, and realized they were right. And while you can't teach character, you can learn it. It's like that old joke: How many psychiatrists does it take
- [Psalm 27 Workshop Materials](https://americanmussar.com/psalm-27-workshop-materials/) - Week 1 Handout MS Word Week 1 Handout PDF Week 1 Slides PDF Cantor Cohn Video
- [Mussar Perspective on Truth: More Than the Absence of Falsehood](https://americanmussar.com/mussar-perspective-on-truth/) - Last week we began exploring the soul trait of Truth. For example, we discussed how flattery is different from praise. For one thing, flattery is motivated by some degree of manipulation, with the hope of personal gain in the short or long run. Praise, on the other hand, is more of a genuine recognition of
- [Practice Mussar Order When Things Get Crazy](https://americanmussar.com/practice-mussar-order-when-things-get-crazy/) - When I went to log in to the weekly Mussar meeting last week, I was locked out of the Jewish Live account - some zoom reset required me to change the password. I called my contact - No Answer! Five Minutes till the meeting starts. What to do? I stopped for a moment, and then
- [Does Time Off Make You Stressed Out? Gratitude Can Help](https://americanmussar.com/does-time-off-make-you-stressed-out/) - At long last: A week off! No classes, no internship, no deadlines. And as a result, I'm really stressed out. I find myself pulled into the future, wondering about classes for next year, how to fill gaps I have in service leading, and planning for a return as student Rabbi to the synagogue where I
- [Ready to Bear the Burden of the Other? The Mussar Quest](https://americanmussar.com/ready-to-bear-the-burden-of-the-other/) - Recently, we had perhaps one of our best Mussar gatherings as we started to explore the soul trait of Honor. You can see the recording here. What made is special was how often the stories turned relational. Honor is about recognizing the Divine spark in others and acting accordingly. When we act from a place
- [Understanding Mussar Wholeness](https://americanmussar.com/understanding-mussar-wholeness/) - One of the goals of a Mussar practice is to achieve a state of wholeness. What does that mean exactly? Just the sound of the phrase evokes almost a wistfulness in me, a longing for peace. Indeed, the Hebrew word for wholeness as the same root at the Hebrew word for peace, which is Shalom.
- [Practicing Mussar Equanimity, Even When You're Not a Basket Case](https://americanmussar.com/practicing-mussar-equanimity-when-not-a-basket-case/) - I am just back from a wonderful week in Hawaii with my wife. Every day was fun and relaxing. So many people commented on my picture: "Greg, you look so happy." or "Greg, it's nice to see you look so happy." I started to wonder, do I look unhappy all the time? While I don't
- [Is It Worth Losing a Friend Over the Truth? A Mussar Perspective](https://americanmussar.com/losing-a-friend-over-the-truth-mussar-perspective/) - "I don't want to be outed," he said to me. "If they knew the truth, I don't know if our friendship could survive it." Growing up, being outed generally referred to someone's sexual identity being revealed against their wishes. And indeed, this is still an issue today. I very much would not want someone to
- [A Mussar Approach to the Congregation Beth Israel Hostage Situation](https://americanmussar.com/mussar-practices-congregation-beth-israel-hostage/) - Like all of us, I am shocked and disturbed at the hostage situation at Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas. I am moved by the Facebook post in which Rabbi Cytron Walker expressed his gratitude. And I too am grateful that he and the others are alive. From a Mussar perspective, we can and must do more
- [Don't Let Your Spirits Be Crushed in 2022](https://americanmussar.com/dont-let-your-spirits-be-crushed/) - As I sat down to write, I wondered: "What I could say to wrap up 2021, and provide some guidance as we approach 2022? Covid is once again exploding, and I find myself at a bit of a loss." Last week in "Jewish Wisdom for Coping with a Pandemic," I asked people to share how
- [Practice Mussar Order To Change a Bad Habit](https://americanmussar.com/practice-mussar-order/) - Recently, I taught a class where we discussed how to participate in the traditional Elul practice of preparing the the High Holy Days. I asked everyone to think of something they want to change about themselves. One person shared that they are always late, and really want to change. It was clear from the sadness
- [Three Mussar Practices To Get Rid of Mom's Stuff](https://americanmussar.com/get-rid-of-moms-stuff/) - My mother died on May 9, 2020 of Covid. Although she lived on the other side of the country, we were close, speaking several times a week. She was my spiritual mentor, and constant supporter. I was not able to travel home to visit her grave or take care of her things until over a
- [Jews and Asians Were Both Shocked By Atlanta](https://americanmussar.com/jews-and-asians-were-shocked-by-atlanta/) - Last week I asked an Asian friend of mine how she was after the racist killings in Atlanta. She was in shock. "I never thought I had to join a Facebook group to stop racism against Asians because I thought the racism against black Americans was a much bigger problem. But just week an Asian
- [Esther's Mussar Humility Lesson](https://americanmussar.com/esthers-mussar-humility-lesson/) - Esther's Mussar Humility Lesson: Have you ever been thrust into a situation where you were called to step outside of your comfort zone? If so, did you have to choose between stepping up to bring some good into the world, or doing nothing and let something bad happen? This is exactly the choice Queen Esther
- [I Woke Up and Thought "I've lost my faith." Mussar helped me recover it](https://americanmussar.com/mussar-helped-me-recover-from-the-insurrection/) - https://youtu.be/PIkpUozJ88Y I woke up and thought "I've lost my faith." It was a few days after the January 6th insurrection, and I just felt useless. So many people I know seem to think it was ok, or not a big deal. A minority, but enough to shake me. I didn't even realize I had faith
- [Mussar Hopes and Fears For 2021](https://americanmussar.com/mussar-hopes-and-fears-for-2021/) - 2021 is here at long last. Like many of you I am feeling grateful that 2020 is over. And yet... ... what does it really mean to start a New Year? There is nothing intrinsic about a change in date that will make our world better. On the surface, our hopes and fears for 2021
- [For Hanukkah Choose Abundance Over Scarcity](https://americanmussar.com/hanukkah-choose-abundance-over-scarcity/) - This morning, Cantor Kerith Spencer-Shapiro shared a variant about the Hanukkah story that blew my mind. In the story most of us have heard, when the Maccabees wanted to rededicate the Temple, there was only enough oil for one day. Yet a miracle occurred and the old lasted eight days, until new oil arrived. As she
- [15 Minutes of Gratitude Could Change Your Life](https://americanmussar.com/15-minutes-of-gratitude-could-change-your-life/) - "Things are good" So said one of the participants in last week's Jewish Wisdom For Coping with a Pandemic gathering. We were focused on Truth, and with a partner, we tried to look at the Truth of our lives, with an eye out for what is good. She acknowledged that she had not touched another
- [Mussar Helps With Election Stress](https://americanmussar.com/mussar-helps-with-election-stress/) - What a week, what a week. In the last 23 hours, it seems like I have had every emotion under the sun, including anger, fear and ... well probably some others too. As Kohellet wrote in the book of Ecclesiastes: To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: a time to
- [Cherish Your Non-Jewish Partner This Rosh Hashanah](https://americanmussar.com/cherish-your-non-jewish-partner-this-rosh-hashanah/) - In 2004 Rabbi Janet Marder at Congregation Beth Am in Los Altos sent shockwaves through the Jewish world by blessing the non-Jewish spouses who were members of the congregation on Yom Kippur. The message was clear: Cherish your non-Jewish partner. Rabbi Marder said, "What we want to thank you for today is your decision to
- [Mussar Practice For Moderating Enthusiasm](https://americanmussar.com/mussar-practice-for-moderating-enthusiasm/) - I often get signals from the universe when I am embarking on the right soul trait, and the upcoming Enthusiasm practice is no exception. This weekend someone asked a question on the Enthusiasm practice page about the following passage from Proverbs 24: “A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to
- [What Do You Need to Park in Order to be Present?](https://americanmussar.com/what-do-you-need-to-park/) - What do you need to park right now in order to be present for the next hour? The question was asked by my new Mussar teacher Rabbi Janet Madden, and it struck my like a lightening bolt. For me the answer was obvious - I need to stop checking the air quality on my phone.
- [Mussar Practice For Humility and Boundaries](https://americanmussar.com/mussar-practice-for-humility-and-boundaries/) - It has been just over three months since my mother died. The acute pain has faded, but I find I miss her more every day. This weekend life gave me a few hiccups, small things that has an oversized impact on me. It was a perfect storm of misunderstandings that unsettled me. It was just
- [Mussar Awe Practice To Gain Strength in These Times](https://americanmussar.com/mussar-awe-practice/) - Have you ever had something show up in your life at the exact moment when you need it? This happens to me all the time when it comes to the soul trait I am practicing. I must say this happened to me less often the last few months, as I sank into and then emerged
- [Mussar Lessons From Hadestown](https://americanmussar.com/mussar-lessons-from-hadestown/) - When I finally listened to the Hadestown soundtrack, I didn't know whether to dance or cry. Hadestown is a retelling of the story of Orpheus, who walked into the underworld to get back his wife Eurydice. Hades agrees to let her leave with him, as long as she walks behind him on the journey, and
- [Owning My White Privilege: A Silence Mussar Practice](https://americanmussar.com/owning-my-white-privilege/) - It was poignant coming out of Shavuot, the holiday that we celebrate the giving of the Torah, to find the world still so incredibly broken. The Torah as so much wisdom for living a moral life, yet we are mired in patterns of white supremacy. The United States has done little to acknowledge of legacy
- [This Mussar Practice Can Help With Isolation](https://americanmussar.com/mussar-practice-can-help-with-isolation/) - I don't need Rabbinical school to guessing that the plague has completely disrupted your normal routine. Whether you are still sheltering at home, or are just missing new movies and live sporting events, it seems like nothing is the way it was. And so it is fitting that Order is next up in our rotation
- [How To Cut Your Hair Like a Mensch In a Pandemic](https://americanmussar.com/cut-your-hair-like-a-mensch/) - Would you have gone back to Egypt on the shore of the Red Sea? On a recent Judaism Unbound podcast, Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie shared that some Israelites did indeed people wanted to go back to Egypt, to the way things used to be. Others wanted to move forward into a scary unknown, and jumped in
- [Five Mussar Lessons From Star Wars](https://americanmussar.com/five-mussar-lessons-from-star-wars/) - Five Mussar Lessons From Star Wars looks at the franchise through a Mussar lens.
- [The Surprising Thing About Too Much Truth in the Pandemic](https://americanmussar.com/too-much-truth-pandemic/) - Earlier this week Svara's Queer Talmud Camp was canceled. It is a week long Talmud emersion experience that I've wanted to go to for years. When I signed up a few months ago, I know it was at risk, and in recent weeks I've been thinking "It will probably be canceled." Yet when it finally
- [Balance Survival with Lovingkindness and Mussar](https://americanmussar.com/balance-survival-with-lovingkindness/) - Right now many of us are angry and grieving and afraid, doing what we can to get by and are completely done with being at home. And many of us, by choice or by necessity, are out there in the world risking infection to keep the rest of us fed and safe. Many, from medical
- [Trust in God But Tie Your Camel During the Pandemic](https://americanmussar.com/trust-in-god-but-tie-your-camel/) - Do you find yourself worrying because of the pandemic? Maybe you are worrying about your health, the health of others, politics, the shape of society in the future... There are a host of things to worry about if we let ourselves. The spiritual challenge is to stay present, not to give in to worry, and to make
- [Some Mussar Responses to the Coronavirus Pandemic](https://americanmussar.com/mussar-responses-coronavirus-pandemic/) - All week I have been trying to write about the virus. There have been stops and starts, with complicated arguments with lots of links, fueled by my own anger and confusion and fear. So this time I'll try to keep it simple and write from the heart. Here in the SF Bay Area, every day
- [Practice Enthusiasm To Escape Your Personal Egypt](https://americanmussar.com/mussar-makes-this-passover-special/) - "This Passover is like the very first Passover. Where was it?" asked Ahoova, my Hebrew teacher. "It was in Egypt! Everyone was in their own home, with just their families, afraid, while the angel of death was outside." Wow, this Passover is a lot like the first one. I was inspired to put some red
- [The One Thing You Should Know About Passover](https://americanmussar.com/one-thing-know-passover-dont/) - Passover is a wonderful holiday for getting together with friends and family. In fact, a Passover Seder is probably the most common Jewish practice in America. We like the ceremony, the special foods, and complaining about the Matzah. There is one thing you should know about Passover but probably don't. I just learned it, and
- [Three Key Soul Traits for Your Passover Mussar Practice](https://americanmussar.com/three-key-soul-traits-passover-mussar-practice/) - Passover is THE Jewish story. Yes we became liberated from bondage, and more importantly, the fundamental message of Judaism is told again and again in this story and throughout Jewish literature. "Be Kind to the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt." Rabbi Ira Stone teaches that the goal of Mussar is
- [Judaism Unbound Listener Survey - A Deep Dive](https://americanmussar.com/judaism-unbound-listener-survey/) - When it comes to living a meaningful Jewish life, what is the biggest problem, challenge or situation you are facing? This is the question we asked in the Judaism Unbound Listener Survey in 2018. The results and details of the survey were published recently in an eJewish Philanthropy article, that I co-wrote with Estee Solomon
- [Practice Trust To Overcome Election Stress Disorder](https://americanmussar.com/practice-trust-to-overcome-election-angst/) - I am upset about the election. I admit it - it has thrown me off. Political junkie combined with really caring about the outcome is a formula for losing sleep and feeling like I am in a nightmare. My mother chastened me over the weekend for letting it get to me. Don't get me wrong -
- [Three Mussar Lessons For Super Tuesday](https://americanmussar.com/mussar-lessons-for-super-tuesday/) - When I am facilitating a Mussar group, I generally make a rule to leave politics at the door. At the same time, however, Mussar is a practice for living in the real world. We cannot and should not separate our quest to be a Mensch from political action and social justice. Indeed, I can't imagine a
- [Gratitude Mussar Practice After a Job Setback](https://americanmussar.com/gratitude-mussar-practice-after-job-set-back/) - This month I am consulting for the Judaism Unbound Podcast, helping them raise money through a Kickstarter campaign for their first book. It has been super fun! It is no secret that I am a big fan, (and a former guest) because they bring to the forefront ideas from many Jewish innovators. Unlike other podcasts,
- [8 Mussar Miracles for Hanukkah](https://americanmussar.com/mussar-miracle-hanukkah/) - It is with some irony that Hanukkah, one of the most secular Jewish holidays, is commemorating a miracle. Which miracle depends on who you ask. Like many Jewish ideas, there is more than one right answer. The original Hanukkah miracle was a military victory of Judah Maccabee over the superpower Greeks. Later, the story appeared
- [Why Gratitude is Not Enough This Thanksgiving: A Mussar Perspective](https://americanmussar.com/gratitude-is-not-enough-thanksgiving/) - "My son was volunteering at a homeless shelter. In walked one of his high school classmates. I'm proud that he ran into the kitchen and helped there so his classmate would not see him." A friend told me that story, right here in the San Francisco Bay Area, one of the most wealthy areas in
- [How To Overcome Fear and Move Forward With Mussar](https://americanmussar.com/overcome-fear-with-mussar/) - A few weeks ago, I started having very intense thoughts and memories of something that happened when I was in grad school 25 years ago. I did an elegant experiment, and got a hint of a major result. If true, it would have been a major find, the kind that can boost a career. What
- [Turn Shame to Sadness This Yom Kippur](https://americanmussar.com/shame-to-sadness-this-yom-kippur/) - Even when I would not be caught dead in other Jewish spaces, I always went to services on Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah. In part, this was because my father stressed how important it was not to work on the High Holidays. "Don't give the anti-semites an excuse to put down the Jews who do
- [How To Repent On Yom Kippur Like a Mensch](https://americanmussar.com/how-to-repent-on-yom-kippur-like-a-mensch/) - The first way to repent on Yom Kippur like a mensch is not to use the word repent. Rather, a mensch uses the word "return." The word in Hebrew is Teshuva, from the root "shuv" which means to return. I could not even begin to guess at how many books and articles have been written
- [Prune Your Life For Growth: A Mussar Elul Practice](https://americanmussar.com/mussar-elul-practice/) - Three weeks into Rabbi school, I have just one thing to say: I can't believe how much work it is. My challenge is to remain a whole person while doing all this work. I don't want to neglect my family relationships, nor get away from my spiritual practice. Studying Torah and Jewish history for 30+
- [Can Mussar Silence Heal The Political Divide?](https://americanmussar.com/mussar-silence-heal-political-divide/) - When I was in my twenties, a friend told me I was really religious. "Really?" I said. "I never go to the synagogue." "You are constantly talking about Jewish stuff. During Passover you are obsessed with Matzah." Maybe he was on to something. Thirty years later I'm off to Rabbinical school, and right now I'm
- [A Generosity Mussar Practice I learned By Donating My Computer](https://americanmussar.com/generosity-mussar-practice-donating-computer/) - After an amazing year of working on the shadow-side soul traits, my Mussar practice was in a rut. My focus was on learning Hebrew, looking ahead to Rabbinical school, and taking care of my daughters who had their wisdom teeth out in successive weeks. And don't get me started on the ups and downs of
- [Three Mussar Lessons From Game of Thrones.](https://americanmussar.com/three-mussar-lessons-from-game-of-thrones/) - Yes, I am a total Game of Thrones fanatic. My wife and I got hooked on the books early on, and have waited patiently for each new book or season to come out. As you may recall, Mussar teaches that Patience is enduring an unpleasant situation, and when it comes for waiting for new books
- [How To Hold a Door Like a Mensch](https://americanmussar.com/hold-a-door-like-a-mensch/) - Have you ever wondered if you are doing too much for other people? Perhaps you've felt taken advantage of, or felt like it is selfish to take care of yourself. Sometimes ordinary daily activities, like holding a door for another person, can provide insights to help you deal with more complex situations. For example... I
- [The Connection Between Prince and Passover You Won't Believe](https://americanmussar.com/connection-between-prince-and-passover/) - Prince’s death on the eve of Passover has touched a spiritual nerve for me. It took me a while to understand why a felt a connection between Prince and Passover. Then the phrase came to me: Prince was never a slave in Egypt. Let me give you some context. The Torah refers to Egypt as
- [Allow The Notre Dame Fire To Inspire You This Passover](https://americanmussar.com/passover-notre-dame-fire/) - In the days before Passover, I was saddened by the Notre Dame fire. As I was busy feeling terrible, I found myself personally challenged by Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz's Facebook post. He argued that we as Americans should be less worried about the loss of a building, and more concerned about "the oppression of invisible people
- [Four Conversation Starters for Your Seder](https://americanmussar.com/four-conversation-starters-seder/) - Does your Seder conversation ever get boring? Passover means many things to many people. Sometimes there is a raucous conversation. Sometimes the kids dominate. Sometimes the Jews are outnumbered. What counts is that people come together. Whatever the character of your Seder this year, you may come across a moment where you want to change the direction of
- [Four Tips For a Parent Friendly Seder](https://americanmussar.com/three-tips-parent-friendly-seder/) - Passover is for the kids, right? Passover IS for the kids, isn’t it? My kids are teenagers, which means that they can shift from the Wise to the Wicked to the Simple to the oblivious child without notice. In fact, sometimes they can play more then one role at any given time. But I remember
- [Who Will You Liberate This Passover?](https://americanmussar.com/liberate-this-passover/) - As we approach Passover, I've learned of a new way to think about the holiday. It stems from a conversation I was in recently, when a friend shared how her mother freed her from guilt. A few years earlier, she and her family moved away from her parents, and her father used to needle her
- [Do You See Esther As A Jewish Woman Of Color?](https://americanmussar.com/esther-jewish-woman-of-color/) - As I was revising last Purim's blog post Esther’s Mussar Humility Lesson, I had a shocking realization. Esther is a Jewish Woman of Color. Could that be true? I asked myself. I've always thought of her as white. She must have been. The story takes place in Persia, and Persian people have darker skin. In
- [Three Steps To Judge The Truth About Green Book Like a Mensch](https://americanmussar.com/three-steps-judge-truth-about-green-book/) - Spoiler Alert: Green Book won the Oscar for Best Picture. And some people are really pissed off about that. What is the Truth about Green Book that makes it so polarizing? I loved Green Book, and I smiled when it won Best Picture. My smile faded a bit as I watched the producers acceptance speech.
