CRU Archives: Tanya with Dr Naftali Loewenthal
Tanya chapter 13. This chapter further discusses the Benoni, the 'Intermediate Person'. It advises that even a Tzaddik, who has neutralised or transformed their Animal Soul, should consider themselves a Benoni. The Benoni does have the power to neutralise or even inspire their Animal Soul, in a temporary way, such as during deep and inspiring prayer. But after the prayer, the power of the Animal Soul can re-awaken. Click here to hear Session A studying this chapter and click here for Session B studying chapter 13.
Tanya chapter 16. This chapter speaks of the effect of inspiration and emotional response in one's inner spiritual life, and also suggests a strategy for the person who does not feel inspired and who is not moved emotionally by spiritual ideas. Click here to listen to Session A studying this chapter and click here for Session B. The final session can be heard by clicking here, for Session C studying chapter 16.
Tanya chapter 18. This chapter presents the theme of the 'hidden love' for G-d which is within a person's heart, emerging from his or her 'Divine Soul'. It is there even if the person is not aware of it or feels estranged from Judaism. Hence throughout history there are examples of Jews giving their lives for Judaism, almost despite themselves. Click here to listen to study of part of this chapter 18.
Tanya chapter 19. More discussion of the qualities and effects of the 'Divine Soul'. Click here to listen to study of part of this chapter 19.
Tanya chapter 26. This chapter speaks of the importance of joyfulness in life and in service of the Divine, a central teaching of all branches of Chassidism. Yet what if one has to face real problems in daily life? Rabbi Shneur Zalman presents ways of looking at these, so that instead of gloom or depression in the midst of suffering the person is helped to discover a sense of intimate closeness to G-d. Click here to listen to Session A studying this chapter and click here for Session B. The third session can be heard by clicking here, for Session C exploring chapter 26.
Tanya chapter 27. This chapter continues with theme of joy despite the presence of negative circumstances. This chapter focuses on a person's chagrin at his or own bad thoughts and desires. If one is trying to be a spiritual person, surely bad thoughts are a cause for depression? Rabbi Shneur Zalman argues against this view, discussing approaches to bad thoughts during the ordinary course of daily life. Click here to listen to a Study-Session exploring this chapter and click here for the final Session studying chapter 27.
Tanya chapter 28. This chapter considers the problem of bad thoughts coming into one's mind during prayer, and suggests strategies of how to deal with them. Rabbi Shneur Zalman strongly counsels against the practice suggested in earlier Chassidic books to 'elevate' the negative thoughts. Rabbi Shneur Zalman says this practice is for people on a higher spiritual level, Tzaddikim. In their case the 'bad thoughts' are not their own, but result from their sensitivity to the spiritual problems of other people. Someone whose bad thoughts are simply the product of his own negative desires has to employ a more simple strategy. But he should still be joyful! Click here to listen to the beginning of this chapter and click here for the final Session studying chapter 28.
Tanya chapter 29. This chapter considers the problem of one's heart being unresponsive as regards prayer and one lacks vigour and enthusiasm in one's relationship with the Divine. Click here to listen to the beginning of this chapter, Sesion A, and click here for Session B. Then click here for Session C and click here for Session D. Then click here to listen to Session E, and finally click here for the final Session studying chapter 29.
Tanya chapter 30. This chapter presents the Chassidic ideal of humility, seeing all other people in a positive light and being critical of oneself in order to encourage oneself to a more profound and genuine approach to spiritual life. Click here to listen to the beginning of this chapter, Sesion A, and click here for Session B in chapter 30.
Tanya chapter 31. One's self criticism might lead to 'merirut' (literally 'bitterness'), a sharp inner feeling that one has to improve. This too can be utilised in spiritual service. However, one's sharp self-criticism is focused on the Animal Soul, not the Divine Soul. Focusing on the latter one is filled with joy. This inner escape from one's own limitations is a form of liberation from 'Egypt'. Click here to listen to the beginning of this chapter, Session A, and click here for Session B. Then click here for the final Session studying chapter 31.
Tanya chapter 32. The most famous chapter in Tanya, concerning love of one's fellow. The number 32 in Hebrew is LeV meaning 'heart', so this chapter is called 'the heart of Tanya'.Click here for a Study-Session exploring part of this chapter 32.
Tanya chapter 33. More on the theme of joy: finding joy from thinking about the infinite Unity of G-d before which all existence is as nought. That one should be conscious of this Divine Unity here in our lowly world is the real goal of Creation. Click here to listen to the beginning of the chapter and click here for the final Session studying chapter 33.
Tanya chapter 34. This chapter speaks of a person feeling his or her own lack of ability to reach spiritual heights, yet despite this he/she is filled with joy at a sense of closeness to G-d through observance of the Mitzvot. The chapter concludes by quoting a famous passage in the Zohar "weeping is lodged on one side of my heart, and joy is lodged on the other side of my heart". Such is the paradox of humanity! Click here to listen to the beginning of the chapter and click here for the final Session studying chapter 34.
Tanya chapter 35. This chapter quotes at length and discusses a famous passage in the Zohar comparing the person to a lamp: the body is the wick, the Mitzvot they carry out are expressed by the oil, and the flame burning is the radiance of the Divine Presence shining above his or her head. This is in the context of understanding the significance of the power of Action of the Mitzvot. Click here to listen to the beginning of this chapter, Sesion A, and click here for Session B. Then click here for Session C and finally click here for the last session studying chapter 35.
Tanya chapter 36. This chapter discusses the goal of Creation: that 'the Holy One blessed be He desired to have a dwelling in the lower world.' The meaning of this idea is explored. This goal will be realised with the coming of the Messiah, but in fact was achieved in a temporary way at the Giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai. Click here to listen to the first Session studying this chapter and click here for the second Session studying chapter 36.
Tanya chapter 37. This chapter presents in clear terms Rabbi Yitzhak Luria's explanation of the power and effect of the practical Mitzvot to bring about the transformation of the world which will be revealed at the coming of the Messiah. Click here to listen to the first Session studying this chapter and click here for the second Session and click here for the third session studying chapter 37.
PROJECT LECHAIM 2 May 2007: A special ladies' session exploring an overview of a discourse by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, concerning Lag B'Omer, said in 1977. This study session was dedicated in memory of Beth Kratky o"h, Hadassah Leah bat Avraham, who passed away on the previous Shabbat, and had been regularly attending Project LeChaim for the past ten years. Click here to listen to the overview of the discourse about Lag B'Omer. Note that a more extensive treatment of this discourse on audio file can be found on this website in the archive of the Alef Kabbalah group (see meeting of 1 May 2007).
A session with the women's study group in Project LeChaim exploring an overview of a discourse by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, concerning Succot and Yom Kippur, said in 1966. Click here to listen to the overview of the Discourse. Note that a more extensive treatment of this discourse on audio file can be found on this website in the archive of the Alef Kabbalah group (see meeting of 17 September 07).
PROJECT LECHAIM 25 August 2010. Studying Tanya, Part 4 (Iggeret HaKodesh), ch.14, concerning the renewal of life-force to the world which takes place each Rosh Hashana. To download click here or click the icon to play
PROJECT LECHAIM 20 June 2012, shortly before the Yahrzeit of the Lubavitcher Rebbe on 3 Tammuz (23 June this year). We studied the last Chassidic Discourse which the Rebbe edited, shortly before his stroke in 1992. This concerns the function of a Jewish leader, and helps us understand the significance of the chain of leaders of the Jewish people, including the Rebbe himself. To download click here or click the icon to play