Lessons in Tanya

This podcast episode explores the spiritual source of the animal soul and permissible, mundane aspects of existence, explaining that they originate from a spiritual category sometimes called " Shell that shines ," which contains a mixture of good and evil. Unlike truly forbidden things which come from entirely unclean sources, permissible actions, words, and thoughts that are not performed with th...

This episode explores the nature of the animal soul , explaining its complete parallelism to the divine soul in having ten powers—three intellectual and seven emotional—and three forms of expression through thought, speech, and action. However, the animal soul's core substance is spiritual impurity , acting as a "shell" that conceals the divine life force within creation. This concealing force is...

This episode explores the extraordinary power of studying religious law and divine wisdom, explaining why this spiritual practice is considered superior to other religious observances. Unlike performing actions or speaking prayers, which primarily create a connection with the Divine that surrounds and envelops the soul like a garment, deeply understanding and comprehending divine wisdom allows tha...

This podcast episode explores the concept of the divine soul's three "garments" or instruments of expression: thought, speech, and action . These expressions allow the soul's intellect and emotions to manifest, much like clothing reveals the wearer's qualities. When an individual dedicates these three expressions to spiritual practices , they effectively "clothe" their entire soul in these divine...

This episode explores the faculties of the human soul , explaining how its ten powers, which correspond to divine manifestations, are categorized into intellectual and emotional attributes. We delve into the three intellectual powers: wisdom, understanding, and knowledge . These intellectual faculties are revealed as the 'mothers' and source of emotions such as love and fear of G-d, meaning emotio...

This episode delves into profound concepts of human nature and spiritual identity, beginning with the heavenly oath administered to every person before birth: to be righteous, but also to consider oneself wicked, even if the world sees you as righteous . This presents a paradox, as feeling wicked might hinder joyful service of G-d, while not being perturbed by wickedness could lead to irreverence....

This episode delves into the profound spiritual journey of the soul, beginning with a heavenly promise administered before birth: “Be righteous and be not wicked; and even if the whole world judging you by your actions tells you that you are righteous, regard yourself as wicked.” . This powerful statement raises significant questions, including the apparent contradiction with the instruction not t...

This podcast episode delves into Tanya , a foundational text also known as "The Book of the Intermediates", originally titled "A Compilation of Teachings" by its author, the Alter Rebbe. The book is deeply rooted in a verse emphasizing the accessibility of fulfilling divine commandments through thought, speech, and action, and more profoundly, through developing love and awe of G-d. It elucidates...