Tanya, Part I; Likkutei Amarim 12:5

Hey there, amazing camp alum! It’s so good to see you, even if it’s just in spirit. Can you almost smell that campfire smoke? Hear the crackle of the wood, feel the warmth on your face? That’s the kind of energy we’re bringing to our Torah today – "campfire Torah" with some real grown-up legs, ready to walk with us through our busy lives.

Today, we're diving into some deep waters, but don't worry, we've got our life jackets on and our counselors are right here with us. We're exploring a powerful concept from the Tanya, a foundational Chassidic text, that speaks directly to our inner world, our daily choices, and how we can truly live a life brimming with holiness, right here, right now. It's all about becoming a Benoni – and trust me, it's probably not what you think!

Let's gather 'round, maybe grab a s'more (chocolate's already melting!), and let the wisdom ignite our souls.

Hook

Alright, let's cast our minds back to those golden days of summer camp. Remember those early mornings? The sun just starting to peek over the trees, the dew still clinging to the grass, and then... BONG! BONG! BONG! – the sound of the wake-up bell, or maybe the counselors singing (a little off-key, but with so much heart!) "Rise and Shine and Give G-d Your Glory!"

Oh, man, some mornings, that glory felt way too far away. Your bunk was cozy, your sleeping bag was a warm embrace, and the last thing you wanted to do was untangle yourself, put on clothes that probably still smelled a bit like yesterday's campfire, and trek to davening. There was that little voice in your head, the one that whispered, "Just five more minutes… nobody will notice… fake a stomach ache." You'd feel the pull, the sheer inertia of wanting to stay put, to indulge in that delicious, sleepy comfort.

But then, something else would kick in. Maybe it was the thought of your friends already heading out, the sound of the shofar echoing across the camp, or just that ingrained sense of kehillah (community) and responsibility. You'd take a deep breath, maybe even groan a little, but you’d throw back the covers. You’d get dressed. You’d walk to the Beit Knesset or the outdoor davening spot, and as you joined the chorus of voices, as the sun truly rose and warmed your face, a different kind of warmth would spread through your chest. That initial resistance, that sleepy reluctance, would begin to dissipate, replaced by a sense of purpose, connection, and a quiet joy.

Remember that feeling? That internal tug-of-war? That moment where you chose to override the comfort, the laziness, the "just five more minutes" voice, and instead, you rose? You probably didn't realize it then, but you were living the essence of what the Tanya calls being a Benoni. You were experiencing the divine soul, with its garments of thought, speech, and action, winning the "small city" of your body, even when the animal soul was still very much present, tempting you with the soft embrace of your sleeping bag.

Let's try a little niggun right here, to help us lock into that feeling of overcoming: (Simple, uplifting melody, like a camp tune) "Though the urge may rise, I choose the light! Na na na, I choose the light!" (Repeat a few times, letting it sink in.)

This isn't about being perfect. Oh no, not at all! It's about that daily, hourly, moment-by-moment choice. It's about recognizing the internal battle and actively engaging in it, knowing you have the power to direct your own "small city." That memory of shaking off the sleepies and choosing to join the community, to engage in something holy – that's our entry point into the profound wisdom of the Benoni. It shows us that even when the desires for comfort, or ease, or distraction are strong, we have an even stronger, innate capacity to choose the path of holiness. It’s not about the absence of temptation; it’s about the presence of choice, and the power to make the right one. This isn't just about waking up for davening; it's about waking up to our spiritual potential, every single day, in every single interaction. That’s the ruach (spirit) we’re tapping into today, a ruach that started with those simple camp moments and now, with our grown-up legs, can carry us through the complexities of our adult lives, transforming ordinary moments into extraordinary acts of holiness.

Context

So, what exactly is this Tanya, and why are we diving into its depths today? Think of it like a seasoned wilderness guide. When you're out on a long hike, you need someone who knows the terrain, who understands the maps, and who can point out the hidden paths and potential pitfalls. The Tanya is precisely that kind of guide for our spiritual journey.

