Open Temple

Mussar: The Path of Authenticity

The Ramchal (Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzuto) writes in his 18th century Kabbalistic work Sefer HaKlalim: “God made a separation in the illumination of the light, that it should not flow or give off light except for the righteous, whose actions draw it down and make it shine. However, the actions of evil block it, leaving them in darkness, and this itself was the hiding of the light.” The Ramchal was both a mystic and an ethicist. His famed work, Mesillat Yesharim The Way of the Righteous, has been rediscovered over the past two decades as a path for all of us to return to our authentic selves.

Open Temple’s Mussar class integrates Luzzato’s writings with the work of the Self Actualization Movement, Spiritual Direction, Music and Poetry. With guided imagery, reflective and guided journaling, ritual self-work and spiritual chevruta, our group moves through an 8 week path ascending to Sinai.

We are living through historic times, and there is great work ahead of us. We have only just begun to move through this Plague of Darkness. But, we are fortified through Community, Ritual and Spiritual Practice. The Time has Come for Each of Us to cultivate our INNER LIGHTS OF BEING so that, when we emerge, each of our Hidden Lights will combine with others.

Classes will meet (via Zoom) on 6/17, 7/1, 7/15, and 8/5 at 6pm PST.

Register here via Zoom.

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“Sing unto God a new song.”
-Psalm 96

If God is already tired, as suggests the Psalm, of hearing the old song, all the more so will ordinary mortals be.
-Alcalay (20th c. Jewish lexicographer)

The Open Temple.
Sing a new Song.