Maalot Educational Network | Evaluated Learning Experience
Studies in Mussar (REL285)
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to analyze, compare and contrast the ethical, moral and theological teachings of the greatest founders and proponents of the Mussar movement from the earliest exegetes to the most recent leaders; read, translate and compare original texts of foundational concepts in Mussar; and apply the school of thought of the Mussar movement to current ethical dilemmas.
Major topics include: free will: the raison d'être for man’s creation, the point of free will, the idolatry of our time, Zechut avot, the point of mitzvot is gratitude, root of ingratitude, why growth can usually only be achieved in tiny increments, G-d’s prayers, tolerance and intolerance, self-confidence, low self-esteem, and humility, all is from G-d, relationship of bitachon and Emunah, honoring others, praising and denigrating, alacrity, Torah study, giving and taking, empathy, arrogance and humility, jealousy, kavod. Topics may vary. Methods of instruction include lecture, discussion, and textual preparation.