Tanya, Part I; Likkutei Amarim 12:7

Hook

Remember those campfire singalongs? The crackling fire, the sticky marshmallow fingers, the feeling of being completely present, singing out at the top of your lungs? There was this one song, about the stars, and how even when it’s dark, you know they’re still there, twinkling away. It always felt like a promise, didn't it? A promise that even in the deepest night, there's a light. Well, today, we're going to explore a concept from the Tanya that feels a lot like that song, a concept of a kind of inner starlight that guides us, even when things feel a bit… dark. It's about a person who, even in their everyday life, holds onto that inner light, that promise of goodness, and it’s called the benoni.

Context

Let's set the stage for this incredible idea of the benoni in Tanya, Chapter 12, Verse 7. Imagine you're back at camp, maybe on a hike through the woods.

The Inner Landscape as a "Small City"

The Tanya uses a powerful metaphor: the "small city" within us. This city represents our entire being – our thoughts, our words, our actions. It's the place where our inner life plays out.

The Two Souls: A Tug-of-War

Inside this "small city," we have two main residents: the "animal soul" and the "divine soul." The animal soul is driven by our instincts, our desires, our need for self-preservation and pleasure. The divine soul, on the other hand, is our connection to the spiritual, our innate yearning for holiness and G-dliness. The Tanya describes a constant interplay, and sometimes a battle, between these two forces for control of the "city."

Navigating the Terrain: The Benoni's Path

The benoni is the person who has learned to navigate this inner terrain with incredible skill. They haven't completely eradicated their desires or instincts (that's the realm of the tzaddik, the truly righteous), but they have achieved a remarkable mastery. Think of it like being on a wilderness trail. You know there are challenging parts, steep climbs, and perhaps even some tricky ravines. The benoni isn't someone who has never encountered these challenges; they are someone who, when faced with them, doesn't let them lead them astray. They don't get lost. They find their way, always keeping their compass pointed towards their ultimate destination: G-dliness.

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."

Close Reading

Let's dive a little deeper into this powerful passage. It’s like examining a constellation with a telescope, seeing the intricate patterns and the profound meaning within.

Insight 1: The "Small City" and the Art of Containment

The core of this passage is the concept of the "small city" and how the benoni manages the forces within it. The text states that evil, originating from the kelipah (the "husks" or negative forces), "never attains enough power to capture the 'small city,' so as to clothe itself in the body and make it sin." This is a crucial distinction. It’s not that the "evil" or the animal soul disappears entirely. Instead, the benoni has developed a system of containment, a robust defense for their inner world.

Think about this in terms of our own lives. We all have desires, impulses, and moments of temptation. These are the "garments" of the animal soul – our thoughts, our words, our actions that can be driven by ego, by immediate gratification, or by negative emotions. The benoni isn't someone who never has a tempting thought or a selfish impulse. What they do have is a profound inner strength that prevents these impulses from taking over. They don't let these negative inclinations "clothe themselves in the body" to the point of actual sin.

This is where the "small city" metaphor becomes so vital for home and family life. Our homes are our own "small cities." We are the mayors, the city planners, the guardians. When a frustration arises, a moment of anger flares, or a selfish desire pops up, it’s like an unwelcome visitor trying to seize control of the city hall. The benoni's approach teaches us that the goal isn't to eliminate all potential for conflict or negative emotion. Rather, it's about developing the capacity to contain these forces, to prevent them from dictating our actions.

Consider a situation where a child misbehaves, and you feel a surge of anger. The animal soul might urge you to lash out, to speak harshly, to punish impulsively. The benoni within you, however, would recognize this impulse. They would understand that this negative energy is trying to "clothe itself" in your words and actions. Instead of acting from that raw impulse, the benoni would engage their divine soul's "garments" – their thoughtful consideration, their measured speech, their intention to guide and teach, rather than just react.

This translates into practical parenting strategies. When you feel that surge of anger, you can consciously pause. This pause is the benoni asserting control over the "small city." You can choose to address the situation with calm words, even if you feel a storm raging inside. You can choose to think before you speak, considering the impact of your words on your child. This isn't about being a perfect, unfeeling parent; it's about being a parent who is actively managing their inner landscape to create a more peaceful and constructive environment for their family.

Furthermore, the text highlights that for the benoni, "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." This is the positive side of the containment. When the negative impulses are held at bay, the positive ones – those aligned with Torah and mitzvot – can flourish. In a family context, this means that when we are not driven by anger or selfishness, we are free to express love, kindness, patience, and understanding. Our thoughts can be directed towards creative problem-solving, our speech towards encouragement and affirmation, and our actions towards acts of chesed (loving-kindness) for our family members.

