Looking to learn how to refine yourself, but find the task daunting and don’t know where to start? These books, excellent translations of classic sefarim, are great options.
We received a request from one reader, “Do you have recommendations for a sefer/book that is divided by sections and has applications for daily living?”
Actually, the answer is yes. Learning mussar isn’t as scary as it sounds. All it takes is a willingness and openness to accept, “I’m not perfect. And I’m willing to learn what it takes/how I can be better.” There are plenty of English translations of sefarim on different topics out there that make it completely approachable.
We began by responding to this reader with some that we personally turn to, but we are open to hearing which books have spoken to you in the comments below. Please share below!
Atomic Habits by James Clear, it may not be “traditional” but it Is the great mussar sefer of our time!
I’m not sure it can be mentioned in the same breath as Seforim, written by Gedolim on the basis of Torah HaKedosha.
That’s not to say there isn’t so much to learn from Atomic Habits. There is. It’s an awesome book, and can certainly help people in their Avodas Hashem! But I still don’t think it can or should be listed within the same category of Torah Seforim.
(Not looking to stir up hard feelings and I appreciate the book! Just sharing my personal thoughts, food for thought…)
Wow!!! Thank you so much for putting together such an approachable list! I dont know which one to start with, they all seem so beautiful!
Thank you BCP!!!
Living Emunah (entire series!) but specifically on Yomim Noraim. Takes just 5 minutes a day, but can literally change your life.
Ani Maamin: A Mission for Life by Rabbi Elias is literally life-changing.
Heres another book recommendation. The Promise of the Zera Shimshon by RabbibDovid Goldwaser. A very clear and easy to read book divided into short chapters.
Thank yo so much!
These books look so nice but I have no time to read… is there by any chance a way to hear recordings on these books? If you know of any please let me know would love to listen in the kitchen or “between carpools” 😉
Thank you!
Check out the Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation–cchf.global. They have so many programs to help you learn Sefer Chofetz Chaim, even videos that can be emailed to you! I’m not sure about recordings, but it’s great for those who don’t like reading.
Hachzek is an amazing program of daily mussar shiurim. Usually pretty short and they’ve gone through a few different seforim so far. Currently they’re doing Orchos Tzadikim. There’s an app or hachzek.com
In this series, you’ll get a very down-to-Earth, relatable summary of the entire Mesillas Yesharim (originally taught on Inspire By Wire by Shiffy Friedman).
https://www.kolhalashon.com/New/Shiurim.aspx?Lang=English&English=True&RavID=-1&ROrder=-1&FID=398706&HideMenus=False
This is such a timely and insightful article! Mussar can sometimes feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into approachable steps makes it accessible for anyone seeking self-growth. I appreciate the curated list of sefarim that are not only valuable but also practical for daily life. Personally, I’ve found “Cheshbon HaNefesh” to be incredibly transformative—it’s structured in a way that allows for gradual reflection and application, making it ideal for beginners. I’m excited to explore the other recommendations. Thank you for making the journey of self-improvement feel less intimidating and more empowering!
Thanks for the recommendation!
Thanks so much for this post! I’m going to second Sefer Chofetz Chaim–nothing like learning the actual translated text! And the amount of knowledge you get from reviewing it over and over. The cycle takes 4 months, so you can finish the whole sefer 3x per year. It’s really hard to keep the halachos properly if you don’t know them, so I highly recommend it. I’ve also learned Rav Miller’s Shaar HaBitachon and that is amazing to just know the essentials of bitachon.
It was always tough for me to balance studying and reading. I wanted to start the year by reading more books, but my schedule was so busy that I just couldn’t find the time. Luckily, I found a solution to buy tok exhibition It really helped me manage my time better and fit reading into my routine. Now I can enjoy meaningful books while keeping up with my studies!