Everyday Holiness: The Jewish Spiritual Path of Mussar

Description

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.

Alan Morinis completed his doctorate at Oxford University, which he attended on a Rhodes Scholarship. A producer of award-winning television and film, he has been a student of the Mussar tradition since 1997, studying under Rabbi Yechiel Yitzchok Perr. Alan is the founder and director of the Mussar Institute, an organization that promotes the study of Mussar through study groups, courses, and public talks. He lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, with his wife and two daughters.

"You don't have to be Jewish to appreciate this way of refining and elevating your inner life and outward actions. Everyday Holiness is an exceptional resource, illuminating how true spiritual transformation can take place in our lives one day at a time."-Spirituality and Health "Clear and delightfully illustrated. Readers of any religion should take their time with this engaging tome of wisdom, lore, and suggested practice."-Publishers Weekly "A readable, engaging, friendly book. . . . [Morinis] writes as one besotted with the Jewish path, but not so intoxicated as to forget the conventions of the secular. He's an accessible guide, and a sober one."-Jewish Daily Forward