This concept also touches on the idea of resilience. Life, like a hike, will throw curveballs. There will be unexpected storms, moments of feeling lost. The benoni's ability to contain negative impulses and prioritize their divine soul's directives is a form of deep resilience. They don't get derailed by internal turmoil. They can hold onto their core values and their connection to goodness, even when facing challenges. This is a profound lesson for families navigating the ups and downs of life together. It's about cultivating an inner strength that allows you to weather storms without losing your way, and to emerge from difficult times with your values intact and your relationships strengthened.

Insight 2: The "Propitious Time" and the Power of Intentional Connection

The passage then delves into a fascinating aspect of the benoni's inner life: the concept of "appropriate times" for the divine soul to hold sway. It mentions "during the recital of the Shema or the Amidah, which is a time when the Supernal Intellect is in a sublime state." This is where the text really opens up to the idea of intentional spiritual practice and how it can inform our daily lives, including our family interactions.

The benoni isn't constantly in a state of ecstatic communion with G-d. Instead, they have learned to recognize and leverage specific moments when their connection to the divine is heightened. These are the "propitious times" – times when the "Supernal Intellect is in a sublime state," and when "he binds his chabad (intellectual faculties) to G-d, to meditate deeply on the greatness of the En Sof, blessed is He, and to arouse the burning love in the right part of his heart, to cleave to Him by virtue of the fulfillment of the Torah and its commandments out of love."

This is a beautiful description of focused spiritual engagement. It’s like when you’re at camp, and there’s a specific moment – maybe during a particularly moving campfire story or a sunset over the lake – where you feel an overwhelming sense of connection, of awe, of belonging. The benoni cultivates these moments intentionally through prayer and meditation. They use these times to strengthen their inner resolve, to reignite their love for G-d, and to reaffirm their commitment to living a life guided by Torah.

Now, how does this translate to home and family life? It’s about understanding that our spiritual lives and our family lives are not separate entities. The lessons learned and the strength gained during our intentional spiritual practices can and should inform how we interact with our loved ones.

Think about the Shema itself, which is mentioned here. It’s a declaration of G-d’s unity and sovereignty: "Hear, O Israel, the L-rd our G-d, the L-rd is One." This is a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of all things. In a family, this can translate to recognizing the interconnectedness of each family member. When we approach our interactions with the understanding that we are all part of a larger whole, guided by a divine unity, it fosters a sense of responsibility and mutual care.

The passage emphasizes "arousing the burning love in the right part of his heart." This is the love that inspires us to connect with G-d through fulfilling commandments. In the family sphere, this "burning love" should be directed towards our spouses, our children, our parents. It’s the love that motivates us to go the extra mile, to be patient when we’re tired, to forgive when we’ve been hurt, to celebrate each other’s successes, and to support each other through failures.

The "appropriate times" are not just for solitary prayer. They can also be intentional moments within the family. For example, before a family meal, you can take a moment to offer a brief blessing, not just as a ritual, but as a conscious act of gratitude for the food, for each other's presence, and for the opportunity to connect. This creates a "propitious time" within the family unit, a moment to pause and imbue the meal with intention and holiness.

Similarly, when a family member is going through a difficult time, the benoni's practice of turning inward to connect with G-d and arouse love can be a model. It means we first need to nurture our own inner spiritual strength so that we can then offer that strength and love to others. If we are depleted, it's hard to pour from an empty cup. By engaging in our own "appropriate times" for spiritual renewal, we become better equipped to be a source of comfort, support, and love for our families.

The text also notes that "after prayer, when the state of sublimity of the Intellect of the En Sof, blessed is He, departs, the evil in the left part reawakens." This is a very realistic portrayal. We don't stay in a state of spiritual bliss all the time. Life happens, and the mundane world pulls at us. The benoni understands this and doesn't despair. They know that the connection made during the "propitious time" is the foundation upon which they can rebuild when the challenges arise. For families, this means understanding that even after a beautiful, connected family moment, there will be difficult days. The strength of the connection made during those positive times will help you navigate the harder ones. It’s about building a reservoir of love and connection that can sustain you through the inevitable ebb and flow of life.

The takeaway here is that intentional spiritual engagement isn't just about personal piety; it's about cultivating a source of love and strength that can be channeled into our most important relationships. By consciously creating "propitious times" for connection within our families, and by drawing strength from our own individual spiritual practices, we can elevate our home life from the ordinary to the sacred.

Micro-Ritual

Let’s take that idea of "appropriate times" and turn it into a simple, doable ritual for your home. It’s called the "Candlelight Connection."

The "Candlelight Connection"

This ritual is a beautiful way to create a moment of shared intention and connection, inspired by the Tanya's emphasis on focused spiritual moments and the power of light. It’s designed to be flexible, so it can fit into your busy Friday night or even as a brief pause during the week.

The Goal: To create a sacred space for connection, gratitude, and intentionality within your home.

