Tanya, Part I; Likkutei Amarim 13:1

Shalom, my dear friend! So glad you're here. Let's explore a little gem of Jewish wisdom together. Think of me as your friendly guide on a journey into some really deep, yet super practical, ideas about what makes us tick. No need for fancy degrees, just an open heart and a curious mind.

Hook

Ever feel like you've got two different people living inside your head? One voice is all, "Go for it! Do the good thing! Be kind! Follow your best intentions!" And then the other voice chimes in, often much louder, with, "Meh, later. Just five more minutes of scrolling. That snack looks good, you deserve it. Why bother?" It's like an internal tug-of-war, isn't it? You wake up with the best intentions – "Today, I'll be patient!" – only to find yourself snapping at the first little annoyance. Or you plan to get that important task done, but suddenly you're deep down a rabbit hole of online videos. This isn't just you, I promise. This feeling of being pulled in two directions, of having a constant internal debate about what you should do versus what you want to do in the moment, is a universal human experience. It's the daily reality for most of us, whether we're trying to eat healthier, be more present with our loved ones, or simply resist the urge to procrastinate. We all have those moments where our higher aspirations bump up against our more immediate, often self-centered, desires. This week, we're going to dive into an ancient Jewish text that not only acknowledges this internal struggle but offers a surprisingly empowering way to understand it, and even to win those daily battles. It's not about being perfect, but about understanding the battlefield within and learning how to navigate it with wisdom and a little help from above.

Context

Let's set the stage a little for where this wisdom comes from. Imagine a time when life was very different, but human nature was exactly the same.

• Who: Our text comes from a truly remarkable spiritual teacher named Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi. He was a brilliant scholar, a deep mystic, and a compassionate leader who lived over 200 years ago. He founded a branch of Jewish spirituality called Chabad Chassidism, which aims to make profound spiritual ideas accessible and practical for everyone. He wasn't just talking to rabbis; he was talking to farmers, merchants, and busy parents – people just like us, trying to live meaningful lives. He understood that deep spiritual truths needed to be presented in a way that spoke to the heart and mind of every individual, no matter their background or daily struggles. He was like a spiritual engineer, taking complex blueprints of the soul and turning them into a user-friendly manual.
• When: Rabbi Schneur Zalman lived from 1745 to 1812. This was a fascinating time in Jewish history, just after the first waves of the Chassidic movement had swept through Eastern Europe. Chassidism brought a renewed sense of joy and personal connection to G-d, but it also introduced some very deep, sometimes abstract, ideas from Jewish mysticism. People were hungry for this spiritual depth, but they needed a guide to help them truly understand and live it in their day-to-day lives. The spiritual landscape was vibrant, but also complex, and people were searching for practical tools to navigate their inner worlds. The world was changing, but the human soul's quest for purpose remained constant.
• Where: He lived and taught in Eastern Europe, primarily in what is now modern-day Belarus and Russia. This region was a hub of vibrant Jewish communities, rich in scholarship and piety. Yet, it was also a place where many ordinary Jews felt disconnected from the deeper spiritual teachings, often feeling that such profound wisdom was only for the elite. Rabbi Schneur Zalman's mission was to bridge this gap, to bring the light of the most esoteric Jewish teachings down to earth, into the homes and hearts of every Jew. He wanted to empower everyone to connect with their inner spiritual life, making it a tangible part of their reality, not just an abstract concept. He was a pioneer in democratizing spiritual wisdom.
• Key Term: The book we're learning from is called Tanya. Think of the Tanya as a spiritual self-help book, a practical guide for spiritual growth. It's a handbook for the soul, breaking down big ideas about G-d, the human soul, and our purpose in the world into bite-sized, actionable insights. It’s designed to help you understand your inner workings and navigate your spiritual path with clarity and purpose. Unlike many abstract philosophical texts, the Tanya is intensely personal and focused on the inner life of each individual. It doesn't just tell you what to believe, but how to feel and how to act in a way that brings your soul closer to its true potential. It's like having a wise, kind coach whispering encouragement and strategy into your ear every day.