- [What a Millennial Taught Me About Finding Your Meaning and Purpose](https://americanmussar.com/finding-your-meaning-and-purpose/) - Recently, a Jewish millennial came up to me when I was signing books after a presentation. He asked how he could find meaning and purpose. I didn't know how to answer, so I asked a few questions. Tell me about yourself I know where I want to be in 40 years, but I don't know
- [Jewish Wisdom Says Find The Good In Anyone. But What About Monsters and Creeps?](https://americanmussar.com/jewish-wisdom-says-find-the-good-in-anyone/) - The root cause of many issues in my life goes back to how I relate to others. It show up for me in judging others, respect issues, craving recognition, and just good old fashioned not thinking about the impact of my words and actions on others. In Mussar terms, this means that an Honor imbalance
- [Did You Lose Patience Over The Holidays?](https://americanmussar.com/did-you-lose-patience-over-the-holidays/) - Did You Lose Patience Over The Holidays? I did. I am throughly enjoying having my daughter home from college. The four of us took a last minute holiday out of town for a night, went to the movies on Christmas, and have enjoyed watching the Marvelous Mrs Maisel Season 2. We have generally enjoyed being
- [Arrogant Meekness: The Mussar Secret To Good Relationships](https://americanmussar.com/arrogant-meekness-the-mussar-secret-to-good-relationships/) - A group of men in the 40s, 50s, and 60s, sitting together in a circle discussing their inner journey. Our cell phones rest in a shoe box under my chair. It was a place of true vulnerability for all of us. As a man spoke, the rest remained silent. Listening. Witnessing. Then the next man
- [Discover the Mussar Hanukkah Miracle](https://americanmussar.com/mussar-hanukkah-miracle/) - On the first night of Hanukkah, as I uploaded this picture to Facebook, I was moved to write a short poem. The next morning, I was surprised to see over 100 likes and 18 shares. Here's the poem that emerged: The Miracle of Hanukkah Night 1: Humility There is just one light. Is it enough?
- [Three Tips To Practice Mussar Equanimity](https://americanmussar.com/three-tips-to-practice-mussar-equanimity/) - Many people starting their Mussar journey jump to the chapter on Equanimity. I remember doing exactly that, and then being confused. In this post, I'll explain why this soul trait is hard, and offer you some ways to practice Mussar Equanimity. As you may recall, Equanimity translates directly from Hebrew as "calmness of the soul."
- [Celebrate Jewish Thanksgiving Like A Mensch](https://americanmussar.com/jewish-thanksgiving/) - In a few hours my daughter will be home from college for Thanksgiving. As you read this, you may be at home, on the road, or tucking in a bit of work before you get ready to tuck in some Turkey. If you live in the United States, chances are that you'll be celebrating Thanksgiving
- [Try This Mussar Practices To Overcome Elder Care Guilt](https://americanmussar.com/mussar-practices-help-overcome-elder-care-guilt/) - This week I'm sharing a letter from someone asking advice, who has given me permission to share the answer in this way. Dear Greg I am wracked with guilt. My father is in a nursing home, and has been calling me at night afraid and in pain. He has a condition called "sundowning" where he
- [Choose The Blessing In Election Results](https://americanmussar.com/choose-the-blessing-in-election-results/) - Moses said to the people: "I set before you today a blessing and a curse." (Deuteronomy 11:26). There is plenty to be happy about in the election results, and plenty to be sad about. Things could have been better for your side and things could have been worse. Choose the blessing, the path is
- [Climb The Mussar Ladder of Voting Like Maimonides](https://americanmussar.com/climb-voting-ladder-like-maimonides/) - What would Maimonides say about voting? Maimonides, the great medieval Jewish philosopher, defined eight levels of giving charity. For example, we can give reluctantly and with regret, or we can give a large loan to help someone escape poverty entirely. Maimonides ladder of charity sets forth an important principle - there are levels of doing
- [A Spiritual Response To The Tree of Life Massacre](https://americanmussar.com/tree-of-life-or-lsimcha-congregation/) - It is with profound sadness that I write this post. There is no right or wrong way to cope with the murders at Tree of Life *Or L'Simcha Congregation in Pittsburgh. I've seen lots of wonderful emails and posts from leaders in the Jewish community, with suggestions on what to do for kids, as a leader
- [Practice Gratitude After Tree of Life?](https://americanmussar.com/mussar-practice-gratitude-after-tree-of-life/) - Is it too soon to practice Gratitude after Tree of Life? It was a massacre of our siblings on Shabbat. Less than a week later, I remain upset, sick, worried, sad, mad and confused. I am working to make room for the sadness, as I described in the last post. And in that context, Gratitude
- [Five Ways Mussar Can Make Halloween Jewish For Your Kids](https://americanmussar.com/make-halloween-jewish/) - Updated October 30, 2018. Jews are founding members of the team of Light. While this has been a dark week, lets allow our kids and ourselves to enjoy a night of fun. Halloween can be a mixed bag for many parents. Seeing lots of cute kids in costume is balanced by another straw a hectic
- [How To Trust The Political Process Like a Mensch](https://americanmussar.com/trust-the-political-process-like-a-mensch/) - Last post I shared a Mussar practice to deal with political worry by taking action. This week we'll tackle political worry head on, by focusing on the soul trait of Trust. Trust is a very hard soul trait - so hard that many Mussar facilitators avoid it. I took the opposite approach, and include it
- [How To Worry About Politics Like A Mensch](https://americanmussar.com/worry-about-politics-like-a-mensch/) - Today someone told me she thought the country is heading for martial law. I agreed we could be. It is one of my fears. Why else a Presidential alert text system, it whispers. But she thought martial law would be a good thing, to arrest a bunch of people and "clean things up." She was
- [How to Disagree About Abortion Like a Mensch](https://americanmussar.com/disagree-about-abortion-like-a-mensch/) - In this week when the political divide in this country is growing like a flesh eating bacterial infection, I am feeling blue. My political views are not a mystery, and I don't like what is happening with the Supreme Court. But even more, I am upset about the vitriol between regular people. The nastiness on
- [How To Wait In Line Like a Mensch](https://americanmussar.com/how-to-wait-in-line-like-a-mensch/) - I am writing today from the DMV, while I wait for my daughter to take her learners permit test. The DMV is the great equalizer –everyone needs to go there. And when we go, waiting in line is inevitable. At one point, I stood on my tippy toes to peak over the wall to see
- [How To Remember September 11th Like A Mensch](https://americanmussar.com/how-to-remember-september-11th-like-a-mensch/) - I hadn't planned on writing anything to commemorate September 11th, but as the day has progressed, here I am. The words just started to flow, beginning when I wrote the following on the American Mussar Facebook page: Feeling sad today remembering the September 11 attack. Things have not been the same. Then I read an article
- [How To Send An Email Like a Mensch](https://americanmussar.com/email-like-a-mensch/) - The last two posts I've shared with you two Mussar practices inspired by my encounters with haughtiness of spirit. Did you try the practice for Humility related to how you dress, or the Order practice relating to where you put things down? Somewhat to my amazement (and dismay) I had yet another encounter with haughtiness of spirit. Two in
- [How To Dress Like a Mensch](https://americanmussar.com/dress-like-a-mensch/) - A few weeks ago, I was arriving at my synagogue for a board meeting. One of my fellow board members looked at my shorts and sneakers, and said “Greg, you look like you rolled in from the beach.” I didn’t think too much of it at the time, but I did notice that everyone else
- [How To Carry A Box Like A Mensch](https://americanmussar.com/carry-a-box-like-a-mensch/) - In the last post, How To Dress Like a Mensch, I wrote about “haughtiness of the spirit.” As you may recall, I was teased by a friend for wearing shorts to a board meeting. A few days later, I read “He who walks in the marketplace with his shoes unlaced is among those who are
- [Meet These Super Inclusive Orthodox Rabbis](https://americanmussar.com/mussar-practice-torah-uncertainty/) - This week I watched one of the most loving and connecting Torah study videos I have ever seen. It is a conversation between Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz and Rabbi Uri Topolosky. They are two liberal Orthodox Rabbis who are focusing on Religious plurality. There are Mussar lessons for all of us who wish to be more
- [How I Beat Overwhelm With Jewish Wisdom](https://americanmussar.com/beat-overwhelm-with-jewish-wisdom/) - This year of living distractedly continues for me. Lots of moving parts in my life, from mom’s health issues, travel, and prepping to launch a kiddo to college. My mind is filled with so many ideas, but I have been blocked about putting fingers to keys. The sense of overwhelm keeps coming in, and my
- [How Not To Offer Help - a Mussar Practice Perspective](https://americanmussar.com/how-not-to-offer-help-a-mussar-practice-perspective/) - Imagine yourself a writer with two books. You are waiting in line after an event to introduce yourself to the speaker. Someone in front of you was talking about a manuscript they have that no one will publish. You offer your card, saying you'll introduce them to your agent for the book. After some more conversation
- [Joyful Living American Mussar Workshop](https://americanmussar.com/joyful-living-american-mussar-workshop/) - From May 9 to June 20, 2018 Greg Marcus is facilitating an American Mussar workshop in the Joyful Living Facebook Group, created by Quinn Curtis. There are four one hour Facebook Lives - you can join us by Zoom and ask questions. Each workshop in the series focuses on one soul trait. Then, we'll spend the
- [Mussar Practice Secret From Hawaii Volcano](https://americanmussar.com/mussar-practice-secret-from-hawaii-volcano/) - https://youtu.be/pqRDaHnRzLI Take a moment to watch this time lapse video of the lava just wiping out the car. The car doesn't stand a chance. How can you not feel the soul trait of Awe when you see the ongoing volcanic activity from Kilauea? This feeling of Awe can open the door to a Mussar practice
- [Procrastination Is Stingy: A Generosity Mussar Practice](https://americanmussar.com/generosity-mussar-practice/) - Procrastination is Stingy? How does procrastination lead us to a Generosity Mussar Practice? Yes, procrastination is stingy. I'll tell you why in a moment, but first a story. Yesterday I sent an email to over 100 people who donated to a crowdfunding campaign I ran two years ago to raise money to create a Mussar
- [Call on Boldness to Step Back from Busyness. Shabbat Is a Delight](https://americanmussar.com/shabbat-is-a-delight/) - Our sages say that Shabbat is a delight. You may know people who love Shabbat and keep it and say they wouldn’t be able to live without it. Shabbat is praised as a taste of the world to come. It is the time for deeper intimacy, for the pleasures of the table, for song, for
- [This Sin Explains Michigan State's Decisions About Nassar](https://americanmussar.com/sin-explains-michgan-state-decisions-about-nassar/) - In the last post, I explained how, the administration of Michigan State University in 2014 did not learn the lessons of the sexual abuse scandal at Penn State just a few years earlier. This sin explains Michigan State's decisions: Idolatry. As I shared in my last blog post, they fell into corporate idolatry, and as
- [Three Mussar Traits To Help You Prevent Another Larry Nassar](https://americanmussar.com/three-mussar-traits-prevent-another-larry-nassar/) - The case of Larry Nassar is painful and horrible on many levels. Nassar will spend the rest of his life in jail for sexually abusing over 150 girls. And those girls will spend the rest of their lives dealing with the trauma that was inflicted on them. It is my hope that by writing this
- [Five Mussar Practices To Charge Your Life In 2018](https://americanmussar.com/five-mussar-practices/) - I am at my favorite Philz, drinking coffee, and reflecting on the past two years since American Mussar was founded. I’ve looked through so many of your stories, and am inspired and humbled by the ways that Mussar is changing your lives. 2018 is a year of blessing - 18 stands for life, and this
- [The Surprising Connection Between Hanukkah and Self Esteem: A Mussar Practice](https://americanmussar.com/hanukkah-and-self-esteem-mussar-practice/) - Happy Hanukkah! Hanukkah is a holiday of joy, to celebrate a miracle. While today we point to the miracle of the lights, the original miracle was the victory of the Maccabees over the Greeks. In this time of darkness for many people, we can take heart from both miracles. And as you will see below,
- [Silence: A Mussar Practice For Trump Angst](https://americanmussar.com/mussar-practice-for-trump-angst/) - Would you like a mussar practice for Trump angst? First a question: If you hate Trump so much, why do you keep talking about him? I asked that question to a close relative over the weekend. We were sitting together, watching TV when he said, “I am smarter than that guy, referring to a sports
- [Feeling Compassion For a Gun Enthusiast After Vegas Shooting: A Mussar Practice Moment](https://americanmussar.com/compassion-for-a-gun-enthusiast-after-vegas/) - Feeling Compassion For a Gun Enthusiast After Vegas Shooting? I am not a gun guy, but somehow I felt compassion for a gun enthusiast who was talking about the Las Vegas shooting. I went on Facebook Live to talk about it, and how my feelings relate to the soul traits of Compassion and Abstinence. The back
- [Mussar Book Review: Mishkan Hanefesh](https://americanmussar.com/mussar-book-review-mishkan-hanefesh/) - Mishkan Hanefesh is the Union of Reform Judaism's official prayer book for the High Holidays. Or rather, I should say books, as there are separate volumes for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. I must admit it feels a bit strange to write a book review for a prayer book. And if this were merely a prayer
- [Let The High Holidays Disrupt Your Life For Good](https://americanmussar.com/high-holidays-disrupt-your-life/) - Last week at Rosh Hashanah services, I met someone who was freaking out about missing work. "I have so much to do. I can't believe I am here." I gave her some lame advice, and later kicked myself for not just being sympathetic, and supportive. I freak out about work in my own way. I
- [The Divine Hand In Hurricanes - A Mussar Lesson](https://americanmussar.com/divine-hand-in-hurricanes-mussar-lesson/) - I am convinced we are seeing the hand of the Divine hand in hurricanes like Harvey and Irma. Not the cartoonish, fire and brimstone retribution that some evangelicals are pronouncing. Rather, the Divine is being realized through natural laws that were put in place during creation. Science predicted stronger hurricanes if carbon levels continued to rise.
