Text-Based Tanya

The final class of this series covers Ch. 53 of Tanya.

This lesson covers Ch. 52 in Tanya in which we further explain the concept of the "brain" of each plane of existence that was mentioned in Ch. 51.

Chapter 51 of Tanya takes us back to the discussion of the power of action that came up in Chapter 35 where mitzvos were compared to oil which fuels the flame of G-dly revelation. To better understand this, we ask a question: What does it mean that the Divine Presence rested in the Holy of […]

Concluding the theme of love and awe of Hashem begun in Ch. 41, a new type of love is introduced here in Ch. 50 that is in a whole different category from all previously discussed forms of love.

Finishing Ch. 49 of Tanya and the subject of "reciprocal love." In this class, we deal at length with the idea of Hashem "choosing" the Jewish people.

Chapter 48 of Tanya discusses the concept of Tzimtzum whereby the Infinite makes room for thew finite.

Chapter 47 of Tanya continues the theme of reciprocating love begun in Chapter 48. How to feel that the Exodus is happening right now.

Chapter 46 describes the mechanics of reciprocal love that can be channeled to reveal a love for Hashem in our hearts.

Chapter 45 of Tanya discusses the concept of arousing divine compassion on the plight of the soul as a method for generating love of G-d.

In Ch. 44 we encounter two new kinds of love--loving Hashem because He is our true life and loving Hashem even more than life because He is our father. Both of these types of love are based on inherited qualities that are automatically present within us but which we must amplify through meditation.

Chapter 43 describes two levels of awe and two levels of love as well as how each may be attained.

Concluding chapter 42, we speak about the idea that the vastness of the creation is merely a visual cure to remind us of the infinitely greater kingship of Hashem.

Continuing Ch. 42 and our discussion of awe of Hashem. The class gets off on a tangent but it's kind of interesting.

Continuing Ch. 42 and our discussion of meditations that bring on awe of Hashem.

Beginning Ch. 42 and the subject of the "internal Moshe Rabenu" that it makes it possible for us to relate to Hashem in a personal way.

Concluding Ch. 41, we focus on the idea of serving Hashem altruistically.

Continuing Ch. 41, we discuss the necessity for all mitzvos to be done with some level of awe of Hashem and what specific intentions qualify as this awe. Conversely, it is not enough to serve Hashem with awe alone; one must also serve with love.

Starting Ch. 41 of Tanya and the "awe meditation."

Chapter 40 of Tanya concludes our discussion of kavanah (intent) and its effect on our mitzvos.

Finishing Chapter 39 and the discussion of the various levels of intent and the worlds to which they correspond.

We begin Ch. 39 in which we continue our discussion about the different levels of kavanah (intent.) What is the difference between instinctive and intellectual emotions?

Concluding Ch. 38, we discuss the two levels of kavanah (intent) that may accompany a mitzvah. One level is referred to as "human" while the other is called "animal."

We begin Ch. 38 and our discussion of the importance of kavanah in performing mitzvos.

We conclude Ch. 37 and our discussion of the importance of physical action as the means for transforming the physical world into a home for Hashem.

Continuing Ch. 37 and the explanation of how our physical mitzvos transform the world. We come to understand that the soul did not come to this world for its own fixing but rather to fix the world. We also learn why tzedaka is the quintessential mitzvah.

We begin Chapter 37 of Tanya in which we begin to describe the precise mechanics whereby our mitzvos transform the physical world into a dwelling place for Hashem.

In Ch. 36 of Tanya we continue to impress upon the beinoni why physical action is so important by explaining that the whole purpose of creation lies within the physical.

Beginning of Chapter 36. The ultimate purpose for the creation of all worlds takes place on earth, not in heaven.

Please give to our yearly campaign! If you enjoy these Tanya classes, use this special link: charidy.com/rst/tanya In this class, we finish Ch. 35 and the discussion of the primary importance of action over emotion.

Beginning Ch. 35, we know focus on a new theme. What is the purpose of life? What is the point of the beinoni's struggle?

Chapter 34 of Tanya concludes the theme of joy that we began in Chapter 26. We take joy in providing a home for Hashem in this world through our Torah study and giving tzedakah.

Finishing Ch. 33. More about why Hashem gets such delight from us "letting Him in." Rabbi Taub shares an epiphany he had about the old Groucho joke "I would never want to be part of any club that would have someone like me as a member."

Chapter 33 continues the theme of JOY begun in Ch. 26. The specific form of joy that we focus on in this chapter is the unique happiness we feel when we feel close to Hashem.

Concluding Ch. 32 -the HEART of TANYA- we discuss how to love even those people who behave in ways that are objectively hateful.

Find out why Chapter 32 is the "heart of Tanya." How does the identity shift outlined in Chapter 31 lead to a radical change in our relationships with others.

Concluding Ch. 31, we discuss the role of healthy frustration with the body and taking joy in the delight of the soul.

Beginning Ch. 31, we address the burning question that now arises: what if the methods of unflinching personal stocktaking outlined in the previous chapters bring on a negative emotional state? If we established in Ch. 26 that joy is essential, how could we employ methods that may cause us to feel bad?

Continuing Ch. 30 in which we are charged with humbling ourselves before all, even the wanton sinners. Is our struggle as intense as theirs or are we coasting?

Chapter 30 of Tanya begins by citing the teaching of our Sages to be humble before all people. But how can we legitimately feel humility before everyone, even those who are extremely morally weak?

Concluding Ch. 29 of Tanya, we explain the underlying mechanics of why removing the complacency of the ego automatically leads to an influx of faith. Also, we discuss this generation's need for alternative, gentler methods for ego reduction.

Not for the faint of heart. Continuing Ch 29, we get into the details of the self-administered process for smashing the ego.

This week, we begin Chapter 29 which addresses the serious issue of spiritual apathy. What are the underlying causes for this condition and how is it remedied?

In Chapter 28, we discuss what to do if we cannot concentrate during prayer because of distracting thoughts.

Concluding Ch. 27, we discuss the power of exerting self-mastery even over matters that are perfectly permissible.

Continuing chapter 27, we discuss more of the positive contributions of the person who struggles with internal immoral impulses.

Beginning Chapter 27. We discuss the negative repercussions of shame and how to overcome feelings of moral self-condemnation.

How do we remain joyous even when beset by painful feelings of guilt? Why is guilt so dangerous? What is the productive response when it arises? Concluding Chapter 26.

Continuing Chapter 26, we discuss the spiritual approach to maintaining joy even when beset by serious life problems.

We begin Chapter 26 which speaks of the necessity of serving Hashem joyfully. Why is joy so important?

In this class we study Chapter 25 and finally conclude the long argument begun back in Chapter 18 that explains how to channel our soul's most primal survival instincts.