Text Snapshot

Our Sages, ancient Jewish wise teachers, taught that “intermediate people are judged by both [the good and evil natures], for it is written, ‘When He stands at the right of the destitute to deliver him from the judges of his soul.’” This means that the evil inclination, the inner voice pulling you to selfish desires, is like a judge giving an opinion, but not necessarily a final verdict. The divine soul, your spark of G-d, acts as the second judge, challenging that opinion. G-d, the Holy One, blessed is He, comes to the aid of the good nature, helping you overcome your evil inclination. You can read the full text here: https://www.sefaria.org/Tanya%2C_Part_I%3B_Likkutei_Amarim_13%3A1

Close Reading

Let's unwrap some truly powerful ideas from this short but mighty text. We're going to dive into three core insights that can genuinely change how you see yourself and your daily struggles.

Insight 1: You're Not Broken – You're a "Benoni," and That's a Good Thing!

This is perhaps the most revolutionary and comforting idea in the Tanya. The text introduces us to a special category of person: the Benoni, which means "intermediate person." Now, when we hear "intermediate," we might think "average" or "middle-of-the-road," maybe even a bit "meh." But the Tanya flips this on its head. Being a Benoni is not about being average; it's about being someone who is in a constant, active struggle between their good side (their divine soul) and their not-so-good side (their evil inclination), and always choosing good.

Let's break this down. The text tells us that "intermediate people are judged by both [the good and evil natures]." Imagine your mind and heart as a courtroom. You have two "judges" presenting their cases. One judge, the "evil nature" (your inner voice pulling you to selfish desires), presents thoughts like, "Stay in bed, it's too cold," or "That person was rude, you should be angry," or "Just scroll a little longer, you deserve a break." This judge has a very convincing argument, often appealing to immediate comfort, pleasure, or ego. It speaks from the "left part of the heart," which the Tanya says is the "seat of the passions." It’s the part of us that craves the immediate gratification of this world.

But here’s the crucial part: the text emphasizes that the evil nature "did not say 'ruled' by both, G-d forbid." This is huge! It means that while the evil inclination presents its opinion and suggests actions, it does not have ultimate control over you. It's like a skilled lawyer presenting a case, but not the judge who renders the final verdict. If it ruled you, even for a moment, you'd be considered "wicked" (a Rasha, a wicked person, who lets bad inclinations rule). But a Benoni actively chooses not to let it rule.

Consider this: you're at work, facing a tricky task. Your evil inclination might whisper, "Just procrastinate. Play a game on your phone. It's too hard, you'll fail anyway." That's its "opinion." But then, your divine soul (your spark of G-d, guiding you to good) steps in, like a second judge. It argues, "No, push through. Focus. You can do this. Think of the satisfaction of finishing." This divine soul is rooted in your brain, in your intellect, and extends into the "right part of the heart," the abode of the good nature. It appeals to your higher purpose, your sense of responsibility, your long-term well-being.

The beauty of being a Benoni is that you are always making the choice for good. You might feel the pull of the evil inclination strongly – the craving for that extra cookie, the urge to say a harsh word, the desire to put off that chore. The text explicitly states, "the evil in the [heart's] left part of the benoni is in its innate strength, craving after all the pleasures of this world." It hasn't been abolished or weakened in its essence. It's still there, strong as ever, like a sleeping giant that can awaken. But a Benoni never allows it to translate into action that goes against G-d's will. They don't act on the negative thought. They might struggle internally, they might feel the desire, but their external actions are consistently good.

This is why the Benoni is actually a very high spiritual level. It's a constant, conscious effort. It's like being a champion athlete who is always training, always pushing themselves, always choosing the harder, better path, even when every fiber of their being wants to take it easy. They aren't free of the temptation, but they are masters of their response. So, when you feel that internal struggle, don't despair! Don't think, "Oh, I'm just a weak person." Instead, recognize it as a sign that you're a Benoni, actively engaged in a spiritual battle, and that battle itself is a testament to your strength and commitment. You're not broken; you're battling, and that's a powerful act of choice.

Insight 2: You're Not Alone – G-d is Your Arbitrator, Always Helping You Win

Okay, so we've established that the Benoni is constantly battling, always choosing good, even when the evil inclination is strong. That sounds exhausting, right? Who has the energy for a constant internal fight? This is where our second powerful insight comes in: you don't fight alone. The text assures us that "The final verdict comes from the arbitrator—the Holy One, blessed is He, who comes to the aid of the good nature." G-d is your ultimate ally, your divine backup, the impartial judge who always sides with your good inclination when you make the effort.

