September 24, 2024

8 Approachable Mussar Books to Start the Year Right

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!

Orchos Yoshar By Rav Chaim Kanievsky

The English translation on Rav Chaim’s zt”l classic sefer has been excellently done. The sefer is divided into 30 chapters, each on a different topic–perfect for learning over a month’s time. In the translation, there’s also added stories on each chapter’s topic to help bring the lessons home without diluting the strength of the content.

Find it at Artscroll here.

This sefer here

Iggeres HaRamban

This short letter that the Ramban wrote to his son when he left Spain to move to Eretz Yisrael contains deep, timeless lessons. There’s so much meaning in every line and it’s all explained. It’s short and also divided into 30 days, so it’s also a great sefer for when you want to master something without being worried that you’ll fizzle out before you finish.

Find it at Artscroll here.

This book here

Iggeres HaGra

Like Iggeres HaRamban, the Vilna Gaon wrote this letter when traveling to live in Eretz Yisrael (he ended up returning home). All the timeless, important lessons he wanted to give over to his family are contained in it. The translation is interesting to read and has excellent explanations, making it easy to grasp and internalize.

Find it at Artscroll here.

This book here

The Chazon Ish’s Emunah u’Bitachon

We just picked up this new translation of the Chazon Ish’s Emunah u’Bitachon, which makes the deep concepts in the Chazon Ish’s classic work more accessible.

This sefer here

Rav Avigdor Miller on Mesillas Yesharim

If you want to explore the classic mussar texts and make them part of you, Rav Avigdor Miller’s sefarim will help you accomplish that. The sefarim, which explain the deep concepts in these mussar sefarim, are written in a language you will understand and absorb (based on the lesson’s he has given over in his tapes). You can buy them book-by-book or the whole series at once. It’s possible!

These sefarim here

Rav Avigdor Miller on Chovos HaLevovos

Like with Mesillas Yesharim, Rav Miller also teaches us Chovos HaLevavos in the most approachable, clear way. The fourth volume is Shaar HaBitachon, the most commonly learned section.

This sefer here

Beis HaLevi on Bitachon

Another excellent translation that answers many of life’s questions–now so accessible! You will love this one too.

Find it at Artscroll here.

This sefer here

Sefer Chafetz Chaim

A must-have. You’ve read the Daily Companion, but learning the Chafetz Chaim’s text directly, with the translation and explanations that help you absorb and understand, is the key to really mastering proper speech.

Find it at Artscroll here.

This sefer here

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Filed under: Books

Tagged with: books, rosh hashanah

13 responses to “8 Approachable Mussar Books to Start the Year Right”

Devorah Avrukin

September 24, 2024

Atomic Habits by James Clear, it may not be “traditional” but it Is the great mussar sefer of our time!

Reply
1. Kaila
  
  September 24, 2024
  
  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…)
  
  Reply
Jewish mama

September 24, 2024

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!!!

Reply
A

September 24, 2024

Living Emunah (entire series!) but specifically on Yomim Noraim. Takes just 5 minutes a day, but can literally change your life.

Reply
KL

September 24, 2024

Ani Maamin: A Mission for Life by Rabbi Elias is literally life-changing.

Reply
Bubby

September 24, 2024

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.

Reply
Evelyn

September 25, 2024

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!

Reply
1. eg
  
  September 25, 2024
  
  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.
  
  Reply
2. Rina
  
  September 25, 2024
  
  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
  
  Reply
3. L I
  
  September 30, 2024
  
  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
  
  Reply
EssayLTD

September 25, 2024

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!

Reply
1. Victoria Dwek
  
  September 25, 2024
  
  Thanks for the recommendation!
  
  Reply
eg

September 25, 2024

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.

Reply