Here are a few trail markers to help us get our bearings:

• Mapping the Inner Wilderness: The Tanya, authored by Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, the first Rebbe of Chabad Chassidism, is essentially a spiritual guidebook. Its primary goal is to help us understand ourselves – our deepest motivations, our internal struggles, and our inherent connection to the Divine. It’s not just a book of philosophy; it’s a manual for self-transformation, for bridging the gap between our finite human experience and the infinite Divine light that sparks within us. It acknowledges that we're complex beings, a fascinating blend of animal instincts and a G-dly soul, and it gives us the tools to navigate that complexity.

• The Benoni: Our Everyday Hero: Often, when we think of "righteous" or "holy" people, we imagine saints, mystics, or towering figures of history. The Tanya introduces us to the Benoni – the "intermediate" person – and this, my friends, is where we come in. The Benoni is not some unattainable ideal. It's not the tzaddik (the perfectly righteous person whose evil inclination has been completely transformed), nor is it the rasha (the wicked person who has succumbed to their evil inclination). The Benoni is the "everyperson" who is actively engaged in the struggle, who might feel desires for things that aren't holy, but consistently chooses not to act on them. This chapter gives us a radical, empowering, and incredibly accessible definition of what it means to be truly good, right where we are. It shifts the focus from an external measure of perfection to an internal, moment-by-moment commitment to choice.

• Your Inner Campsite: An Outdoors Metaphor: Imagine your being – your mind, heart, and body – as a beautiful, pristine campsite. Within this campsite, you have a constantly burning, sacred bonfire – that's your divine soul, radiating warmth, light, and purpose. But just beyond the carefully maintained perimeter, in the surrounding forest, there are wild animals, rustling leaves, shadows, and the calls of the untamed wilderness. This is your animal soul, with its natural desires, instincts, and potential for chaos. The Benoni is the dedicated camp steward. They don't pretend the wild forest isn't there; they hear the calls, they see the shadows. But they diligently maintain their campsite. They ensure the bonfire is always strong and contained, its light pushing back the darkness. They never let the wild animals cross the perimeter into the heart of their camp. They keep the pathways clear, the tents secure, and the whole area functioning according to the camp's holy mission. They are constantly vigilant, always tending, always choosing to maintain the sanctity and order of their inner domain, even as the wilderness outside beckons.

Text Snapshot

Let’s zero in on a few powerful lines from this chapter of Tanya that paint a vivid picture of our Benoni hero:

"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... 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. He has never committed, nor ever will commit, any transgression...

However, after prayer, when the state of sublimity... departs, the evil in the left part reawakens, and he begins to feel a desire for the lusts of the world and its delights. Yet, because the evil has not the sole authority and dominion over the “city,” it is unable to carry out this desire from the potential into the actual by clothing itself in the bodily limbs, in deed, speech, and persistent thought..."

Close Reading

Wow. Just reading that, you might think, "Never committed a transgression? Never will commit one? That sounds like a tzaddik to me, not an intermediate!" But this is where the Tanya blows our minds and offers us a truly revolutionary and empowering perspective. The key is in understanding the internal landscape, not just the external actions. Let's unpack two crucial insights that can translate directly to our home and family life, helping us bring this profound wisdom down from the mountain top right into our living rooms.

Insight 1: It's Not About Eradicating Evil, It's About Reigning Over It – The Power of the Inner Steward

This is perhaps the most profound and liberating aspect of the Benoni definition. The text states that the Benoni never sins in thought, speech, or action. But it does not say that the Benoni doesn't feel temptation, or doesn't have "evil" thoughts or desires. In fact, it explicitly says, "the evil in the left part reawakens, and he begins to feel a desire for the lusts of the world and its delights." This is critical! The Benoni is not someone who lives in a bubble, free from negative urges or worldly temptations. Far from it! They are experiencing the full spectrum of human desires, just like you and me. The difference lies in their response.

Think back to our campsite metaphor. The camp steward hears the calls of the wild, sees the shadows, feels the temptation to let the rules slide. But they never let the wild animals into the camp. They never let the desire for chaos manifest into an actual breakdown of order. They reign over it. They maintain control.

This translates beautifully into our daily lives, especially in the hustle and bustle of family and work. As adults, we're constantly bombarded with choices and temptations. Procrastination at work, indulging in unhealthy snacks, speaking harshly when we're frustrated, scrolling endlessly on our phones instead of engaging with loved ones, or letting negative self-talk take root. These are the "lusts of the world" reawakening. The Benoni model teaches us that the goal isn't necessarily to never feel the urge to procrastinate or snap. It's about recognizing that urge, acknowledging its presence, and then, with conscious willpower, choosing not to act on it, or even to dwell on it.

