21st Century Revival of The Musar Movement
At the start of the 21st century, a significant revival of interest in the Musar movement has occurred in North America in various sectors of the Jewish world.
Within the Orthodox community, the AishDas Society, founded by Rabbi Micha Berger, and the Salant Foundation, founded by Rabbi Zvi Miller, are organizations which organize Musar groups, classes and other teaching events. Elyakim Krumbain and Avi Fertig are Orthodox rabbis who have also published books which teach Musar from an Orthodox perspective.
To the surprise of some, much of the contemporary revival of Musar has taken place among non-Orthodox Jews. The Musar Institute, founded by Alan Morinis, and the Mussar Leadership Program, founded by Rabbi Ira F. Stone, are among the institutions which have sought to spread the practice of Musar in a non-Orthodox framework. Morinis' book Everyday Holiness (2007) and Stone's book A Responsible Life (2007) have been among the popular books which have sparked contemporary interest in the Musar movement. Musar has been described as “an emerging and growing phenomenon” within Reform Judaism, and leaders of Conservative Judaism have debated whether Musar should stand at the center of its approach. Geoffrey Claussen of Elon University has argued that the Musar movement's conception of Jewish practice is especially valuable for Conservative Judaism.
Some Musar groups have no connection with synagogues, but a number of synagogues have started programs for the study of Musar. For example, at Temple Chai in Chicago, Illinois, a program known as the "Sunday School for Grown-ups" has focused on the study of a different character trait each week. There are also online communities dedicated to the exploration of Musar and character trait development. For example, madrega.com, which was founded in March 2009, is a community which encourages members to share teachings, ideas and learnings about their own personal Musar practice.
Some teachers have recommended the practice of Musar not only for Jews but also among non-Jews. As the website of the Mussar Institute explains:
The Orthodox Jewish community spawned Musar to help people overcome the inner obstacles that hinder them from living up to the laws and commandments—the mitzvot—that form the code of life. That community tends to see Musar as inseparable from its own beliefs and practices, but the human reality Musar addresses is actually universal, and the gifts it offers can be used by all people."Read more about this topic: Musar Movement
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