Let's go back to our courtroom analogy. The evil inclination presents its case. The divine soul presents its counter-case. Both are compelling in their own way. But then, G-d steps in as the "arbitrator." What does an arbitrator do? They listen to both sides and make a binding decision. In this case, G-d's decision is always to empower your good side, to give it the strength to prevail. The text uses a beautiful quote from the Sages: "If the Holy One, blessed is He, did not help him, he could not overcome his evil inclination." This isn't just a nice thought; it's a fundamental truth about our spiritual journey. We are not expected to conquer our inner demons purely through our own willpower.

So, how does G-d help? The text says, "The help comes by means of the glow radiated by the Divine light, which illuminates the divine soul, that it may gain the upper hand and mastery over the folly of the fool and evil nature, in the manner of the excellence of light over darkness." Imagine you're in a dark room, trying to find your way. The evil inclination thrives in that darkness, making things seem confusing, tempting you to stumble. But then, a powerful light turns on – that's the "Divine light." It illuminates your divine soul, clarifying your vision, showing you the right path, giving you the strength to move forward. This isn't a magical force that takes away your free will; it's an empowering force that strengthens your ability to choose good.

Think of it this way: you're trying to lift a very heavy weight. You exert all your strength, but it's just too much. Then, someone comes along and subtly, gently, helps you lift it. You're still doing the lifting, you're still making the effort, but their assistance makes it possible. That's G-d's help. When you decide to resist that urge to snap back, when you choose to put down your phone and engage with your family, when you opt for kindness over irritation, you are activating that Divine help. It's not that the temptation disappears; it's that you are given the inner strength, the clarity, and the resolve to overcome it.

This insight is incredibly liberating. It means you don't have to carry the entire burden of your spiritual struggle alone. When you make the effort, even a small one, to choose good, G-d is right there, amplifying your strength. This "glow" of Divine light might manifest as a sudden burst of clarity, a feeling of calm resolve, an unexpected surge of patience, or simply the ability to pause and think before reacting. It's the "excellence of light over darkness" – the light doesn't eliminate the darkness, but it makes the darkness powerless to hide the path. So, the next time you feel that internal tug-of-war, remember that you have a powerful ally in your corner, and by simply making the effort to choose good, you invite G-d's help to ensure your good side prevails. You initiate the effort, and G-d provides the ultimate strength.

Insight 3: Always Strive, Never Settle – The Power of "As If" Wickedness

Our third insight delves into a really interesting, counter-intuitive piece of advice from the Sages, quoted in the text: "Even if the whole world tells you that you are righteous, in your own eyes regard yourself as if you were wicked." At first glance, this might sound a bit harsh or even self-deprecating. Why would you think of yourself as wicked if you're actually doing good? The Tanya immediately clarifies this: "not as actually wicked." This is a crucial distinction. It's all about perspective and maintaining vigilance.

The point here is to prevent spiritual complacency. The Benoni, remember, is someone whose evil inclination is still very much present and strong in its essence, even if it's not controlling their actions. The text compares the evil in a Benoni to "a sleeping man, who can awaken from his sleep." During moments of intense spiritual connection, like prayer, when the heart is "aglow with the love of G-d," the evil inclination might seem dormant. It's quiet, perhaps even forgotten. But it's not gone. It's merely "sleeping," and it "can wake up again."

Think of it like tending a garden. You might have worked hard to clear out all the weeds, and for a time, the garden looks pristine. But if you assume the weeds are gone forever and stop checking, they will inevitably return, perhaps stronger than before. To maintain a beautiful garden, you must always maintain a mindset of vigilance, constantly looking for new sprouts of weeds, even when the garden looks perfect.

