Judaism 101: The Foundations

The Big Question

Shalom, and welcome to our exploration of introductory Judaism! It's wonderful to have you here as we embark on a journey to understand some of the core ideas that have shaped Jewish thought and practice for millennia. Today, we're diving into a text that, on the surface, might seem a bit complex, but at its heart, it grapples with a question that resonates deeply with the human experience: How do we navigate the internal struggle between our higher aspirations and our baser desires?

Think about your own life. Are there times when you feel a strong pull towards doing something good, something meaningful, something that aligns with your deepest values? And are there other times when you feel tempted by impulses that might lead you away from those values, towards immediate gratification or less constructive paths? This is a universal human experience, a constant dance between different aspects of our selves.

In Judaism, this internal landscape is understood in profound ways, and the text we're looking at today, from the Tanya, offers a fascinating framework for understanding this dynamic. It introduces us to a concept called the benoni, often translated as the "intermediate" or "average" person. This isn't about being mediocre; rather, it describes a specific spiritual state of being.

The Tanya presents a nuanced view of human nature, suggesting that we all have different "souls" or drives within us. One is the "divine soul," which yearns for holiness, for connection to the Divine, and for acting in accordance with Torah. The other is the "animal soul," which is driven by our physical needs, desires, and impulses. The benoni is someone who has achieved a particular balance in the ongoing interplay between these two forces.

So, the big question we're exploring today is: What does it mean to be a benoni, an individual who navigates the internal battle between good and evil, and what can this ancient wisdom teach us about our own spiritual journeys? We'll unpack the concepts the Tanya uses to describe this state, how it differs from other spiritual levels, and what its implications are for how we live our lives. This isn't about achieving a perfect, unattainable state, but rather understanding a process and a way of being that is deeply relevant to all of us.

One Core Concept

The central concept we are exploring today is the Benoni (בֵּינוֹנִי), the "intermediate" or "average" person, as defined in the Tanya. This figure is characterized not by the absence of internal struggle, but by the masterful management of it. A benoni is someone in whom the "evil inclination" (the animal soul driven by desires) never gains complete dominion to the point of causing actual sin through thought, speech, or deed. While the desires of the animal soul may arise, the divine soul, through its intellect and innate connection to G-d, always retains control, preventing these desires from manifesting as transgressions. The benoni is thus someone who consistently lives a life of observance and goodness, not because the temptation is absent, but because their inner strength and connection to holiness always prevail.

Breaking It Down

The Inner Landscape: Two Souls, One City

The Tanya introduces a profound metaphor to describe our inner world: the "small city." This "city" is our being, our physical body and consciousness, and within it, two distinct forces are constantly at play.

The Divine Soul and the Animal Soul

• The Divine Soul: This is our higher self, the spark of the Divine within us. It's characterized by its innate desire for holiness, for connection to G-d, and for acting in accordance with Torah and mitzvot (commandments). The Tanya describes its "garments" as thought, speech, and act, which are dedicated to fulfilling the 613 commandments of the Torah. This soul is our yearning for purpose, for meaning, and for spiritual growth.
• The Animal Soul: This soul is rooted in our physical existence and its needs. It's driven by desires, impulses, and instincts that are essential for survival and for experiencing the physical world. The Tanya also speaks of its "garments" as thought, speech, and act, but when these originate from the kelipah (a concept referring to the forces of separation and impurity, often translated as "husks" or "shells"), they can lead to sin. This soul is our drive for pleasure, comfort, and self-preservation, and it can, at times, pull us away from our higher aspirations.

The Benoni: The Master of the City

The benoni is the individual who has achieved a remarkable state of internal balance. They are not defined by the absence of temptation, but by their consistent ability to manage it.

Never Capturing the "Small City"

The text states that the benoni 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." This is a crucial distinction. The animal soul's desires may arise, and they might even be felt strongly, but they never achieve the upper hand to the extent that they dictate action, speech, or even persistent, engrossing thought that leads to transgression.

The Garments of Goodness

For the benoni, the "garments" of thought, speech, and act are consistently aligned with the divine soul. This means their thinking, speaking, and actions are dedicated to the pursuit of Torah and mitzvot. They are not driven by the impulses of the animal soul to the point of sin.

