Join this journey into Mussar through The Shabbat Effect, based on the teachings of Alan Morinis and co-created with Julie Dean. Through va’ad learning, text study, discussion, and practice, each session explores a specific middah and how it can be cultivated through Shabbat experience. All are welcome to this warm, supportive space for growth, connection, and meaningful change.
This first 12-week offering is Part I of a two-part course series.
Level: Beginner to Intermediate |
Recommended Experience: Open to all |
Format: Small Group | 6 Small Group Sessions and 6 Partner Sessions
Course Overview:
The Shabbat Effect va’ad-based course helps demonstrate how Shabbat practice can positively impact our personal awareness, transformation, and character. This course can add meaning, vitality, and impact to your Shabbat practice. The goal is to bring to life the lessons of The Shabbat Effect so that we are guided to implement its teachings – and reap the benefits – in our own lives. The va’ad experience in this course personalizes, deepens, internalizes and motivates our learning and practice within a warm community of fellow seekers.
Within each va’ad lesson are study materials, instruction, discussion texts, a practice assignment, and room for conversation. Each va’ad and following chevruta session focuses on a specific middah. The text-based discussion is a clarification of the middah, providing additional perspectives. The practice aspect is primarily focused on our Shabbat experience and integrating a Shabbat practice. The course asks: how can/will we cultivate this middah through a Shabbat practice? In chevruta sessions, further guidance is provided including study materials drawn from the book, The Shabbat Effect, with some supplementary materials, study questions for conversation, and practice reminders.
Topics:
Format and Delivery:
Duration: 12-weeks, online over Zoom.
6 biweekly 90-minute va’ad (small group) sessions and 6 one-hour chevruta conversations in the weeks between sessions.
Delivery: Live Web Meetings
Sessions/Facilitators:
Meet Your Facilitators here
Course Materials: All course materials will be available on the Makor learning platform one week before the course begins. Participants should also order their own copy of The Shabbat Effect by Alan Morinis (2025) available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or directly from the publisher, Bloomsbury prior to the start of the course.
Tuition (3-Tier Pricing):
Tier 1 – $330 (Supporter Rate: Covers full costs and helps others access Mussar)
Tier 2 – $282 (Sustainer Rate: Covers the full cost of your course)
Tier 3 – $198 (Accessible Rate: A reduced price for those who need it)
Chaverim members enjoy a 15% discount off of course pricing. Members, please select the Chaverim rate of your choice on your registration form, membership will be verified before your enrollment is secured for the course.
We invite everyone to become a Chaver or Chavera – Join Here.
*All course fees are 100% tax deductible.
Dr. Alan Morinis is the founder of The Mussar Institute and a leading figure in the modern revival of Mussar, a centuries-old Jewish tradition of ethical and spiritual development. Originally a filmmaker, Rhodes Scholar, and anthropologist, he turned to Mussar in 1997 after a personal turning point and studied under Rabbi Yechiel Perr. Morinis has since adapted these teachings for contemporary life through his books, including Climbing Jacob’s Ladder and Everyday Holiness, and founded The Mussar Institute in 2004 to share Mussar practices worldwide.
Julie Dean is a Mussar teacher and the founder of Living Mussar. With a background in education, facilitation, and Jewish spiritual leadership, she brings decades of experience supporting individuals and communities through meaningful learning and practice. Julie is passionate about returning the wisdom and practice of Mussar to the heart of Jewish life, helping people deepen their values, relationships, and connection to Judaism.
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