Tanya, Part I; Likkutei Amarim 12:5

Hook

Remember those epic camp singalongs? The ones where the fire crackled, the stars were a blanket above, and everyone knew the words, even if they were just humming along? There was a song, a feeling, a moment that just stuck. Maybe it was a silly round about a gopher, or a heartfelt melody about friendship. That’s the spirit we’re bringing to Torah today, but with grown-up legs and a whole lot of wisdom from the Tanya. Think of this as our "Campfire Tanya," where we gather 'round the ancient teachings and let them warm our souls. And just like a good campfire song, there’s a rhythm, a melody, a repeating theme that helps us remember and internalize these powerful ideas. Today, we're going to hum a little tune about the "intermediate" soul, the benoni, and discover how this ancient concept can light up our lives and homes.

Context

The Tanya, penned by Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, is often called the "heart of Chassidut." It delves deep into the human psyche, exploring our inner world and how we connect with the Divine. This particular passage introduces us to the concept of the benoni, the intermediate person, a state that many of us can aspire to and even embody.

The Inner Landscape

• The "Small City": The Tanya uses a powerful metaphor: the human body is a "small city." Within this city, there are different forces at play. We have the "divine soul," which is our spiritual essence, and the "animal soul," which is driven by our physical needs and desires. The goal is for the divine soul to govern the city, not the animal soul.
• Thought, Speech, and Action: These are the three "garments" through which our inner world manifests. The Tanya explains that in the benoni, these garments are used for good, for fulfilling the commandments of the Torah, and are directed by the divine soul. The animal soul's desires might arise, but they don't get "clothed" in our actions, words, or even persistent thoughts.
• The Forest and the Trail: Imagine hiking through a vast forest. The benoni is like a hiker who knows the terrain incredibly well. They can navigate the dense undergrowth of their desires and temptations, staying firmly on the marked trail of their divine soul's mission. They might see the tempting side paths leading off into the wilderness, but they have the strength and wisdom to keep walking on the clear, intended path, understanding that those detours lead away from their destination. They are not lost in the wilderness, but they also haven't reached the summit of the mountain where the view is completely unobstructed.

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 (the husk/impure shell), do not prevail within him over the divine soul to the extent of clothing themselves in the body... 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."

Close Reading

Insight 1: The Power of the Unclothed Desire

The Tanya presents a fascinating picture of the benoni: they never commit a transgression. This sounds incredibly lofty, right? But the text immediately clarifies that this doesn't mean they are free from desire. The animal soul, with its urges and temptations, is still very much present. The key here is that these desires never attain enough power to clothe themselves in the body. This is a crucial distinction! It's like having a powerful storm brewing outside your house. The storm is real, the wind is howling, the rain is pelting down. But because your house is well-built and you've secured the doors and windows, the storm doesn't actually enter your home and cause damage.

This is where the "small city" metaphor really shines. The benoni is not someone who has extinguished all their desires or is devoid of any temptation. Rather, they are masters of their inner domain. When a desire from the animal soul arises – a craving for something forbidden, a pang of jealousy, an urge to lash out – it doesn't get a free pass to manifest as an action, a spoken word, or even a prolonged, focused thought. The divine soul, anchored in wisdom and understanding, acts as the city's vigilant guard. It recognizes the unwelcome visitor, but it doesn't let it in. It doesn't allow that desire to be "clothed" in the physical actions of the body.

This has profound implications for our own lives, especially within the family. Think about those moments when frustration bubbles up, or a tempting shortcut in parenting arises. We might feel the urge to snap, to give in to a less-than-ideal compromise, or to indulge in a moment of selfish desire. The Tanya suggests that the benoni's strength lies not in not feeling the urge, but in not allowing that urge to become action. This is where the concept of "sinful thoughts" becomes so important. The text acknowledges that these desires can rise to the mind, even to the point of distracting from spiritual pursuits. But the benoni actively "thrusts them out with both hands." They don't dwell on them, they don't entertain them. They recognize them as foreign to their true selves and actively reject them.