- [Mussar Can Open Hearts on the Internet](https://americanmussar.com/mussar-can-open-hearts-on-the-internet/) - To say that things have gotten nasty on the internet is an understatement. To say that people behave like animals is not as harsh as it sounds. We all have animal instincts, which show up as the evil inclination, that drives us to behave in a selfish, uncaring, and/or fearful way. This is side we see
- [Mussar Practice For Work Life Balance](https://americanmussar.com/mussar-practice-for-work-life-balance/) - It is no secret that I am a recovering workaholic. At my low point, I worked 90 hours a week, which was destroying my health, relationships, and my career. I brought balance to my life, but it took me a long time. Mussar helped me understand the root cause of my overwork. Here, I'll share
- [Spiritual Responsibility: I Am Responsible For The Health Care Vote](https://americanmussar.com/spiritual-responsibility-health-care-vote/) - When there is a public catastrophe, who has spiritual responsibility? It is hard to think of the votes to repeal Obamacare as anything but a catastrophe in the making. In Judaism, we place the highest value on human life. And make no mistake, if these bills become law, tens of millions of people will lose their
- [Slabadka Mussar Practice: Three Key Principles According to Rabbi Avi Fertig](https://americanmussar.com/slabodka-mussar-practice/) - Recently, I watched a delightful webinar by Rabbi Avi Fertig about the Slabodka Mussar Practice. Rabbi Fertig is the Associate Dean of the Mussar Institute, and this webinar was a members only event, so I cannot share a link to it here. Background: Rabbi Yisroel Salanter, the founder of the 19th Century Mussar Movement, had three
- [Mussar Practice Can Heal the Political Divide Within the Jewish Community](https://americanmussar.com/mussar-practice-can-heal-the-political-divide/) - Whoever you voted for in the last Presidential election, I think we can all agree that we are living in dangerous times for the US, Israel, and the American Jewish community. We are seeing an uptake in anti-sematic acts like the burning of the Beth Hamedrash Hagadol synagogue in New York that is suspected to
- [Assume You Have a Divine Spark, an American Mussar Practice](https://americanmussar.com/you-have-a-divine-spark/) - Recently I got the following question by email: I’ve seen you write on several occasions that we all have a Divine Spark. I don’t believe it. I need external validation. My Divine Spark is flickering. It is very faint. What advice can you give me? – Dark Inside Dear Dark Inside,
- [Mussar Book Review: Rebbe by Joseph Telushkin](https://americanmussar.com/mussar-book-review-rebbe-by-joseph-telushkin/) - Rebbe by Joseph Telushkin is a wonderful read - it is like having a conversation with someone telling you about the most interesting Jew in the world. And Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, was an innovator, a man of strong conviction, and a Mensch of the first order. When I was growing up in Syracuse
- [Is American Mussar Right For Me?](https://americanmussar.com/rightforme/) - American Mussar is for anyone looking for a mindful approach to self improvement; regardless of affiliation, current level of spiritual practice, or starting point. All American Mussar requires is that you start from where you are right now (take our Soul Trait Profile Quiz to find out where that is) and go from there. We
- [Coming Soon: The Pocket Mensch App](https://americanmussar.com/american-mussar-app/) - https://youtu.be/qr2YBy9yTU0 Over the last year, Dr. Greg and one of his students developed the concept for the Pocket Mensch App, and created wireframes, which are images that allow rapid feedback on a concept and functionality. The Pocket Mensch App is designed to support your Mussar practice. For example, many people struggle to maintain a nightly journal.
- [iAM Mussar](https://americanmussar.com/iam/) - The iAM Campaign is designed to help you share your journey through American Mussar, raise awareness for others who could benefit from practicing American Mussar, and to build up a community of support. As you practice each soul trait, something will happen that causes you to be introspective. We encourage you to share your thoughts, insights, and struggles
- [Mussar Basics: Pirkei Avot Asks Who Is Wise](https://americanmussar.com/mussar-basics-pirkei-avot/) - When it comes to Mussar basics, Pirkei Avot is high on the list. It is hard for me to describe the delight I felt while attending a wonderful webinar by Yaakov Feldman discussing my favorite lesson from Pirkei Avot. If you are not familiar with Pirkei Avot, you are in for a treat. First, let
- [Trans Outing on Survivor: a Mussar Practice Lesson](https://americanmussar.com/mussar-practice-lesson/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BXqrOSNKn0 If you are a Survivor fan, you already watched the tribal council when Jeff outed Zeke as a transgender man, arguing that Zeke's secrecy made him untrustworthy. This tribal council represents a rare opportunity to glean a Mussar practice lesson from a complicated and painful human experience. I was stunned, not only because it
- [Mussar Practice Essential: Understanding Mussar Choice Points](https://americanmussar.com/understanding-mussar-choice-points/) - The Choice Point is a fundamental element of Mussar practice. It is the moment when we are balanced between doing the right or the wrong thing. When we are awake, we see the choices in front of us, and are better positioned to exercise our free will. This excerpt, from my book "The Spiritual Practice
- [Why Did Sanders Supporters Ignore Truth and Share Fake News?](https://americanmussar.com/sanders-supporters-ignore-truth-pass-fake-news/) - Recently, I read a story that described a systematic effort to plant false news stories in Facebook groups of Sander’s supporters during the 2016 general election campaign. While the details and politics of this effort are beyond the scope here, what particularly interests me is what happened when someone discovered the deceptions, and tried to
- [Feeling Overwhelmed? Try a Mussar Solution to Stress](https://americanmussar.com/mussar-solution-stress/) - It was a stressful time for me, perhaps one of the most stressful times since I left the corporate world six years ago. I was trying to raise money for a Mussar app called the Pocket Mensch, and we were falling short. I was overwhelmed, felt alone, and felt cut off from my Mussar practice. I
- [Did Warren Beatty Need Mussar at the Oscars?](https://americanmussar.com/did-warren-beatty-need-mussar-at-the-oscars/) - Did you watch the Oscars? Even if you didn't, you probably heard that there was a colossal error: The wrong winner for best picture was announced. It was a surreal moment - in the middle of his acceptance speech, the producer of La La Land suddenly said "Moonlight won, this isn't a joke." It was
- [Time To Leave Your Post Election Cave](https://americanmussar.com/time-to-leave-your-post-election-cave/) - As you may know, after the election, I stopped reading the news and in many ways went into a cave. It was not a very Jewish thing to do. Unfortunately, we do not have the luxury of checking out and ignoring the world. To quote Rabbi Yisroel Salanter, the founder of the 19th Century Mussar
- [Overcoming a Hopeless Moment the Mussar Way](https://americanmussar.com/overcoming-hopeless-moment-mussar-way/) - Overcoming a hopeless moment describes how the song "We shall overcome" helped Mussar practitioner Greg Marcus overcome a moment of family bickering while on vacation.
- [2016 Was a Year of Wonder](https://americanmussar.com/2016-was-a-year-of-wonder/) - As I wrote in my last post, I was among many people who felt an urge to wish 2016 away. It was a year of personal and emotional hardship for me in many ways. It started with two friends who died in their 50s... at this point I have a mental list of people with cancer,
- [Jewish Superhero Carrie Fisher Dies During Hanukkah](https://americanmussar.com/jewish-superhero-carrie-fisher-dies-during-hanukkah/) - Jewish Superhero Carrie Fisher Dies During Hanukkah. Oy vey, what a year. I admit it - one of my first thoughts was can't 2016 just be over already? My second thought was, "What about the next Star Wars movie." Lets dispense with the second thought first. They already filmed episode 8, so we'll see the
- [What's In It For Me? How Moses Answered the Call to Conscience](https://americanmussar.com/excerpt-from-whats-in-it-for-me/) - Today, I am pleases to share with you an excerpt from What’s In It for me: Finding Ourselves in Biblical Narratives by Rabbi Stephen Fuchs. I rarely post excerpts from books or have guest posts on American Mussar. I picked this one because I love the way Rabbi Fuchs brings the biblical story of Moses
- [5 Ways Spirituality Can Fight Post Election Despair](https://americanmussar.com/5-soul-traits-fight-post-election-despair/) - I am really sad about the outcome of the election on many levels. I suspect that many (but not all) of you feel the same way. Now what? I'm looking for ways that spirituality can fight post election despair. But first, something must be said. I have not made a secret of the fact that
- [How to Give Unconditional Loving Thanks](https://americanmussar.com/give-unconditional-loving-thanks/) - This is a difficult time in this country for many people. This time of fear, sorrow, and uncertainty is exactly the time when we need to cling to our spirituality, and draw close with this we most care about. This Thanksgiving, lets turn to Rabbi Nachman of Breslov to help us learn how to give
- [Help Pick the Final Mantra Card Design](https://americanmussar.com/help-pick-final-mantra-card-design/) - Mussar practice starts every morning with a mantra - a recititation of a phrase to help frame the day. By repeating, or singing, the phrase over and over again, we are making an impression on our soul, and heightening our awareness of how that soul trait comes into play. I am excited to announce that
- [3 Character Traits That Make You a Better Leader](https://americanmussar.com/3-character-traits-make-better-leader/) - Being a better person is easy in theory – do less of the negative stuff, and more of the positive stuff. The same holds true for leadership. The problem comes in when we either don’t know what we should do, or we do know but can’t help ourselves and do the negative anyway. When I
- [The Spiritual Practice of Star Trek](https://americanmussar.com/spiritual-practice-of-star-trek/) - I am an MIT science guy, turned marketer, turned spiritual seeker. I am excited that The Spiritual Practice of Good Actions is for sale on Amazon. But I am GAGA through the roof that the publication date is on Star Trek Day. It is a spiritual convergence. It must be. It's the Spiritual Practice of Star Trek.
- [My Dad Had a Stroke. Mussar Spoke.](https://americanmussar.com/my-dad-had-a-stroke-mussar-spoke/) - I’ve often said that my soul traits follow me around, but this is ridiculous. I am currently leading three Mussar groups, and my personal practice was out of sync with all of them. But after a very intense discussion about the soul trait of Loving Kindness in one of the parenting groups, some instinct told
- [Ready To Get Started?](https://americanmussar.com/soul-trait-profile/) - Mussar teaches that we all have the same Soul Traits, but different amounts of each. This means that the most arrogant person you've ever met still has Humility, or the least organized person you know has the Soul Trait of Order. It just means that they are out of balance. Soul Traits out of balance
- [Take the Soul Trait Profile Quiz](https://americanmussar.com/soul-trait-profile-quiz/) - Mussar teaches that we all have the same Soul Traits, but different amounts of each. This means that the most arrogant person you've ever met still has Humility, or the least organized person you know has the Soul Trait of Order. It just means that they are out of balance. Soul Traits out of balance
- [How Do We Show Gratitude Towards Veterans?](https://americanmussar.com/gratitude-towards-veterans/) - On this Veterans Day, I was working on the Gratitude chapter of my forthcoming book. On the drive home, I heard the end of a discussion of Vets in college. The speaker made reference to the loneliness that many Veterans feel. She suggested that they try to reach out to different professors or professionals. As she
- [Mussar Lessons After Paris Terrorist Attack](https://americanmussar.com/mussar-lessons-after-paris-terrorist-attack/) - Mussar Lessons After Paris Terrorist Attack challenges us to look to work on our own spiritual curriculum
- [Should I Be Grateful That I'm White?](https://americanmussar.com/should-i-be-grateful-that-im-white/) - On this Thanksgiving morning, on a day when Americans have a special opportunity to be grateful for what they have, I am asking myself a question: Should I be grateful that I'm white? Mussar teaches that we should be grateful for the good, the bad, and those things we take for granted. It is in
- [The Mussar Perspective on the Chicago Police](https://americanmussar.com/the-mussar-perspective-on-the-chicago-police/) - This week I've started practicing the Soul Trait of Responsibility for the first time. It seemed fitting somehow, as I met the Tuesday deadline for the second round of edits to my manuscript. The Hebrew word for the Responsibility Soul Trait can be translated as either "after" or "other." The "after" translation leads one to interpret
- [Help Identify and Support Eight Points of Light This Hanukkah](https://americanmussar.com/help-identify-and-support-eight-points-of-light-this-hanukkah/) - Help Identify and Support Eight Points of Light This Hanukkah. American Mussar Will Donate 180 Dollars to each winner, plus write a featured article and highlight throughout 2016
- [Mitzvah Circle Foundation Exemplifies the Soul Trait Honor](https://americanmussar.com/mitzvah-circle-exemplifies-the-soul-trait-honor/) - It is with great pleasure that we award the Mitzvah Circle Foundation our very first Point Of Light Award. Mitzvah Circle Foundation exemplified the Soul Trait Honor. The Mitzvah Circle Foundation helps people who are falling through the cracks between other government assistance and philanthropic organizations. For example, Mitzvah Circle offers assistance to the homeless,
- [What About Me? - A Poem About Honor](https://americanmussar.com/what-about-me-a-poem-about-honor/) - What About Me? What about me? is what My soul cries. I flee from Honor but like a Leopard it hunts me. What about me? I look back and Run Run Run What about me? The tears fall down my face as I Run Run Run. I stumble, and am caught. What about me? I
- [Second Harvest and the Loving-Kindness Soul Trait](https://americanmussar.com/second-harvest-and-the-loving-kindness-soul-trait/) - American Mussar is pleased to award the Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties with a Point of Light award. The work of the SHFB—one of the largest food banks in the country—exemplifies the perfect balance of the soul trait of chesed, or loving-kindness. Caring for the needy and sharing our
- [I'm Glad I Didn't Win Powerball. Really!](https://americanmussar.com/glad-i-didnt-win-powerball/) - I'm glad that I've moved on to practicing the Soul Trait Order this week. I've been scrambling around, and need some help to get my schedules and priorities re-established. No, I was not distracted by Powerball fever, although I did watch with a kind of detached fascination. (I was far more drawn in by all
- [How To Guarantee Your Voice Will Be Heard in 2016](https://americanmussar.com/how-to-guarantee-your-voice-will-be-heard-in-2016/) - Its election year, and you will hear many requests to vote. Some people don't vote because they feel like their vote doesnt' count. As someone who lives in California, I get it, because this state is super blue. I feel that my vote would count more if I lived in a swing state like Ohio
- [The Alport Syndrome Foundation and the Soul Trait of Humility](https://americanmussar.com/the-alport-syndrome-foundation-and-the-soul-trait-of-humility/) - The Soul Trait of Humility is one that many struggle with. It requires finding a balance that lets the ego go without denying your own importance and growth. When families affected by Alport Syndrome came together to advocate for themselves in 2007, their actions and the foundation they created struck a perfectly harmonious Humility chord,
- [How a Hurricane and Inferno Helped Me Overcome Work Stress](https://americanmussar.com/how-a-hurricane-and-inferno-helped-me-overcome-work-stress/) - It has been a good week for my book. I saw the first draft of the cover and I love it! And, as the blurbs from various Rabbis, Mussar teachers, and secular leaders roll in, they love it! Wow, I may be onto something here. I’ll be honest – I’m one of those people who
- [Bay Area Anti-Trafficking Coalition & The Soul Trait of Silence](https://americanmussar.com/the-silence-soul-trait-and-the-bay-area-anti-trafficking-coalition/) - Judaism teaches that we ought to remain silent unless our words will bring some good into the world—and when we can add to good or subtract from evil by speaking out, we are required to do so. This is the proper balance for the Soul Trait of Silence, allowing us room to hear others when
- [HELP International Uganda and the Soul Trait of Patience](https://americanmussar.com/help-international-uganda-and-the-soul-trait-of-patience/) - We are pleased to announce that HELP International Uganda, which works to end poverty and hunger in the Ugandan refugee village of Masese, has been given the American Mussar Point of Light Award or their work exemplifying the Soul Trait of Patience. Recognizing both that problems cannot be solved overnight, and that inaction is never
- [Cam Newton's Humility Is His Greatest Strength](https://americanmussar.com/cam-newtons-humility-is-his-greatest-strength-a-mussar-perspective/) - I keep hearing that Cam Newton is polarizing. Really? I've tried to dig around and see what all the fuss is over. All I can come up with is some theft in college, and dancing after scoring touchdowns. Yes, people are upset because he dances too much on the field. Maybe that and he is