A Life Without Transgression

The Tanya goes further, asserting that a benoni "has never committed, nor ever will commit, any transgression; neither can the name 'wicked' be applied to him even temporarily, or even for a moment, throughout his life." This is a high bar, and it's important to understand that this doesn't mean the benoni is devoid of all negative impulses. Rather, they have developed such a strong internal discipline that these impulses are immediately recognized and managed, preventing them from manifesting as sin.

The Dynamic of Internal Sovereignty

The benoni's internal dominion isn't static. It's a dynamic process, especially tied to specific times and practices.

Moments of Heightened Connection

The text explains that the divine soul's faculties don't constantly hold undisputed sway. This sovereignty is particularly evident "at appropriate times, such as during the recital of the Shema or the Amidah." These are moments of intense spiritual focus and connection.

• The Shema and Amidah: During these prayers, the individual binds their intellectual faculties (chabad) to G-d, meditating on His greatness and arousing love for Him. This elevated state allows the goodness and wisdom of the divine soul to temporarily subdue and nullify the influence of the animal soul.
• Intellect Over Emotion: This period highlights the power of intellect (chochmah, binah, daat – wisdom, understanding, knowledge) to control the heart's desires. The Tanya emphasizes that the brain's willpower can restrain the heart's impulses, diverting attention away from worldly desires and towards holiness.

The Reawakening of Desire

However, after these moments of intense spiritual focus pass, the animal soul can reawaken. "After prayer, when the state of sublimity of the Intellect of the En Sof... departs, the evil in the left part reawakens." This means that the desires for worldly pleasures and delights can resurface.

The Power of Restraint

The critical point for the benoni is that even when these desires reawaken, the animal soul still lacks the "sole authority and dominion over the 'city'." It cannot translate these desires into actual deeds, words, or even persistent, engrossing thoughts that lead to sin. The innate nature of man, as created, allows the willpower in the brain to control the drive of lust in the heart.

The Nuance: Not Yet a Tzaddik

It's important to understand how the benoni differs from a tzaddik (righteous person).

The Essence of the Animal Soul

While the benoni's actions are consistently good, the essence of the animal soul from the kelipah remains "entirely undislodged after prayer." This means that the underlying potential for desire and inclination towards the mundane is still present, even if it is not acted upon.

• Hidden Love vs. Revealed Love: The Tanya notes that the burning love of G-d may not be in a revealed state in the heart, but rather a "hidden love that is the natural adoration in the divine soul." This suggests a deeper, perhaps less effervescent, but persistent connection.

The Battle of Thoughts

Even for a benoni, sinful thoughts can arise. However, the defining characteristic is how they are handled.

• Rejecting Sinful Thoughts: The benoni does not willingly entertain sinful thoughts. As soon as such a thought arises from the heart to the brain, they actively "thrust it out with both hands" and avert their mind from it. They refuse to accept it willingly, let alone act on it.
• Distinguishing from Wickedness: The Tanya clarifies that someone who willfully indulges in such thoughts is considered wicked at that moment. The benoni, however, is never wicked, even for a moment, because they actively reject these thoughts.

Interpersonal Relationships

This principle extends to relationships with others. If feelings of animosity, hatred, jealousy, or anger arise, the benoni does not allow them to take root. Instead, their mind exercises authority to do the opposite: to conduct themselves with kindness and love, even to the point of enduring hardship without retaliation, and instead repaying offenses with favors, as exemplified by the story of Joseph.

The Metaphor of Light and Darkness

The Tanya uses the verse from Ecclesiastes, "Then I saw that wisdom surpasses folly as light surpasses darkness," to illustrate this concept.

• Light Banishes Darkness: Just as a small amount of physical light can dispel a large amount of darkness, so too can the wisdom of the divine soul drive away the "folly" of the kelipah. This happens when the divine soul's "garments" (thought, speech, and act) are engaged in fulfilling mitzvot.
• The Limits of This Superiority: However, this superiority is primarily in the realm of outward expression and action. The underlying "darkness" – the essence of the animal soul's desires – remains, even if it is not allowed to manifest in sin.

How We Live This

Understanding the concept of the benoni isn't just an intellectual exercise; it offers practical wisdom for navigating our own lives. It provides a realistic and inspiring model for spiritual growth.

