Everyday Holiness

Here is an accessible and inspiring introduction to the Jewish spiritual tradition known as Mussar (pronounced MOO-sir). Though little known outside Orthodox Jewish communities, Mussar is an illuminating, accessible and highly practical set of teachings for cultivating personal growth and spiritual realization in the midst of day-to-day life. The ultimate goal of Mussar is to become a deeply good person, a mensch, or what one Mussar master called an 'extraordinary ordinary person'. The core teaching of Mussar is that our deepest essence is inherently pure and holy, but over the course of our lives it becomes obscured by extremes of emotion, desire, and bad habits. Our work in life is to liberate the radiant light of the soul.The Mussar masters developed transformative teachings and practices - some of which are contemplative, some of which focus on how we relate to others in daily life - to help us to heal and refine ourselves. Like Kabbalah, Mussar can be practised, studied, and appreciated by people of any religious background. There is also growing interest in Mussar among Jews - including secular Jews - who are interested in reinvigorating their religious lives, exploring contemplative spirituality, and bringing spirituality into everyday life.