Learn About Mussar and Middot

The Hebrew word "mussar" means moral conduct, instruction, or discipline. The Mussar Movement arose in the 1800's in Lithuania and encompasses a range of spiritual practices, focusing on the individual's personal characteristics, traits, or virtues, which are called middot (in Hebrew, singular: a "middah").

Middot can be studied individually, with a study partner, and by families. Whether engaging your family at the Shabbat dinner table or taking some time to study on a Shabbat afternoon, make middot part of your Jewish learning with these helpful study guides.

 

 

A Listening Ear-
Middah Sh'miat Haozen

A Minimum of Frivolity-
Middah Miyut Sechok

A Minimum of Pleasure-
Middah Miyut Ta'anug

A Minimum of Sleep-
Middah Miyut Shaynah

A Minimum of Small Talk-
Middah Miyut Sichah

A Perceptive Heart-
Middah Sichlut HaLev

Acceptance of Suffering-
Middah Kabbalat HaYisurin

An Understanding of the Heart-
Middah Binat HaLev

Asking and Answering-
Middah Shoayl U'Mayshiv

Beloved-
Middah Ahuv

Calmness in Study-
Middah Yishuv BeMikra

Cleaving to Friends-
Middah Dibuk Chaverim

Concentrate on One's Studies-
Middah Mityashev Libo BeTalmudo

Contentment with One's Lot-
Middah Samayach B'Chelko

Distance Yourself From Honor-
Middah Mitrachayk Min HaKavod

Fear-
Middah Ayma

Good Heart-
Middah Lev Tov

Guarding One's Speech-
Middah Seyag LiD'varav

Happiness-
Middah Simchah

Judging Others Favorably-
Middah Machrio L'Chaf Zechut

Knowing One's Place-
Middah Makir et Mekomo

Limiting One's Involvement in Worldly Concerns-
Middah Miyut Derech Eretz

Love of Being Straightforward-
Middah Ohev et HaMaysharim

Loving All Creatures-
Middah Ohev et HaBriyot

Loving God-
Middah Ohev et HaMakom

Loving Reproof or Rebuke-
Middah Ohev et HaTochachot

Loving Righteous Ways-
Middah Ohev Et HaTzadakot

Moderation in Business-
Middah Miyut Sechorah

Modesty-
Middah Anavah

Not Being Arrogant with One's Learning-
Middah Lo Maygis Libo B'Talmudo

Not Delighting in Rendering Decisions-
Middah Eino Samayach BeHora'ah

Orderly Speech-
Middah Arichat Sefatayim

Quoting One's Sources-
Middah Omer Davar BeShem Omro

Refrain from Taking Personal Credit for What is Good-
Middah Eino Machazik Tova L'atzmo

Set Others on the Path of Truth-
Middah Ma'amido al HaEmet

Setting Others on the Path of Peace-
Middah Ma'amido al HaShalom

Sharp Discussion with Students-
Middah Pipul HaTalmidim

Sharpening the Wisdom of One's Teacher-
Middah Machkim et Rabo

Slowness to Anger-
Middah Erech Apayim

Studying in Order to Perform Mitzvot-
Middah Lomed al Manat La'asot

Studying in Order to Teach-
Middah Lomed al Manat Lelamed

The Study of Torah-
Middah Talmud

To Attend to the Sages-
Middah Shimush Chachamim

To Determine Exactly what One Hears-
Middah Mechavayn et Sh'muato

To Learn by Repetition-
Middah Mishnah

To Share the Burden with One's Friend-
Middah Nosay B'ol Im Chavayro

Trust in the Sages-
Middah Emunat Chachamim