This "as if" wicked mindset is a strategy for continuous growth. It means:

1. Humility: No matter how many good deeds you've done, how much Torah you've studied, or how spiritually elevated you feel, never let it go to your head. Recognize that the inner battle is ongoing. The text gives the example of Rabbah, a great Sage, who considered himself a Benoni even though he studied Torah day and night with intense love for G-d. He understood that the essence of the evil inclination was still within him, ready to stir.
2. Vigilance: Always be aware of the potential for your evil inclination to reassert itself. Don't assume you've "conquered" it permanently. This isn't about fear; it's about wisdom. It’s acknowledging that "with the passing of time it has gained strength, because the man has indulged it considerably, in eating and drinking and other mundane pursuits." Even in our everyday, seemingly neutral activities, we can inadvertently strengthen the evil inclination if we're not mindful.
3. Motivation: This perspective keeps you striving. If you truly believe you're a Tzaddik (a perfectly righteous person, whose evil is truly gone), you might become complacent. You might think, "I've arrived, I'm good enough." But the Benoni knows the fight is never truly over, and this knowledge fuels a continuous drive for improvement, for deeper connection, for more conscious choices. It helps you appreciate every single victory, no matter how small, because you know the strength of the adversary.

The text even talks about the "love of G-d" that a Benoni experiences during prayer. It's intense, flaming, and powerful, but it might "pass and disappear after prayer." This isn't a failure! It's the reality of the Benoni. Even this temporary, powerful love is called "true service" in relation to their level, because their divine soul has the power to reawaken it constantly, day after day, through appropriate preparation. The key is the ability to reawaken it, to reconnect to that truth.

So, this isn't about dwelling on your flaws or feeling bad about yourself. It's about a dynamic, proactive approach to spiritual life. It's about saying, "Yes, I've done good today, and I choose good. But I also know that my inner battle is ever-present, and I need to stay sharp, stay humble, and keep striving." This mindset empowers you to never give up, to always seek a deeper connection, and to recognize that the journey of spiritual growth is lifelong, filled with continuous opportunities for conscious choice and divine assistance. It's about being eternally engaged with your potential for good, never resting on your laurels, and always striving for more.

Apply It

Okay, we've talked about these big ideas. Now, how do we bring them down to earth, into your actual life, in a way that's easy and doesn't take much time? Let's try something I call "The Pause & Choose." This is a tiny practice, easily done in under 60 seconds a day, that helps you become more aware of your inner judges and consciously empower your divine soul.

Here's how to do it this week:

Step 1: Recognize the First Voice – The "Evil Inclination's Opinion" (Awareness)

Pick one small, recurring moment in your day where you often feel a pull towards something you know isn't your best self. It could be anything:

• The urge to hit snooze instead of getting up.
• The desire to scroll social media when you should be working or present with family.
• The thought, "I really don't want to do that chore."
• A grumpy thought about someone who just annoyed you.
• The craving for an unhealthy snack when you know you're trying to eat better.

The goal here isn't to judge it, but just to notice it. "Ah, there's that voice, giving its opinion about hitting snooze." Or, "Yep, that's the 'scroll' judge making its case." Don't fight it yet; just acknowledge its presence. This step might take a few seconds of internal observation. For example, when your alarm goes off, instead of immediately hitting snooze, just pause and think, "Okay, the 'sleep longer' judge just made a very persuasive argument."

Step 2: Recognize the Second Voice – The "Divine Soul's Challenge" (Inner Wisdom)

Almost immediately after the first voice, you'll likely feel a gentle nudge, a counter-thought, from your divine soul. This is the "second judge" challenging the opinion.

• After "hit snooze," it might be "Get up, you'll feel better if you start your day."
• After "scroll social media," it might be "Focus on this task, or talk to your child."
• After "I don't want to do that chore," it might be "Just get it done, it'll feel good to be organized."
• After the grumpy thought, it might be "Be patient, they didn't mean it."
• After the craving, it might be "Choose the healthier option, you'll thank yourself later."

Again, simply notice this second voice. "And there's the 'get up' judge, making its point." This step, too, is about gentle awareness, not forceful action yet. You're just observing the two "judges" in your inner courtroom.

Step 3: The Pause (Conscious Breath)

This is the "arbitrator" moment. Before you react, take one slow, deliberate deep breath. Inhale deeply, hold for a second, and exhale slowly. This simple act creates a tiny space, a micro-moment of conscious choice. It's your way of saying, "Hold on, judges, let's hear from the arbitrator." This pause, even just for three seconds, is incredibly powerful. It breaks the automatic reaction cycle and opens the door for your higher self, and for G-d's help, to enter.

