Mussar and Torah Study

The Chazon Ish was one of the greatest rabbis of the twentieth century. Among his great achievements was to influence David Ben Gurion in not abandoning Jewish tradition in the new State of Israel.

He had certain novel ideas about how an individual can work at perfecting himself. He recognized that man’s makeup was more complex than we might realize.

Surprisingly, he had two major complaints about the Mussar movement, that emphasized how man needed to work at improving on his negative character traits.

He was concerned that once an individual might feel that he has read the major books and he is now a kind and compassionate person, this was not enough. The negative side of these achievements was that there could be a clash with Halacha. This newly found compassion might make this person doubt the truthfulness of Halacha. He might even believe that his Midot surpass that which is taught in Jewish law.

This is a grave mistake as the Halacha represents the ultimate truth, despite sometimes appearing to be harsh and unwavering.

The other problem the Chazon Ish had with Mussar, is that it alone, may not be equipped with having the tools to change man’s essence. There must be the realization that people are born with a certain nature. Sometimes it is kind and giving. But there are other times when man’s nature is tough and cruel. Learning about the character traits alone, won’t be able to make that change in man’s essence.

The solution is for man to combine the study of Mussar with a deep immersion in Torah study. In addition, he must grow in his fear of Heaven, that is the main motivator to do good.

When we combine an appreciation of Halacha, a deep involvement with Torah study, and learning the Mussar books, it is only then that we will make the transformation that changes our essence. We will become a complete individual who is serving Hashem on the highest level.