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Judaism nurtures our purpose in life to make this world a better place. Central to the work of repairing the world (tikkun olam) is the individual cultivation & repair of soul traits (tikkun middot). The practice of Mussar is the work of refining, tuning and fine tuning the quality of our character (middah).

Midah of the month of Sivan (May 24 – June 22 ) Histapfut – Simplicity

• From Pirke Avot we read “Who is rich?  One who is happy with their lot.”
• Rabbi Yisrael Salanter says, “The luxuries we indulge in eventually come to be seen as necessities, as if we could not live without them.”
• Leonardo da Vinci: “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”
• The Dalai Lama: “If one’s life is simple, contentment has to come. Simplicity is extremely important for happiness. Having few desires, feeling satisfied with what you have, is very vital: satisfaction with just enough food, clothing, and shelter to protect yourself from the elements.”

 Considering the descriptions here, Ask yourself:

• In what ways has Covid-19 influenced your sense of contentment with your lot?
• What “luxuries” have you come to live comfortably without and which have you come to believe are necessities?