- [What Not To Say To Someone In Mourning](https://americanmussar.com/what-not-to-say-to-someone-in-mourning/) - It has been a rough week. A good friend of mine who also happens to be one of my Mussar students passed away over the weekend. She was about 50 and has two teens at home. It was sudden and unexpected, and her husband, kids, mother, and the rest of us are quite devastated. Her husband and
- [The Honor Soul Trait and the Rotary Club of Great Neck, New York](https://americanmussar.com/the-honor-soul-trait-and-the-rotary-club-of-great-neck-new-york/) - Continuing with our series of charitable donations to groups that exemplify the Soul Traits central to American Mussar, we are proud to announce the Rotary Club of Great Neck, New York as the next recipient of our Point of Light award. Their work with families and others in Great Neck and throughout Long Island exemplifies
- [How many people know the real you?](https://americanmussar.com/how-many-people-know-the-real-you/) - I had an interesting realization this morning. My Mussar group facilitator asked us to meditate for a few minutes to get in touch with our inner Truth. I let my mind quiet, looked within, and discovered that I am afraid. I'm afraid that the book will flop, and I'm afraid that it will be wildly
- [Sojourn to the Past: The Enthusiasm Soul Trait and the Civil Rights Movement](https://americanmussar.com/sojourn-to-the-past-the-enthusiasm-soul-trait-and-the-civil-rights-movement/) - At a time when racial tensions are higher than they've been in generations, and when Americans are being told to fear all manner of "outsiders," it is important to remember that good intentions are not enough to bring about healing and togetherness—it takes action. For its work inspiring Enthusiasm in today's youth in regards to
- [UMOM New Day Centers and the Soul Trait of Equanimity](https://americanmussar.com/umom-new-day-centers-and-the-soul-trait-of-equanimity/) - Equanimity is a tough concept to explain, and as a Soul Trait it can be one of the toughest to bring into balance. The Hebrew name for the Equanimity Soul Trait literally translates as "calmness of the soul," and putting Equanimity in proper balance means not becoming overwhelmed by the world but not tuning it
- [Is the Pope Jewish?](https://americanmussar.com/is-the-pope-jewish/) - Judaism teaches that we should not make vows, because they might lead us to do something that we would later regret. More specifically, they might lead us to take an action in conflict with Jewish values. For example, if you vow to never speak to someone until they apologize, you have set a very high
- [A Word on Ribbons and "Raising Awareness" for Cancer](https://americanmussar.com/a-word-on-ribbons-and-raising-awareness-for-cancer/) - Awareness of problems and the fact that others are suffering is a good thing. It's the first step—and a very necessary step—towards meaningful solutions and increased healing and comfort. But it's only the first step. Awareness in and of itself does not help solve a problem, and thinking otherwise can actually cause a lot of
- [Get Drunk On Purim - It Is Required](https://americanmussar.com/commanded-get-drunk-tonight/) - If you are Jewish and celebrate Purim, you might know that we are commanded to get drunk on Purim. In fact, tradition says that one should be so drunk that you can't tell the difference between Haman and Mordechai. For those of you who are not familiar with the story, Haman is the villain who
- [Made Myself a Nazi Target](https://americanmussar.com/made-myself-a-nazi-target/) - By changing my name to (((Greg Marcus))), I made myself a Nazi target on Twitter. They have a way of searching for names with the "echo" ((())), in order to bombard the victim with anti-Semitic comments. (Read more here.) Then over the weekend, I started seeing Jewish names on Twitter with the echo. I was horrified –
- [Jewish Checklists For Being a Mensch](https://americanmussar.com/jewish-checklists-for-being-a-mensch/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQT-QFy5Nig It has been a crazy busy month for me, mostly in a good way. Today I sent off the final corrections for The Spiritual Practice of Good Actions, which goes to the printer July 1. September 8th will be here before we know it! This book launch has a lot of meaning for me, and I
- [Did Ginsberg Speak Too Much Truth?](https://americanmussar.com/ginsberg-speak-too-much-truth/) - This week I'm practicing the soul trait of Truth. It has been showing up everywhere in my life. For example, I moved a couch, and found a sticky note that said "Fear avoidance leads to deception." It was from when I was preparing the outline for my book. Yes, from the chapter on Truth. But Truth
- [What Holds You Back from Repairing the World?](https://americanmussar.com/what-holds-you-back-from-repairing-the-world/) - It would seem like not wasting resources, and preserving the world would be common sense, no brainer, consensus principles. And maybe they are in theory. But in reality, the planet is kind of a mess, and getting worse all the time. While it is tempting to throw up our hands at the scope of the
- [How To Make Yourself a Mensch](https://americanmussar.com/how-to-make-yourself-a-mensch/) - When he was interviewing Tiffany Shlain about her film, “The Making of a Mensch,” radio host, author, and San Francisco State University professor Michael Krasny asked the audience to raise their hands if they thought they were a mensch. Just a few hands went up. A few more reluctantly went up when he asked who

## Pages

- [American Mussar Weekly Community Gathering](https://americanmussar.com/about-american-mussar/american-mussar-weekly-community-gathering/) - The American Mussar Community gathering meets Thursdays at 4pm PT on zoom. This drop in group is free. Come anytime and bring a friend!
- [Mussar Books](https://americanmussar.com/mussar-books/) - This is comprehensive collection of Mussar books for beginners and ongoing practitioners. It includes some of the key Mussar classics
- [Mussar Book: The Spiritual Practice of Good Actions](https://americanmussar.com/mussar-books/spiritual-practice-of-good-actions/) - The Spiritual Practice of Good Actions is a 2016 Spirituality and Practice Award Winner, and is the guidebook of American Mussar. Bring your everyday life into alignment with your aspirational values through Mussar, a thousand-year-old Jewish practice of spiritual growth based on mindful living. Perfect for anyone, regardless of age or experience, this comprehensive book presents
- [Bay Area Mussar History](https://americanmussar.com/bay-area-mussar/) - Bay Area Mussar was a website dedicated to creating and supporting Mussar practice throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Our vision was to provide a place to learn and connect with others practicing this Jewish ethical and spiritual approach to daily living. Bay Area Mussar did not have the resources to keep the website going, and is no longer
- [How To Interpret Your Soul Trait Profile Diagram](https://americanmussar.com/soul-trait/) - Mussar teaches that we all have the same soul traits, but different amounts of each. Soul Traits out of balance cause us to get stuck into the same situation over and over again. Now that you've taken the quiz, you have your own soul trait profile diagram. The image is a spider graph - each spoke
- [Thank You For Signing Up For The Taste of American Mussar Program](https://americanmussar.com/success/) - Hi It's Rabbi Greg. Thank you so much for signing up for The Taste of American Mussar. Over the next four weeks, you'll receive a weekly email with a Mussar practice to try. The first email has a subject line "Getting Started Shifting Your Life With Mussar." It should be in your inbox soon. In
- [Thanks For Subscribing to the American Mussar Newsletter](https://americanmussar.com/american-mussar-newsletter/) - Hi - Greg Marcus here. Thanks for signing up for the American Mussar Newsletter. You'll get information about the American Mussar Community Gathering that meets weekly on zoom, and twice a month, you'll get an email from me with a commentary on modern life through a Mussar lens. These emails will be a preview for
- [Confirmed! You'll get a reminder email for the American Mussar Weekly Gathering](https://americanmussar.com/confirmed-reminder-email/) - Thanks for signing up to get a reminder email for the American Mussar Weekly Gathering. You'll get a short email every Thursday to remind you of our meeting that day, in which we'll gather and share Mussar perspectives as we explore Soul Traits for 2 weeks. Meeting Info: Thursdays from 4-5 PM Pacific time/7-8 PM
- [American Mussar Cycle: Week 1 Humility](https://americanmussar.com/american-mussar-4-week-challenge-humility/) - Your American Mussar Journey starts with the Soul Trait of Humility. Humility is almost universally taught as the first Soul Trait, because it is fundamental to who we are. Unlike the western definition of Humility, which emphasizes being self-effacing and understated, Mussar teaches that Humility is about finding the proper balance between arrogance and self-effacement. Sometimes,
- [Rabbi Greg Marcus](https://americanmussar.com/rabbi-greg-marcus/) - While RabbiGregMarcus.com is under construction, I've created this page so you can contact me and we can start a conversation. I am an independent and unaffiliated community rabbi, serving the San Francisco Bay Area. Just because you are not a member of a synagogue does not mean that you are not in need of support
- [Sign Up For the American Mussar Newsletter](https://americanmussar.com/join-our-email-list/) - The newsletter comes out every two weeks, with updates and information about Greg's spiritual journey with an invitation to join him in a Mussar Practice. You'll also get information about the American Mussar Community Gathering, which meets Thursdays at 4 PM Pacific on zoom.
- [Overcoming Overwhelm: A Psalm 27 Elul Workshop](https://americanmussar.com/psalm-27-elul-workshop/) - Have you ever wondered why it is a Jewish tradition to read Psalm 27 every day during the Jewish month of Elul? Honestly, until a few years ago I hadn't heard of Elul, and certainly did not know about any spiritual practices associated with it. Since then, the more I've learned, the more powerful Elul's
- [About Greg Marcus](https://americanmussar.com/about-american-mussar/about-greg-marcus/) - Greg Marcus has worn many hats in his time. He has a PH.D in biology from MIT and worked for 10 years as a research scientist. Later he became a marketer in the genomics industry for almost ten years, and had to overcome a workaholic lifestyle. Then, he became a stay at home dad, writer,
- [Mussar Parenting Curriculum: Mussar At Your Fingertips](https://americanmussar.com/mussar-parenting-curriculum/) - https://youtu.be/hCnemN7_C_M What is Mussar Parenting? Most of what a child learns is by modeling a parents behavior. Mussar is a Jewish spiritual practice of becoming a mensch. Mussar Parenting is an approach to allow parents to discover and heal those things inside that cause them to get stuck in unhealthy parenting patterns. For example, Mussar
- [High Holiday Workshop Handouts](https://americanmussar.com/high-holiday-mussar-workshop-handouts/) - Hi I'm looking forward to seeing you at our High Holiday Mussar workshop. Here are the two handouts for part 1 on September 2 at 4:00 Pacific time American Mussar Soul Trait List High Holidays Mussar Action Plan Worksheet Here is the handout for part 2 on September 23 at 4:00 Pacific time. You should
- [Want To Get Closer To Judaism, but worried about your poor Jewish education?](https://americanmussar.com/get-closer-to-judaism/) - You can get closer, and without Hebrew or trying to figure out synagogue culture. Let’s just get this out of the way. There are no bad Jews, and no wrong way to be Jewish. Yes, there are many messages that we have gotten over the years, that might lead you to think that Hebrew, keeping
- [Contact Us – American Mussar](https://americanmussar.com/contact/) - We’d love to hear from you! Tell us why you are interested in American Mussar. If you have a Mussar practice, tell us about it. And if you are new to Mussar, welcome! First NameEmail AddressMessageSend message
- [Take The Soul Trait Quiz For A Window To Personal Transformation](https://americanmussar.com/soul-trait-profile-3-2/) - On a scale of one to ten, rate yourself on the following thirteen Soul Traits. A one means that you have very little of that trait and ten means that you have as much of that trait as you can imagine someone having. There are no right or wrong answers, so don’t spend more than
- [Take Quiz Now To Visualize Your Soul Trait Profile](https://americanmussar.com/soul-trait-profile/) - On a scale of one to ten, rate yourself on the following thirteen Soul Traits. A one means that you have very little of that trait and ten means that you have as much of that trait as you can imagine someone having. There are no right or wrong answers, so don’t spend more than
- [Looking To Inspire Your Members or Empower Your Institution?](https://americanmussar.com/inspire-your-members-empower-your-institution/) - Jewish Wisdom can engage men, parents, young adults and others who are not the “regulars.” Engage Greg Marcus as a speaker, scholar in residence, or as Jewish marketing consultant The regulars in your organization are the ones who are getting the most value from what you offer. Offering new types of programs or content
- [You've Sucessfully Opted Out of the Thursday Reminder Email](https://americanmussar.com/opt-out-reminder-email/) - Ok, you are all set. You'll not longer get the reminder email for the weekly Jewish Wisdom For Coping with a Pandemic. You are still on the regular American Mussar email list. You can sign back up to the Thursday reminder list at any time from the regular email.
- [About American Mussar](https://americanmussar.com/about-american-mussar/) - Do you want to feel more fulfilled and balanced? Are you struggling to find useful ways to make positive, lasting changes in your life? Are you looking for a Jewish path to Spirituality and Mindfulness? An American Mussar practice gives you the tools you need to find the root causes of your internal struggles and
- [Soul Trait Profile Quiz](https://americanmussar.com/soul-trait-profile-quiz/) - Mussar teaches that we all have the same Soul Traits, but different amounts of each. This means that the most arrogant person you've ever met still has Humility, or the least organized person you know has the Soul Trait of Order. It just means that they are out of balance. Soul Traits out of balance cause
- [Personal Transformation High Holidays Mussar Workshop](https://americanmussar.com/personal-transformation-high-holidays-mussar-workshop/) - In this two part workshop, American Mussar Founder Greg Marcus leads a highly interactive experience to help you prepare for the high holidays, and then craft an action plan to make your insights and desires into reality. A note from Greg For those of you who have ever gone to services on the High Holidays, you
- [Are You On a Transformational Journey?](https://americanmussar.com/are-you-on-a-transformational-journey/) - Try This Ancient Practice of Spiritual Growth. Each of us has a unique spiritual curriculum. We will find ourselves faced with the same challenges again and again until grow and heal past them. Not everyone is awake. Since you are here, I suspect you’ve started to move past the sleepwalking phase of your life, and
- [Introduction to American Mussar Part 1](https://americanmussar.com/introduction-to-american-mussar-1/) - In this free webinar, American Mussar Founder Greg Marcus explains the history and goals of Mussar, and how American Mussar makes this ancient Jewish spiritual practice accessible to people with any level of Jewish education. A Note From Greg If you are like most people, who may have heard of Mussar, but aren’t really
- [Your American Mussar Cycle Will Begin](https://americanmussar.com/american-mussar-cycle-will-begin/) - Hi - Greg Marcus here. Thanks for signing up for the American Mussar Cycle. You should get the first email shortly. If you have not already done so, please add us to your whitelist. It will take just a moment, and will make sure you don't miss any of your weekly email prompts. Please don't
- [Introduction To American Mussar Part 2](https://americanmussar.com/introduction-to-american-mussar-workshop-part-2/) - In this highly interactive workshop, American Mussar founder and future Rabbi Greg Marcus will facilitate a highly interactive to experience to help you begin to address your spiritual curriculum. A note from Greg Each of us has a unique spiritual curriculum. We will find ourselves faced with the same challenges again and again until grow
- [Judaism Unbound Community Special Offer](https://americanmussar.com/unbound/) - Hey, Greg Marcus here. I so enjoyed talking to Dan and Lex on the Judaism Unbound Podcast. Like you, I am a huge fan. In fact, over the past year I have been a volunteer to help build the Judaism Unbound Community. If you were present at the 1 Million download party, you saw me
- [Greg Marcus Speaker Info](https://americanmussar.com/about-american-mussar/about-greg-marcus/greg-marcus-speaker-info/) - Greg Marcus is an engaging and dynamic speaker. When it comes to Mussar, however, he prefers to give a "Mussar Experience" rather than just another talk. Mussar is a practice, and as such Greg creates a participatory experience where people walk away feeling energized and empowered to take the next step towards being a Mensch
- [Your Soul Trait Profile - A Window To Personal Transformation](https://americanmussar.com/soul-trait-3/) - Interpreting Your Soul Trait Profile Diagram The image of your soul trait profile is a spider graph - each spoke is a different Soul Trait. If you are low in a trait, you’ll see a point towards the middle. If you are high in the trait, you’ll see a point towards the outside. The circle
- [Thank You For Signing Up To Try a Few Practices](https://americanmussar.com/success-2/) - Over the next four weeks, you'll receive a weekly email with a Mussar practice for you to try. The first email has a subject line "Getting Started Shifting Your Life With Mussar." It should be in your inbox soon!
