Tanya, Part I; Likkutei Amarim 10:1

This lesson is designed to be a 5-minute introduction for someone at a beginner-to-intermediate level on the path of thinking about conversion.

Hook

Embarking on a journey towards a Jewish life is a profound and deeply personal undertaking. It’s a path paved with ancient wisdom, covenantal commitments, and a rich tapestry of practice. As you explore this path, you’ll encounter texts that offer not just philosophical ideas, but a roadmap for spiritual growth and a blueprint for belonging. This particular passage from the Tanya, a foundational work of Chassidic philosophy, is incredibly relevant to anyone discerning a Jewish life. It speaks directly to the internal struggles and aspirations that are inherent in any significant spiritual transformation. It offers a framework for understanding the process of aligning one's inner self with a life of holiness and divine service, a core element of the Jewish covenant. This text isn't about abstract theology; it's about the practical, sometimes challenging, but ultimately beautiful work of becoming.

Context

This excerpt from Tanya, Likkutei Amarim 10:1, delves into the inner landscape of spiritual development. Its relevance to your journey is multifaceted:

• Internal Transformation: The text distinguishes between different levels of spiritual attainment, specifically focusing on the internal struggle between the "divine soul" and the "animal soul." For someone considering conversion, this speaks to the immense internal work involved in embracing a new way of life, aligning one's desires and actions with Jewish values and practices. It acknowledges that this process is not always straightforward, and that there are stages of growth.
• Covenantal Commitment: The concept of "waging war against his animal soul" and striving to "expel and eradicate its evil" is directly related to the commitment inherent in the Jewish covenant. Conversion involves willingly accepting the mitzvot (commandments) and striving to live a life dedicated to serving God. This passage provides a framework for understanding the inner discipline required to uphold these commitments.
• The Journey of "Becoming": Tanya presents a nuanced view of spiritual progress, outlining stages like "incompletely righteous" and "completely righteous." This is crucial for someone on the path of conversion, as it validates the idea that growth is a process. It reassures you that the journey itself, with its moments of struggle and progress, is meaningful and recognized. It hints at the ongoing nature of spiritual refinement, which continues long after formal conversion.

Text Snapshot

"Behold, when a person fortifies his divine soul and wages war against his animal soul to such an extent that he expels and eradicates its evil from the left part... yet the evil is not actually converted to goodness, he is called “incompletely righteous” or “a righteous man who suffers.” That is to say, there still lingers in him a fragment of wickedness in the left part, except that it is subjugated and nullified by the good, because of the former’s minuteness. In truth, however, had all the evil in him entirely departed and disappeared, it would have been converted into actual goodness. The explanation of the matter is that “a completely righteous man,” in whom the evil has been converted to goodness and who is consequently called “a righteous man who prospers,” has completely divested himself of the filthy garments of evil... he utterly despises the pleasures of this world, finding no enjoyment in human pleasures of merely gratifying the physical appetites instead of [seeking] the service of G–d..."

Close Reading

Insight 1: The Nuance of Spiritual Progress and Belonging

This passage offers a profound insight into the nature of spiritual progress, crucial for anyone discerning a Jewish life. The distinction between the "incompletely righteous" and the "completely righteous" is not about a pass/fail scenario, but about understanding the dynamic and often intricate process of inner alignment. The "incompletely righteous" individual has indeed "waged war against his animal soul" and largely subjugated its influence. This is a significant achievement, a testament to their effort and commitment. However, the text notes that "the evil is not actually converted to goodness." This means that while the negative impulses are controlled, they haven't been fundamentally transformed into a positive force, nor have the "filthy garments of evil" been entirely shed. This is akin to saying that while one has stopped engaging in harmful behaviors, the underlying inclination hasn't yet been fully redeemed or rechanneled into acts of holiness.

For someone considering conversion, this offers immense comfort and realistic expectation. It acknowledges that the journey towards embracing Jewish practice and identity is not about instantaneous perfection. It's about wrestling with one's inclinations, about making conscious choices to fortify the divine soul, and about striving to live a life aligned with God's will. The "incompletely righteous" person, though not yet at the highest level, is still recognized as "righteous" because their "evil is subjugated and nullified." This validation is powerful. It means that the effort, the struggle, and the sincere desire to move towards holiness are recognized and have inherent value, even if the transformation is not yet complete. This understanding fosters a sense of belonging to a tradition that appreciates the journey, not just the destination. It encourages perseverance, knowing that every step taken to align one's inner world with the values of Torah is a step towards true belonging. The emphasis on the "minuteness" of the lingering evil suggests that even small, controlled remnants don't negate one's fundamental goodness or righteous striving.