Step 4: The Conscious Choice (Empowering Your Divine Soul)

During that brief pause, consciously, even silently, decide which voice you will empower. You don't have to fight the "bad" voice; you just have to choose the good one. "I choose to get up." "I choose to focus." "I choose patience." This is where you, as the Benoni, make the active decision to side with your divine soul. You are asserting your free will, and in doing so, you invite the "Divine light" to illuminate your choice and give you the strength to act. This is the moment you become the "arbitrator," empowered by G-d to make the final verdict.

Step 5: The Small Action (Follow Through)

Immediately follow through with the chosen good action, no matter how small.

• Instead of hitting snooze, sit up in bed. (You don't have to jump out, just sit up).
• Close the social media app and open your work document.
• Pick up one item for the chore you're avoiding.
• Take another deep breath instead of saying the grumpy comment.
• Reach for the fruit instead of the cookie.

The key here is that the action doesn't have to be monumental. It just has to be a start. The victory isn't in perfectly completing a huge task, but in the conscious, consistent act of choosing good over immediate gratification or negative impulses.

Why this practice works:

• Builds Awareness: You become more attuned to your inner voices, understanding that they are opinions, not commands.
• Strengthens Your Will: Each time you consciously choose, you strengthen your spiritual muscle of self-mastery.
• Invites Divine Help: By making the effort to choose good, you activate G-d's assistance, making it easier to follow through. You're showing up for the fight, and G-d is helping you win.
• Cultivates Self-Compassion: You're not beating yourself up for having the "evil inclination's opinion"; you're simply acknowledging it and choosing differently. You're a Benoni, and this struggle is part of your spiritual path.

Try this simple "Pause & Choose" practice just once or twice a day this week. You might be amazed at how much more control and peace you feel. It's not about being perfect, but about consciously engaging in the beautiful, empowering process of being a Benoni.

Chevruta Mini

Learning Jewish wisdom is often best done with a friend, a "Chevruta" (learning Jewish texts with a partner). It's a chance to bounce ideas off each other, hear different perspectives, and deepen your understanding. So, grab a friend, a family member, or even just your journal, and ponder these questions:

Question 1: What Does Being a "Benoni" Mean for Your Inner World?

The Tanya's description of the Benoni challenges the idea that we're either perfectly good or inherently bad. It paints a picture of constant, active spiritual struggle, where the evil inclination is always present but never ruling.

• How does this concept resonate with your own daily experience? Can you identify specific situations where you feel those two "judges" (your divine soul and your evil inclination) giving their opinions inside you? For example, when you're trying to stick to a new habit, or when you're feeling challenged by a relationship, or even when you're just trying to decide how to spend your evening.
• Does knowing that this internal battle is a sign of being a "Benoni" – a high spiritual level – change how you view your own struggles? Does it offer a sense of relief, empowerment, or perhaps a new perspective on moments you might have previously seen as failures? Share a specific example of when this insight might have shifted your self-perception from "I'm weak" to "I'm a Benoni, actively choosing."

Question 2: How Do You Invite and Experience G-d's Help in Your Choices?

The text emphasizes that "If the Holy One, blessed is He, did He not help him, he could not overcome his evil inclination." This suggests that our spiritual victories aren't solely our own doing; Divine assistance plays a crucial role.

• What does "G-d's help" mean to you in a practical, everyday sense? How might that "glow radiated by the Divine light" manifest in your life when you're facing a tough choice or resisting an urge? Is it a sudden clarity, a surge of unexpected patience, a feeling of calm, or something else entirely?
• Considering the "Pause & Choose" practice, how do you think consciously choosing the good, even in small moments, might open you up to receiving more of that Divine help? What are some ways you could consciously "invite" this assistance into your daily decisions, beyond just the small practice we discussed? Perhaps it's a silent prayer before starting a difficult task, or a moment of reflection before engaging in a conversation.

These questions are meant to spark conversation and personal reflection, helping you connect these ancient teachings to your very real, modern life. There are no right or wrong answers, just deeper understanding and shared insights.

Takeaway

Remember this: Your inner struggle isn't a sign of weakness, but an opportunity to consciously choose good, knowing G-d is always there to help your divine soul win.