- [One Hour Spiritual Action Plan](https://americanmussar.com/one-hour-spiritual-action-plan/) -  Have you ever noticed that after you read or hear a wisdom teaching, it is much easier to see how it can help other people than it is to incorporate in your own life? Why is it so hard to apply these teachings to your own life in an ongoing way? Mussar, the Jewish spiritual
- [Mussar Yoga Practice Workshop: Begin or Deepen Your Spiritual Practice](https://americanmussar.com/mussar-yoga-practice-workshop/) - How are you navigating life's bumps in this particularly turbulent time for our country? Do you have a spiritual practice? Do you want one? Yogapedia defines spiritual practice as “a discipline of regular actions or activities performed to cultivate spiritual development or create spiritual experiences." A spiritual practice can help you become more comfortable in
- [Opening Your Internal Landscape: An Embodied Mussar Practice Workshop](https://americanmussar.com/embodied-mussar-practice/) - Do you want to cultivate a better relationship with yourself? The first step is to apply the Soul Trait (Middah) of Truth to who you are. You are a soul in a physical body. The soul reminds us of our Divine nature, and the body brings with it baggage, hurts and pains from the past
- [Your Best Self In 2019: Humility and Patience Mussar Workshop](https://americanmussar.com/humility-and-patience-mussar-workshop-2/) - In this two part workshop, American Mussar Founder Greg Marcus leads a highly interactive experience to help you prepare a spiritual action plan to become your best self in 2019. A note from Greg Over the holiday break, I lost my Patience a few times with my family. Once it was with my wife. She
- [Stop Worrying About What Others Think & Be Your Authentic Self](https://americanmussar.com/humility-and-patience-mussar-workshop-3/) - Lets see if any of this sounds like you. Do you ever: Wish that your outward success could dispel irrational thoughts that are you not good enough, or feel fatally flawed? Get off track from something as simple as a sideways glance, or break down easily when someone hurts you? Whither and turn invisible when other
- [Your Best Self Mussar Workshop](https://americanmussar.com/best-self-in-2019-mussar-workshop/) - In this two part workshop, American Mussar Founder Greg Marcus leads a highly interactive experience to help you prepare a spiritual action plan to become your best self in 2019. What Holds You Back From Being Your Best Self? Do you struggle more than you wish to stay mindful amidst all the external responsibilities/distractions,
- [Do They Unwittingly Hit Nerves From The Past? Take Quiz Now](https://americanmussar.com/soul-trait-quiz-unhealthy-relationship-patterns/) - When it comes to overcoming the blocks to being your best self, there is no one size fits all answer. Click the button above to take the quiz, to find those parts of your soul that you need work on to help you address unhealthy relationship patterns in your life. Instructions: On a scale of
- [What Does Your Balance Look Like?](https://americanmussar.com/balance-look-like/) - Start Your Mussar Journey By Taking the Soul Trait Profile Quiz See your balance across 13 Soul Traits. You can begin to understand what makes it hard to be your best self. Mussar teaches that we all have the same Soul Traits, but different amounts of each Soul Traits out of balance make it hard to be your
- [Privacy Policy](https://americanmussar.com/privacy-policy/) - This updated privacy policy is effective May 25th, 2018 to be in compliance with the new GDPR regulations in the European Union. While most of our community is in North America, the privacy guidelines compliant with GDPR are shared with the entire community. Updated January 4th 2019. Who We Are and What This Policy Covers At
- [You Don’t Need To Hide. You Can Face It- Take Quiz Now](https://americanmussar.com/soul-trait-quiz-fear/) - When it comes to overcoming the blocks to being your best self, there is no one size fits all answer. Click the button above to take the quiz, to find those parts of your soul that need work to help you address the fears that are holding you back. Instructions: On a scale of one
- [You Don't Need To Hide. You Can Face It](https://americanmussar.com/humility-and-patience-mussar-workshop/) - You’ve taken the soul trait quiz, and you can see the results above. Please download it so you can refer to it in the future. In about 30 minutes, you’ll get the Best Self Cheat Sheet, which will help you interpret the results further. Right now, each of the spokes represents a soul trait trait.
- [In 2019, Be More Fully Aware & In The Moment - Take Quiz Now](https://americanmussar.com/soul-trait-quiz-overwhelm-2/) - When it comes to overcoming the blocks to being your best self, there is no one size fits all answer. Click the button above to take the quiz, to find those parts of your soul that need work to help you address overwhelm Instructions: On a scale of one to ten, rate yourself on the
- [Do They Unwittingly Hit Nerves From The Past?](https://americanmussar.com/humility-and-patience-mussar-workshop-5/) - You’ve taken the soul trait quiz, and you can see the results above. Please download it so you can refer to it in the future. In about 30 minutes, you’ll get the Best Self Cheat Sheet, which will help you interpret the results further. Right now, each of the spokes represents a soul trait trait.
- [In 2019, Be More Fully Aware & In The Moment](https://americanmussar.com/humility-and-patience-mussar-workshop-4/) - You’ve taken the soul trait quiz, and you can see the results above. Please download it so you can refer to it in the future. In about 30 minutes, you’ll get the Best Self Cheat Sheet, which will help you interpret the results further. Read on to learn how to begin to interpret the results,
- [Stop Worrying About What Others Think & Be Your Authentic Self](https://americanmussar.com/self-worth-outcome-page/) - You’ve taken the soul trait quiz, and you can see the results above. Please download it so you can refer to it in the future. In about 30 minutes, you’ll get the Best Self Cheat Sheet, which will help you interpret the results further. Read on to learn how to begin to interpret the results,
- ["Stop Worrying About What Others Think & Be Your Authentic Self" - Take the Quiz Now](https://americanmussar.com/soul-trait-quiz-self-worth/) - When it comes to overcoming the blocks to being your best self, there is no one size fits all answer. Click the button above to take the quiz, to find those parts of your soul that need work to help you address low self worth. Instructions: On a scale of one to ten, rate yourself
- [test page](https://americanmussar.com/test-page/)
- [Take Quiz Now To Visualize Your Soul Trait Profile](https://americanmussar.com/soul-trait-profile-2/) - On a scale of one to ten, rate yourself on the following thirteen Soul Traits. A one means that you have very little of that trait and ten means that you have as much of that trait as you can imagine someone having. There are no right or wrong answers, so don’t spend more than
- [Soul Trait Results](https://americanmussar.com/soul-trait-2-2/) - Want Help Interpreting Your Soul Trait Diagram? Mussar teaches that we all have the same soul traits, but different amounts of each. Soul Traits out of balance cause us to get stuck into the same situation over and over again. Now that you've taken the quiz, you have your own soul trait profile diagram. Take a
- [American Mussar Cycle Week 2 Patience](https://americanmussar.com/american-mussar-4-week-cycle-week-2-paitence/) - https://youtu.be/efiKk-tOx0A The Soul Trait you will be practicing this week is Patience. It is time to stop practicing Humility, and to move on to Patience. Mussar is like extreme spiritual fitness, in that you focus on one Soul Trait at a time, and then move on to the next one. After 13 weeks you’ll circle
- [Positive Head Special Offer](https://americanmussar.com/positivehead/) - Hey, Greg Marcus here. I so enjoyed talking to Brandon on the Positive Head Podcast. And I very much support his work of helping all of us maintain an elevated vibration. It meshes with my work and passion, which is to help you overcome those things inside that are holding you back from being your
- [Healing the Political Divide Through Mussar Workshop - Postponed](https://americanmussar.com/healing-political-divide-mussar-workshop/) - POSTPONED. While originally scheduled for October 11 and 25, we did not reach critical mass of participants. I think right now people's heads are in a different direction. We are facing an election that has ramifications for the future of our country. Perhaps now is the time to focus on the political process - in
- [The Spiritual Practice of Good Actions Book Reviews](https://americanmussar.com/mussar-books/spiritual-practice-of-good-actions/spiritual-practice-good-actions-book-reviews/) - Praise for The Spiritual Practice of Good Actions: “The Spiritual Practice of Good Actions opens wide the door to a traditional Jewish Spiritual Practice that has the power to transform your life.” – Alan Morinis, Dean, the Mussar Institute and author of Everyday Holiness. “Weaving ancient wisdom with 21st century circumstances, Greg Marcus beautifully presents
- [Thank You For Giving Me Your Advice](https://americanmussar.com/thank-giving-advice/) - Hi - Greg Marcus here. Thanks for giving me your advice to help me design future Mussar programs that meet your needs. Your feedback will help me know if I have identified the right categories to describe the biggest barriers to being your best self. As a thank you, please accept this thank
- [Calmness of the Soul Coaching Program](https://americanmussar.com/calmness-of-the-soul-coaching-program-2/) - Calmness of the Soul Coaching Program Get help to find and heal those parts of the soul holding you back ​Let Jewish Wisdom help you ​find Calmness of the Soul The Calmness of the Soul Coaching Program offers short-term, customized one on one coaching that uses the wisdom of American Mussar to help you find
- [Soul Trait Results](https://americanmussar.com/soul-trait-2/) - Want Help Interpreting Your Soul Trait Diagram? Mussar teaches that we all have the same soul traits, but different amounts of each. Soul Traits out of balance cause us to get stuck into the same situation over and over again. Now that you've taken the quiz, you have your own soul trait profile diagram. The
- [What Does Your Balance Look Like?](https://americanmussar.com/balance-look-like-old/)
- [meaning and purpose outcome page with Quiz](https://americanmussar.com/meaning-purpose-outcome-page-with-quiz/) - "The Soul Trait Quiz Really Dropped Me To My Knees. I Was Stunned At What A Difference It Made In The Way I See Myself. Now that you have the results of your Soul Trait Quiz, read on to learn how to interpret the results, and the one thing you can do to find more
- [Difficult relationship outcome page with Quiz](https://americanmussar.com/difficult-family-situation-outcome-page-quiz/) - "How To Deal With A Difficult Family Situation, Even If It Feels Like You've Done Everything You Can" Now that you have the results of your Soul Trait Quiz, read on to learn how to interpret the results, and the one thing you can do to help you deal with your difficult family situation. Broken
- [Sold Out: Calmness of the Soul Coaching Program Special Offer](https://americanmussar.com/sold-out-calmness-of-the-soul-coaching-program-special-offer/) - Hi - Greg Marcus here. The first four slots in the Calmness of the Soul Coaching Program have sold out at the special price of $750, which was discounted from $1000. Because you decided to act early, I am happy to offer you the program for $900. I can only accommodate a total of eight
- [Sold Out: Calmness of the Soul Coaching Program Special Offer #2](https://americanmussar.com/sold-out-calmness-of-the-soul-coaching-program-special-offer-2/) - Hi - Greg Marcus here. I am so sorry, but the eight slots in the Calmness of the Soul Coaching program special offers have sold out. I can only accommodate a total of eight people total in the program. This level of one on one coaching takes a lot of my focus and attention, and
- [Thank You For Joining The Calmness of the Soul Coaching Program](https://americanmussar.com/thank-you-calmness-of-the-soul-coaching-program/) - Thank You For Joining The Calmness of the Soul Coaching Program! Click Below To Sign Up For Your First Session Now cloud-download © 2018 American. All rights Reserved |
- [Joyful Living American Mussar Workshop](https://americanmussar.com/joyful-living-american-mussar-workshop-2/) - From May 9 to June 20, 2018 Greg Marcus is facilitating an American Mussar workshop in the Joyful Living Facebook Group, created by Quinn Curtis. There are four one hour Facebook Lives - you can join us by Zoom and ask questions. Each workshop in the series focuses on one soul trait. Then, we'll spend the
- [test quiz page May 9](https://americanmussar.com/test-quiz-page-may-9/) - [tqb_quiz id='3009']
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- [American Mussar Cycle](https://americanmussar.com/american-mussar-cycle/) - More Menchiness Without a Synagogue, Even If You’ve Never Heard of Mussar. 13 Weeks. 13 Emails. 5 Minutes a Day Join the American Mussar Cycle Join Now and go at your own pace. Begin to heal those things that cause you to get stuck in the same situation again and again… 1. LEARN MUSSAR BY DOING How
- [American Mussar 4 Week Sampler](https://americanmussar.com/american-mussar-4-week-challenge/) - American Mussar 4 Week Sampler: Look within to begin a journey towards balance "No one is perfect," he said as he apologized for a mistake he made for the umpteenth time. True, no one is perfect. But wouldn't it be better to proactively admit that, and to try to understand what it is that causes us to get stuck
- [Personal Transformation Outcome Page After Quiz](https://americanmussar.com/personal-transformation-outcome-page-quiz/) - "The Soul Trait Quiz Really Dropped Me To My Knees. I Was Stunned At What A Difference It Made In The Way I See Myself. Now that you have the results of your Soul Trait Quiz, read on to learn how to interpret the results, and the one thing you can do to overcome those
- [American Mussar 4 Week Cycle: Week 4 Trust](https://americanmussar.com/american-mussar-4-week-cycle-week-4-trust/) - https://youtu.be/m7FsZ-sBZ5w Now that your have gotten your Enthusiasm up, it is time to apply it to the Soul Trait of Trust. For many people, Trust is one of the most challenging Soul Traits, in part because Trust is short for Trust in God. We live in a time and an age when many people
- [Mussar Parenting Curriculum Sample](https://americanmussar.com/mussar-parenting-curriculum-sample/) - Hi – Greg Marcus here. Thanks again for your interest in the Mussar Parenting Curriculum. As promised, here is a sample of the curriculum. Mussar Parenting Patience Facilitators Guide. Download Mussar Parenting Patience Participants Handout. Download You'll notice that the handout is in "slide" format, which allows the facilitator to jump around as needed.
- [Thanks For Joining The Waitlist For Mussar Intensive Classes](https://americanmussar.com/mussar-intensive-waitlist/) - Hi - Greg Marcus here. Thanks for signing up for the waitlist for the 2018 Mussar Intensive classes. These will be 4 week virtual classes that focus on particular topics that can be addressed by Mussar. Which topics? That is up to you. Be on the lookout for an email where I will be asking
- [Your Mussar Sampler Program Will Begin](https://americanmussar.com/mussar-sampler-program-will-begin/) - Hi - Greg Marcus here. Thanks for signing up for the Mussar Sampler Program. 2018 is a year of blessing, and by signing up you have taken an important step to strengthen your spiritual journey. We'll get the mantra cards into the mail for you shortly. Please note, we can only offer free shipping within
- [Thanks For Joining "Mussar For Men" at the OFJCC.](https://americanmussar.com/mussar-men-ofjcc/) - Hi - Greg Marcus here. Thanks for signing up for the Mussar for Men at the OFJCC. We will meet from 8 to 9:15 PM on the following dates: 5-Feb 19-Feb 5-Mar 19-Mar 2-Apr 16-Apr Before our first meeting, please order a copy of The Spiritual Practice of Good Actions: Finding Balance Through the Soul
- [Mussar Starter Pack Special Offer](https://americanmussar.com/high-holidays-mussar-package/) - Hi - Greg Marcus here. Thanks for signing up for the Mussar Starter Pack special offer. You'll get the American Mussar Cycle, a copy of my book, the Spiritual Practice of Good Actions, and a set of matching mantra cards. Please allow a week or so for the book to arrive. If you have never
- [Spiritual Practice Companion Program](https://americanmussar.com/mussar-starter-pack-special/) - Hi - Greg Marcus here. Thanks for signing up to take advantage of the special offer to get a copy of the Spiritual Practice of Good Actions book and mantra cards. If you want to start right away, you can get a free preview on Kindle here. And, as a special bonus, you'll also get
- [Sandbox Special Offer After Soul Trait Quiz](https://americanmussar.com/sandbox-special-offer-after-soul-trait-quiz/) - Watch this while you wait for the Soul Trait Quiz Email Special offer: While you are waiting for the email with the link to the Soul Trait Quiz, watch this first. » YES, I WANT THE SPECIAL OFFER No thanks. Just take me to the Quiz. What Others Say About This Course Marc Stevens ( Web Design
- [Spiritual Practice Companion Program](https://americanmussar.com/your-spiritual-practice-companion-program-will-begin/) - Hi - Greg Marcus here. Thanks for signing up for the Spiritual Practice Companion Program. You'll be receiving one email every two weeks for each of the 13 soul traits in The Spiritual Practice of Good Actions. Soon, you'll receive the first email to start on the first Soul Trait, Humility. To make sure you
- [How To Deal With A Difficult Family Situation - Take Quiz Now](https://americanmussar.com/difficult-family-situation-outcome-page-quiz-now/) - When it comes to dealing with a difficult family situation, there is no one size fits all answer. Click the button above to take the quiz, to find those parts of your soul where you need work. Instructions: On a scale of one to ten, rate yourself on the following thirteen Soul Traits. A one
- [Special Offer After Soul Trait Quiz](https://americanmussar.com/special-offer-soul-trait-quiz-2/) - Watch this while you wait for the Soul Trait Quiz Email Special offer: While you are waiting for the email with the link to the Soul Trait Quiz, watch this first. » YES, I WANT THE SPECIAL OFFER No thanks. Just take me to the Quiz. What Others Say About This Course Marc Stevens ( Web Design
- ["The Soul Trait Quiz Really Dropped Me To My Knees" - Take the Quiz Now](https://americanmussar.com/soul-trait-quiz-personal-transformation/) - When it comes to personal transformation, there is no one size fits all answer. Click the button above to take the quiz, to find those parts of your soul that need work on your path of personal transformation. Instructions: On a scale of one to ten, rate yourself on the following thirteen Soul Traits. A
- [American Mussar Cycle Week 9: Order](https://americanmussar.com/american-mussar-cycle-week-9-order/) - https://youtu.be/jJWd-fnF3ng Order is the Soul Trait that gives structure to our lives. Your first task in Order is to stop practicing Gratitude, and move on to Order. In Mussar, Order governs planning, how often we put our things away, and how we react if we walk into a chaotic room. Order also covers the Laws of Nature.
