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

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

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Audio – Lessons in Tanya 55

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.

Episode 55

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Audio – Lessons in Tanya 54

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.

Episode 54

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