PROGRAM DATES: MARCH 24-25, 2017

Alan Morinis, the founder and dean of The Mussar Institute and an active interpreter of the teachings and practices of the Mussar tradition will be Temple Emanuel’s Scholar-in-Residence in March.

Dr. Morinis’s first book, “Climbing Jacob’s Ladder: One Man’s Rediscovery of a Jewish Spiritual Tradition,” describes how after a personal crisis he felt inspired to explore his Jewish heritage. For the past 19 years, studying and teaching the nearly lost Jewish spiritual discipline of Mussar has been his passion— as he shares in his books “Everyday Holiness: The Jewish Spiritual Path of Mussar,” and “Mussar: With Heart in Mind.”

The Mussar Institute advances the study and practice of Mussar, a Jewish path of contemplative practices that have evolved over the past thousand years to help an individual soul to pinpoint and then to break through the barriers that surround and obstruct the flow of inner light in our lives. Mussar practice seeks to align heart and mind with the highest ideals of the Jewish tradition.

The program begins with Shabbat dinner on March 24, at 6 p.m., and continues with services at 7:30 p.m., when Dr. Morinis will speak on “What is Mussar and Why Should I Care?” followed by an oneg.

On Saturday morning March 25, from 10:00-11:30 a.m., Dr. Morinis will lead a discussion of the week’s Torah portion entitled “Torah Through a Mussar Lens.” A dairy luncheon follows at noon.

At 5:30 p.m., Dr. Morinis will introduce some classical Mussar texts for study and discussion. We end our studies with Havdalah at 7:30 p.m.

For a complete schedule of the events, and to register for meals, visit www.templeemanuel-gnh.org or call the office at (203) 397-3000. 150 Derby Avenue, Orange, CT