If asked to list the concepts with which Judaism is normally associated, we might suggest Sabbath observance, dietary restrictions, the Land of Israel, circumcision, and a variety of other ideals and mitzvot specific to the Jewish religion. There is, however, a concept that is common to many peoples and cultures which occupies a central place in Judaism: personal growth. Judaism’s comprehensive and unique approach to personal growth is grounded in a Divine mandate to strive to perfect one’s character. There are two Morasha classes that explore the Jewish approach to personal growth. This first class will discuss the centrality of personal growth in Judaism and explore the nature of the “personal growth” that the Torah calls for human beings to attain.