Description
Why is doing the right thing so hard even when we know what’s right? Mussar (ethics) is the Jewish wisdom tradition that teaches us how to act according to our highest values. When parents give you a hard time about cleaning your room, when you are in a highly competitive game on the sports field or when your group of friends wants to exclude someone, there are many ways to respond. Mussar teachings and practices help us make the choices most aligned with our best selves. This course opens with an introduction to Mussar history and theory and how it compares to other theories of human psychology and development. We then learn how free will and choice is a major factor in all aspects of our lives. The majority of the course explores specific character traits such as patience, trust and respect. These traits influence us and the world around us in a variety of ways, from popular culture, to politics, to sports. The course concludes with a unit that demonstrates how aligning our behaviors with core values is a way of living a holy, spiritual life. Through learning and actual practice, students will apply the teachings of this course to their lives and reflect on the practical impact of Mussar on their thinking and behavior. The course was developed by Rabbi David Jaffe. Rabbi Jaffe is the former Spiritual Advisor at Gann Academy in Waltham, MA where he created and continues to supervise an acclaimed, school-wide Mussar program. He was the lead educator and curriculum writer for the Institute for Jewish Spirituality’s Tikkun Middot Project, which brought Mussar to 28 synagogues, community centers and schools across North America. He teaches and leads retreats for rabbis with The Mussar Institute. His book, Changing the World From the Inside Out (Shambhala 2016) integrates Mussar teachings with social change activism. Please note that students are required to obtain a copy of "Everyday Holiness: The Jewish Spiritual Path of Mussar" by Alan Morinis. This course will require 5 hours of student work each week.
Prerequisites
None
Course Objectives
- Students will learn about what it means to live an ethical and meaningful life by studying and applying practical wisdom from Jewish tradition.
- Students will understand why personal growth and behavioral change can best be effectively realized through a combination of intellectual, emotional and practical exploration.
- Students will experience personal growth and behavioral change through an intellectual, emotional and practical exploration of Mussar.
- Students will understand the important role choice making plays for personal growth, defining who we are, and living a meaningful, ethical life.
Additional Requirements
None
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Details
Discipline:
Judaic Studies
Level:
High School Standard
Program:
OJSC
Grade:
8, 9, 10, 11, 12
When Offered:
Duration:
weeks
Lab Kit Purchase Required:
Yes
Accredited:
Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges
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