Fight Like a Mensch is a 10-session series, designed by Kirva: Spiritual Practice and Action for Change, to build resilience and capacity for fighting authoritarianism through mussar practice, Jewish wisdom, and practical skills building. Adat Shalom is one of a number of communities across the country piloting this peer-facilitated series; more information is available on this flyer

Some experience with mussar practice is required for this class, but even if you’ve never explored this system of ethical strengthening/growth through study and spiritual practices before, there will be an opportunity for a two-session zoom class to gain the fundamentals in January from Kirva’s founder and director, Rabbi David Jaffe.

Our goal is for one group of 8-12 people to  meet biweekly, in person at Adat Shalom from January through June. We have created a schedule of primarily Shabbat afternoons, achrei oneg (1:15-3:15 p.m.), that avoids as many major congregational schedule conflicts as possible. On weekends when many will likely face a conflict (President’s Day, for example), we are holding the session via Zoom the following Thursday evening. 

The session schedule is:  

Saturday afternoon, January 31

Thursday evening, February 19 (via Zoom)

Saturday afternoon, February 28

Thursday evening, March 19 (via Zoom)

Saturdays afternoons, March 28, April 11, April 25, May 9, May 30, June 13

Participants are asked to commit to attending 8 of the 10 sessions. Registrants after the first 12 names will be put on a waiting list. If there is enough interest, we may explore hosting a second simultaneous cohort, most likely mid-week via Zoom.

Please fill out this form to express interest in the series. We will reach out and provide you with a link to more information and next steps.