Introduction to Mussar

The purpose of these articles are to enable us to get familiar with the Mussar movement and to enable us to strive closer to G-d, both in the personal and communal sense.

The Mussar Movement as we know it was founded by Rabbi Yisrael Salanter as a response to the Haskalah / Enlightenment movement, which drew many Jews away from Authentic Orthodox Judaism. This came after Anti-Semitism grew more vicious, and the segregations and pogroms lured many to integrate and assimilate with the Nations of the World.

Mussar comes in many different styles and about many different subjects, including Torah Study, service of G-d, treatment of fellow humans, relationship between the Jewish people and G-d, and Teshuva, repentance.

We will look at the different styles and different messages of many classic and contemporary authors such as:

• Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzato (Ramchal)
• Rambam
• Rav Kook
• Chafetz Chaim
• Rabbeinu Yona
• Many more

As is stated in the introduction to the Mesilat Yesharim by the Ramchal, the sefer is designed not to teach us new and novel ideas, but rather to remind us about the areas in which we have neglected and need to perfect ourselves in.

Therefore Mussar is not to tell us off and feel depressed and in low spirits;  on the contrary! Mussar is to enable us to be happier, and live a more meaningful life -for our own good.