This is a liberating insight! It means that even if we have a fleeting negative thought or a momentary temptation, it doesn't define us as "wicked." The power lies in our response. For parents, this translates to recognizing those internal urges that might lead to less-than-ideal parenting moments. Do you feel the urge to yell when your child spills milk for the third time? Do you feel the pull to give them that extra screen time when you're exhausted? The benoni wouldn't necessarily not feel those things, but they would actively choose not to act on them. They would consciously redirect their energy. Instead of yelling, they might take a deep breath. Instead of giving in to the screen time, they might find a quick, engaging alternative. This is the power of the unclothed desire – it remains a possibility, a fleeting shadow, but it doesn't take root and corrupt the actions of the "small city."

Insight 2: The "Appropriate Times" and the Flow of Divine Energy

The Tanya introduces another fascinating element: the divine soul’s sovereignty isn't always a constant, unwavering reign. It says that the "essence and being of the divine soul... do not constantly hold undisputed sovereignty and sway over the 'small city,' except at appropriate times." These "appropriate times" are identified as periods of intense spiritual focus, like reciting the Shema or the Amidah prayer. During these times, the mind is directed towards G-d, and the divine soul's faculties (wisdom, understanding, knowledge – chabad) are fully engaged and in control. The "evil" in the left part of the heart is then "subjected to, and nullified in, the goodness that is diffused in the right part."

However, the text is clear: "after prayer, when the state of sublimity of the Intellect of the G-d departs, the evil in the left part reawakens." This is the ebb and flow, the rise and fall of our spiritual energy. It’s like the tide. During high tide, the ocean reaches its furthest point, covering the shore. During low tide, it recedes, revealing new areas. Similarly, during moments of deep prayer or intense spiritual connection, our divine soul is at its peak. But as the immediate intensity fades, the "natural impulses" and desires of the animal soul re-emerge.

This is incredibly relatable, especially in family life. Think about those moments of deep connection with your children – reading a bedtime story with full presence, engaging in a heartfelt conversation, or participating in a meaningful Shabbat ritual. During these times, you might feel a profound sense of peace, clarity, and purpose. Your "divine soul" feels fully in charge. But then, the day continues. The demands of work, household chores, and the general chaos of family life can feel overwhelming. The "evil in the left part" – the stress, the impatience, the weariness – can reawaken.

The wisdom here is not to strive for a constant, unyielding spiritual high, which might be unrealistic and even lead to discouragement. Instead, it's about understanding this natural ebb and flow. The benoni doesn't despair when the intensity fades. They know that the divine soul's influence might recede temporarily, but its inherent power and connection remain. They understand that the goal is to leverage those "appropriate times" to strengthen the divine soul's hold, and then to use the wisdom gained during those times to navigate the less intense periods.

This translates to family life by recognizing the importance of creating and cherishing those "appropriate times." It means intentionally setting aside moments for spiritual engagement, for deep connection, and for mindful presence. These don't have to be elaborate rituals. It could be a few minutes of quiet reflection before the day begins, a shared moment of gratitude before a meal, or a dedicated time for family learning. By consciously cultivating these moments, we strengthen the "right part" of our inner selves, making it more resilient when the "left part" inevitably reawakens. The benoni understands that even when the spiritual tide is low, the ocean is still there, and the high tide will return. They simply use the wisdom and strength gained from the high tide to prepare for the ebb.

Micro-Ritual

Let's create a "Campfire Blessing" that can be sung or spoken around your family table, a simple tweak for Friday night or even a regular weeknight. It's inspired by the benoni's ability to redirect even the most persistent thoughts towards holiness.

The Core Idea: To acknowledge a fleeting distraction or a mundane thought, and then consciously redirect it towards a blessing or a positive intention, mirroring the benoni's ability to turn away from the "folly of the wicked fool."

The "Campfire Blessing" (Sing-able Tune Suggestion):

Imagine a simple, gentle melody, something like the tune of "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star," or even just a spoken, rhythmic cadence.

(Start by holding a cup of juice or wine, or even just your hands cupped together.)

Leader (or anyone): "Sometimes, my mind wanders..." (Pause, perhaps a little sigh, or a gentle shake of the head) "...to that urgent email I need to send, or the laundry pile calling my name." (Or insert any common, everyday distraction)

Everyone (singing/speaking softly): "Oh, worldly thought, you may arise,"

Leader: "But then I remember this moment, this table, this family." (Look around with warmth)

Everyone (singing/speaking with more warmth and energy): "But holiness is in my eyes!"

