August 28, 2010 by Malka
Question:
I know that there are traits involved with various times of the year...so, how did you derive your list of traits?
Thanks!
Answer:
Malka,
My teacher, Rabbi Lawrence Kelemen, who learned from Reb Shlomo Wolbe says that there are an infinite number of traits on which we can work. The Jewish tradition of Mussar doesn't have a cycle of middot (traits) aligned with a calendar. Rather people choose their own list of traits and set up their own personal schedule.
At madrega, we are trying an experiment, trying to have everyone work on the same middot at the same time. The thought and hope is that the whole world will work on one middot at the same time and there will be some sort of cosmic shift when we reach a critical mass. Imagine millions of people all developing love at the same time.
Having said all of that, we do try to align middot with upcoming HolyDays. For example, leading into Rosh Hashana this year we are now working on Yirah. Going forward, you'll see a stronger attempt to align middot with HolyDays.
Thanks,
Modya
