MUSSAR PRACTICE TRANSCENDS ADVERSITY
I am a shower of blessings
by Nina Gelman-Gans
Mussar is a century-old Jewish practice of selftransformation that combines Jewish ethics, text study, and neurobiology with tikkun olam, healing our world
our own reactivity so we can bring forward our best possible self. Generalized life “case studies” foster our yetzer ha-tov, good inclination, to do better each week. In a similar way that our neurons fire without asking, character traits show up involuntarily without our consent. We can’t control what crosses our path, but using Mussar, we can redirect our mind to find joy and celebrate what is in front of us. Mussar encourages me not to judge, to go a bit outside my comfort zone, and to consider other perspectives. When faced with conundrum or challenge, my inner voice often calls out, “What would Mussar say?” The following life stories show how Mussar can help the world shift, just a bit, with hopes that thoughtful, intentional actions add up to global good.
Our concepts of normal changed with the unfolding of COVID-19. Flattening the curve was challenging and scary, while also offering unprecedented learning opportunities. Utilizing Zoom classroom, I was finally able to learn meditation, establish a Qigong practice, and fulfill my aspiration to share Mussar studies.
It was early March, the beginning of the COVID-19 panic and stampede for toilet paper, sanitizer, protein powder, nuts, and possibly a few extra chocolate bars. Waiting in a slow CVS check-out line, a shopper placed two large disinfectant wipe containers on the counter, along with $20 and a pile of change. Abruptly, she ran out to her car while the checker waited and looked annoyed. I was impatient, and relieved when another check-out window
Inhale the elusive fragrant oils of life
opened. The shopper dashed back with a few more coins. It wasn’t enough. “That’s all I have,” she whimpered looking at the cashier, who looked back at her with a quizzical “what am I supposed to do?” Awkward seconds stood still
Mussar is a century-old Jewish practice of self-
in time. An internal voice uttered, Savlanut! In Hebrew,
transformation that combines Jewish ethics, text study,
savlanut translates as patience and also contains the word
and neurobiology with tikkun olam, healing our world.
sevel, suffering. Like a porter bearing luggage, I paused
Like yoga, it is a practice that flourishes with time and
to bear the burden of this momentary annoyance.
engagement. Weekly studies focus on specific character
My heart opened to compassion. Imagining the shopper’s
traits like patience, anger, gratitude, and watchfulness.
desperation to finally locate wipes, and then not have
Mussar encourages us to examine our innate responses
enough cash on hand, I asked, “What do you need?” She
and take practical baby steps that slowly transform
gave me a blank look, perhaps quelled by embarrassment.
16 | SHALOM SANTA BARBARA | 2020–2021
JEWISHSANTABARBARA.ORG
