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ByJeff Agron In last month’s Yashar, The Mussar Institute’s Co-President Modya Silver spoke of the inevitable slowing down during the summer months (in the Northern Hemisphere) and protecting against slothfulness. As the summertime winds down, I find myself in a place between wanting to stay in a slowed-down mode and wanting to put into action all that I have learned and planned this summer. As the month of Elul approaches, I feel the inevitable draw towards a renewed energy and promise of new beginnings. Will the pull of Elul be stronger than the pull of complacency and slothfulness? That is up to me. Will I do the inner work necessary to move in the right direction? Will I surround myself with those who will be able to support me in my work? There certainly is much to be done. For The Mussar Institute, the latest work began in Seattle at the beginning of the summer when our board met and developed a new Vision Statement, with the assistance of Rabbi David Lapin. Then, in mid-July, a group, consisting of Nina Yarus, Robert Mass, Jeff Agron, Alan Morinis, Modya Silver, Gary Shaffer and Estee Solomon Gray met at the Jewish Community Center in Manhattan to begin discussing and drafting a new Strategic Plan for TMI. I am extremely grateful that we have such a dedicated group of volunteers, willing to spend two or more days meeting at opposite ends of the country discussing and planning the future of TMI. I am also grateful for the open and honest discussion that we are able to have among a group for which ego and the need to “be right” is not an issue. This is very rewarding and refreshing. At this time, the Strategic Plan is still being finalized, so I do not want to share much of its contents. I do want to say that this is a very exciting time for TMI and that we will be moving into new territory in terms of leadership, organization, management and teaching. The new plan moves us forward into the next 3 years while remaining flexible to future adaptation. We continue to develop, grow and adjust to the needs of our community while remaining true to the Vision developed in Seattle: We provide adult Jewish spiritual seekers with tools derived from and As we move into the last few weeks of summer, I look forward to new beginnings and changes. I eagerly anticipate the days of awe. I also hope that you are able to join us in Phoenix in October for the Mussar Kallah. Please visit the website to register while there are still open spaces.
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