The Practice of ‘Mussar’: Guiding Our Spiritual and Ethical Ascent
May 18, 2026
How does Mussar practice work?
David Glaser has studied and practiced a variety of spiritual/wisdom traditions over the course of five decades. He has a gift for finding the most essential insights, applying them to his life, and being a resource to others as they explore their own paths.
David’s Jewish background includes serving as a board member and president of the Columbia Reconstructionist Congregation. He has been an avid student and practitioner of Mussar, teaching introductory and advanced classes, and leading a variety of study groups. David is also a passionate musician and drummer in his congregation’s klezmer band, as well as a soloist during Friday night services. He has been a guitarist since his teenage years.
Combining these interests and skills, he has provided spiritual direction to individuals who, like himself, seek to enhance their Jewish lives, especially their experience of God, and their relationships with others.
His secular education and experience included earning a master’s degree in city and regional planning, and working as a professional planner for the State of Maryland. Drawn to the challenge of enhancing human systems, David completed a second master’s degree in applied behavioral science, and developed a private practice as an organizational consultant and leadership coach. He served for many years as a faculty member in the master’s degree program in organization development at the American University in Washington, D.C.
He can be reached at: Spiritual.VogelGlaser.com.
How does Mussar practice work?
Serving as central organization of the Reconstructionist movement
Training the next generation of groundbreaking rabbis
Modeling respectful conversations on pressing Jewish issues
Curating original, Jewish rituals, and convening Jewish creatives
