Mishnah Avot 6:6 proposes forty-eight ways through which Torah can be “acquired.” This rich teaching includes elements that are clearly ways in which people learn content, but also suggests traits and behaviors that appear to build character. It is this area of character development that With Heart in Mind brings to the forefront. The author explores each of the forty-eight characteristics and behaviors, explaining how each can improve our character through practicing it.
In a very creative way, With Heart in Mind moves a Mishnaic-era teaching into the more contemporary area of Mussar, Jewish character development. The book is highly versatile. It can be used as a daily or weekly guide to experimenting with new, more ethical living, read cover to cover (as this reviewer chose to), or delved into on occasion. While the book is intended to guide individual paths, it can also be a valuable resource for adult learning settings.
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