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.

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.

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.