There is no enterprise that yields profit like preparation for the Day of Atonement. 

Through studying Mussar and reflecting on how to improve one's ways, a person is 

inspired on Yom Kippur to make resolutions for the future. Even the smallest, most 

minute preparation to enhance one's Yom Kippur experience is invaluable, bringing 

boundless blessings of success. It saves one from many troubles - and there is no 

greater profit than this."

(Ohr Yisrael, Letter Seven, p. 193) 

What exactly is Mussar and what does it have to do with my preparation for Yom Kippur?

Mussar is the systematized collection of the ethical teachings of the Torah. The

principles of Mussar are drawn from the Chumash, the Prophets, the works of King

David and King Solomon, the Talmud, the Midrash, and the Zohar. 

Some of the classic Mussar works include: Mesillas Yesharim, by the Ramchal;  Chovos

HaLevavos, by Rabbeinu Bachya; Ohr Yisrael, by Rabbi Yisrael Salanter; Tomer Devorah,

by Rabbi Moshe Cordovero, and Orchos Tzaddikim, of unknown authorship.

These books were written by great men - righteous Torah sages - for the purpose of

helping the people of Israel understand and internalize the meaning and the ways of

avodas Hashem (service of G-d).

Rav Yisrael Salanter (1810-1883) devoted his life to teaching  klal Yisrael  (the Jewish

nation) the importance of learning Mussar and the obligation to set aside daily times to

do so. He refined the concepts of Mussar and developed a methodology which could

be practiced successfully by every person. 

THE ABOVE IS TAKEN FROM 'STEPPING STONES TO REPENTANCE'

 A THIRTY-DAY PROGRAM BASED ON OHR YISRAEL

THE CLASSIC WRITINGS OF RAV YISRAEL SALANTER 

PREPARED BY RABBI ZVI MILLER

TRANSLATOR AND ANNOTATOR OF THE ENGLISH EDITION OF OHR YISRAEL

If anyone would like to be added to an email list to receive a daily lesson from Stepping Stones to Repentance, please email tizku.lmitzvos@gmail.com with "Subscribe: Teshuva 5773" as the subject line