Musings of a Spiritual Coach

Beginning of Chapter 44. This chapter returns to Love of Gd, working with the two level of love we outlined in the previous chapter. Here was see that lower love of Gd is manifest in fulfilling the Torah and its commandments while love is the yearning of the soul to be connected with the divine. He introduces a third approach, one which combines both the lower and upper levels of love. This is the desire of closeness that we have when recognizing the duality of physical and spiritual realms "existing" together. This section also reflects on "fake it till you make it." Even if you aren't really feeling the connection to Gd, strive towards it at all times.

Conclusion of chapter 43. We conclude this chapter with a short piece on how the fear/awe and love are levels and building blocks for spiritual growth. The Alter Rebbe suggested in this part that usually the pattern is lower fear, lower love, upper fear and upper love. However, there are times when the lower level love takes precedence over fear. We discuss how and when this would be.

Beginning of Chapter 43. We continue to focus on the notion of fear/awe of Gd. This section goes deeper into the distinction between "lower" fear and "upper" fear. Additionally, once we suggest that fear/awe are experienced in two different modalities, he circles back to love of Gd, suggesting a similar dichotomy between this worldly love (Ahavat Olam) and "great" love (Ahavah Rabba). We also discuss how these categories are part of a continuum as it relates to our spiritual growth.

Conclusion of Chapter 42. We conclude the discussion about awe of Gd with two final points. First, part of being in awe of Gd is to observe the world and universe and to see the grandeur and beauty of existence. Second, we practice being contrite and in awe thrice daily when we bow during our prayers. This action is a physical reminder of our role as servants before a master.

Continuation of Chapter 42. We continue to explore how to focus our minds on bringing about awe of Gd. This piece focuses on Gd as the all Knowing, seeing and hearing.

Part one of chapter 42. We continue to explore the notion of awe/fear as it relates to spirituality and worship of Gd. We discuss the idea of awe being something that is also inherent in our hearts if we work to reveal it. At a minimum, feeling awe of the divine can come from avoiding those things that are deemed "sin" so as to raise up a sense of humility in the face of the All-Knowing Gd. We can also come to awe through reflection and contemplation.

Completion on Chapter 41. We shift back to the topic of intentionality and spiritual growth. This section deals with how our actions and level of spirituality might not match where we wish we we were. We discuss taking steps to grow spiritually and connect to Gd, recognizing each small step is a gain in the journey of connecting the soul back to Gd, giving delight to the divine throughout the process.

Continuation of Chapter 41. We discuss the different notions of awe/fear. The Alter Rebbe suggests fear is expressed minimally through action or avoidance of sin. We continue to look at needing both love and fear of Gd. We discuss the importance of not just working on personal spiritual growth but also bringing the community forward through one's personal growth.

Beginning of Chapter 41 - This chapter shifts our focus from love of Gd and the confluence of needing love and fear to carry the light of our actions back to the divine realms to a discussion of the importance of awe/fear. We look at the metaphor of relationship to Gd as master/servant vs. parent/child which comes from the notion of love of Gd. This section suggests that complete service to Gd must be within this combined focus of fear and love.

Conclusion of Chapter 40 - We continue to focus on intentionality, kavvanah, with a focus on trying to understand how love and fear are the wings of bringing the study, prayer and action upwards. We answer the question of how love and fear can be wings if they are mitzvot, not just extras to mitzvot. We also look at few of the tangential notes the Alter Rebbe presents in this section to better understanding the wings and the divine realms.

Continuation of chapter 40. We continue to explore intentionality by looking at the reason why mechanical, non-focused, prayer and learning have a partial effect. He suggests that doing things without intent is not as problematic because the prayers and study are already imbued with at least some holiness and light from the divine, even though our existence is greatly diminished from the Ein Sof light.

Beginning of Chapter 40. We continue looking at intentionality, Kavvanah. The piece today tries to distinguish the categories of Kavvanah, intentionality, and Lishmah, something for its own sake. We see the difference between the two in that lacking intention doesn't fully take away from the action while doing something for an ulterior motive does.

Conclusion of chapter 39. We continued to explore the notion of intentionality in our actions as it pertains to his description of the divine realms. The love and fear of Gd we have as we are performing mitzvot, whether that which is intellectual or that which is from the animal soul play a role in our focus. We define the notion of the reward for a mitzvah is a mitzvah as well as the importance of taking action even for the wrong reasons so long as we are always striving to do things for the right intentions.

Continuation of chapter 39 - We continue by discussing the realm of Atzilut and how only the few righteous have soul roots from there. This discussion is a deepening of the Alter Rebbe's description of the divine realms and soul roots. He also introduces the concept that our prayer, when done right, can be a journey to the divine realms. I also give a short piece on the importance of entering Passover in the right frame of mind, one that sees the cleaning as part of the process, not the burden before the day of celebrating redemption.

