 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
 |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
|
MUSSAR KALLAH V REPORT by Jeff Agron, Kallah Chair I am feeling so grateful for all of those who made the Mussar Kallah V in Miami Beach so successful. It was truly an inspiring weekend, with great learning and fellowship. Planning the Kallah was a tremendous learning experience for me. I now have a great appreciation for how much planning and hard work goes into bringing Mussar teachers and learners together. I was struck by the depth of teaching that I witnessed and the commitment of our teachers in traveling so far to bring the world of Mussar to our world. I am humbled by the commitment of our students who traveled from places as far away as the Netherlands. The Kallah started in inspiring fashion with a keynoted address by Rabbi Yaakov Haber on Motzi Shabbos. Rabbi Haber delivered beautifully on four lessons derived from the kabbalistic Mussar work of the 16th century, Tomer Devorah, made accessible by the sensitive and often humorous examples he brought. If you did not get to hear his talk (or even if you did), consider ordering the CD recording, as they are inspiring words of Torah to be listened to again and again. The learning continued on Sunday, May 29th with 2 tracks, one for those new to Mussar and one for those who have been involved in Mussar. Dr. Shirah Bell and Rabbi Zvi Miller led the introductory session. Rabbi Micha Berger and Rabbi Ephraim Becker led the more advanced track. Each of these teachers brought their unique perspective on leading a Mussar-filled life to their groups. After lunch, Rabbi Avraham Yachnes and Rebbetzin Tzippy Yachnes led men’s and women’s groups, respectively, on the role of Mussar in fostering Shalom Bayit, peace in the home. Afternoon breakout sessions offered something for everybody:
The day ended with a short talk from Dr. Alan Morinis, who challenged us to meet the teachers half-way. His message was that the teachers have given us the opening to bring the teachings into our lives; it is up to us to use the teachings and techniques. The teachers can only do 50%; the other 50% us up to us. Alan left us with the challenge of taking the next practical steps. I would like to express my gratitude to all of those on the Mussar Kallah Planning Committee and our wonderful volunteers: Melinda Agron, Sam Axelrad, Rabbi Micha Berger, Roger Bernstein, David Goldis, Ron Holzer, Maralee Joseph, Yvette Kassin, Rich Lenson, Tzippy Marks-Barnett, Carol Robinson, Bo Sapper, Gary Shaffer, Bev Spring, Deborah Steinberg, Suzanne Stier, Henry Wodnicki and Nina Yarus. They worked hard to make sure that everything went well behind the scene. I enjoyed working with our staff leader, Sandy Fayerman. I know that my job was easier due to her contributions and help. I also want to thank our professional conference planner, Edina Lessack, without whom I could not have done my job. She is my teacher. Those who opened their homes to our out of town guests need special mention. Nina Yarus made all of these arrangements (and did so much more), and I am particularly grateful to her. Our hosts for the weekend were: Rabbi and Mrs. Simon, Rabbi and Mrs. Packouz, the Fox Family, the Feld Family, the Spaulter Family, and Nina and Gary Yarus. They truly lived the Jewish value of hachnasat orchim, welcoming the stranger. Special thank to our teachers, who came from as close as Miami and as far away as Israel. These are the people who gave so freely of themselves: Rabbi Micha Berger, Rabbi Ephraim Becker, Dr. Shirah Bell, Rabbi Yaakov Haber, Rabbi Eytan Kobre, Rabbi Zvi Miller, Rebbetzin Esther Reisman, Rabbi Avraham Yachnes and Rebbetzin Tzippy Yachnes. I am grateful to each of our teachers. I must mention our hosts for the weekend, Touro College South and Temple Emanu-El. Thanks to Rabbi Alan Ciner, Dr. Hillel Abramson, Dr. Avidan Milevsky and Michael Levin at Touro College, and to Randa Marder, Rabbi Kliel Rose and the entire staff at Temple Emanu-el. Thank you for opening your home to us. I wish to thank my friend and teacher, Alan Morinis, who introduced me to the world of Mussar. Finally, all thanks goes to the One who made me. |
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