The Tanya says: "Yet, because the evil has not the sole authority and dominion over the 'city,' it is unable to carry out this desire from the potential into the actual by clothing itself in the bodily limbs, in deed, speech, and persistent thought." This means the Benoni actively prevents these desires from becoming actions, words, or even persistent thoughts. They might have a fleeting negative thought, but they "thrust it out with both hands and avert his mind from it the instant he reminds himself that it is an evil thought." This isn't passive; it's an active, moment-by-moment redirection.

Camp Metaphors with Grown-Up Legs:

• Kehillah (Community) & The Bunk Leader: Imagine a camp bunk filled with diverse personalities. One camper might have a strong desire to hoard all the best snacks (a selfish urge). Another might feel a surge of anger when someone borrows their flashlight without asking. The bunk leader (our intellect, our divine soul) doesn't kick these campers out of the bunk. They understand that these urges are natural. But the bunk leader ensures that no one acts on those urges. The snack hoarder is gently reminded to share, and the angry camper is encouraged to use their words or find a constructive solution, rather than lashing out. The "evil" isn't eradicated from the kehillah (the bunk), but it's never allowed to rule the kehillah. In our home, this applies to how we manage our own internal "bunkmates" – our impulses. Do we let impatience with our kids lead to a harsh word, or do we, like the wise bunk leader, take a breath and choose a kinder response? Do we let the desire for immediate gratification derail our family's long-term goals, or do we steer the ship with our intellect?

• Ruach (Spirit) & The Campfire Storyteller: The ruach of camp isn't just about high-energy songs and dances; it's also about the quiet, powerful spirit that guides our choices. Think of a storyteller around the campfire. They have a captivating tale, but also the responsibility to keep the narrative on track, to prevent it from veering into scary, inappropriate, or confusing tangents. Our divine soul is like that storyteller for our internal narrative. The animal soul might try to introduce distracting or unhelpful plot lines (negative thoughts, petty grievances). But our ruach – our inner spirit, guided by our intellect – has the power to gently but firmly redirect the story back to holiness, to purpose, to kindness. It’s the inner strength, the quiet resolve, that allows us to choose the higher path, even when a lower one beckons loudly. This ruach isn't a fleeting emotion; it's a deep-seated spiritual energy that empowers our willpower.

• Stewardship & Tending the Garden: Being a steward means active care and responsibility. Your "small city" is like a garden. Weeds (negative thoughts, temptations) will inevitably sprout. A Benoni doesn't lament the presence of weeds; they simply and consistently pull them out. They don't let them take root, choke out the flowers, or ruin the harvest. This is continuous work. It’s the daily choice to cultivate gratitude over grumbling, patience over frustration, generosity over selfishness. In our family lives, this stewardship might mean actively choosing to praise our children's efforts rather than criticize their shortcomings, or choosing to listen empathetically to our partner rather than immediately jumping to defensiveness. It's about tending to the "soil" of our relationships with the same diligence we tend to our inner garden.

The Tanya powerfully states, "the brain rules over the heart... For this is how man is created from birth, that each person may, with the willpower in his brain, restrain himself and control the drive of lust that is in his heart." This is not some esoteric mystical power; it's our innate human capacity! We are built with the ability to choose, to use our intellect to guide our emotions. As it says, "Then I saw that wisdom surpasses folly as light surpasses darkness." Just as a small flashlight can banish a vast amount of physical darkness, a little bit of spiritual wisdom – a conscious choice, a moment of redirection – can dispel a huge amount of internal "folly" or negativity. This gives us immense hope. We don't have to be perfect, but we can be powerful. We can be Benonim.

Insight 2: The Power of "After Prayer" – Sustaining the Spark Beyond the Spiritual High

The text makes a fascinating distinction: the divine soul's "undisputed sovereignty" over the "small city" is not constant. It is particularly strong "at appropriate times, such as during the recital of the Shema or the Amidah." During these moments, we bind our intellectual faculties to G-d, meditate on His greatness, and arouse a "burning love." At such times, "the evil that is in the left part is subjected to, and nullified in, the goodness that is diffused in the right part." This is our spiritual high, our peak experience, where the light of holiness shines so brightly that our lower desires are temporarily overshadowed and silenced.