Beginning of Chapter 39. This chapter offers an approach to the difference between Malachim (angels) and human beings. The goal of the Alter Rebbe is to show how the human being is on a higher level than Gd's servants as the human has the opportunity to change and grow. This is done through the discussion of natural love and fear vs. intellectual love and fear. And even the natural love and fear of a human is different that the Malachim as the human must work to uncover that which is hidden while the Malachim are already at that level. The work, the growth is what makes the human higher.

Conclusion of Chapter 38 - In the final section of this chapter, we discuss intentionality, kavvanah, seeing the two types, intellectual/proactive, and instinctual/reactive. This ties in with the overarching theme of how our mitzvot are divided into action and thought, with speech being the bridge between the two.

Continuing in chapter 38. We continue to compare and contrast the body and soul, the physical and spiritual as it exists in this world. He establishes that on some level, body and soul are equal, as it relates to the contraction of the divine light through the various permutations of existence. The body and soul are different as they relate to being bound up within the material world. We discuss a further debate about action vs. intent, returning again to the importance of both being separate but equal. He continues to suggest the importance of bridging the gap between our physical and spiritual existences.

Beginning of Chapter 38. This chapter offers another perspective on the duality of speech and thought. We discuss the importance of verbalizing our prayers as it draws light into the body and reveals the light encased in the animal soul. We look at intentionality and the importance of lining up thought and speech, though sometimes speech can be "enough." I also comment on how we learn intentionality from the sacrifices as it relates to this week's Torah portion of VaYikra.

Final section of chapter 37. We take one more look at the importance of Torah study, this time as a calling out to Gd. This is a version of the idea we study Torah like we pray. Through this, we see another perspective on the hierarchy of revealing Gd in the world between action and thought.

Continuing chapter 37. Today we see another layer of the debate regarding which is the greater thing, action or study. We explore how these are dueling values whose collective goals are revealing light in the world. Action reveals the light hidden in the physical while study connects to the Divine/Ein Sof light. We discuss how we determine priority of which comes first, settling on the notion that action comes first if the action can only be done by the individual, such as prayer. If someone else could fulfill the action, then study would potentially remain the priority.

Continuation of chapter 37. We continue to explore how to bring out light from our actions. The discussion is the overarching value of charity for enhancing our actions while also dealing with a previous notion that study is equal to all actions, including acts of kindness/charity. We reflect on how both study and action are elements needed to reveal the light of the divine hidden away in the world.

Continuation of chapter 37 - We continue to look at the results of performing the mitzvot as it leads to revealing the hidden light in the world. This section also touches on the descent of the souls into the world to perfect the world and bring everything back to the original intention of creation.

Part two of chapter 37.  We continue to look at how we can reveal the divine light in the world.  This piece looks at how we derive energy from food and drink as items that give us energy to fulfill mitzvot.  We review how avoiding transgressions allows the divine energy to continue to influence the world.  If we transgress a prohibition, it seems the shells come back.  I also offer a small additional point on how preparations allow us to be open to experience the light that is hidden in a mitzvah or in a day, as derived from a book I'm reading called B'Yam Darkecha.

Part one of chapter 37.  We continue on our reflection of the power of mitzvot to reveal the light of Gd in the world.  The focus here is on raising up the light that is concealed in the physical world.  We discuss this on two levels, revealing the light of the materials we use for mitzvot and revealing the light that is buried within the animal soul.  The discussion circles back again to how thought and speech are also "actions" of bringing out light.

Part two of chapter 36.  We review a spiritually inspired read of the Torah's revelation at Mount Sinai.  This revelation was the revelation of the divine light into the world.  We also see the consequences of the subsequent sin of the Golden Calf and how it is our mission to reclaim and rereveal the divine light in the world.  I also reiterate the challenges of the particularism of the Tanya while trying to find universalistic messages within the book, using this section as a case study in understanding responsibility as it relates to each of our faiths.

Part one of chapter 36.  This section is a review of the Alter Rebbe's mystical theology of existence.  We explore the chain of being from Gd to our realm, in which the light of Gd is concealed and veiled the further one gets from the Infinite, Ein Sof.  This section looks at our mission of revealing Gd's light from within the concealed through the actions we take.  We also touch on how the light we are looking to reveal is a redemptive light.

Rest of chapter 35.  We go deeper into the discussion of doing mitzvot, of taking action as a means of drawing down the light of the divine presence. This section brings us to a fuller picture of the tripartite growth that occurs as a result of thought, speech and action.   To truly experience the light of the divine, we cannot merely live a life of contemplation.  Actions are a vital part of elevating the animal soul that animates the body.

