Tanya, Part I; Likkutei Amarim 12:1

Hook

You’ve heard it before: Judaism is about rules. Lots and lots of rules. And maybe, just maybe, you remember sitting in Hebrew school, staring at a confusing list of "do's" and "don'ts," feeling a little overwhelmed, a little disconnected, and thinking, "Is this it? Is this all there is?" If that sounds familiar, you weren't wrong to feel that way. But we can absolutely revisit this, and I promise, it’s so much more than a rulebook. Today, we’re going to explore a concept from the Tanya, a foundational text of Chassidic philosophy, that reframes what it means to live a Jewish life, not as a rigid adherence to external commands, but as an internal dance between our deepest selves and something infinitely larger. Forget the idea of perfect adherence being the only path; we’re going to uncover a different kind of understanding, one that embraces the messy, beautiful reality of being human.

Context

The Tanya, particularly this passage, introduces us to a profound idea about inner spiritual life. It’s not about achieving some mythical state of perfection overnight, but about a dynamic equilibrium. Let's break down one of the central, often misunderstood, ideas here: the concept of the benoni, the "intermediate" person.

The "Small City" and Its Inhabitants

• The "Small City" is You: The text uses the metaphor of a "small city" to represent the human being. This city has distinct districts: the brain, the mouth, and the other limbs. These are not just physical locations; they represent our faculties of thought, speech, and action. This is where our inner lives manifest in the external world.
• Two Souls in One Body: The Tanya posits that we have two primary "souls" or animating forces: the "divine soul" (our spiritual, higher self) and the "animal soul" (our instinctual, physical self, often associated with the kelipah, or "shell," a metaphor for negativity or impurity). The animal soul's "garments" are thought, speech, and action that stem from self-interest or lower desires. The divine soul’s "garments" are thought, speech, and action dedicated to holiness and connection to God.
• The Benoni's Equilibrium: The benoni is not someone who has eradicated all negative impulses. Instead, it's someone where these negative impulses, originating from the animal soul, never gain enough power to fully "clothe themselves" in the body – meaning, to consistently drive our thoughts, words, and actions into sin. The divine soul's "garments" – our holy thoughts, words, and deeds – are the ones that predominantly manifest. This is a state of balance, not of absence of struggle.

Text Snapshot

"The benoni (intermediate) is he in whom evil never attains enough power to capture the 'small city,' so as to clothe itself in the body and make it sin. That is to say, the three 'garments' of the animal soul, namely, thought, speech, and act, originating in the kelipah, do not prevail within him over the divine soul to the extent of clothing themselves in the body—in the brain, in the mouth, and in the other 248 parts—thereby causing them to sin and defiling them, G–d forbid. Only the three garments of the divine soul, they alone are implemented in the body, being the thought, speech, and act engaged in the 613 commandments of the Torah."

New Angle

This passage from the Tanya is a radical re-framing of spiritual striving, especially for adults who might have found traditional religious frameworks either too rigid or too abstract. It moves beyond a simple "good vs. evil" binary and offers a nuanced, deeply human understanding of progress. Let's explore how this concept of the benoni speaks to our adult lives, our careers, our families, and our search for meaning.

Insight 1: The Art of Inner Governance—Navigating the Workplace Jungle

Think about your professional life. We’re bombarded with demands, pressures, and the constant need to perform. In this environment, the idea of the "small city" – your inner world, your integrity, your core values – is constantly under siege. The Tanya’s description of the benoni isn't about achieving a saintly state where ambition and self-interest disappear. Instead, it’s about mastering the art of inner governance.

The animal soul’s “garments” of thought, speech, and act, when driven by the kelipah, can manifest in the workplace as gossip, backstabbing, excessive pride, or a relentless pursuit of personal gain at the expense of colleagues or ethical principles. We’ve all seen it, and perhaps even felt the pull towards it when under immense pressure. The temptation to cut corners, to take credit for others' work, to engage in passive-aggressive communication, or to prioritize appearance over substance – these are the "sins" that the animal soul, unchecked, can lead us into.

The benoni, however, is someone who, even when tempted by these impulses, doesn't let them prevail. They don't succumb to the point where their thoughts, words, and actions are consistently dictated by the animal soul's agenda. This doesn't mean they never have a fleeting selfish thought or a moment of envy. The text explicitly states that the animal soul's essence remains, and desires can reawaken after prayer (or, in our analogy, after a moment of reflection or a period of focused work).

The crucial difference is that for the benoni, these impulses are not allowed to clothe themselves in the body. This means they don't consistently translate into harmful actions. Instead, the divine soul’s "garments" – our integrity, our commitment to collaboration, our thoughtful communication, our dedication to doing good work – are what predominantly manifest.