Embracing the Struggle, Not Fearing It

The first takeaway is that the internal struggle between our higher and lower impulses is normal. The Tanya doesn't present an ideal of someone who never feels temptation. Instead, it focuses on the power of our divine soul and our intellect to manage these impulses. This can be incredibly liberating. We don't need to despair if we experience desires that seem contrary to our values. The key is not to eliminate the desires, but to develop the capacity to manage them.

The Power of Conscious Choice

The benoni's ability to reject sinful thoughts, even when they arise, underscores the power of conscious choice. It's about actively engaging our willpower and intellect to direct our thoughts and actions.

• Mindfulness in Action: This involves a form of mindfulness – recognizing a negative thought or impulse as it arises, labeling it as such, and then consciously choosing not to dwell on it or act upon it. This is an ongoing practice, like training a muscle.
• "Thrusting it Out with Both Hands": This vivid imagery suggests a decisive and immediate rejection. It's not about negotiating with the temptation, but about firmly pushing it away. This can be applied to anything from a fleeting judgmental thought about someone to an impulse to procrastinate on an important task.

The Importance of Intentional Spiritual Practice

The Tanya highlights how specific practices can bolster our inner strength.

• Prayer as a Tool: The Shema and Amidah are presented as times when the divine soul's influence is heightened. Regular, focused prayer can serve as a spiritual anchor, strengthening our connection to holiness and our ability to resist negative influences. Even if the heightened state fades, the practice itself builds resilience.
• Cultivating Love and Awe: The text speaks of arousing "burning love" for G-d. This isn't necessarily about constant ecstatic feelings, but about intentionally cultivating a sense of awe, gratitude, and love for the Divine. This deeper connection provides a powerful motivation to align our actions with our values.
• Meditating on G-d's Greatness: The practice of meditating on the greatness of the En Sof (the Infinite) helps to contextualize our worldly desires. When we contemplate the vastness and holiness of G-d, the allure of fleeting pleasures can diminish.

The Role of Intellect in Self-Mastery

The emphasis on the brain ruling the heart is a powerful reminder of the role of our intellect in self-mastery.

• Rational Restraint: We are not simply slaves to our emotions or desires. Our capacity for reason allows us to evaluate our impulses and make choices that are in our long-term best interest, both personally and spiritually.
• Redirecting Energy: When we feel a pull towards something negative, the benoni model teaches us to actively redirect that energy. Instead of dwelling on the temptation, we can consciously shift our focus to something positive, something holy, or something constructive. This might mean immediately turning to a positive affirmation, a verse of Torah, or a task that aligns with our values.

Applying the Principles to Interpersonal Relationships

The benoni's approach to interpersonal challenges offers a profound model for how we can interact with others.

• Confronting Negative Emotions: When feelings of anger, jealousy, or resentment arise, the benoni actively prevents them from dictating their behavior. Instead of acting out of these emotions, they choose kindness and love.
• The Example of Joseph: The Tanya points to Joseph's treatment of his brothers, who had wronged him terribly, as an example. Joseph repaid their cruelty with kindness and forgiveness. This teaches us that true strength lies not in retaliation, but in choosing a higher path, even when it's difficult. This requires immense self-control and a commitment to acting with compassion.
• Active Kindness: This isn't about passive tolerance, but about actively choosing to conduct oneself with kindness and love. It means making an effort to understand, to forgive, and to extend grace, even when it feels challenging.

A Realistic Path to Growth

The concept of the benoni offers a balanced and achievable path to spiritual growth. It acknowledges our human limitations while highlighting our immense potential. It teaches us that spiritual progress is not about achieving perfection, but about consistent effort, conscious choice, and the unwavering commitment to align our inner lives with our highest aspirations. It's about being in a constant process of refinement, where even in the face of internal challenges, the divine spark within us guides us towards goodness.

One Thing to Remember

The most vital takeaway from our exploration of the benoni is this: You are not defined by the temptations you face, but by how you respond to them. The benoni demonstrates that the essence of spiritual strength lies not in the absence of internal conflict, but in the consistent, conscious choice to let your divine soul, guided by wisdom and intellect, prevail over the impulses of the animal soul, thereby preventing them from leading to transgression. This empowering principle reminds us that we always have the capacity to choose goodness, to manage our desires, and to live a life aligned with our deepest values.