Leader: "And so, I bless this food, this time, this connection. Blessed are You, G-d, our G-d, King of the Universe, who..." (Continue with a traditional blessing like "Borei Pri Ha-Gafen" for wine, "HaMotzi" for bread, or a simple "Blessed are You for this time together.")

Why this works:

• Acknowledges the "Evil in the Left Part": The first line directly addresses the presence of distracting, mundane, or even slightly negative thoughts that arise from our "animal soul." It's not about denying these thoughts, but about acknowledging their presence without letting them dominate. This is the benoni's wisdom – they don't pretend the "folly" isn't there.
• The "Small City" Redirected: The transition, "But then I remember this moment, this table, this family," is the "willpower in his brain" that the Tanya speaks of, restraining and controlling the drive of lust or distraction. It's the conscious decision to shift focus.
• Clothed in Holiness: The second line, "But holiness is in my eyes!" (or "in my heart," or "in this place!"), is the act of "clothing" the moment in holiness. It's actively choosing to engage with the divine aspect of the experience. This mirrors the benoni's garments of thought, speech, and act being used for the commandments.
• The Blessing: The continuation with a traditional blessing, or a personal blessing for the moment, is the ultimate act of "clothing" the experience in goodness. It’s taking the redirected energy and channeling it into a positive, sacred act. This is the divine soul's faculties being implemented.
• Sing-able & Repeatable: The simple structure and rhyme make it easy to remember and adopt. It can be a quick, spontaneous addition to any meal or gathering. It doesn't require extensive preparation.
• Family Engagement: It invites everyone to participate, creating a shared experience of mindfulness and intentionality. It turns a potentially mundane moment into an opportunity for spiritual growth.

Variations:

• For Children: If you have younger children, you can simplify the "worldly thought" to something like, "Sometimes, I think about playing with my toys..." and then redirect to, "But now, it's time to eat!"
• For Havdalah: During Havdalah, after lighting the candle and smelling the spices, you could adapt it: "Sometimes, the week's worries linger..." then, "But now, holiness is in this light! Blessed are You..."

This ritual is a gentle, yet powerful, way to practice the principles of the benoni in our daily lives, turning potential distractions into moments of intentional holiness.

Chevruta Mini

Question 1

The Tanya describes the benoni as someone who "never committed, nor ever will commit, any transgression." Yet, it also states that "the evil in the left part reawakens, and he begins to feel a desire for the lusts of the world." How can these two seemingly contradictory ideas coexist? What does this teach us about the nature of spiritual growth and discipline?

Question 2

The text mentions that "sinful thoughts are more serious than actual sin" in some contexts, but then emphasizes the benoni's ability to reject these thoughts. How can we, in our own homes, cultivate an environment where we are encouraged to reject negative or harmful thoughts, even if they arise, and instead focus on positive actions and intentions, without creating undue guilt or pressure?

Takeaway

The benoni is not a distant, unattainable ideal. They are the person who, even when tempted, doesn't let those temptations rule their actions. They are the hiker who, though aware of the tempting, overgrown paths, stays on the clear trail. This is a profound message of hope and empowerment for our own lives. It means that even when our inner "storms" are raging, we have the capacity to secure our "city." It means that we can learn to harness our moments of spiritual clarity to strengthen ourselves for the times when that clarity might fade.

The Tanya, this "Campfire Tanya," reminds us that holiness isn't about the absence of challenge, but about our active, conscious response to it. It's about recognizing the desires, but choosing to "clothe" our thoughts, speech, and actions in the garments of Torah and mitzvot. And with our little "Campfire Blessing," we've found a way to practice this redirecting power, turning everyday moments into opportunities for intentional holiness. So, let the wisdom of the benoni guide us, not to a place of perfection, but to a place of persistent, joyful effort, always choosing the path of light.

Sing-able line suggestion:

(To the tune of "Oseh Shalom") Oseh choomash, oseh choomash, Ki hu rachum! (Maker of the five [books of Torah], Maker of the five, For He is merciful!)

This simple line, sung softly, can be a reminder of our connection to the Torah and G-d's mercy, even when navigating our inner "small city."