But then comes the incredibly relatable part: "However, after prayer, when the state of sublimity... departs, the evil in the left part reawakens, and he begins to feel a desire for the lusts of the world and its delights."

Sound familiar? This is the challenge of taking the mountain-top experience into the valley of daily life. Remember that incredible Shabbat at camp? The kumzitz under the stars, the meaningful davening, the feeling of pure connection and achdut (unity). You felt so spiritually uplifted, so connected to G-d and your community. You felt like you could conquer the world, or at least be a much better person. And then... Sunday morning came. Packing up. Saying goodbyes. The bus ride home. And suddenly, you're back in your regular room, facing your regular routine, and those "lusts of the world" – the desire for screen time, the frustration with homework, the bickering with siblings – start to reawaken.

The Tanya acknowledges this reality. It doesn't expect us to live in a perpetual state of spiritual ecstasy. But it reveals the Benoni's power in this exact moment: "Yet, because the evil has not the sole authority and dominion over the “city,” it is unable to carry out this desire from the potential into the actual..." The impression of that prayer, that Shabbat, that spiritual high, leaves an enduring mark. It strengthens our resolve. It empowers our intellect to continue ruling our heart, even when the "burning love" is no longer overtly revealed.

Camp Metaphors with Grown-Up Legs:

• Kehillah (Community) & The Camp Reunion Effect: Imagine a camp reunion. For a few glorious hours, you're back in the kehillah, surrounded by that unique camp ruach. The jokes flow, the memories flood back, the sense of belonging is palpable. When the reunion ends, you go back to your separate lives. But the impact of that reunion – the renewed connections, the refreshed spirit, the feeling of being part of something bigger – lingers. It subtly influences your interactions, makes you kinder, more patient, more connected. The Benoni takes the "reunion effect" of prayer and Shabbat and allows it to empower their choices throughout the week. Even if the immediate "high" fades, the impression of holiness, the strengthening of the divine soul's resolve, remains. This means actively recalling those moments when faced with temptation – "How would I want to act if I was still feeling that Shabbat peace?" or "What choice would bring honor to the kehillah I'm a part of?"

• Ruach (Spirit) & The Lingering Campfire Scent: Remember how the scent of campfire smoke would cling to your clothes, your hair, your sleeping bag for days after camp? That's the ruach that lingers. After a powerful prayer, a meaningful Shabbat, or a deep learning session, the vibrant ruach of holiness infuses our being. While the roaring flame might subside, the warm, comforting, guiding scent of that ruach remains. It’s not about maintaining the intensity of the spiritual experience, but about allowing its essence to permeate and inform our subsequent actions. When you feel a negative impulse rising, that lingering ruach provides the spiritual "scent memory" that prompts your intellect to take charge. It’s the subtle, inherent fear and love of G-d – "hidden love" – that was awakened and reinforced during prayer, now providing the quiet strength to choose holiness, even when the world is loud.

• Stewardship & Watering the Seeds of Intent: During prayer or Shabbat, we plant seeds of holy intent. We connect to G-d, we resolve to be better, to live with more purpose. The Benoni understands that these seeds need continuous watering and tending throughout the week. The "reawakening" of evil is like a drought, threatening to wither those good intentions. But the steward, empowered by the impression of the rain (the spiritual high), consciously chooses to water those seeds. This means actively bringing the lessons of Torah into our parenting, our work, our relationships. If you pray for patience, the challenge is to practice patience when your child spills juice for the third time. If you pray for kindness, the challenge is to act with kindness towards a difficult colleague. It’s about not letting the "folly of the wicked fool" rise to the point of acting on lusts, or even willingly entertaining sinful thoughts. The Benoni "thrusts it out with both hands," actively diverting their mind "toward the completely opposite direction, particularly in the direction of holiness." This is proactive, intentional stewardship of our inner world.

