Scholar in Residence Weekend with Dr. Alan Morinis
January 16–18, 2026
Presented by Temple Sinai of Sarasota
With generous support from The Jewish Federation of Sarasota–Manatee

About Dr. Alan Morinis

Dr. Alan Morinis is a scholar, teacher, and community-builder best known for bringing the Jewish spiritual discipline of Mussar to a wide contemporary audience. He is a prolific author whose works—including Everyday Holiness and Climbing Jacob’s Ladder—translate classic Mussar teachings into practical guidance for cultivating traits such as humility, patience, gratitude, and compassion in daily life.
Trained as an academic (with graduate study at Oxford) and seasoned as an educator and speaker, Dr. Morinis has led seminars, retreats, and courses across North America and beyond. Through The Mussar Institute, he has helped develop curricula, teacher training, and community programs that make the ethical and spiritual wisdom of Mussar accessible and relevant in the modern world. To learn more about Dr. Morinis please  click here.

Friday Erev Shabbat Dinner · Saturday Lunch & Learn · Sunday Workshop

Friday, January 16 – Erev Shabbat Service & Dinner
6:00 PM | Alan will introduce the weekend’s theme during Erev Shabbat services, followed by a catered dinner by Der Dutchman featuring baked chicken, salmon, and vegetarian/gluten-free options.
$36 members / $54 non-members.
No walk-ins for dinner but all are welcome to attend services.

Saturday, January 17 – Shabbat Morning Service & Lunch and Learn
10:30 AM | Shabbat services enhanced with Alan’s D’var Torah, followed by a dairy Lunch & Learn with prepared text study, catered by Jersey Girls.
No cost, but registration required to ensure adequate food.

Sunday, January 18 – Mussar Workshop & Book Signing
10:00 AM | Conclude the weekend with a coffee and danish welcome reception followed by an interactive workshop exploring three middot (character traits) from Mussar teachings, and book signing.

Help Underwrite the Weekend
Your support helps make this meaningful learning opportunity possible.
Please consider adding an underwriting donation when you register.