The Shabbat Effect

Jewish Wisdom for Growth and Transformation

Alan Morinis

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English

Bloomsbury Academic
11 December 2025

Judaism: life & practice; Spirituality & religious experience

What if one day of rest could transform your entire life? One of the most important biblical mandates, so significant that it numbers among the Ten Commandments, is the directive to observe a weekly day of rest. The Shabbat Effect illuminates how the practice of a day set aside for rest brings about a deep, lasting, and pervasive transformation of character, not just on that seventh day but every day. Drawing on venerable Jewish sources as well as the experiences of contemporary practitioners, this user-friendly and accessible guide explores the eight essential traits that reflect the true meaning of Shabbat.

Rooted in the 1,100-year-old Jewish tradition of Mussar as well as the experiences of contemporary practitioners, this accessible guide offers a radical and moving exploration of how the practice of Shabbat enhances and refines core traits of character. Readers will find that it contributes immeasurably to their enjoyment of life, as well as helping them fulfill their highest human potential.

By: Alan Morinis
Imprint: Bloomsbury Academic
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 216mm, Width: 140mm, Spine: 28mm
Weight: 454g
ISBN: 9798881807870
Pages: 192
Publication Date: 11 December 2025
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Introduction A Note on Practice 1. Awareness 2. Holiness 3. Enoughness 4. Joy 5. Rest 6. Peace 7. Silence 8. Trust Conclusion

Alan Morinis, PhD, founded The Mussar Institute in 2004 and is a leading figure in the contemporary revival of the Mussar movement. A Rhodes Scholar and an anthropologist, he became a student of the late Rabbi Yechiel Perr in 1977, an accomplished master of the Mussar tradition. Following years of study, he reinterpreted the ancient Mussar learnings and practices for modern audiences in Climbing Jacob’s Ladder (2002); Everyday Holiness (2007); Every Day, Holy Day (2010); and With Heart in Mind (2014).

Reviews for The Shabbat Effect: Jewish Wisdom for Growth and Transformation

Bolstering the narrative with valuable prompts to help believers track their progress, the author meaningfully frames Shabbat as a lens through which readers can zoom in on what matters, “scrutinize” their spiritual challenges, and carry the resulting lessons into their daily lives. It’s a lucid guide to reinvigorating an ancient religious practice. * Publishers Weekly *