The Tanya even applies this to interpersonal relationships, a huge part of our home and family life: "as soon as there rises from his heart to his mind some animosity or hatred, G-d forbid, or jealousy or anger, or a grudge and suchlike, he gives them no entrance into his mind and will. On the contrary, his mind exercises its authority and power over the spirit in his heart to do the very opposite and to conduct himself toward his neighbor with the quality of kindness and a display of abundant love, to the extent of suffering from him to the extreme limits without becoming provoked into anger... but rather to repay the offenders with favors, as taught in the Zohar, that one should learn from the example of Joseph toward his brothers."

This is the ultimate test of the Benoni: not just refraining from sin, but actively transforming negative impulses into positive, loving action. Joseph, after all his brothers did to him, not only forgave them but sustained them. He chose kindness, even when his heart might have yearned for revenge. This is the power of the Benoni – the power to choose love, even after the spiritual high, even when the initial hurt or anger reawakens. It's a daily, active, courageous choice to bring holiness into every interaction.

Micro-Ritual: The Inner Compass Check

Okay, so we've delved deep into the Benoni – someone who actively chooses good, even when negative desires are present, and who uses the spiritual uplift of sacred moments to empower those choices throughout the week. How can we bring this powerful concept home, literally, to our Friday nights or Havdalah? Let's create a "Micro-Ritual" that anyone can do, a practical tool to help your brain rule your heart.

We'll call this "The Inner Compass Check." Just like a compass helps you navigate the wilderness, this ritual will help you orient your inner "small city" towards holiness.

The Concept: A brief, intentional pause to acknowledge any reawakened "wildness" (a desire, a negative thought, an impatient feeling) and consciously redirect your inner compass towards kindness, patience, or a mitzvah.

The Friday Night/Shabbat Tweak: Shabbat is our weekly "spiritual high," our mini-camp reunion. It's the perfect time to set the tone for the week's Benoni journey.

• Variation 1: The Shabbat Candle Intention (Family Focus)

  • When: Just after lighting the Shabbat candles, before reciting the blessing.
  • How: As the flames flicker, take a deep breath. Gather your family (or do this solo). Hold your hands over the candles, feeling the warmth and seeing the light. Instead of just jumping to the blessing, take a moment of quiet.
  • Words/Thought: "Just as these candles bring light and peace into our home, I commit to bringing light and peace into my inner 'small city' this Shabbat. I acknowledge any 'wild' thoughts or desires that might have tugged at me this week – impatience, worry, a desire for distraction. Now, as I welcome Shabbat, I choose for my divine soul to reign supreme. I choose to bring light to my thoughts, kindness to my words, and holiness to my actions."
  • Family Engagement: If with family, invite each person (even young kids can do this simply) to mentally (or quietly aloud) offer one "Shabbat Intention" – one way they will try to make their brain rule their heart this Shabbat. "I will try to be patient with my sibling." "I will focus on joy, not worries." "I will choose to help with dishes even if I'm tired."
  • Symbolism: The candles symbolize the light of Torah and the divine soul. By focusing on them, we connect our internal light to the external light, empowering our inner compass. The communal sharing reinforces the kehillah aspect – we're all in this together.

• Variation 2: The Shabbat Meal Gratitude & Redirection (Personal Reflection)

  • When: During the Shabbat meal, perhaps before Birkat Hamazon (Grace After Meals), or during a quiet moment.
  • How: Pause from the conversation for a moment. Take a sip of wine or grape juice, connecting to the joy and holiness of Shabbat.
  • Words/Thought: "This meal nourishes my body, but Shabbat nourishes my soul. I'm grateful for this spiritual high. As I prepare to return to the week, I acknowledge the 'reawakening' that might come – the desire for too much screen time, the frustration at work, the urge to complain. I commit to using the ruach of Shabbat to guide my brain to rule my heart. I will redirect these thoughts and desires towards holiness, just as the Benoni does."
  • Symbolism: Food nourishes the body; the intention nourishes the soul. Connecting to the holiness of the meal extends the spiritual high into a practical commitment. The "hidden love" of G-d, which is naturally present, is now consciously brought to the surface to empower our choices.

The Havdalah Tweak: Havdalah is all about separating the holy from the mundane, and sending the ruach of Shabbat forth into the new week. It's the perfect moment to equip ourselves with our Benoni tools.

