Category Archives: Mussar

Rosh Hashanah Sermon: Awe and Love of God

Posted on September 28, 2011 by Derek Leman

One of the reasons I usually teach you — with dialogue, discussion, the opportunity to challenge and give point and counterpoint — is that respect your intelligence. You are thinking people. You question what you are told. You ask if … Continue reading →

Posted in Holidays, Judaism, Judeo-Christian, Love, messianic, Messianic Jewish, Messianic Judaism, Mussar, Mysticism | 3 Comments

LIVE Elul Discussion, Week 2

Posted on September 7, 2011 by Derek Leman

The task is large, unending, but we are not free to ignore it. This is not a labor to be accomplished in one great effort or in occasional exertions. The task is the conforming of our minds and spirits to … Continue reading →

Posted in ethics, Holidays, Love, Mussar | 69 Comments

Peter’s “Mussar” Teaching, Part 1

Posted on September 7, 2011 by Derek Leman

The wisdom sages said, “My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline” (Proverbs 3:11), the Lord’s mussar. And wisdom sages understood that there are many kinds of knowledge. Mussar is a kind of practical knowledge about ourselves and our relationship … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Discipleship, ethics, Gospel, Mussar | 6 Comments

LIVE Elul Discussion, Week 1

Posted on August 31, 2011 by Derek Leman

A beautiful garden is well-ordered and weedless. This is the month for getting our gardens ready. They need a lot of work . . . אֲנִי לְדוֹדִי וְדוֹדִי לִי I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine. -Song of … Continue reading →

Posted in Holidays, Mussar, Uncategorized | 57 Comments

Tonight, 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time: ELUL Live Discussion

Posted on August 31, 2011 by Derek Leman

Be here between 9 and 10 pm tonight. I will post some texts from the Machzor, from Mesillat Yesharim, and other sources to get us started with a discussion via blog comments. We’ll discuss repentance, mussar, preparation for the High … Continue reading →

Posted in Holidays, Mussar | 4 Comments

Path of the Just (Mesillat Yesharim)

Posted on February 21, 2011 by Derek Leman

This is not exactly a book review, though it is on the way to being one. I will do a full book review at some point. At the Society of Biblical Literature this year, I once again had the chance … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews, MJPassages, Mussar | Comments Off