Lessons in Tanya – Page 3 – New beginnings: A blog about spirituality, chaplaincy and renewal

Audio – Lessons in Tanya 65

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.

Episode 65

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Audio – Lessons in Tanya 64

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.

Episode 64

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Audio – Lessons in Tanya 63

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.

Episode 63

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Audio – Lessons in Tanya 62

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.

Episode 62

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Audio – Lessons in Tanya 61

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.

Episode 61

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Audio – Lessons in Tanya 60

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.

Episode 60

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Audio – Lessons in Tanya 59

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.

Episode 59

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Audio – Lessons in Tanya 58

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.

Episode 58

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Audio – Lessons in Tanya 57

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.

Episode 57

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Audio – Lessons in Tanya 56

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.

Episode 56

All episodes can also now be heard on Apple Podcasts – here