Alan Morinis
The Mussar Institute
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Alan Morinis is an interpreter of the teachings and practices of the Mussar tradition. He earned a doctorate in anthropology at Oxford University on a Rhodes Scholarship. He has written books, produced films and taught at several universities. Although he took a deep journey into eastern thought and practice, for the past ten years the nearly-lost Jewish spiritual discipline of Mussar has been his passion, a journey recorded in the book “Climbing Jacob’s Ladder” (2002). His guide to Mussar practice, entitled “Everyday Holiness”, was published in 2007. He lives in Vancouver, BC.
The History of the Mussar Movement
Global History and Culture
The Mussar movement began in the Jewish community of Lithuania around 1850. By 1900, it had become a dominant force in Jewish life, a legacy still felt today. We will discuss the origins of the Mussar movement, including the pressures on the 19th century Jewish world that called forth this spiritual movement. We’ll then look at the three streams of Mussar that emerged in the 1890s and the personalities who innovated and propagated the movement until it was overtaken by the Holocaust. We’ll also consider what lessons the Mussar movement has to offer us today.
The Jew in the Lotus
Where We Were Then, Where We Are Today
Joy Levitt,
Alan Morinis,
Heather Altman,
Goldie Milgram
The 1990 travelogue about the Dalai Lama's request to learn the secrets of Jewish survival in exile appeared while many Jews were on alternative spiritual paths. So it came as news that the Buddhist leader wanted to learn about our people's ways. Today, Jews returning from studies in other faith traditions, as well as those recovering traditional Jewish spiritual practices, are bringing methods that restore and advance the vitality and meaning of being Jewish. Our panelists will discuss the personal and professional impact of the diverse spiritual tools they have uncovered, live, and teach.
Everyday Holiness
The Goals of Jewish Spiritual Living
Text and Thought
The Torah reveals to us the purpose for which we are alive when it says “kedoshim tihiyu”—you shall be holy. The holiness of which it speaks is not to be found only off in a mountain cave nor on a meditation cushion. Rather, it is right here, in every encounter and decision we experience in our everyday lives. In this session, we will learn how the Mussar tradition guides us to find the holy in every day, and to taste what comes into our lives when we do.
Discovering Your Spiritual Curriculum
Text and Thought
Through centuries of observation, the Mussar teachers mapped the inner life and concluded that each of us has a spiritual curriculum. Yours shows up in the tests that life sets before you. Ordinary experiences are turned into tests only when the traits of your inner life [middot] are out of balance. You are here on earth to master your spiritual curriculum. Find out how.
Limmud NY's Tu B'shvat Spectacular
New Year for the Trees
Noam Dolgin,
Avi Fox-Rosen,
Marcus J. Freed,
Ilan Glazer,
Alan Morinis,
Nigel Savage
Join the Limmud NY community as we celebrate the New Year of the Trees in a fun and creative environment. Using the Kabbalistic model of the Tu B’Shvat Seder, we will explore ideas of Creation and preservation, self and community, Godliness and cleanliness. Food, Music, Learning, Crafts, Bibliyoga and more. Facilitated by Noam Dolgin with a number of special guests.
