Choosing Not To Choose by David Jemal

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The Alter of Novardok, Harav Yosef Yozel Horowitz, zt”I, was one of the foremost disciples of Rabbi Yisroel Salanter, the founder of the Mussar Movement. He spent the early part of his life in isolation developing his spiritual strengths and his worldview. As Rav Perr says, “Far from the petty world of men, he found the great world that is man.” Later, he founded a network of more than 80 yeshivos.

The Alter’s illuminating ideas are contained in his classic Sefer Madreigas Ha’adam. lts first section, Tekufos Ha’Olam, is a preparatory work toward developing an appreciation for learning mussar. The interest of mussar, as a discipline, is growing around the world. Choosing Not To Choose, based on Tekufos Ha’Olam, demonstrates how mussar uplifts and enriches those who study it.

This volume, which spans Jewish history from the time of Adam HaRishon through the developing modern yeshivah world, is based on the va’adim of Harav Yechiel Yitzchok Perr, shlita, Rosh Yeshivah of Yeshiva Derech Ayson of Far Rockaway. Rav Perr is the son-in-law of Harav Yehudah Leib Nekritz, zt”I, and grandson of Harav Avraham Yaffen zt”I, who was the son-in-law of the Alter of Novardok zt”I. Rav Perr’s mastery of the works and legacy of the Alter and the Novardok outlook on life are reflected in this engaging and illuminating volume.

Year first published: 2022