Part 2 of Chapter 35.  This sections continues to explore what it means to keep the flame of the candle alive.  We discuss why the divine soul can't be considered the oil keeping the flame going.  We look into Gd's will in relation to the creation of the world.  And I offer two small reflections on the Torah readings for this week.

Part one of Chapter 35. This chapter asks us a fundamental question.  Why should Gd have created the Beinoni?  The answer begins with a look at the importance of doing the mitzvot as they relate to keeping the flame of the divine soul lit.

Chapter 34.  This chapter continues on the theme of experience spiritual joy.  The focus of this chapter is the Alter Rebbe's approach to the phrase Bilvavi Mishkan Evneh, Building a Sanctuary in our Hearts.  We explore how we can be vessels for the divine through our study of Torah.  Gd dwells in the 4 cubits of halachah, in study and action.  We explore holding the multiplicity of emotions of joy and sadness.  And I conclude with a short piece on the connection between Purim and Passover.  This chapter completes the first volume of the five volume set of Lessons in Tanya.

Chapter 33 - This chapter discusses how we can find a sense of joy in reflecting on Gd's unity.  This is a difficult concept to see as it presumes a sense of self-nullification that most of us haven't reached in life.  We reflect on what it means that Gd is the only "real" existence, being both within and around existence.  The goal of the intellectual contemplation is a deepen our faith in finding the light in the midst of darkness, find joy in the midst of sadness.  

End of Chapter 32.  We discuss how to be both loving of our fellow while also potentially feeling hatred.  We focus on the need to be close and caring of most to potentially bring them back to the path of spiritual growth and Torah observance.  I reflect on how this latter complexity of love and hate living together in a person is about hating the action but finding the "good heart" that exists in most, while also acknowledging that there are situations when this would be almost impossible to do.  

First part of chapter 52.  This episode discusses the Alter Rebbe's understanding of V'Ahavta Reiacha Kamocha, You should Love your Fellow as Yourself.  We explore how this verse is a message of connecting to each other on a soul level, as if all of us are "soulmates."  I point out how this line is a fundamental element of bringing a prayer quorum "together" and the implications of this verse for our spiritual growth.

Part two of Chapter 31 - We continue to explore how to raise up the soul when the heart is feeling numb.  We explore the metaphor of exile and redemption, using the Exodus story as the paradigm for rising above our physical desires.  This part also speaks to the need to not just raise the divine soul but also the animal soul to newer heights through Torah and Mitzvot, through the work of spiritual growth.

Part on of Chapter 31.  In this chapter, we continue to discuss strategies for rising above the dullness of the heart.  This chapter continues along the lines of chapter 30 in describing using the Sitra Achra's approach against it.  We reflect on the difference between depression and bitterness and the transition between one and the other.  Depression is the gateway to the bitterness and anger we need to wake up our hearts in prayer and study when we are just "going through the motions."  

Chapter 30.  This chapter continues to discuss how we can overcome the dullness of the heart.  The methodology of this chapter is to see ourselves as so low that we must fight to survive.  I offer a read of this chapter as using the evil impulses own tool to fight the battle against it.  I found this chapter a bit challenging both as presented as well as from a psychological point of view, in that unless it is contrived, it can be dangerous to see ourselves as so lowly.  I contend that his goal is to create the scenario but not to truly see ourselves in this manner of lowliness.

Part two of Chapter 29 - We discuss two methods of overcoming the sitra achara, the "dark" side of our soul.  We learn about spiritual accounting and how to rage against this dark side.  This chapter also works through being a vessel for the divine, leading to a quick thought on this week's Torah portion, Terumah.

Part one of Chapter 29.  We discuss the challenge when our heart becomes like stone, when our heart becomes unfeeling.  How do we overcome this?  I offer a brief foray into the distinction between knowing something and feeling/experiencing it.  We discuss the struggle of the beinoni as a source of growth, working through various levels of returning to Gd.

End of chapter 28.  We discuss how foreign thoughts during prayer are natural, as they are part of the battle between the divine and animal souls.  We discuss how having a positive goal oriented mindset is better than an avoidance mindset when it comes to focus and concentration.  And, the Alter Rebbe reminds us of the importance of turning to/including Gd in our fight to overcome the foreign thoughts breaking our focus.

Part one of Chapter 28.  We continue to discuss the topic of extraneous thoughts that come into our minds in the midst of our actions.  This time the focus is on how to handle these thoughts in the midst of prayer and Torah study.  We get into a discussion of how a tzaddik will deal with this versus how we, the beinoni, needs to work on not allowing the thought to bring us down.  I offer a short parashat Mishpatim thought based on the past couple of days of Tanya as well.