This is incredibly relevant to adult life because it offers a realistic model for navigating complex professional landscapes. It’s not about being a naive idealist who never sees the darker side of office politics. It's about developing the inner strength and self-awareness to recognize those darker impulses when they arise and to consciously choose a different path. It's about exercising the willpower, as the Tanya mentions, to "restrain oneself and control the drive of lust that is in his heart, preventing his heart’s desires from expressing themselves in action, word, or thought."

Think about a challenging project deadline. The animal soul might whisper, "Just blame someone else. It's not your fault." The benoni hears that whisper, acknowledges it perhaps as a fleeting temptation, but then directs their "divine soul garments" towards problem-solving, clear communication about challenges, and taking responsibility for their part. They might feel the pressure, the desire to lash out, but they choose not to let it dictate their behavior. They might experience envy of a colleague's success, but they consciously channel that into admiration or a desire to learn, rather than resentment.

This is about cultivating resilience and ethical leadership from within. It’s about understanding that spiritual or ethical progress isn’t a linear ascent to perfection, but a continuous process of inner governance. It’s about recognizing that even in the most cutthroat environments, we have the capacity to choose how we engage, how we speak, and how we act, ensuring our actions align with our deeper values, not just the immediate pressures of the day. This is how we can strive to embody the benoni in our careers – not by eradicating ambition, but by transforming it, by ensuring it serves a higher purpose and doesn't lead us to compromise our integrity. This matters because our professional lives are a significant arena where we enact our values, and this framework offers a tangible way to bring our best selves to work, even when it’s difficult.

Insight 2: The Intergenerational Dance—Passing Down Values, Not Just Rules

In our family lives, we often grapple with the legacy of how we were raised. Perhaps our own Hebrew school experiences were less than ideal, and we wonder how to pass on Jewish values to our children without replicating the disconnect we felt. The Tanya's concept of the benoni offers a profound perspective on this intergenerational dance, shifting the focus from mere rule-following to the cultivation of inner disposition.

The text states that the benoni is characterized by the fact that the animal soul's "garments" of thought, speech, and act do not prevail to cause sin. Conversely, the divine soul's "garments" – thought, speech, and act engaged in the commandments – are what are implemented. This isn't just about doing the commandments; it's about the inner state that drives them. For the benoni, these actions are rooted in a deeper love and connection to God, even if that love isn't always a blazing inferno.

When we think about transmitting Jewish values to our children, we often fall into the trap of thinking it’s all about the rituals. "We have to light candles," "We have to say the blessings," "We have to go to synagogue." While these are important, the Tanya suggests that the inner orientation behind these actions is what truly matters. If we are going through the motions out of obligation, or worse, out of a desire to simply check a box, our children will sense that disconnect. They’ll see the "garments" of ritual without the underlying spirit.

The benoni model teaches us that our goal isn't to raise children who are perfectly observant in every detail from day one, but to cultivate in them an inner disposition towards holiness, towards love, and towards seeking God. This means demonstrating that our own engagement with Judaism is rooted in something deeper than external compliance. When we approach Shabbat with joy and intention, when we discuss the Torah portion with curiosity and wonder, when we show genuine kindness and compassion in our family interactions – these are the "garments" of our divine soul being expressed.

This is especially crucial for adults who may have felt alienated from their Jewish upbringing. We might be tempted to overcompensate by being overly strict with our children, or conversely, to shy away from any form of tradition for fear of repeating past negative experiences. The benoni offers a middle path. It's about understanding that spiritual growth is a lifelong journey, and that our children are on their own unique paths. Our role is to be guides, not taskmasters.

Consider the concept of "sinful thoughts" mentioned in the text. The benoni doesn't let these thoughts prevail and clothe themselves in action. This is a powerful lesson for parenting. We all have moments of frustration, of impatience, of thinking negative thoughts about our children or our spouse. The benoni doesn't pretend these thoughts don't exist; they simply don't let them dictate their behavior. They actively "thrust them out with both hands." As parents, this means we can model healthy emotional regulation and conflict resolution. Instead of exploding in anger, we can pause, acknowledge our frustration, and then choose a more constructive response. This is the essence of the divine soul’s garments – acting with thoughtfulness and love, even when our animal soul is tempted to react impulsively.

Furthermore, the Tanya's emphasis on "hidden love that is the natural adoration in the divine soul" is key. This suggests that our connection to God, and therefore our ability to transmit Jewish values, isn't always about grand, ecstatic experiences. It's often in the quiet, consistent commitment to doing good, to showing up for our families, and to nurturing a sense of meaning. This hidden love, when expressed through consistent acts of kindness, patience, and dedication, is what our children will truly absorb. It's about creating a home where the "garments" of the divine soul are not just worn on special occasions, but are woven into the fabric of everyday life. This matters because it allows us to build a Jewish legacy that is not just about inherited rituals, but about internalized values, fostering a genuine, personal connection to Judaism for the next generation, one that is more likely to resonate and endure.

