Tanya with Rochel Schmukler

Tanya Chapter 8 part 1. Intentions are powerful and can turn the mundane into something holy, but some realities cannot be altered by intent. 12.01.2025 46:43 ↓

What if someone unwittingly ate forbidden food with the intention of serving Hashem—and even used the energy derived from that food to fuel their Torah study and prayer? Can this energy rise to holiness and become clothed within the words of Torah and prayer? The vitality within forbidden foods is intrinsically tied to the three completely impure kelipot, meaning it cannot be elevated to holiness,...

Tanya Chapter 7 part 2. Elevating even the luxurious to holiness, like a sacrifice on the altar 08.12.2024 45:02 ↓

Exploring kelipat nogah, the luminescent husk within the realm of impurity, which contains a mixture of good and holds the potential to be elevated to holiness or dragged into the depths of the three completely impure kelipot. Its destiny hinges on our intentions when interacting with the material world. When our focus is on serving Hashem, even the most luxurious items can be elevated to holiness...

Tanya Chapter 6 part 2. Learning to discern between the Divine core of reality and the external structure that hides it 15.11.2024 42:36 ↓

How could anything exist if it opposes its essential life force? This is the secret of the exile of the Shechina—the Divine Presence—which vivifies forces that oppose it. Looking at this physical world and understanding the nature of kelipah—the obscuring husk—we can understand why darkness seems so prevalent here. And still, the infinite light of G-d fills this entire world through its investitur...