Start your Mussar Journey with CCM
CCM renews spiritual practice and Jewish text to transform relationships, awakening each person to their profound responsibility for the other. We offer introductory and continuing classes that focus on Mussar texts, theology, and practice. Students commit for a semester at a time; a complete curriculum is offered over four years. We also offer specialty classes open to new students each semester focused on different themes.
Check out the list of available classes below!
Available classes
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Mindfullness | Middot | Mussar
At Congregation Agudas Achim
Sunday, Aug. 16 | 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. CT
Learn. Discuss. Meditate. Write. Connect with others striving to become their best selves. Spend part or all of your day learning powerful ways to infuse new meaning to the forthcoming High Holy Days with mindfulness and Mussar practice.
*Open to anyone local to Austin, TX
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The Courage to Return: A Mussar Journey for Elul
Offered nationally, via Zoom
7-8:30 p.m. | Aug. 26 & Sept. 2
As we prepare for Elul—a season of reflection, renewal, and return—many of us are carrying the emotional weight of a world that often feels fractured and uncertain. The constant stream of conflict, suffering, and difficult choices can leave us feeling discouraged, exhausted, or disconnected from our deepest values. How do we stay compassionate without becoming spiritually overwhelmed?
*Open to all
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Foundations / Kibbush 2
Offered nationally, via Zoom
5-6:30 p.m. PT | Tuesdays
Sept. 22 - Jan. 26
In the foundational classes of Kibbush I – III we will study middot (character traits) such as seder/order and savlanut/patience, as a way to understand and recognize when our energy is in a state of Ra, or self-absorption.
*Open to students with Foundations 1 experience or similar
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Seeds of Mussar
Offered nationally, via Zoom
5-6 p.m. MT | Mondays
Sept. 28 - Nov. 2
This class will introduce a method that focuses on refining our attributes so that they enable us to serve others with greater and greater joy. We work on our character attributes, not simply to take care of ourselves and enjoy more fulfilling lives, but to practice bearing responsibility for others.
*Intended for new students
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Foundations / Kibbush 1
Offered nationally, via Zoom
4-5:45 p.m. PT | Tuesdays
Oct. 6 - Dec. 15
In these foundational classes of Kibbush I – III we will study middot (character traits) such as seder/order and savlanut/patience, as a way to understand and recognize when our energy is in a state of Ra, or self-absorption.
*Open to new & experienced students
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Weekly Mussar Meditations
10-10:30 a.m. ET | Wednesdays
THIS CLASS IS ON SUMMER BREAK
Mussar is fundamentally a mindfulness practice; that is, in order to truly practice Mussar, one needs to be ever more aware of what is actually happening – not just immediately responding to projections, fears, and entitlements. I think some sort of meditation practice is necessary as a precursor to practicing Mussar, but increasingly I feel like it’s even more than that – Mussar is what meditation looks like when one leaves the cushion and enters the realm of relationship.
*Free & open to new students!
On-going Va’ads
(not open to new students, unless noted)
In addition to the classes listed above, CCM also offers:
Madrichim Training Course — available to those who have completed the 3-year CCM curriculum and who are accepted into the teacher training program.
Clergy Cohort — a year-long course offered to clergy members with Mussar experience who are looking for deeper training and community.
Local Mussar classes — our madrichim are spread out throughout the United States and Canada, and many teach Mussar classes at their local synagogues.