Low-Lift Ritual

The Tanya speaks about the benoni's constant inner work, particularly during moments like prayer, when the divine soul's faculties of wisdom, understanding, and knowledge (chabad) are elevated. It also acknowledges that after these moments, the animal soul's desires can reawaken. The core of the benoni's strength lies in their ability to recognize these impulses and choose not to let them dictate their actions. This is the essence of what we can practice.

The "Inner Re-Direction" Pause

This ritual is designed to help you cultivate the benoni's ability to recognize an impulse and consciously re-direct your focus. It’s about building the muscle of inner governance.

The Practice:

This week, at least once a day, I invite you to practice the "Inner Re-Direction" Pause. Choose a moment when you feel a strong, perhaps negative or distracting, impulse arising. This could be anything: a fleeting moment of irritation towards a family member, a desire to procrastinate on a work task, a thought of envy when scrolling through social media, or even a strong craving for something you know you shouldn't indulge in.

Here's how to do it:

1. The Pause (Approx. 15 seconds): As soon as you recognize the impulse, consciously and gently stop what you are doing. Take a single, deep breath. You don't need to judge the impulse or yourself for having it. Simply acknowledge its presence. Think of it as noticing a cloud passing in the sky.

2. The Recognition (Approx. 15 seconds): Silently, or in your mind, label the impulse. Is it impatience? Procrastination? Envy? Judgment? A craving? Again, no judgment, just identification. You are the "small city" observing a potential intruder. The Tanya says, "as soon as there rises from his heart to his mind some animosity or hatred, G–d forbid... he gives them no entrance into his mind and will." This recognition is the first step in "giving them no entrance."

3. The Re-Direction (Approx. 30 seconds): Now, consciously shift your attention. This is where your divine soul's "garments" come into play.

   • If it was an impulse towards negativity (anger, criticism, envy): Gently redirect your thoughts towards an intention of kindness, understanding, or gratitude. Think of a positive quality in the person you were feeling negatively towards, or something you are grateful for in your current situation.
   • If it was an impulse towards distraction or procrastination (e.g., wanting to check your phone): Redirect your focus back to the task at hand, or to a more meaningful activity. Remind yourself of your intention or purpose for being in this situation.
   • If it was a craving: Redirect your attention to the physical sensations in your body, or to a healthier, more nourishing thought or intention.

4. The Affirmation (Approx. 15 seconds): Silently or softly say to yourself, "My intention is to act from goodness," or "I choose connection," or "I am directing my energy towards what truly matters." This is a moment of reaffirming your commitment to the "garments" of your divine soul.

Why this works:

This ritual isn't about suppressing your feelings or desires; it's about developing the capacity to manage them. The Tanya highlights that the benoni doesn't commit sin because the negative impulses don't prevail and clothe themselves in action. This practice trains that very ability. You are actively practicing the "willpower in his brain" to "restrain himself and control the drive of lust that is in his heart, preventing his heart’s desires from expressing themselves in action." It’s about building a subtle, yet powerful, internal firewall.

This matters because: In our busy adult lives, we are constantly bombarded with stimuli and internal pressures. Developing the ability to pause, recognize an impulse, and consciously choose our response is fundamental to maintaining our integrity, our relationships, and our sense of purpose. It moves us from being reactive to being responsive, from being driven by instinct to being guided by intention. This simple practice, done consistently, can fundamentally shift how you navigate your day and your inner world.

Chevruta Mini

1. The Tanya describes the benoni as someone where "evil never attains enough power to capture the 'small city,' so as to clothe itself in the body and make it sin." What does it mean for an impulse or desire to "clothe itself in the body"? Can you think of a time in your life (work, family, personal) where a negative impulse did fully "clothe itself" in your actions, and what was the outcome? Conversely, can you recall a time you felt a negative impulse but managed to prevent it from manifesting in your actions? What was different about those two situations?

2. The text emphasizes that the benoni might still experience desires from the animal soul, especially after moments of spiritual elevation. The key is that these desires "do not occur to him to actually violate the prohibition... and it remains in the realm of sinful thoughts." How does this distinction between thought and action, particularly in the context of not letting thoughts prevail, resonate with challenges you face in maintaining your values in everyday life? Does this understanding make the idea of spiritual progress feel more attainable?

Takeaway

You are not defined by the passing thoughts or fleeting impulses that flicker through your mind. The benoni isn't a person who has no "darkness," but someone who has learned to govern their inner "small city" with wisdom and intention. Your ability to recognize an impulse and consciously redirect your energy towards goodness – towards the "garments" of your divine soul – is the essence of your spiritual strength. This is not about perfection; it's about persistent, deliberate redirection. You have the inherent capacity to choose how your inner world manifests in your actions, and in that choice lies your power.