- [Your Mussar Starter Program Will Begin](https://americanmussar.com/your-mussar-starter-program-will-begin/) - Hi - Greg Marcus here. Thanks for signing up for the Mussar Starter Program. We'll get the book and mantra cards into the mail for you shortly. Soon, you'll receive the first email to start on the first Soul Trait, Humility. If you haven't already, you can take the Soul Trait Profile Quiz Here. After
- [Welcome Message](https://americanmussar.com/welcome-message/) - Welcome to American Mussar. Take the Soul Trait Quiz, read recent blog posts, or check out the selection of Mussar books to begin.
- [How To Cope With Work Stress - Take Quiz Now](https://americanmussar.com/work-stress-outcome-page-quiz-now/) - When it comes to coping with work stress, there is no one size fits all answer. Click the button above to take the quiz, to find those parts of your soul that need work. Instructions: On a scale of one to ten, rate yourself on the following thirteen Soul Traits. A one means that you
- [test pluggin](https://americanmussar.com/test-pluggin/) - testing that I can
- [Blog](https://americanmussar.com/blog/)
- [Work Stress outcome page with Quiz](https://americanmussar.com/work-stress-outcome-page-quiz/) - "How To Cope With Work Stress, Even If You Feel Powerless" Now that you have the results of your Soul Trait Quiz, read on to learn how to interpret the results, and the one thing you can do to overcome those things holding you back. If you are like many people, you were not at
- ["The Soul Trait Quiz Really Dropped Me To My Knees" - Take the Quiz Now](https://americanmussar.com/soul-trait-quiz-meaning-purpose/) - When it comes to finding meaning and purpose in your life, there is no one size fits all answer. Click the button above to take the quiz, to find those parts of your soul where you need work. Instructions: On a scale of one to ten, rate yourself on the following thirteen Soul Traits. A
- [Are You Still Messing Around? Your Transaction is Not Complete](https://americanmussar.com/still-messing-around-transaction-not-complete/) - Hi - Greg Marcus here again. I noticed that your PayPal Transaction did not complete, and thus you are not yet signed up for the Stop Messing Around: Transform Your Life With Mussar Program. If this was a mistake, you can re-initiate your checkout with the buttons below. It m ight be that you have
- [personal transformation outcome page](https://americanmussar.com/personal-transformation-outcome-page/) - "The Soul Trait Quiz Really Dropped Me To My Knees. I Was Stunned At What A Difference It Made In The Way I See Myself. Thanks for signing up to take the Soul Trait quiz. You should receive the email with the link to the quiz within the next ten minutes. Please add greg@americanmussar.com to
- [Meaning and Purpose outcome page](https://americanmussar.com/meaning-purpose-outcome/) - Discover How Mussar Can Bring More Meaning and Purpose To Your Life, Even if Judaism Has Never Helped You Before Thanks for signing up to take the Soul Trait quiz. You should receive the email with the link to the quiz within the next ten minutes. Please add greg@americanmussar.com to your safe list to make
- [Outcome Page](https://americanmussar.com/outcome-page/) - "The Soul Trait Quiz Really Dropped Me To My Knees. I Was Stunned At What A Difference It Made In The Way I See Myself. Thanks for signing up to take the Soul Trait quiz. You should receive the email with the link to the quiz within the next ten minutes. While you wait for
- [Outcome Page 2](https://americanmussar.com/outcome-page-2/) - "The Soul Trait Quiz Really Dropped Me To My Knees. I Was Stunned At What A Difference It Made In The Way I See Myself. Thanks for signing up to take the Soul Trait quiz. You should receive the email with the link to the quiz within the next ten minutes. While you wait for
- [Your Mussar Parenting Curriculum Sample Is on the Way](https://americanmussar.com/mussar-parenting-curriculum/mussar-parenting-curriculum-sample/) - Hi - thanks so much for signing up to get a sample of the Mussar-At-Your-Fingertips Parenting Curriculum. You should get an email with the Mussar Parenting Curriculum Sample shortly. The sample consists of two PDF documents, a participants handout for the soul trait of Patience, with a matching guide for facilitators. Important Note: Please add
- [You Are Done Messing Around, and have signed up for the Transform Your Life With Mussar Program](https://americanmussar.com/done-messing-around-signed-transform-life-mussar-program/) - Hi - Greg Marcus here again. Congrats! You have successfully signed up for the Stop Messing Around and Transform Your Life With Mussar Program. We'll begin together on Sunday July 9th. Please add greg@americanmussar.com to your whitelist to make sure you get the important emails that are coming soon. (Click here for instructions on how
- [Test page for 2017 cycle](https://americanmussar.com/test-page-2017-cycle/)
- [American Mussar Summer Cycle 2017](https://americanmussar.com/american-mussar-summer-cycle-2017/)
- [Frequently Asked Questions - American Mussar FAQ](https://americanmussar.com/faq/) - What is Mussar? Mussar is a 1000-year-old Jewish spiritual practice that teaches how to find those things inside that cause us to get stuck in the same place again and again. Mussar offers a framework for gradually bringing balance and healing through mindful living and small incremental steps. Mussar teaches that we all have the
- [Do You Have What It Takes to be a Mensch?](https://americanmussar.com/what-it-takes-to-be-a-mensch/)
- [Jewish Values For Everyday Living Virtual Mussar Group](https://americanmussar.com/virtual-mussar-group/)
- [American Mussar Cycle Week 8: Gratitude](https://americanmussar.com/american-mussar-cycle-week-8-gratitude/) - https://youtu.be/r7vzD4KxMPw Thank you for staying with your American Mussar practice long enough to get to Gratitude. Mussar is about taking action, and because you are taking action, you are making small changes in your Soul. Gratitude is the Soul Trait that teaches how to recognize the good in any situation. One might think it is easy
- [Be Happy in 2017 Video Mussar Group](https://americanmussar.com/happy-in-2017-video-mussar-group/)
- [American Mussar Cycle Special Offer For The 4POS Audience](https://americanmussar.com/the4pos/)
- [Jewish Values For Everyday Living Virtual Mussar Group](https://americanmussar.com/early-bird/) - How to Become More Centered Without Hebrew or a Synagogue, Even If You Are Feeling Stuck Discover a Jewish path to mindfulness and self improvement almost lost in the Holocaust Ever feel like you are at your worst with the people closest to you? Tired of feeling unhappy even though you are blessed by many things? Want to
- [What is Mussar?](https://americanmussar.com/what-is-mussar/) - Mussar is a 1000-year-old Jewish spiritual practice that teaches how to find those parts of the soul that cause us to get into the same situation again and again. And, Mussar offers a step-by-step way to bring those parts of the soul into balance through mindful living. Mussar teaches that we all share the same
- [Shop](https://americanmussar.com/shop/)
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- [American Mussar Cycle For Authentic Living](https://americanmussar.com/authenticliving/)
- [American Mussar Cycle #5: Loving-Kindness](https://americanmussar.com/american-mussar-cycle-loving-kindness/) - https://youtu.be/51bICoy-9to To practice Loving-Kindness, we help other people without expecting anything in return, even if they don’t deserve it. Loving-Kindness is not about being nice. There are many situations when we are expected to be nice. Loving-Kindness is about those situations when we are not expected to be nice. As with all Soul Traits, we practice
- [American Mussar Cycle](https://americanmussar.com/special-offer-soul-trait-quiz/)
- [American Mussar Cycle Week 12: Fear of Consequences](https://americanmussar.com/american-mussar-cycle-week-12-fear-of-consequences/) - https://youtu.be/MW7ORwus8oE Fear of consequences derives from the Soul Trait Yirah. Yirah can be translated as either fear or awe. American Mussar splits those into separate soul traits. We all experience fear. Fear of consequences is a special case of fear - fear that something bad will happen if we act in a certain way. Traditional Mussar
- [American Mussar Cycle Week 7: Honor](https://americanmussar.com/american-mussar-cycle-week-7-honor/) - https://youtu.be/7Dvbh2QO6mc Honor is the Soul Trait that focuses on how we treat other people. Humility and Honor are both related to how we deal with other people. Rabbi Hillel said, "If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am only for myself, what am I?" The first question is about
- [Media](https://americanmussar.com/media/) - Book Q&As with Deborah Kalb Click here to read the Book Q&As with Deborah Kalb article. Dr. Greg Marcus – The Spiritual Practice of Good Actions Click here to read the Dr. Greg Marcus – The Spiritual Practice of Good Actions article. Through a Mussar Lens: Striving for Balance Click here to read the Through
- [Free Bonus – Study Partner for The Spiritual Practice of Good Actions](https://americanmussar.com/free-bonus-study-partner-spiritual-practice-good-actions/)
- [American Mussar Cycle #6  Truth](https://americanmussar.com/american-mussar-cycle-6-truth/) - https://youtu.be/X-UP-0xgwXI Welcome to this weeks Soul Trait, Truth. If you are hoping for a way to an undisputed version of reality, I'm afraid you'll be sorely disappointed. Have you ever been in a conversation with someone, and later discovered that each of you came away with a different version of events? Have you even been
- [American Mussar Cycle Week 15: Authentic Sharing in Community](https://americanmussar.com/american-mussar-cycle-week-15-authentic-sharing-in-community/) - https://youtu.be/srC2jOh7oIM Intro/welcome sentence Body paragraph(s) The goal of the soul trait Too Little [soul trait name]: Content Too Much [soul trait name]: content Practice: American Mussar practice has three parts: a morning mantra, daily actions, and journaling. If you haven’t done so already, watch the video above. [Practice content here] Mantra Write the following mantra on an index card,
- [American Mussar Cycle Week 14: Living Jewish Values](https://americanmussar.com/american-mussar-cycle-week-14-living-jewish-values/) - https://youtu.be/wW0zAzzbtmM Intro/welcome sentence Body paragraph(s) The goal of the soul trait Too Little [soul trait name]: Content Too Much [soul trait name]: content Practice: American Mussar practice has three parts: a morning mantra, daily actions, and journaling. If you haven’t done so already, watch the video above. [Practice content here] Mantra Write the following mantra on an index card,
- [American Mussar Cycle Week 13: Awe](https://americanmussar.com/american-mussar-cycle-week-13-awe/) - https://youtu.be/zD1IgVUFoD4 Awe is the second part of the Yirah Soul Trait. It is a recognition that there is something greater, something larger than ourselves. Awe of something greater can be an endless source of courage and energy. For some people it may be Awe of the Divinity, and the miracles of the universe. If you
- [American Mussar Cycle Week 11: Equanimity](https://americanmussar.com/american-mussar-cycle-week-11-equanimity/) - https://youtu.be/giQwKGvxZu0 Now that you are becoming familiar with Mussar and your spiritual curriculum, you are ready to take on the Soul Trait of Equanimity. I teach Equanimity later than many other Mussar teachers. Equanimity is the Soul Trait that governs whether you stay calm or lose your head. Equanimity is often confused with inner peace.
- [American Mussar Cycle Week 10: Silence](https://americanmussar.com/american-mussar-cycle-week-10-silence/) - https://youtu.be/PlMI026-I4Y Welcome to Silence. This soul trait governs what we should say, and what we should not say. Like many people, I was raised with the idea that if you mean well, whatever you say is ok. Mussar teaches that this is not the case. Rather, we need to consider the impact of our words.
- [American Mussar 4 Week Cycle: Week 3 Enthusiasm](https://americanmussar.com/american-mussar-4-week-cycle-week-3-enthusiasm/) - https://youtu.be/ZSnxv4WYsS8 Congratulations: you are ready to start practicing Enthusiasm. Enthusiasm is the Soul Trait that drives us to take action; in particular actions to become a better person, or to make the world a better place. The medieval Mussar classic Orchot Tzaddikim calls Enthusiasm the ornament to the other Soul Traits, because when we take
- [Special Offer: Moderated American Mussar Cycle](https://americanmussar.com/special-offer-moderated-american-mussar-cycle/)
- [Moderated American Mussar Cycle Thank You Page](https://americanmussar.com/moderated-american-mussar-cycle-thank-page/)
- [Join the Week 1 Team for the Pocket Mensch - Private Page](https://americanmussar.com/pocket-mensch-app-angel-contributors/) - Join the Week 1 Team The time is almost here. The Spiritual Practice of Good Actions will be published in September. The Pocket Mensch is designed to make it easier to keep up with your Mussar Practice. The campaign to raise money to build the Pocket Mensch is almost ready to start. Just two more things to
- [Is American Mussar Right For Me?](https://americanmussar.com/is-american-mussar-right-for-me/) - American Mussar is for anyone looking for a mindful approach to self improvement; regardless of affiliation, current level of spiritual practice, or starting point. All American Mussar requires is that you start from where you are right now (take our Soul Trait Profile Quiz to find out where that is) and go from there. We
- [iAM Campaign](https://americanmussar.com/iam-campaign/) - The iAM Campaign is designed to help you share your journey through American Mussar, raise awareness for others who may benefit from their own American Mussar practice, and to build up a community of support. As you work through different soul traits or something happens that causes you to be introspective about a trait, we
- [One More Step - Activate Your Subscription](https://americanmussar.com/one-more-step/) - Thanks for your interest in American Mussar. You need to take one more step to be added to our mailing list. You've just been sent an email that contains a confirm link. In order to activate your subscription, check your email and click on the link in that email. If you don't see that email in
- [What is American Mussar?](https://americanmussar.com/what-is-american-mussar/) - https://youtu.be/Sc6MSZ0DtDA Mussar is a 1000-year-old Jewish spiritual practice that teaches how to find those parts of the Soul that cause us to get into the same situation again and again. And, Mussar offers a step-by-step way to bring those parts of the soul into balance through mindful living. Mussar provides a framework to examine your day-to-day
- [Jewish Meditation](https://americanmussar.com/jewish-meditation/) - this page is a placeholder for information about jewish meditation at bottom if you've found a great resource for Jewish Meditation please share below

## Products

- [The Spiritual Practice of Good Actions Mantra Cards](https://americanmussar.com/product/spiritual-practice-of-good-actions-mantra-cards/) - Spiritual Practice of Good Actions Mantra Cards give you a beautiful set of cards to remind you of your morning recitation phrase. Each morning we begin our Mussar practice with a mantra, which we recite again and again for 2 minutes to help frame our day. The Spiritual Practice of Good Actions Mantra Cards are a
- [American Mussar Cycle](https://americanmussar.com/product/american-mussar-cycle/) - The American Mussar Cycle offers 13 Soul Traits in 13 weeks. Each week you get an email, with a link to a video and practice tips. A great way to start your Mussar Journey.
