The great thinkers and exponents of the Mussar Movement were incisive and uncompromising in their demands on themselves, and their personal definitions and analyses have become the standard by which thoughtful and aspiring Jews measure themselves. Not only that. With the classic teachings of the Scriptures and the Sages as their backdrop, they looked at the world, the "real" world and "real" people, and applied eternal teachings to everyday existence. This book collects their thoughts on the subject that engaged their best efforts. The "depth of judgment" both frightened and inspired them. They were intensely aware that the Creator has great expectations of man. For all his human frailties, man is capable of rising to unexpected heights. And because he can, he must. In the worldview of the masters of Mussar, man traverses his world poised on a tightrope. A misstep can cost him dearly, but if he maintains his balance, he attains a barely imaginable zenith. Judgment, as it is discussed in this brilliant collection, represents the Divine evaluation of man's effort and achievements. The compiler draws together the ideas of dozens of legendary thinkers and teachers of recent generations. Some of them are world famous. Others are well-known only in the rarefied sphere of their peers and disciples. All shared a single-minded dedication to the service of G-d and the perfection of man. Depth of Judgment has been anthologized by Rabbi Shalom Meir Wallach, himself a profound student of Mussar and the author of several highly regarded books on the subject. This new work is valuable addition to the literature of self-improvement. It is appropriate for seasons of spiritual exaltation and for whenever a Jew seeks to some closer to his real self.
by Rabbi Shalom Meir Wallach