• Variation 1: The Sensory Compass (Focus on Light & Scent)

  • When: During the Havdalah ceremony, specifically when passing around the spices and looking at the candle flame.
  • How: As you hold the Havdalah candle (or look at its light), let its flickering warmth remind you of the divine spark within. Then, as you smell the spices, inhale deeply.
  • Words/Thought: "Just as this flame is distinct and beautiful, so too my divine soul guides me, distinct from fleeting desires. And as the sweet scent of these spices lingers, may the ruach of Shabbat linger within me, empowering my brain to rule my heart. When the 'wildness' of the week reawakens, I will recall this light and this scent, and choose to redirect my thoughts, words, and actions towards holiness."
  • Family Engagement: Encourage everyone to really focus on the senses. "What does the flame remind you of?" "How does the spice scent make you feel?" Then, "How can we carry this feeling into the week to help us make good choices?"
  • Symbolism: The candle represents the separation and the light of the Divine. The spices symbolize the lingering sweetness and spiritual energy of Shabbat, which we "smell" and carry into the week. This is our "scent memory" of the ruach.

• Variation 2: The Week Ahead Map (Action-Oriented)

  • When: Immediately after Havdalah, before diving into the week's tasks.
  • How: Take one minute of quiet reflection.
  • Words/Thought: "Shabbat's ruach has refreshed me. Now, as the week begins, I know my 'animal soul' will reawaken. I will map out one specific area where I anticipate a challenge – maybe impatience with traffic, procrastination with a task, or a desire to criticize. I will pre-decide how my brain will rule my heart in that instance. I will choose patience, diligence, or kindness. I am the steward of my inner city, and I choose its direction."
  • Example: "This week, when I'm tired, I might feel the urge to just scroll mindlessly. My Havdalah intention is to instead choose to read a few pages of a book, or do a quick gratitude meditation, redirecting that desire towards something that nourishes my soul, not just distracts it."
  • Symbolism: This variation emphasizes the active role of the Benoni. It's not just about feeling good, but about proactively translating that feeling into concrete, spiritual "muscle memory" for the week ahead. It's the grown-up legs taking the camp ruach out onto the hiking trail of life.

These "Inner Compass Checks" are not about perfection, but about consistent, conscious effort. They are small, powerful moments that integrate the profound wisdom of the Benoni into the rhythm of your home and family life, helping you always remember that you have the innate power to choose light over darkness, wisdom over folly, one moment at a time. They build your spiritual muscle, making it easier each time to choose holiness.

Chevruta Mini

Alright, let's turn to our partner, our fellow traveler on this spiritual hike, for a quick chevruta (study partnership) moment. Share your thoughts on these questions – no right or wrong answers, just honest reflection from the heart.

1. The text describes the benoni as someone who "has never committed, nor ever will commit, any transgression." At first glance, this definition can feel incredibly intimidating, almost unattainable. How might understanding the internal struggle – the benoni having desires and negative thoughts but actively choosing not to act on them – make this concept more empowering and accessible to us in our everyday lives?
2. The Tanya emphasizes that after prayer or spiritual highs, desires "reawaken." What's one tangible way you could bring the "impression" or ruach of a meaningful Shabbat, prayer experience, or even a beautiful nature walk, into your busy week, to help your "brain rule your heart" when those desires reawaken?

Takeaway

So, as we put out our metaphorical campfire and the embers glow, what's the lasting warmth we take with us from our deep dive into the Benoni?

It's this, my friends: Being a Benoni isn't about being perfect, or being free from temptation. It's about consistent, active choice. It's about knowing your inner landscape, acknowledging the struggles of your animal soul, and then deliberately, consciously, and powerfully choosing holiness in thought, speech, and action. It’s the journey of bringing that camp ruach – that vibrant spirit of purpose, community, and connection – into every single moment of your life, long after the last s'more has been eaten.

You don't need to be a saint to be holy. You just need to be present, vigilant, and committed to making the right choice, one moment, one thought, one word at a time. We all have the power of the Benoni within us – the innate capacity for our brain to rule our heart, to choose light over darkness, wisdom over folly. It's a daily practice, a continuous stewardship of our inner "small city."

So, go forth, magnificent camp alum! Carry that flame, smell that lingering ruach, and know that in every choice you make, you are truly, powerfully, and beautifully bringing Torah home. Keep shining your light!