- [American Mussar Starter Pack: Spiritual Practice of Good Actions Book and Mantra Cards](https://americanmussar.com/product/american-mussar-starter-pack/) - Just learning about Mussar, and thinking about trying it yourself? Here is a note from Greg Marcus, practitioner, facilitator, and innovator of American Mussar. When I first learned about Mussar, I was blown away. Wow, I thought, a system of making small gradual changes in your life to help me get unstuck, overcome those things

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- [Trust](https://americanmussar.com/category/trust/)
- [Loyalty](https://americanmussar.com/category/loyalty/)
- [guest post](https://americanmussar.com/category/guest-post/)
- [watchfulness](https://americanmussar.com/category/watchfulness/)
- [Mussar Practice](https://americanmussar.com/category/mussar-practice/)
- [Mussar Books](https://americanmussar.com/category/mussar-books/)
- [Compassion](https://americanmussar.com/category/mussar-practice/compassion/)
- [Generosity](https://americanmussar.com/category/mussar-practice/generosity/)
- [like a mensch](https://americanmussar.com/category/like-a-mensch/)
- [Holidays](https://americanmussar.com/category/holidays/)
- [strength](https://americanmussar.com/category/mussar-practice/strength/)
- [Jewish Living](https://americanmussar.com/category/jewish-living/)
- [Weekly Mussar Circle](https://americanmussar.com/category/weekly-mussar-circle/)
- [hitlamdut](https://americanmussar.com/category/hitlamdut/)

## Tags

- [veterans](https://americanmussar.com/tag/veterans/)
- [veterans day](https://americanmussar.com/tag/veterans-day/)
- [Mussar](https://americanmussar.com/tag/mussar/)
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- [gratitude](https://americanmussar.com/tag/gratitude/)
- [paris attack](https://americanmussar.com/tag/paris-attack/)
- [paris terrorist attack](https://americanmussar.com/tag/paris-terrorist-attack/)
- [paris](https://americanmussar.com/tag/paris/)
- [evil inclination](https://americanmussar.com/tag/evil-inclination/)
- [yetzer hara](https://americanmussar.com/tag/yetzer-hara/)
- [good inclination](https://americanmussar.com/tag/good-inclination/)
- [yetzer hatov](https://americanmussar.com/tag/yetzer-hatov/)
- [Alex Malloy Muslim cab driver](https://americanmussar.com/tag/alex-malloy-muslim-cab-driver/)
- [judgement](https://americanmussar.com/tag/judgement/)
- [unconscious bias](https://americanmussar.com/tag/unconscious-bias/)
- [spiritual curriculum](https://americanmussar.com/tag/spiritual-curriculum/)
- [Officer Jason Van Dyke](https://americanmussar.com/tag/officer-jason-van-dyke/)
- [soul trait responsibility](https://americanmussar.com/tag/soul-trait-responsibility/)
- [Laquan McDonald](https://americanmussar.com/tag/laquan-mcdonald/)
- [chicago PD](https://americanmussar.com/tag/chicago-pd/)
- [mussar police](https://americanmussar.com/tag/mussar-police/)
- [Chanukah](https://americanmussar.com/tag/chanukah/)
- [Hanukkah](https://americanmussar.com/tag/hanukkah/)
- [lovingkindness mussar](https://americanmussar.com/tag/lovingkindness-mussar/)
- [mussar chanukah](https://americanmussar.com/tag/mussar-chanukah/)
- [rabbi yoel glick](https://americanmussar.com/tag/rabbi-yoel-glick/)
- [divine spark](https://americanmussar.com/tag/divine-spark/)
- [Chanukah giving](https://americanmussar.com/tag/chanukah-giving/)
- [end of year giving](https://americanmussar.com/tag/end-of-year-giving/)
- [mitzvah circle foundation](https://americanmussar.com/tag/mitzvah-circle-foundation/)
- [honor](https://americanmussar.com/tag/honor/)
- [jewish philanthropy](https://americanmussar.com/tag/jewish-philanthropy/)
- [star wars](https://americanmussar.com/tag/star-wars/)
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- [star wars judaism](https://americanmussar.com/tag/star-wars-judaism/)
- [jewish star wars](https://americanmussar.com/tag/jewish-star-wars/)
- [A new hope mussar](https://americanmussar.com/tag/a-new-hope-mussar/)
- [fran held](https://americanmussar.com/tag/fran-held/)
- [eight points of light](https://americanmussar.com/tag/eight-points-of-light/)
- [flee from honor](https://americanmussar.com/tag/flee-from-honor/)
- [mussar poetry](https://americanmussar.com/tag/mussar-poetry/)
- [jewish poetry](https://americanmussar.com/tag/jewish-poetry/)
- [spiritual poetry](https://americanmussar.com/tag/spiritual-poetry/)
- [gratitude challenge](https://americanmussar.com/tag/gratitude-challenge/)
- [forget new years resolutions](https://americanmussar.com/tag/forget-new-years-resolutions/)
- [new years](https://americanmussar.com/tag/new-years/)
- [gratitude soul trait](https://americanmussar.com/tag/gratitude-soul-trait/)
- [hakarat ha'tov](https://americanmussar.com/tag/hakarat-hatov/)
- [mussar gratitude](https://americanmussar.com/tag/mussar-gratitude/)
- [mussar hakarat ha'tov](https://americanmussar.com/tag/mussar-hakarat-hatov/)
- [second harvest food bank of santa clara and san mateo counties](https://americanmussar.com/tag/second-harvest-food-bank-of-santa-clara-and-san-mateo-counties/)
- [second harvest](https://americanmussar.com/tag/second-harvest/)
- [chesed](https://americanmussar.com/tag/chesed/)
- [alan morinis](https://americanmussar.com/tag/alan-morinis/)
- [order](https://americanmussar.com/tag/order/)
- [seder](https://americanmussar.com/tag/seder/)
- [soul trait order](https://americanmussar.com/tag/soul-trait-order/)
- [powerball](https://americanmussar.com/tag/powerball/)
- [fear of winning powerball](https://americanmussar.com/tag/fear-of-winning-powerball/)
- [money and happiness](https://americanmussar.com/tag/money-and-happiness/)
- [awe](https://americanmussar.com/tag/awe/)
- [loneliness](https://americanmussar.com/tag/loneliness/)
- [how to be heard](https://americanmussar.com/tag/how-to-be-heard/)
- [your better self](https://americanmussar.com/tag/your-better-self/)
- [soul trait of humility](https://americanmussar.com/tag/soul-trait-of-humility/)
- [Alport Syndrome Foundation](https://americanmussar.com/tag/alport-syndrome-foundation/)
- [kidney disease](https://americanmussar.com/tag/kidney-disease/)
- [soul trait of silence](https://americanmussar.com/tag/soul-trait-of-silence/)
- [Bay Area Anti-Trafficking Coalition](https://americanmussar.com/tag/bay-area-anti-trafficking-coalition/)
- [human trafficking](https://americanmussar.com/tag/human-trafficking/)
- [soul trait of patience](https://americanmussar.com/tag/soul-trait-of-patience/)
- [HELP International Uganda](https://americanmussar.com/tag/help-international-uganda/)
- [savlanut](https://americanmussar.com/tag/savlanut/)
- [Masese](https://americanmussar.com/tag/masese/)
- [soul trait of order](https://americanmussar.com/tag/soul-trait-of-order/)
- [The Mussar Institute](https://americanmussar.com/tag/the-mussar-institute/)
- [boundaries](https://americanmussar.com/tag/boundaries/)
- [work life balance](https://americanmussar.com/tag/work-life-balance/)
- [Rabbi Avi Fertig](https://americanmussar.com/tag/rabbi-avi-fertig/)
- [Rabbi Aharon Kotler](https://americanmussar.com/tag/rabbi-aharon-kotler/)
- [cam newton humility](https://americanmussar.com/tag/cam-newton-humility/)
- [superbowl](https://americanmussar.com/tag/superbowl/)
- [american mussar humility](https://americanmussar.com/tag/american-mussar-humility/)
- [spiritual crisis](https://americanmussar.com/tag/spiritual-crisis/)
- [enthusiasm soul trait](https://americanmussar.com/tag/enthusiasm-soul-trait/)
- [order soul trait](https://americanmussar.com/tag/order-soul-trait/)
- [humility soul trait](https://americanmussar.com/tag/humility-soul-trait/)
- [grief](https://americanmussar.com/tag/grief/)
- [anita diamant](https://americanmussar.com/tag/anita-diamant/)
- [spiritual practice of good actions](https://americanmussar.com/tag/spiritual-practice-of-good-actions/)
- [loving-kindness](https://americanmussar.com/tag/loving-kindness/)
- [caring for the dead](https://americanmussar.com/tag/caring-for-the-dead/)
- [comforting the bereaved](https://americanmussar.com/tag/comforting-the-bereaved/)
- [soul trait of honor](https://americanmussar.com/tag/soul-trait-of-honor/)
- [Rotary Club of Great Neck](https://americanmussar.com/tag/rotary-club-of-great-neck/)
- [Rotary club](https://americanmussar.com/tag/rotary-club/)
- [soul trait of enthusiasm](https://americanmussar.com/tag/soul-trait-of-enthusiasm/)
- [Sojourn to the past](https://americanmussar.com/tag/sojourn-to-the-past/)
- [civil rights movement](https://americanmussar.com/tag/civil-rights-movement/)
- [soul trait of equanimity](https://americanmussar.com/tag/soul-trait-of-equanimity/)
- [UMOM New Day Centers](https://americanmussar.com/tag/umom-new-day-centers/)
- [homeless children](https://americanmussar.com/tag/homeless-children/)
- [calmness of the soul](https://americanmussar.com/tag/calmness-of-the-soul/)
- [presence](https://americanmussar.com/tag/presence/)
- [run to do good](https://americanmussar.com/tag/run-to-do-good/)
- [intimacy](https://americanmussar.com/tag/intimacy/)
- [soul trait truth](https://americanmussar.com/tag/soul-trait-truth/)
- [no one knows the real me](https://americanmussar.com/tag/no-one-knows-the-real-me/)
- [I feel disconnected from friends and family](https://americanmussar.com/tag/i-feel-disconnected-from-friends-and-family/)
- [Pope](https://americanmussar.com/tag/pope/)
- [Trump](https://americanmussar.com/tag/trump/)
- [purim](https://americanmussar.com/tag/purim/)
- [purim schpiel](https://americanmussar.com/tag/purim-schpiel/)
- [stress](https://americanmussar.com/tag/stress/)
- [soul trait](https://americanmussar.com/tag/soul-trait/)
- [passover](https://americanmussar.com/tag/passover/)
- [narrow place](https://americanmussar.com/tag/narrow-place/)
- [prince](https://americanmussar.com/tag/prince/)
- [the narrow place](https://americanmussar.com/tag/the-narrow-place/)
- [jews](https://americanmussar.com/tag/jews/)
- [donald trump](https://americanmussar.com/tag/donald-trump/)
- [truth](https://americanmussar.com/tag/truth/)
- [mensch or jerk](https://americanmussar.com/tag/mensch-or-jerk/)
- [mensch](https://americanmussar.com/tag/mensch/)
- [anti-semitism](https://americanmussar.com/tag/anti-semitism/)
- [Yair Rosenberg](https://americanmussar.com/tag/yair-rosenberg/)
- [humility](https://americanmussar.com/tag/humility/)
- [maimonides](https://americanmussar.com/tag/maimonides/)
- [Orlando](https://americanmussar.com/tag/orlando/)
- [LGBTQ](https://americanmussar.com/tag/lgbtq/)
- [visit the sick](https://americanmussar.com/tag/visit-the-sick/)
- [Ginsberg trump](https://americanmussar.com/tag/ginsberg-trump/)
- [Ruth Bader Ginsberg Truth](https://americanmussar.com/tag/ruth-bader-ginsberg-truth/)
- [John Lewis](https://americanmussar.com/tag/john-lewis/)
- [we shall overcome](https://americanmussar.com/tag/we-shall-overcome/)
- [hopeless](https://americanmussar.com/tag/hopeless/)
- [choice point](https://americanmussar.com/tag/choice-point/)
- [bechirah point](https://americanmussar.com/tag/bechirah-point/)
- [Rabbi Eliyahu Dessler](https://americanmussar.com/tag/rabbi-eliyahu-dessler/)
- [Bal Taschchit](https://americanmussar.com/tag/bal-taschchit/)
- [do not waste](https://americanmussar.com/tag/do-not-waste/)
- [star trek](https://americanmussar.com/tag/star-trek/)
- [kirk evil inclination](https://americanmussar.com/tag/kirk-evil-inclination/)
- [character day](https://americanmussar.com/tag/character-day/)
- [tiffany shlain](https://americanmussar.com/tag/tiffany-shlain/)
- [make yourself a mensch](https://americanmussar.com/tag/make-yourself-a-mensch/)
- [rosh hashanah](https://americanmussar.com/tag/rosh-hashanah/)
- [non-jewish partner](https://americanmussar.com/tag/non-jewish-partner/)
- [rabbi Janet Marder](https://americanmussar.com/tag/rabbi-janet-marder/)
- [intermarriage](https://americanmussar.com/tag/intermarriage/)
- [interfaith marriage](https://americanmussar.com/tag/interfaith-marriage/)
- [soul trait trust](https://americanmussar.com/tag/soul-trait-trust/)
- [trust in God](https://americanmussar.com/tag/trust-in-god/)
- [trust in god but tie your camel](https://americanmussar.com/tag/trust-in-god-but-tie-your-camel/)
- [Election Stress Disorder](https://americanmussar.com/tag/election-stress-disorder/)
- [caring for the sick](https://americanmussar.com/tag/caring-for-the-sick/)
- [father stroke](https://americanmussar.com/tag/father-stroke/)
- [dad stroke](https://americanmussar.com/tag/dad-stroke/)
- [leadership characeristics](https://americanmussar.com/tag/leadership-characeristics/)
- [election](https://americanmussar.com/tag/election/)
- [natalie marchant](https://americanmussar.com/tag/natalie-marchant/)
- [giving thanks](https://americanmussar.com/tag/giving-thanks/)
- [kind and generous](https://americanmussar.com/tag/kind-and-generous/)
- [Jewish gratitude](https://americanmussar.com/tag/jewish-gratitude/)
- [moses answered the call to conscience](https://americanmussar.com/tag/moses-answered-the-call-to-conscience/)
- [rabbi stephen fuchs](https://americanmussar.com/tag/rabbi-stephen-fuchs/)
- [what's in it for me](https://americanmussar.com/tag/whats-in-it-for-me/)
- [what is Mussar](https://americanmussar.com/tag/what-is-mussar/)
- [real world spirituality](https://americanmussar.com/tag/real-world-spirituality/)
- [jewish self help](https://americanmussar.com/tag/jewish-self-help/)
- [carrie fisher](https://americanmussar.com/tag/carrie-fisher/)
- [A new hope](https://americanmussar.com/tag/a-new-hope/)
- [enthusiasm](https://americanmussar.com/tag/enthusiasm/)
- [jewish superhero carrie fisher](https://americanmussar.com/tag/jewish-superhero-carrie-fisher/)
- [wonder](https://americanmussar.com/tag/wonder/)
- [choice points](https://americanmussar.com/tag/choice-points/)
- [year of wonder](https://americanmussar.com/tag/year-of-wonder/)
- [mussar yirah](https://americanmussar.com/tag/mussar-yirah/)
- [watchfulness](https://americanmussar.com/tag/watchfulness/)
- [post-election](https://americanmussar.com/tag/post-election/)
- [jewish mindfulness](https://americanmussar.com/tag/jewish-mindfulness/)
- [Jewish](https://americanmussar.com/tag/jewish/)
- [internet trolls](https://americanmussar.com/tag/internet-trolls/)
- [mussar silence](https://americanmussar.com/tag/mussar-silence/)
- [rabbi sharon brous](https://americanmussar.com/tag/rabbi-sharon-brous/)
- [jewish daily forward](https://americanmussar.com/tag/jewish-daily-forward/)
- [peter beinart](https://americanmussar.com/tag/peter-beinart/)
- [Mussar humility](https://americanmussar.com/tag/mussar-humility/)
- [mussar trust](https://americanmussar.com/tag/mussar-trust/)
- [mussar order](https://americanmussar.com/tag/mussar-order/)
- [oscars 2017](https://americanmussar.com/tag/oscars-2017/)
- [warren beatty](https://americanmussar.com/tag/warren-beatty/)
- [La La Land](https://americanmussar.com/tag/la-la-land/)
- [Moonlight](https://americanmussar.com/tag/moonlight/)