Insight 2: The Active Role of Love and Hatred in Covenantal Practice

Another vital insight here is the active role that love and hatred play in fulfilling the covenantal obligations. The text describes the "completely righteous" man as one who "utterly despises the pleasures of this world," finding no enjoyment in purely physical gratification. This hatred is not born of negativity, but from an "absolute hatred" of the sitra achara (the "other side," representing forces antithetical to holiness) and a "great love of God and of His holiness." This is a powerful, covenant-centered concept. The Jewish covenant isn't just about adhering to rules; it's about cultivating a profound love for God and, by extension, a deep aversion to anything that distances us from Him.

The passage states, "The “incompletely righteous” is he who does not hate the sitra achara with an absolute hatred; therefore he does not also absolutely abhor evil." This highlights that the strength of one's commitment to God is directly proportional to their ability to actively reject what separates them from Him. For someone exploring conversion, this means that the process involves not only learning and practicing the mitzvot but also cultivating an inner disposition that aligns with these actions. It's about developing a love for the good that is so profound it naturally leads to a rejection of the negative. This isn't about judging oneself harshly, but about understanding that genuine love for God fuels a desire to live in a way that reflects His holiness. This active engagement with love and aversion is a core aspect of living within the covenant, ensuring that one’s service of God is not merely external, but deeply internalized. The text emphasizes that "contempt is as much the opposite of real love as is hatred," suggesting that a lack of active rejection of the negative indicates a less complete love for the positive. This active, discerning love is what truly animates the covenantal life.

Lived Rhythm

A Shabbat of Conscious Engagement

This passage compels us to examine our internal motivations and our relationship with the "filthy garments of evil." A concrete next step you can take is to consciously engage with Shabbat in a way that reflects these insights. As you prepare for Shabbat, and throughout the day itself, bring an awareness to the intentions behind your actions. Ask yourself: "Am I observing Shabbat primarily to fulfill an obligation, or is it fueled by a growing love for God and a desire to connect with holiness?"

Consider this during your Shabbat meals: Instead of simply enjoying the food, pause before the brachot (blessings). Reflect on the source of the food and the bounty of God's creation. When you recite the brachot, try to imbue them with a sense of gratitude that stems from a deeper love of God, rather than just a rote recitation. During Shabbat downtime, instead of passively consuming entertainment, perhaps choose to engage in study of Jewish texts, or simply sit in contemplative silence, actively fortifying your divine soul and observing any lingering attachments to worldly pleasures that might detract from your spiritual focus. This isn't about perfection, but about mindful practice. Notice where your mind naturally gravitates and gently redirect it towards the sacred purpose of Shabbat, aligning your actions with the aspiration to shed the "filthy garments" and embrace the "service of G–d." This conscious engagement is a step towards the elevated service described in the Tanya.

Community

Seeking Guidance from a Rabbi or Mentor

The journey of spiritual growth and the discernment of a Jewish life are immeasurably enriched by the wisdom and support of community. This passage, with its nuanced descriptions of spiritual states and the commitment required, highlights the value of guidance. A wonderful next step is to connect with a rabbi or a conversion mentor.

When you meet with them, consider bringing up this passage from Tanya. You could ask: "How does this concept of 'incompletely righteous' versus 'completely righteous' resonate with you in the context of someone exploring conversion? What are practical ways I can begin to cultivate this 'absolute hatred' of sitra achara and this 'great love of God' in my daily life?" A rabbi or mentor can provide personalized insights, help you navigate the complexities of Jewish practice and philosophy, and offer encouragement as you grow. They are living embodiments of the tradition and can offer a tangible connection to the covenantal community you are discerning. Their experience can illuminate the path ahead and help you integrate these profound teachings into your lived experience.

Takeaway

The Tanya teaches us that the path to a deeper connection with God, and to authentic Jewish life, is a process of active, conscious transformation. It's about recognizing the inner struggle between our higher and lower natures, and engaging in the courageous work of subjugating the negative and elevating the positive. This journey of "becoming" is not about achieving immediate perfection, but about the sincere effort, the consistent striving, and the growing love for God that fuels our commitment to the covenant. Your exploration is a vital part of this sacred endeavor.