Living Mussar

Summer Learning 2026: Tikvah/Hope with Author David Arnow

Join us as we kick off the 2026 summer learning series, where our focus will be on Tikvah (hope), a powerful middah through which we fuel positive action in our daily lives. This month, we speak with David Arnow, author of the book Choosing Hope: The Heritage of Judaism on the individual and communal power of hope, and what hope has meant and continues to mean for the Jewish community.  This episode features * Hosts: Michael Kuhne & Julie Dean * Guest: David Arnow To access our study guide for the episode, sign up for our newsletter, or learn more about Living Mussar, visit our website at www.livingmussar.org  [http://www.livingmussar.org]

Alan Morinis - The Shabbat Effect

Join our live studio audience for an inspiring conversation with Alan Morinis, as he shares about his newest book, The Shabbat Effect: Jewish Wisdom for Growth and Transformation. This episode takes you into the heart and soul of Alan's latest work. Listeners will surely come away with a greater appreciation for the soulfulness of Shabbat and ways each of us can engage with greater awareness, intention and joy. Alan Morinis is highly regarded as a Mussar pioneer, scholar, founder of The Mussar Institute and author of Climbing Jacob's Ladder, Every Day Holy Day, With Heart in Mind and Everyday Holiness.

Sara K - Mussar and Illuminating Voices

Join host Bonnie Dickel Hoffman for a heartfelt and illuminating conversation with fellow Living Mussar participant Sara Knauz about the launch of her pilot initiative, Illuminating Our Voices. Centered on gathering Mussar stories from members of the LGBTQ+ community, this project lifts up lived experience as sacred text — worthy of listening, learning, and honor. Together, Bonnie and Sara explore how storytelling itself becomes a Mussar practice — an expression of emet (truth), ometz lev (heart-strength), and communal responsibility. When voices are welcomed and heard, our collective path toward wholeness expands. Thoughtful, affirming, and deeply relevant, this episode invites us to listen more closely, speak more courageously, and recognize that every story has the power to illuminate our shared journey.

Julie D - Every Act Makes a Difference: Meeting this Moment with Mussar

Every Act Makes a Difference: Meeting This Moment with Mussar What does it mean to meet this moment — not with reactivity, but with presence, purpose, and heart? Join host Michael Kuhne for a rich and timely conversation with Julie Dean, founder and executive director of Living Mussar, as they explore how Mussar offers a steady compass in uncertain times. Through the transformative middot of chesed (lovingkindness), achrayut (responsibility), and ometz lev (courage of the heart), they reflect on how inner work shapes outer impact. In a world that can feel overwhelming, this episode reminds us: every act matters. Every interaction carries the possibility of dignity, repair, and holiness. When we strengthen our middot, we strengthen our communities. Thoughtful, grounding, and deeply relevant, this conversation invites you to respond to today’s challenges with intention, compassion, and courage — and to remember that even small actions can help tip the world toward healing.

Bruce M. - Mussar and Leadership

Welcome to Living Mussar; Jewish Conversations on a daily path towards wholeness.  In this Episode, join host Michael Kuhne for a conversation with Bruce Matza, a passionate student of Mussar learning and practice. Bruce shares his experiences, reflections,insights and enthusiasm as a leadership consultant and active member of the Jewish community. You’ll also hear how Bruce helped Mussar become a foundation of the Mount Zion annual brotherhood retreat.