The Setup:

• Candles: You'll need two candles. These can be your regular Shabbat candles, or any two candles that you enjoy. You can even use small tea lights. The key is that they represent light and warmth.
• A Quiet Moment: Find a time when you and at least one other family member (or even just yourself!) can be together for about 5-10 minutes without major distractions. Friday night is ideal, as it’s a time of transition and reflection, but this can be adapted for any evening.

The Steps:

1. Light the Candles with Intention (2 minutes):

   • Gather around the candles. Take a deep breath.
   • As you light the first candle, say (out loud or in your head): "Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech Ha'olam, asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu l'hadlik ner shel Shabbat kodesh." (Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to kindle the light of the holy Shabbat.)
   • As you light the second candle, add a personal intention. This is where the benoni's focus on "arousing burning love" comes in. You can say something like:
     • "May this light illuminate our home with peace and understanding."
     • "May this light help us to connect with each other with love and patience."
     • "May this light remind us of G-d's presence in our lives."
     • Or, simply, "For peace and love in our family."

2. Share a "Spark of Light" (3-5 minutes):

   • This is the heart of the ritual. Each person who is participating gets a chance to share something positive. Think of it as sharing a "spark of light."
   • Option 1 (Gratitude): Each person shares one thing they are grateful for from the past week. It could be something big or small.
   • Option 2 (Connection): Each person shares something they appreciate about another person in the room. This directly addresses the benoni's ability to direct love and kindness.
   • Option 3 (Intention): Each person shares one intention they have for the coming day or week – something they want to focus on, a quality they want to cultivate, or a mitzvah they want to perform. This connects to the benoni's commitment to the commandments of the Torah.

3. A Moment of Shared Presence (1-2 minutes):

   • After everyone has shared, sit in silence for a minute or two, simply basking in the glow of the candles and the shared energy.
   • You can hum a simple, wordless melody, a gentle niggun. Think of something soft and flowing, like the melody to "Shalom Aleichem" sung very slowly, or even just a series of "la la la"s that rise and fall. The idea is to create a musical resonance of peace.
   • The sing-able line suggestion: "May our light shine bright, guiding us through the night." You could even sing this together softly as the ritual concludes.

Why this works for the benoni:

• "Appropriate Times": This ritual creates a designated "appropriate time" within your family life to focus on spiritual connection and positive intention.
• "Binding to G-d": By reciting the blessing and setting intentions, you are consciously binding your thoughts and feelings to something higher.
• "Burning Love": The sharing of appreciation directly cultivates and expresses the "burning love" mentioned in the Tanya.
• "Garments of the Divine Soul": The act of sharing gratitude, love, and intentions – even simple ones – are the "thought, speech, and act" of the divine soul being implemented in the body, in the context of your family.
• Containment of Negativity: By focusing on the positive, you are, in a gentle way, preventing negative thoughts or resentments from "clotheing themselves" in your interactions during this special time.

Adaptations:

• Solo Practice: If you're alone, light the candles and spend the time reflecting on your gratitudes, your intentions, and perhaps journaling.
• For Younger Children: Keep the sharing very simple. "One thing I liked today was..." or "One thing I love about you is..."
• During the Week: You can do this on any evening, not just Friday. It’s a powerful way to reset and reconnect.

This "Candlelight Connection" is a small act, but like a tiny spark, it has the power to ignite warmth, understanding, and a deeper sense of holiness in your home.

Chevruta Mini

Now, let's put on our thinking caps, like we're sitting around a campfire with our best buddies, puzzling over a good story.

Question 1

The Tanya describes the benoni as someone whose "evil never attains enough power to capture the 'small city.'" This implies a constant internal negotiation. If you think about a typical family argument or a moment of tension, where do you see the "small city" being threatened? And how does the benoni's approach of "containment" rather than "eradication" offer a more realistic and perhaps more effective way to handle these situations at home, compared to demanding perfect behavior from ourselves or others?

Question 2

The text highlights "appropriate times" for the divine soul to hold sway, like during prayer. How can we, in our busy, modern lives, create and recognize these "appropriate times" within our families? Think beyond formal prayer – where else can moments of focused connection and intention be woven into the fabric of family life to strengthen the "divine soul's garments" of thought, speech, and act?

Takeaway

So, what’s the big idea we’re taking away from our campfire session with the Tanya today? It’s this: you don't have to be a perfect saint to live a life filled with purpose and connection. The benoni shows us that the real spiritual work is often about skillful management, not impossible eradication. It's about recognizing the "small city" of your inner world and developing the strength to contain negative impulses, allowing your divine soul's "garments" – your good thoughts, kind words, and meaningful actions – to shine through. And crucially, it’s about intentionally creating moments, like our "Candlelight Connection," where that inner light can be nurtured and shared, bringing a little more holiness and love into your home, one spark at a time. Remember that song about the stars? The benoni is like that star – always there, a steady light, even when the clouds roll in. You have that light within you, too. Keep it shining!