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Soul Construction
Self-help fads come and go but the timeless Jewish practice of mussar, a strategy for ethical and spiritual character refinement, has been helping perceptive and purposeful people live fulfilling and happy lives for generations. After years of teaching mussar classes and workshops and marveling at the dramatic changes in participants’ lives, Ruchi Koval provides a roadmap for people of all faiths, filled with clear explanations and illustrative anecdotes guiding readers through eight practical and powerful steps to a better version of themselves.
171 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 6, 2021
48 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
November 1, 2025
Alan Morinis’s book on Mussar was my second introduction to the concept of Mussar (I can’t remember my first), and it really opened my eyes to the importance of intentionally shaping one’s character. Soul Construction by Ruchi Koval builds beautifully on that same tradition.
As a follower of Jesus, I found great wisdom in this book even though it comes from a Jewish perspective. In fact, that’s one of the things I’ve come to appreciate about Jewish writings — they often focus deeply on the practical side of how to live a life that honours the Creator of the universe. This book does just that, offering thoughtful, actionable steps toward becoming a better, more balanced person.
What I especially liked is how Koval explores topics you might not immediately associate with “character development,” such as happiness, and shows how they connect to one’s inner life and growth. She writes with a great blend of humour and insight — lighthearted yet substantial. While I don’t agree with every theological point (and that’s true even with books written from within my own faith tradition), ethical lessons here are universal enough to resonate across belief systems.
You don’t need a background in Judaism to benefit from this book — the author clearly explains the Hebrew terms and concepts as they arise. Whether you’re listening to the audiobook or reading the print version, it’s accessible and engaging. Still, I’d recommend having a physical copy so you can interact with the text, reflect, and maybe even jot down personal notes as you go.
If you’re open-minded and sincerely interested in personal growth, Soul Construction offers practical wisdom that transcends religious boundaries. It’s a valuable guide for anyone who wants to work on their character, live more intentionally, and grow closer to the Divine.
As a follower of Jesus, I found great wisdom in this book even though it comes from a Jewish perspective. In fact, that’s one of the things I’ve come to appreciate about Jewish writings — they often focus deeply on the practical side of how to live a life that honours the Creator of the universe. This book does just that, offering thoughtful, actionable steps toward becoming a better, more balanced person.
What I especially liked is how Koval explores topics you might not immediately associate with “character development,” such as happiness, and shows how they connect to one’s inner life and growth. She writes with a great blend of humour and insight — lighthearted yet substantial. While I don’t agree with every theological point (and that’s true even with books written from within my own faith tradition), ethical lessons here are universal enough to resonate across belief systems.
You don’t need a background in Judaism to benefit from this book — the author clearly explains the Hebrew terms and concepts as they arise. Whether you’re listening to the audiobook or reading the print version, it’s accessible and engaging. Still, I’d recommend having a physical copy so you can interact with the text, reflect, and maybe even jot down personal notes as you go.
If you’re open-minded and sincerely interested in personal growth, Soul Construction offers practical wisdom that transcends religious boundaries. It’s a valuable guide for anyone who wants to work on their character, live more intentionally, and grow closer to the Divine.
March 24, 2022
5 stars!
Shared this wonderful treasure of a book with my 9 and 12 year olds as a family read at their request; what bigger compliment could you get than that. The book lead to many deep and rich conversations and lots of processing about struggles we’ve lived through. When the children ask, are you going to read that “good book” you know you have a valuable tool in your hands. Thank you Ruchi for helping me and my children return and grab onto some roots of Judaism that were floating around some of us; your book has been a blessing beyond measure and we hope you have a part 2!
Shared this wonderful treasure of a book with my 9 and 12 year olds as a family read at their request; what bigger compliment could you get than that. The book lead to many deep and rich conversations and lots of processing about struggles we’ve lived through. When the children ask, are you going to read that “good book” you know you have a valuable tool in your hands. Thank you Ruchi for helping me and my children return and grab onto some roots of Judaism that were floating around some of us; your book has been a blessing beyond measure and we hope you have a part 2!
April 6, 2022
You should read this book.
June 17, 2023
Great Beginner Mussar Book, Useful for Everyone.
Mussar is the Jewish approach to self discipline self refinement and is its own spiritual path. Often mussar seen as sort of harsh a, tough love approach to pushing somebody to the next level. However anyone who has read a lot of muster texts like this knows that in reality it's simply down-to-earth direct and more focused on feedback and real improvement of character traits than other spiritual approaches.
This book focuses on a handful of mussar traits but there are much more so if this wasn't enough for you then definitely explore the topic further, or even the same traits in further depth. This book is a 4.5/5 or 4.6 for me, rounded up, If only because it was almost too pleasant to read, I hope for at least a small push forward, and a bit of severity when I read a mussar text. If that's what keeps you away from this approach to self development, then this book is definitely for you. In the audiobook version, the author's narration was wonderful, kind, and helpful. If like me you're interested in more she does have a Podcast which is just as lovely as this book.
Mussar is the Jewish approach to self discipline self refinement and is its own spiritual path. Often mussar seen as sort of harsh a, tough love approach to pushing somebody to the next level. However anyone who has read a lot of muster texts like this knows that in reality it's simply down-to-earth direct and more focused on feedback and real improvement of character traits than other spiritual approaches.
This book focuses on a handful of mussar traits but there are much more so if this wasn't enough for you then definitely explore the topic further, or even the same traits in further depth. This book is a 4.5/5 or 4.6 for me, rounded up, If only because it was almost too pleasant to read, I hope for at least a small push forward, and a bit of severity when I read a mussar text. If that's what keeps you away from this approach to self development, then this book is definitely for you. In the audiobook version, the author's narration was wonderful, kind, and helpful. If like me you're interested in more she does have a Podcast which is just as lovely as this book.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews