Everyday Holiness: The Jewish Spiritual Path of Mussar

by Alan Morinis

Here is an accessible and inspiring introduction to the Jewish spiritual tradition known as Mussar. Well known in the Orthodox Jewish world, Mussar is an illuminating, approachable, and highly practical set of teachings for cultivating personal growth and spiritual realization in the midst of day-to-day life. The ultimate goal of Mussar is to become a more whole and holy person. The path is learn to be a mensch, a deeply good and decent human being, or what has been called an "extraordinary ordinary person."

The core teaching of Mussar is that our deepest essence is inherently pure and holy, but this inner radiance is obscured by extremes of emotion, desire, and bad habits. Our work in life is to uncover the brilliant light of the soul. The Mussar masters developed transformative teachings and practices—some of which are contemplative, some of which focus on how we relate to others in daily life—to help us to heal and refine ourselves. 

Alan Morinis, founder of the Mussar Institute, presents these teachings in terms that anyone can understand and put to use. Everyday Holiness  features short chapters on eighteen key character traits that the Mussar masters emphasize, including humility, generosity, gratitude, trust, patience, and enthusiasm. Morinis also explains how to make Mussar practice part of our daily lives. Here is a welcome resource for all those who are interested in reinvigorating their religious lives, exploring contemplative spirituality, and making spirituality part of everyday life.

For more information on Mussar and the author, Alan Morinis, visit .

Genres: Judaism, Jewish, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Religion, Self Help, Philosophy

320 pages, Hardcover

First published May 8, 2007

Reviews

[Alexis · Rating 4 out of 5]

At a Buddhist retreat last summer, one of the teachers said in passing that another way to think about meditation in action is in terms of choosing, when we have a choice, to be a mensch. Through one thing and another that comment brought me to this book, which I found quite lovely. A lot of it isn't something I can take up, as a non-Jew and non-theist - but a surprising amount of it was quite helpful and lovely. I especially like the ways Morinis explains the results of transforming our activity on a non-conceptual level that can result in opening more capacity for response rather than reactivity. I'll be warmly recommending this to others who are interested in a daily practice of being basically good.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I’ve ever read to date regarding Judaism. Highly recommended.

[Ari · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an extremely useful book for those beginning mussar work. I read the book through first and then began a year of working with a partner in weekly mussar study, using this book and several others as guidance and stepping off points. At first read, the book seemed a bit daunting: How could I possibly address all these things honestly in this short amount of time?! At second read, however, the book seemed overly simplistic. Thus, I know that the work was happening, and that I was ready to move on. Mussar has something to offer everyone, and has the potential to be an amazing connection point between religious and non-observant folks. This book is a great way to get started on the journey.

[Jim George · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't want to sound to simplistic while reviewing this author's book, he has written a pretty profound text here. His style is easy to read, his messages concise, and he if fairly intellectual without getting to far "out there." The book is about Mussar, the Jewish spiritual path towards enlightenment. Mussar grew out of ancient Chassidic and Kabbalist movements within Judaism. Their approach is a bit mystical but still rooted in their Bible and within their faith. Mussar is about using a "way" to transform your life, more specifically it is about transforming everyday characteristics of your mind/life that puts you in touch with a way to transcending your soul life. A soul that has always been there but maybe not heard? The subconscious/pleasure center/Id, or whatever you choose to call it, wants us to have fun and do it our way with no consequences, while the soul wants us to do it this other way. Like the concept where we see the good angel on one shoulder and the bad devil on the other - in Judaism that bad voice is called the Yetzer Hara. The path to be chosen and followed here is intended to help you become more holy, how to live an extraordinary ordinary life. Through a process of living through the "practices." You work out a roadmap of life, so to speak. You identify your strengths and weaknesses out of a list of 18 (Humility, Patience, Gratitude, Compassion, Order, Equanimity, Honor, Simplicity, Enthusiasm, Silence, Generosity, Truth, Moderation, Loving Kindness, Responsibility, Trust, Faith, and Yirah) and than you choose 13 positive aspects of your life to go to work on, one week at a time, 4 times per year. After reading this book you will come away with almost to many golden tidbits of information to help you on your spiritual journey. This is definitely one of the good books on the path. Ps. It does play out a bit towards the end, the finish could have been stronger.

[Ed Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Casper ter Kuile refers to this one in his Power of Ritual, so I thought it would be worth checking out. Sure was. It's more than I need right now as far as adopting new spiritual practices, but it was certainly worthwhile for picking up some smaller forms of the practices here and there. Memorable concepts worth further study include the Yezi hirah (sp?), the "inclination of evil," the inner battle line, Behira (sp?) points, and the eighteen Musar soul traits. Good poem excerpt in there that I want to check out as well. A poem written from God's perspective (!), it includes the following: "If sorrow is a fire, I am the ocean. / If fear is a rock, I am a hammer." Good stuff.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life-Altering Book! A must read. Practical application and guidance. Starting over on page 1, right now.

[Denton Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been a long time since I felt comfortable with any prospect of being “spiritual,” and I’ve long poo-poo’d self-help books. This one, I feel for me, is different. Morinis takes the reader through an introduction to Mussar and through a close examination of several key soul traits, concluding with practical advice about how to use the knowledge we have gained. This book is wholly Jewish, and leaves room for people like myself who are somewhat wishy-washy about theism and don’t consider theism to be a central catalyst for personal growth and change. I personally enjoyed it, I hope others do too.

[crwx · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you're familiar with Stoicism, you'll notice that there is a lot of commonality between Mussar traditions and the practice of Stoicism. The biggest problem for me with this book is that compared to the practicality of Stoicism, the practice of Mussar "soul-traits" (cultivating them) come short and where I was expecting more inspiration from the Torah--I also felt that this came short. There were many references to other Mussar masters and their teachings, but this doesn't really help make a case for this book.
A lot of the time while I was reading this book, I felt like I craved the "straight-to-the-point" and concise style of Stoicism, but also how these traits would connect back to the Torah and HaShem's character/expectations of us.

Some examples:
Amor Fati vs. "Whatever the All-Merciful does is for the good"
Temperance vs. Simplicity
Apatheia vs. Equanamity

Nevertheless it's hard to deny that there are some good teachings in this book to take away.

[Verner Hultman · Rating 1 out of 5]

After reading most of the book -- much of it twice -- and attending classes that go with the book and is sanctioned by Alan Morinis with his Mussar Institute; I have found much of the material lacking in substance. I thought Mussar was a GREAT idea and was happy that someone decided to update it and make it relevant for the 21st century. I strongly believe and feel that Alan Morinis has failed at the task he claims he set out to do.

He first starts with a couple of questionable and I think faulty premises. In my class I was not alone with that view. The Chants (in Class) was possibly useful, but the guided meditations (in class) were the worst I have ever experienced. In the sections on humility and patients the writing was nice, but rudimentary. He does quote texts, name drops, and tells simple and short stories, but he does not get into any meaning discussion or description of the character traits we are suppose to be studying and meditating on. His mini-chapters on the character traits are vague, and general to the point of meaninglessness. This book appears to be written for rich white people who have never been in the military, and rarely worked at menial jobs for any length of time.
There is very little in this book that one could not get somewhere else.
The meditations are nice and possibly useful, but they are simple and self-evident. I had been doing many similar things for years.
This book is a well written exercise in meaninglessness.

[Kisha Gallagher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one is a life changer! Actually, practicing mussar is the life changer, but Mr. Morinis deserves five stars as well. His writing style and explanations makes mussar accessible to us all. We all have room for improvement. The problem is that we usually cannot "see" where it is that we lack. The middot (character traits), when studied, will reveal where you are out of balance. In a nutshell, mussar brings spiritual maturity and a real love for Hashem and your neighbor. Need to rein in that lower nature? Practice mussar.

If I could recommend one book and one activity that will not only make you a better person, but the world a better place to live in, it would be this one! Action. Do something. Think differently. See another way, a better way. Practice mussar.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading (and in measure re-reading) in preparation for a CCAR-URJ sponsored Mussar workshop in which I will be participating in October

This book resonated quite powerful with me, both from the point of the Mussar learning I have already done, and the season of holy days from which we have just emerged.

This is a great book and I hope more people will read it. I'm certainly going to use it to introduce its message and themes to my community.

Looking forward to reading Alan's newest book, With Heart in Mind

[Alyssa Petersel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book with a book club which instantly created a sense of growth and community. I would highly recommend it to a book club with a similar style - ours was for young Jewish emerging adults. With the book club, we were able to focus on one value every week and discuss challenges and benefits of integrating that value into our lifestyles. Without the book club, I am not sure I would have as deeply absorbed what the book was aiming to achieve.

[Sean Sevitt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Everyday holiness shows you a version of Jewish mussar work that anyone can do. It seems to me that this takes full affect when you decide to start the practice of mussar with the books guidance on a daily basis.

[Shelley Diemart · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice introduction to Mussar training, but it is certainly not where one should stop. There are so many additional texts to read, so it's important to follow the principles outlined here and develop a set of guidelines and a few choice texts to reflect on for the entire year.

[Dara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book- really easy to understand mussar (jewish meditation) explanation.

[Shoshana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really helpful experience for those wishing to change their soul traits and become more spiritual and more in tune with Gods will.

[Estee · Rating 4 out of 5]

like an old friend now - a reliable entree to the world of Mussar practice and a core set of "middot" (measures or attributes) on which to focus .. which there was a second book with more..

[Cindy Loescher]

Awesome - highly recommended. New perspective and efficacious.

[Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Until the 19th Century Musar was an individual practice, but it came to be seen as a possible method of reconciling within Judaism the many historical events that were tearing it apart: pogroms, communism, the Enlightenment and Reform Judaism, assimilation, immigration. Musar recognizes that each person has a different set of moral concerns and each person clings to a different set transgressions. But each person’s mission in this life is to purify and complete one’s soul, and Musar should help guide us on this journey. We are created incomplete, and we must complete ourselves (and I believe we are encouraged to employ our creativity in addition to mindfulness, work and occasional grit) as our lives’ work. This is accepting that even if God were perfect, and we are supposed to be created in their image, we must do the work and redeem ourselves. The author writes this is “a spiritual path of self-development. It means working on yourself, but not for the sake of yourself. By refining and elevating your inner life, and nourishing the soul, you clarify your inner light and thus become a lamp shedding light into the world.”

Unfortunately, our best thoughts often struggle to become internalized so that they can take root in action. Something beyond intelligence is required for our best thoughts to be woven into our hearts. Musar involves techniques that attempt to shine light on the darkness in our hearts and minds, while also sending positive and reassuring messages deep within our souls. This includes the ability to stay present so that we can take on situations without taking on negative emotion, and henceforth be able to choose the right course. This strengthens our ability to exercise free will, which in Jewish tradition is a hallmark of being human.

If God is forgiving, we too should be forgiving and emulate mercy and righteousness. If we want the world to be a vessel for goodness, it is our responsibility to infuse it with that goodness through action (bringing our inner qualities out into the world to reach a state of shelemut, wholeness). This is also the act of breaking out of the fortress of the self and connecting our spirit to others. But our spiritual life requires the same kind of order that our material life does. If we are to practice always stepping away from the darkness and move toward the light, it means that the light must always be there, no matter how murky it appears to us. Mindfulness helps us remain aware of our thoughts and feelings and tend to the light within us. It may be easier to tend to this light by living simply and being content with what you have, and also guarding against technology raising expectations rather than saving us from labor. We need to not focus on the goal or the next step if it prevents us from experiencing good in a present situation. We may then also feel our higher power within us as well.

Pushing ourselves to be generous, not just when inspired, awakens our love. Our hearts follow our deeds and allow us to achieve the state of grace and compassion called chesed. This is being careful with one’s and others’ dignity, utilizing every opportunity to help others, and letting one’s heart overflow with kindness. The author warns against enacting chesed merely by being ‘nice’. This is something I have spoken about in my psychotherapy practice, the difference between being nice and being kind. I feel that nice is an impression we try to make, and can be superficial and motivated by narcissism. Kindness, however, is the loving way that we perceive others. I have known many people who are incredibly kind but for whom ‘nice’ is not an apt descriptor. And I know people who act very nice but if you listen to what they actually say, kindness is not there. Chesed involves acts that sustain another person, however, not just viewing people kindly but doing nothing.

Only by facing our inner fears, making ourselves uncomfortable and working through our barriers will we be able to achieve something close to holy. And this is a constant practice, not something that happens in theory. We will leave no time for this when we overcommit our time; we’ll have no space for awe or simply being. Time should be a fertile ground and not an enemy. Again, this goes back to living more simply to gain more happiness. Making room for the search for faith rather than treating faith as something we possess or not.

[Jean Graham]

As a Christian trying my best every day to better myself physically, intellectually and spiritually (a lifelong struggle, often with less progress than I’d like, but I keep trying!) I have seen many books on the subject of self-improvement. Two of the best that come to mind are “The Pursuit of Holiness” and “The Practice of Godliness” by Jerry Bridges. However, it was not until the book which is the subject of this review was assigned for a class did I discover that Jewish teachers have been instructing their students in how to pursue these same goals for centuries, producing a corpus of literature dating back almost 2000 years, to the time of the Talmud and perhaps even earlier. The study of these works is part of the spiritual discipline of Mussar (the word appears in Job 36:10 where it is translated as “discipline”, as well as in Proverbs 1:2 where the meaning is “instruction”). Much of this teaching over the last several hundred years originated in the Baltic states, particularly Lithuania, where Mussar yeshivas, or schools, were active for over 500 years, some until the time of the Holocaust.

Alan Morinis presents a comprehensive program by which one may identify “soul-traits” which are characteristic of one’s personality, or which may be lacking to some degree (such as humility, equanimity, honor, simplicity, loving-kindness, generosity, moderation, and many more) and also recommends numerous methods by which one might exhibit to a greater degree any which are perceived as deficient or lacking, and need work. These include disciplined prayer, periods of meditation and silence, keeping a journal, and constant review and evaluation of progress made over an extended period of time (at least a year!).

It is not an easy program to follow, and every student of Mussar will need to decide exactly how to implement it in his or her life, according to individual circumstance. But the ultimate goal is to produce a greater degree of “holiness” in one’s life, defined as following the principles of living outlined in the Torah (Exodus 20 and elsewhere) or, from a New Testament standpoint, better exhibiting the Fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5). The two definitions have much in common, and the beauty of Mussar is that it can be practiced equally well by Christians or Jews, working toward a common goal. Indeed, those of other faiths would benefit as well because the “soul-traits” outlined in Mussar are well-nigh universal.

*** review by Chuck Graham ****

[James Kittredge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been the single most personally meaningful book I've read in years. The thoughtful, practical, sensible advice contained in it are designed to engender mindfulness, introspection, and (above all) agency. Mussar practice develops an individual's ability to reflect on their behavior, analyze the underlying motivations behind maladaptive impulses, create targeted goals for self-improvement, and develop habitual behaviors in the hopes of using deeds to transform the spirit.

While Mussar is rooted in Jewish spiritual practice, and while Hebrew words, as well as quotes from rabbinical literature are peppered throughout the book, you do not have to be Jewish to follow its method (but it may make the book's contents more personally resonant and potentially less alien - especially some of the vocabulary). Faith is not required. Prayer or ritual observance does not have to play a part (unless you want it to). Most people will probably see that the method contains a ton of overlap with other spiritual and secular traditions, including Buddhism, Behavioral Economics, Psychology, and 12-Step programs.

The author doesn't promise riches, immortality, or even happiness, but he does say that every person has the power to take an accounting of their spirit and become a better version of themselves. He also recognizes that no two people will follow the same path, which is why he emphasizes that every student must develop his own "spiritual curriculum," or set of personality traits to develop.

I love this book, if only because it reminds me of an amazing George Eliot quote: "It is never too late to be what you might have been." Without getting too touchy feely or giving TMI, let me just say how much I recommend this book. If you want to be what you might have been, and if you have an interest in leaving your relationships, your community, and your world at least a little better off than they were when you found them, have a read.

[Gwen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an excellent book to read with a study partner. Unknowingly (because the "How to use and read this book" is the final section, not the first or second, where it would be far more useful), we did the "right" thing: we read a chapter a week, worked on a trait, and then talked about it, before heading to the next chapter and the next trait. I am appreciative of my study (and walking) partner: this book required honesty and some soul-baring as we talked, debated, and generally hashed things out.
I am confused about the very long list (in the appendix) of soul-traits, versus the "map" (or list of 22 traits) earlier in the book. On the plus side, it was gratifying to have to work a little less hard some weeks, and more hard others, versus every week as a heavy lift. (And "less hard" doesn't mean no work, it meant reflecting more on automatic things.) I also found some of the examples (in almost every chapter of part two) odd, and/or distracting from the trait to be worked on for the week. Midway through the book, I was ready to re-read it again and again, working on a trait a week. Now, feeling somewhat impatient with some of these examples and anticipating/reading having to re-read them, I'm wondering about picking my top 13 traits to work on, and how/if that will work. Stay tuned!

[Cindy Costanza · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whether you are Jewish or not, this is a good book that lays out traits that all of us could improve upon. I didn't always agree with the approach that Morinis took on certain traits. He seemed to be "shaming" people which completely turns me off, but more of his writing was much less shaming and more enlightening and understanding of the human condition. That made some of the traits more realistic to work on in everyday lives. Whether you will be more "holy" or not after having read this book is questionable to me, but his intent to have us delve into each of these traits that are necessary for successful relationships in families and in society can make us better people. It is definitely biblically based with a strength of Jewish tradition behind everything he writes. Documentation is excellent. I only gave it 3 stars because other books actually helped me get through some of the "shaming" wording to which I am highly sensitive and internalize way too easily. But, just thinking about these traits and improving them in ourselves could benefit anyone who wishes to be more in tune with themselves and with others.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spirituality and Self

Though the book makes the distinction as describing itself NOT as a "self help text", there are aspects of the text that remind me very much of self improvement books. However, I would agree that the essence of the book is more about spirituality than psychology. As a reader coming from the Christian tradition, I see many parallels with the writings of people like Father Richard Rohr. Father Rohr's consideration of spirituality as it relates to the 12 step program is similar, I think, to what Alan Morinis is doing in Everyday Holiness.

This is no way denies the depth or intensity of the work that Morinis and Mussar is about. The 12 step program is replete with it's commentary, personal witness, slogans and steps. As with Mussar, this is not a "one and done" program. Our addiction to our own ego and the work required to overcome that addiction is a life long process. It is soul work. If you are looking to do that kind of work then Everyday Holiness will be of great benefit.

[Larkin Tackett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mussar is a Jewish spiritual perspective that has been described as "a way of life." I've been looking for a resource or approach to apply Judaism to help me be a better person, to take the Torah's 613 mitzvot (commandments) into practical, actionable practice. This book and the spiritual curriculum I'm developing based on the guidance, is moving me in the direction. There is clear guidance and direction based in Jewish teaching and reflections about how to be more patient, gracious, trusting, and other "soul traits," much of which I've highlighted. One of the author's Mussar teachers writes, "the point is to read the book, not to finish it's to be on the journey, not to reach the end of the journey." I feel I'm just starting.

[N.E. Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The short explanation of mussar is that one can become more virtuous by meditating on the meaning of virtuos and how the come up in our daily lives.

Several of the concepts introduced in the beginning of the book I found immensly useful for understanding myself and how I can be better person. The actual practises at the end of the book seem interesting and useful and I will be trying them out. The middle of the book however, the section describing several example virtues left me rather cold, none of them really clicked as describing how my mind works or how I see the world. Would definitely recomend the beginning and ends, but skim the middle to see if anything calls to you.

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a handbook on the practice of Mussar, a Jewish ethics framework. I’ve read two chapters per month for the last year with my Mussar circle (about 6-8 people) and we met monthly to discuss the book and our daily Mussar learning. I have followed the American way of Mussar through Morinis - becoming a version of me that I’m proud of and seeking the holy in everyday experiences. I learned a lot about my capacity through this practice - for patience, responsibility, and trust - as well as my personal limitations, including enthusiasm and humility. I hope to carry this practice forward throughout my life and will return to this handbook again and again for guidance.

[Santiago Gonzales · Rating 4 out of 5]

A guide to exploring 18 of the "Soul traits" we experience as human. The guide is for those who want to improve their interaction with others and God. Most of the book goes over in detail each of the soul traits. This can be difficult to work through as the action suggestions only come at the end.

The old Jewish practice of Mussar is often taken on in a community/yeshiva setting guided by masters. So this might be a bit intense to take on by yourself, although the book is geared that way. Sometimes I thought the book could be written in a less prosaic way. But I appreciate the author's introduction to Mussar to the wider world.

[J.T.K. Gibbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is NOT a one-read book. It cannot be. It is at once a learning book, and self-examining book and a take-action book that must be read and reread and digested, and, above all, implemented in the spiritual life of anyone who values a spiritual life. Morinis explains Mussar, its practices and how to implement a more spiritual approach to daily living in terms so plain that the reader with any spiritual sense of any kind cannot feel moved and compelled to do the work prescribed in this book.
I will reread and reread and start my soul work.

[Brad Dell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so grateful that Morinis wrote this accessible, wise, humble book. The 18 sections on various soul-traits began to feel cumbersome, but the various dimensions to each deserved attention to really hammer in the point that, yes, we have so much more control over our evil inclination than we think. I loved the sources he pulled together for this work, and the charming stories he shared. Even more, I love the grace and practicality. I’m so excited to start my Mussar journey with an attitude free of discouraging self-judgment.