I’m a retired copywriter who joined a va'ad six years ago with other first-timer learners and a facilitator. We've been together since day one and the experience continually deepens. My practice is a work in progress. I find that savlanut or patience can be a challenge, and sometimes, a solution. I enjoy being part of the Living Mussar team and hope the stories we share spark curiosity for Living Mussar. 

I've been practicing Mussar for about 5 years.  I enjoy looking at the Mussar Middot and how they interplay with my life at different moments in time.  I especially enjoy working on Savlanut (Patience) and Rachamim (Compassion).  I believe that Mussar has positively impacted my life and my daily interactions.  In my free time I enjoy creating music and fiber art as well as spending time with my many animals   I'm excited to be a part of the Living Mussar podcast.

Julie Dean is the founder of Twin Cities Mussar and supports the growing citywide Mussar initiatives of Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota. Julie provides advanced facilitator training and mentorship both locally and nationally, leads Mussar groups and workshops and helps form new organizational partnerships all focused on Mussar learning and practice. Julie finds great inspiration in people experiencing positive transformation by applying insightful Jewish wisdom to the moments of their daily lives. 

I have been practicing mussar for ten years in a va'ad that started with people from Mount Zion, my home synagogue.  I am a  recently retired community college instructor and an avid reader (especially of poetry). My go-to middah is gratitude, which seems to unlock a world of possibilities.  Being part of the Living Mussar team has been a consistent source of joy in my life since we started this journey in 2023.