- [self-discovery](https://americanmussar.com/tag/self-discovery/)
- [mussar oscars](https://americanmussar.com/tag/mussar-oscars/)
- [queen esther](https://americanmussar.com/tag/queen-esther/)
- [mussar purim](https://americanmussar.com/tag/mussar-purim/)
- [mussar passover](https://americanmussar.com/tag/mussar-passover/)
- [Rabbi Nachman of Bratzlov passover](https://americanmussar.com/tag/rabbi-nachman-of-bratzlov-passover/)
- [bernie sanders](https://americanmussar.com/tag/bernie-sanders/)
- [fake news](https://americanmussar.com/tag/fake-news/)
- [mussar practice](https://americanmussar.com/tag/mussar-practice/)
- [moses mussar](https://americanmussar.com/tag/moses-mussar/)
- [passover narrow place](https://americanmussar.com/tag/passover-narrow-place/)
- [survivor](https://americanmussar.com/tag/survivor/)
- [Zeke smith mussar](https://americanmussar.com/tag/zeke-smith-mussar/)
- [ben zoma](https://americanmussar.com/tag/ben-zoma/)
- [mussar pirkei avot](https://americanmussar.com/tag/mussar-pirkei-avot/)
- [Yaakov Feldman mussar](https://americanmussar.com/tag/yaakov-feldman-mussar/)
- [talmud](https://americanmussar.com/tag/talmud/)
- [pirkei avot 4:1](https://americanmussar.com/tag/pirkei-avot-41/)
- [who is wise?](https://americanmussar.com/tag/who-is-wise/)
- [rebbe by joseph telushkin](https://americanmussar.com/tag/rebbe-by-joseph-telushkin/)
- [mussar book review](https://americanmussar.com/tag/mussar-book-review/)
- [american mussar assumptions](https://americanmussar.com/tag/american-mussar-assumptions/)
- [mussar basics](https://americanmussar.com/tag/mussar-basics/)
- [jane eisner forward](https://americanmussar.com/tag/jane-eisner-forward/)
- [mussar israel](https://americanmussar.com/tag/mussar-israel/)
- [equanimity](https://americanmussar.com/tag/equanimity/)
- [peace of mind](https://americanmussar.com/tag/peace-of-mind/)
- [menuchat ha'nefesh](https://americanmussar.com/tag/menuchat-hanefesh/)
- [alter of slabodka](https://americanmussar.com/tag/alter-of-slabodka/)
- [rabbi nosson zvi finkel](https://americanmussar.com/tag/rabbi-nosson-zvi-finkel/)
- [slabodka mussar](https://americanmussar.com/tag/slabodka-mussar/)
- [electoral college mussar](https://americanmussar.com/tag/electoral-college-mussar/)
- [gerrymandering jewish values](https://americanmussar.com/tag/gerrymandering-jewish-values/)
- [spiritual responsibility](https://americanmussar.com/tag/spiritual-responsibility/)
- [work life balance mussar](https://americanmussar.com/tag/work-life-balance-mussar/)
- [kavod](https://americanmussar.com/tag/kavod/)
- [mussar practice honor](https://americanmussar.com/tag/mussar-practice-honor/)
- [mussar practice order](https://americanmussar.com/tag/mussar-practice-order/)
- [God Hurricane Harvey](https://americanmussar.com/tag/god-hurricane-harvey/)
- [God Hurricane Irma](https://americanmussar.com/tag/god-hurricane-irma/)
- [yom kippur](https://americanmussar.com/tag/yom-kippur/)
- [jewish holidays](https://americanmussar.com/tag/jewish-holidays/)
- [american mussar high holidays](https://americanmussar.com/tag/american-mussar-high-holidays/)
- [mussar practice high holidays](https://americanmussar.com/tag/mussar-practice-high-holidays/)
- [Mishkan Hanefesh](https://americanmussar.com/tag/mishkan-hanefesh/)
- [rabbi amy eilberg](https://americanmussar.com/tag/rabbi-amy-eilberg/)
- [rabbi josh zweiback](https://americanmussar.com/tag/rabbi-josh-zweiback/)
- [rabbi jonathan hartman](https://americanmussar.com/tag/rabbi-jonathan-hartman/)
- [mussar soul trait of compassion](https://americanmussar.com/tag/mussar-soul-trait-of-compassion/)
- [compassion](https://americanmussar.com/tag/compassion/)
- [las vegas shooting](https://americanmussar.com/tag/las-vegas-shooting/)
- [trump anger](https://americanmussar.com/tag/trump-anger/)
- [mussar practice hanukkah](https://americanmussar.com/tag/mussar-practice-hanukkah/)
- [mussar shamus](https://americanmussar.com/tag/mussar-shamus/)
- [hanukkah and self esteem](https://americanmussar.com/tag/hanukkah-and-self-esteem/)
- [five mussar practices](https://americanmussar.com/tag/five-mussar-practices/)
- [change your life](https://americanmussar.com/tag/change-your-life/)
- [mussar trait](https://americanmussar.com/tag/mussar-trait/)
- [mussar traits](https://americanmussar.com/tag/mussar-traits/)
- [corporate idolatry](https://americanmussar.com/tag/corporate-idolatry/)
- [idolatry](https://americanmussar.com/tag/idolatry/)
- [penn st sexual abuse](https://americanmussar.com/tag/penn-st-sexual-abuse/)
- [larry nassar](https://americanmussar.com/tag/larry-nassar/)
- [busting your corporate idol](https://americanmussar.com/tag/busting-your-corporate-idol/)
- [mussar to prevent abuse](https://americanmussar.com/tag/mussar-to-prevent-abuse/)
- [Shabbat is a delight](https://americanmussar.com/tag/shabbat-is-a-delight/)
- [marilyn paul](https://americanmussar.com/tag/marilyn-paul/)
- [an oasis in time](https://americanmussar.com/tag/an-oasis-in-time/)
- [shabbat](https://americanmussar.com/tag/shabbat/)
- [holy boldness](https://americanmussar.com/tag/holy-boldness/)
- [azut d/kedusha](https://americanmussar.com/tag/azut-d-kedusha/)
- [gererosity](https://americanmussar.com/tag/gererosity/)
- [stinginess](https://americanmussar.com/tag/stinginess/)
- [stingy](https://americanmussar.com/tag/stingy/)
- [procrastination](https://americanmussar.com/tag/procrastination/)
- [mussar practice secret](https://americanmussar.com/tag/mussar-practice-secret/)
- [yirah volcano](https://americanmussar.com/tag/yirah-volcano/)
- [american mussar awe](https://americanmussar.com/tag/american-mussar-awe/)
- [mussar illusion of control](https://americanmussar.com/tag/mussar-illusion-of-control/)
- [joyful living american mussar workshop](https://americanmussar.com/tag/joyful-living-american-mussar-workshop/)
- [mussar workshop](https://americanmussar.com/tag/mussar-workshop/)
- [quinn curtis joyful living](https://americanmussar.com/tag/quinn-curtis-joyful-living/)
- [joyful living mussar workshop](https://americanmussar.com/tag/joyful-living-mussar-workshop/)
- [how not to be helpful](https://americanmussar.com/tag/how-not-to-be-helpful/)
- [jewish wisdom](https://americanmussar.com/tag/jewish-wisdom/)
- [Beat Overwhelm With Jewish Wisdom](https://americanmussar.com/tag/beat-overwhelm-with-jewish-wisdom/)
- [rabbi sarah weissman](https://americanmussar.com/tag/rabbi-sarah-weissman/)
- [48 ways of acquiring Torah](https://americanmussar.com/tag/48-ways-of-acquiring-torah/)
- [religious pluralism](https://americanmussar.com/tag/religious-pluralism/)
- [Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz](https://americanmussar.com/tag/rabbi-shmuly-yanklowitz/)
- [Rabbi Uri Topolosky](https://americanmussar.com/tag/rabbi-uri-topolosky/)
- [self-esteem](https://americanmussar.com/tag/self-esteem/)
- [cheshbon ha'nefesh](https://americanmussar.com/tag/cheshbon-hanefesh/)
- [haughtiness of spirit](https://americanmussar.com/tag/haughtiness-of-spirit/)
- [arrogance](https://americanmussar.com/tag/arrogance/)
- [email](https://americanmussar.com/tag/email/)
- [like a mensch](https://americanmussar.com/tag/like-a-mensch/)
- [9/11](https://americanmussar.com/tag/9-11/)
- [september 11th](https://americanmussar.com/tag/september-11th/)
- [Hineni](https://americanmussar.com/tag/hineni/)
- [27th psalm](https://americanmussar.com/tag/27th-psalm/)
- [one thing I ask](https://americanmussar.com/tag/one-thing-i-ask/)
- [mussar teshuva](https://americanmussar.com/tag/mussar-teshuva/)
- [Yom Kippur Mussar](https://americanmussar.com/tag/yom-kippur-mussar/)
- [patience](https://americanmussar.com/tag/patience/)
- [Disagree About Abortion Like a Mensch](https://americanmussar.com/tag/disagree-about-abortion-like-a-mensch/)
- [enthusiasm mussar practice](https://americanmussar.com/tag/enthusiasm-mussar-practice/)
- [animal house mussar](https://americanmussar.com/tag/animal-house-mussar/)
- [worry mussar](https://americanmussar.com/tag/worry-mussar/)
- [worry about politics](https://americanmussar.com/tag/worry-about-politics/)
- [mussar trust practice](https://americanmussar.com/tag/mussar-trust-practice/)
- [trust political process](https://americanmussar.com/tag/trust-political-process/)
- [Rabbi Rachel Adler](https://americanmussar.com/tag/rabbi-rachel-adler/)
- [make halloween jewish](https://americanmussar.com/tag/make-halloween-jewish/)
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- [Tree of Life*Or L'Simcha](https://americanmussar.com/tag/tree-of-lifeor-lsimcha/)
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- [gratitude tree of life](https://americanmussar.com/tag/gratitude-tree-of-life/)
- [grateful to police](https://americanmussar.com/tag/grateful-to-police/)
- [mussar practice gratitude](https://americanmussar.com/tag/mussar-practice-gratitude/)
- [jewish voting](https://americanmussar.com/tag/jewish-voting/)
- [maimonides ladder of charity](https://americanmussar.com/tag/maimonides-ladder-of-charity/)
- [mussar election](https://americanmussar.com/tag/mussar-election/)
- [elder care](https://americanmussar.com/tag/elder-care/)
- [sandwich generation](https://americanmussar.com/tag/sandwich-generation/)
- [mussar strength](https://americanmussar.com/tag/mussar-strength/)
- [jewish thanksgiving](https://americanmussar.com/tag/jewish-thanksgiving/)
- [thanksgiving like a mensch](https://americanmussar.com/tag/thanksgiving-like-a-mensch/)
- [mussar thanksgiving](https://americanmussar.com/tag/mussar-thanksgiving/)
- [Hanukkah Miracle](https://americanmussar.com/tag/hanukkah-miracle/)
- [american mussar practice](https://americanmussar.com/tag/american-mussar-practice/)
- [mussar relationships](https://americanmussar.com/tag/mussar-relationships/)
- [listening](https://americanmussar.com/tag/listening/)
- [humility relationships. mussar parenting](https://americanmussar.com/tag/humility-relationships-mussar-parenting/)
- [family fights over holidays](https://americanmussar.com/tag/family-fights-over-holidays/)
- [mussar holiday practice](https://americanmussar.com/tag/mussar-holiday-practice/)
- [mussar practice patience](https://americanmussar.com/tag/mussar-practice-patience/)
- [find the good](https://americanmussar.com/tag/find-the-good/)
- [honor your parents](https://americanmussar.com/tag/honor-your-parents/)
- [finding your meaning and purpose](https://americanmussar.com/tag/finding-your-meaning-and-purpose/)
- [The sabbath heschel](https://americanmussar.com/tag/the-sabbath-heschel/)
- [Green book](https://americanmussar.com/tag/green-book/)
- [Don Shirley Jewish](https://americanmussar.com/tag/don-shirley-jewish/)
- [#shareherstory](https://americanmussar.com/tag/shareherstory/)
- [jewish woman of color](https://americanmussar.com/tag/jewish-woman-of-color/)
- [Esther jewish woman of color](https://americanmussar.com/tag/esther-jewish-woman-of-color/)
- [mussar practice purim](https://americanmussar.com/tag/mussar-practice-purim/)
- [notre dame fire](https://americanmussar.com/tag/notre-dame-fire/)
- [love the stranger](https://americanmussar.com/tag/love-the-stranger/)
- [remember invisible people](https://americanmussar.com/tag/remember-invisible-people/)
- [generosity](https://americanmussar.com/tag/generosity/)
- [nedivut mussar](https://americanmussar.com/tag/nedivut-mussar/)
- [generosity mussar practice](https://americanmussar.com/tag/generosity-mussar-practice/)
- [computer donation](https://americanmussar.com/tag/computer-donation/)
- [mussar political divide](https://americanmussar.com/tag/mussar-political-divide/)
- [elul mussar](https://americanmussar.com/tag/elul-mussar/)
- [mussar hanukkah](https://americanmussar.com/tag/mussar-hanukkah/)
- [Hakaret Ha'tov](https://americanmussar.com/tag/hakaret-hatov/)
- [ask method](https://americanmussar.com/tag/ask-method/)
- [judaism unbound](https://americanmussar.com/tag/judaism-unbound/)
- [bearing the burden of the other](https://americanmussar.com/tag/bearing-the-burden-of-the-other/)
- [mussar pandemic](https://americanmussar.com/tag/mussar-pandemic/)
- [dealing with fear](https://americanmussar.com/tag/dealing-with-fear/)
- [mussar white supremacy](https://americanmussar.com/tag/mussar-white-supremacy/)
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- [mussar honor](https://americanmussar.com/tag/mussar-honor/)
- [rabbi ira stone](https://americanmussar.com/tag/rabbi-ira-stone/)
- [overwhelm](https://americanmussar.com/tag/overwhelm/)
- [emet](https://americanmussar.com/tag/emet/)
- [flattery](https://americanmussar.com/tag/flattery/)
- [personal growth](https://americanmussar.com/tag/personal-growth/)
- [High Holidays](https://americanmussar.com/tag/high-holidays/)
- [war in israel](https://americanmussar.com/tag/war-in-israel/)
- [tel aviv](https://americanmussar.com/tag/tel-aviv/)
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- [values](https://americanmussar.com/tag/values/)
- [mussar chesed](https://americanmussar.com/tag/mussar-chesed/)
- [kindness](https://americanmussar.com/tag/kindness/)
- [hesed](https://americanmussar.com/tag/hesed/)
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- [bitachon](https://americanmussar.com/tag/bitachon/)
- [Spiritual Growth](https://americanmussar.com/tag/spiritual-growth/)
- [Life Transitions](https://americanmussar.com/tag/life-transitions/)
- [Soul Traits](https://americanmussar.com/tag/soul-traits/)
- [Trust](https://americanmussar.com/tag/trust/)
- [Alacrity](https://americanmussar.com/tag/alacrity/)
- [Personal Reflection](https://americanmussar.com/tag/personal-reflection/)
- [Getting Unstuck](https://americanmussar.com/tag/getting-unstuck/)
- [Moving](https://americanmussar.com/tag/moving/)
- [Change](https://americanmussar.com/tag/change/)
- [Denver Rabbi](https://americanmussar.com/tag/denver-rabbi/)
- [Emotional Resilience](https://americanmussar.com/tag/emotional-resilience/)
- [Curiosity](https://americanmussar.com/tag/curiosity/)
- [Torah Portion](https://americanmussar.com/tag/torah-portion/)
- [Stress and Spirituality](https://americanmussar.com/tag/stress-and-spirituality/)
- [Jewish reflection](https://americanmussar.com/tag/jewish-reflection/)
- [life and death](https://americanmussar.com/tag/life-and-death/)
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- [Anavah](https://americanmussar.com/tag/anavah/)
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- [Jewish Community](https://americanmussar.com/tag/jewish-community/)
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- [Self-Reflection](https://americanmussar.com/tag/self-reflection/)
- [Rabbi Reflections](https://americanmussar.com/tag/rabbi-reflections/)
- [Pirkei Avot](https://americanmussar.com/tag/pirkei-avot/)
- [character development](https://americanmussar.com/tag/character-development/)
- [Jewish ethics](https://americanmussar.com/tag/jewish-ethics/)
- [Superman](https://americanmussar.com/tag/superman/)

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