Description
Hiddur Olam: 49 Creative Middot is a compilation of personal creative character traits that helps people use their art, writing, design, and making as tools for personal growth and spiritual grounding, even if they have never studied Jewish ethics before. It introduces forty nine “creative middot,” which you can think of as inner qualities like balance, courage, attention, patience, and joy, and shows how each one affects both your creative process and your everyday life.
Award winning Professor of Design and Jewish artist, Mike Wirth shares his midrashic interpretation of the Mussar system as it pertains to creative people, translating an ancient practice of character refinement into language and structures that artists and makers can apply directly in their work. Instead of asking you to be perfect, the book invites you to pick one trait each week, make something small with that trait in mind, notice how you feel and where you get stuck, and then carry one simple insight forward. Over time, this weekly rhythm turns your creative practice into a steady way of working with stress, self doubt, and burnout, while also strengthening your sense of purpose, faith, and connection.
You do not need to be a trained artist or know any Mussar background; if you are curious, value creativity, and want a more grounded, meaningful way to grow, this book is written for you.
