Queer Mussar Va'ad 2023-2024

Event Dates:

Time: 11:30-1:30pm, participants should plan to attend at least 90% of the sessions.

1. Sunday, October 15, 2023
2. Sunday, October 29, 2023
3. Sunday, November 12, 2023
4. Sunday, November 19, 2023
5. Sunday, December 3, 2023 - zoom
6. Sunday, December 17, 2023
7. Sunday, January 14, 2024
8. Sunday, January 28, 2024
9. Sunday, February 11, 2024
10. Sunday, February 25, 2024
11. Sunday, March 10, 2024
12. Sunday, March 17, 2024

Mussar is an engaging, Jewish spiritual pathway of personal development rooted in our ability to grow and transform ourselves for the better. A Mussar va'ad (group) explores personal attributes/values, called middot in Hebrew, that each of us has in different measure. By increasing our awareness, development and practice of these soul traits, people learn how to respond to the world in ways that help bring about positive changes in personal outlook, interpersonal relationships, and connection with oneself, others, and Judaism. Every Twin Cities Mussar va'ad begins with the premise that each participant should show up with their full self; and we also know there are opportunities for intentional spaces. Due to the great success of our pilot program in 2022-2023, we are bringing a second exciting year of Queer Mussar to the Twin Cities starting this Autumn!

Our Queer Mussar va'ad starting in fall 2023 will be comprised of 10-12 participants and 2 facilitators, who will meet regularly to learn together. The days in between the group sessions are intended for personal home practice, including journaling and meeting with a chevruta (study/practice partner). While we hope this experience will lead participants to an increasing sense of personal awareness and growth, a va'ad is not a support group or a therapy group, it is an active learning community. We will uphold intentional group guidelines in order to provide a safe, kind, compassionate space for each person to learn, grow and express themself.