going-deeper-deeper-questions-what-is-mussar The Jewish discipline of character refinement — old as the Talmud, formalized in the 19th century by Rabbi Yisrael Salanter.

Summary. Mussar (literally “correction” or “discipline”) is the Jewish tradition of intentional character refinement. Rooted in Pirkei Avot and developed through medieval ethical works (Bachya ibn Pakuda’s Chovot Halevavot, the Mesillat Yesharim of Ramchal), Mussar was formalized as a movement in 19th-century Lithuania by Rabbi Yisrael Salanter (1810–1883). The contemporary American revival, led by Alan Morinis and others, has made Mussar accessible to a wide audience. Mussar focuses on middot — character traits — and provides a practical curriculum of self-examination, study, and behavioral change.

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