End of chapter 27.  This section looks at a second approach to overcoming our base, physical instincts, or overcoming the Sitra Achara (dark/other side).  There are many permissible actions one is allowed to do yet we must also work on the motivation for doing them.  If we are doing things for the sake of connecting to Gd, then we are also suppressing the power of the Sitra Achara from getting the upper hand.  This comes through the means of learning how to delay giving in to our physical desires.  We are not ignoring them.  Rather we are using things like eating as a tools to grow spiritually.  We also briefly explore the term Kadosh, translated as holy to find the depth and beauty of this term.

Part two of chapter 27.  The Tanya warns us not to be sad about the internal struggle because the internal struggle is our mission in life.  He suggests that it is this struggle which helps define the Beinoni, the intermediary person, to whom he is writing.  We discuss the power of struggle and overcoming it to continue along a path of spiritual growth.  I reflect on the importance of maintaining practice even if our minds are not engaged because the actions can, if we are intentional, hopefully open the door to further spiritual growth.

Part one of chapter 27.  We continue our discussion of finding the joy in the midst of sadness/melancholy.  This time, the focus is on how we are building resistance to sin through pushing away our negative thoughts during our day to day business. Even when not involved in "holy" work, we are able to grow and improve passively by avoiding allowing the evil inclination to push us to sin.

End of Chapter 26 - In this short piece, we reflect on how to divert the feeling of sadness to a specific time and place for reflection.  This reflection should allow a person to find the wholeness again from a broken heart and from contrition.  The goal is to the see and experience the joy that should come out of the sadness.

Part one of Chapter 26.  This chapter discusses finding positive growth in the midst of sadness and darkness.  We delve into the beginnings of the theology of how we find hope in tragedy, meaning in suffering, light within darkness.  This relates to inspiring people to continue to work on spiritual growth even when things seem lost.  The Alter Rebbe suggests that we may never understand the why and that our push to succeed might be like planting the seeds for some future time.  None of this pushes aside the pain and sadness.  Rather, it is a his call to reflect on trying to see farther and deeper, which for most of us is nearly impossible to do.  It doesn't we despair and don't reflect.  Rather, we recognize our limitations as human beings to prognosticate on the whys of the future.   

Final section of Chapter 25.  This last section deals with two topics.   1. The daily need for forgiveness for the negligence that is our human imperfection as it relates to not constantly fulfilling study of Torah and performing mitzvot.  This negligence is in contrast to willfully abrogating the law, for which teshuva is much more complicated.   2. A review of how reciting Shema 2x a day is a message of absolute loyalty to Gd.  It is about commitment.  Spiritual growth and connection to faith is ideally about absolute commitment. We look at how we have to commit to change and not just claim we want it. Finally, we end off with a short Torah thought based on Parashat Yitro regarding Gd's revelation of Torah at Mount Sinai in light of what we have studied as it relates to Gd revealing Gdself distilled through the Torah. Shabbat Shalom.

Part of two of chapter 25.  This section deals with the phrase "doing good" as it relates to the hidden love, the divine soul within each of us.  Even when we aren't feeling the connection consciously, the love and connection to Gd is built in for us to work to draw upon in order to foster the relationship we want to have.  In this piece I also touch on how the well could go dry but not when it comes to the divine soul.  

Part one chapter 25.  This recording reviews some of the concepts we have seen in the previous chapters about how to overcome the spirit of folly.  If we presume our ability to love and fear Gd are always present, we have the tools needed to sustain our positive spiritual growth.  This section reviews the importance of relationship with the divine as part of the ability to overcome our mistakes.  I also add in a plug for spiritual growth as relational and my work as a spiritual coach.  I also offer a special wish at the end of the show to my older son as he turns 13 today on the Gregorian calendar (Hebrew birthday upcoming in a week).

Part two of Chapter 24.  He continues the discussion of sin as a result of the "spirit of folly." The section deals with three types of violations: 1. Cardinal sins which cannot be violated at any cost 2. Prohibitions that need to be violated in the short term for the sake of long term gain 3. Violations of prohibitions punishable by Karet - divine separation, vs. most other violations, which are temporary breaks with the divine. I also attempt to express my view of how the spirit of folly as he presents it is not an excuse for the bad choices people make and yet we must also recognize that often people are not making rational choices when making hurtful, horrific choices in the actions that they take.  

Part one of Chapter 24  This chapter explores how violating the 365 prohibitions of the Torah leads to a sense of separation from Gd.  The previous chapters looked at how our actions lead to a closeness and a unification with the divine.  This chapter shares the opposite, reflecting on different degrees of sin.  We mess up because of our sense of self and we mess up because the animal soul influences us to the point of folly.  The latter might help us understand the difference between the Beinoni and the Rasha.  Finally, this lesson also contains a short message for Tu B'Shvat at the end of the recording.