American Mussar

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

UMOM New Day Centers and the Soul Trait of Equanimity

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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 out, either—not becoming so frenzied that we lose all purpose, and not becoming so sedentary that we lose all action.

The UMOM New Day Centers work throughout the Phoenix, Arizona area to make sure families have the medical care, childcare, education, and job skills training they need to establish successful and loving lives. They work with some of the most vulnerable members of the community every day, and they do not become overwhelmed and quit nor do they shut their eyes to the problems so many encounter. their work is a testament to the power of proper Equanimity in action, and American Mussar is proud to present this organization with a Point of Light award.

Homelessness is a problem all too easy to turn a blind eye toward. It’s also easy to look at the staggering size of the problem—as many as 3.5 million people in the United States, nearly half of them children, will experience homelessness at some point in a given year—and to see the problem as unsolvable. UMOM does neither, taking the direct action it can to bring an end to homelessness in its own community.

True Equanimity is active, not apathetic, and UMOM New Day Centers give us an important lesson in Equanimity impact. You can join American Mussar in donating to their efforts here.

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Sojourn to the Past: The Enthusiasm Soul Trait and the Civil Rights Movement

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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 the Civil Rights Movement of our nation’s past, American Mussar is happy to recognize Sojourn to the Past with a Point of Light award.

While too much Enthusiasm can lead to rash and ineffective action, most of us tend to suffer from the opposite problem, and a lack of Enthusiasm translates to a lack of meaningful action for even our most strongly held beliefs. While we might all firmly believe that racism is wrong, how many of us are taking the direct action necessary to bring it to an end. Of those who are taking action, how many of us are doing all we can?

Sojourn to the Past takes young students, from middle school through college-age, on a tour through the American South to visit and learn about important sites in the Civil Rights Movement. Recognizing the Enthusiasm and action necessary in this movement of the past helps to inspire greater Enthusiasm today—a time when it is quite clearly needed.

Over the years Sojourn to the Past has received recognition from numerous officials and other prominent figures and organizations, and American Mussar is happy to join those who recognize this organization’s important and action-based work.

To donate to Sojourn to the Past or see how the students in your life can become involved, you can learn more here.

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The Honor Soul Trait and the Rotary Club of Great Neck, New York

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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 the Soul Trait of Honor, and we are happy to honor them with this award.

When we honor other, we recognize the Divine Spark we all share, even in our lowest moments. By providing meals to hungry Long Island families and performing other acts of charity and community-building that help to bring people dignity, security, and comfort when they are at their lowest moments, the Rotary Club of Great Neck reminds us that all humans are equally deserving of Honor, and that we must act in order to see that all are honored accordingly.

As an example of their long-running work in the Great Neck community, this past year the Rotary Club provided full Thanksgiving meals to more than 1,000 families in need—an effort supported not only by Rotary Club members but by donations from the larger community as well. American Mussar honors everyone who helped achieve this goal, and the Rotary Club for its many years of similar service and for continuing to organize action that makes us all aware of the Honor we owe each other.

To learn more about the charitable work performed by the Rotary Club of Great Neck, New York, or to volunteer or donate, please visit their site here.

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HELP International Uganda and the Soul Trait of Patience

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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 a solution, HELP International Uganda’s work provides immediate assistance and is building paths towards long-term self-sufficiency and success. The people they serve show patience through their hunger and their times of need while gaining knowledge and skills that are helping to build a true and sustainable economy in a village that was thrown together haphazardly from those fleeing the violence of regional wars.

Patience is the Soul Trait that helps us determine when to act, and when we must bear through a bad situation—and the two often occur simultaneously. Too little patience has us charging ahead in ways that can cause further harm, or failing to see the potential of today because we’re looking towards bigger rewards, achievements, or solutions beyond the horizon. Too much patience, and we would never take the steps necessary to make our world better.

HELP International Uganda works carefully to ensure that the aid it provides doesn’t ignore today’s demands, but is always looking towards a future of growth and a strengthened community, as well. This is how it shows us all the true nature of the Soul Trait of Patience, and why American Mussar is proud to donate to their efforts. If you would like to donate too, you can do so here.

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Bay Area Anti-Trafficking Coalition & The Soul Trait of Silence

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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 we cannot contribute ourselves, and making sure our voices are raised when those voices can achieve something worthwhile.

Human trafficking is one of the most evil and damaging problems the world is currently facing, and the Bay Area Anti-Trafficking Coalition is raising its voice to help raise awareness of the problem. The trafficking of human lives is only allowed to continue because too many remain silent when they hear about it; despite being widespread even here in the United States, few recognize the extent of this modern-day slave trade.

By bringing together individuals, communities, and nonprofit as well as government organizations, the Bay Area Anti-Trafficking Coalition facilitates the sharing of information and lends a stronger voice to the anti-trafficking movement. It also ensures that spaces are created where other issues can stay in Silence so the focus can remain on the pressing problem of modern human slavery.

Silence requires balance. It is important to listen, and important be heard when there are important things to say. The Bay Area Anti-Trafficking Coalition lives this balance through its actions and its voice, and we are happy to salute them and their cause with a Point of Light Award. To learn more and become involved, please visit them here.

#iAMSilence

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