Tanya, Part I; Likkutei Amarim 13:1

Judaism 101: The Foundations

Path: Judaism 101: The Foundations

Level: Beginner

Mode & Minutes: on-ramp, 5 minutes

The Big Question

Have you ever felt pulled in two different directions, struggling to make a decision between what you want to do and what you know you should do? Perhaps it’s the lure of immediate gratification versus the long-term benefit of discipline, or a personal desire conflicting with a sense of responsibility. This internal tug-of-war is a universal human experience, and it lies at the heart of how Judaism understands our inner lives. Today, we’re going to explore a foundational concept from Jewish thought that delves deeply into this very struggle. It’s a concept that doesn't necessarily offer an easy path, but rather a profound understanding of the human condition and our potential for growth. We'll be looking at how, within the framework of Jewish tradition, we can understand ourselves not as purely good or purely bad, but as beings engaged in a continuous, dynamic process of choosing, striving, and becoming. This ancient wisdom offers a powerful lens through which to view our own internal battles and to find meaning in the ongoing work of spiritual and ethical development.

One Core Concept

The central concept we'll explore is the "Benoni," a Hebrew term meaning "intermediate" or "in-between." It describes a person who is neither a fully righteous individual (tzaddik) nor a wicked one (rasha). Instead, the Benoni is characterized by an ongoing internal struggle between their two souls: the divine soul (inspired by God) and the animal soul (driven by instincts and desires).

Breaking It Down

The Two Souls Within

The Tanya, a foundational text of Chassidic Judaism, introduces a profound idea about the human psyche: we possess two souls. The first is the "divine soul," which originates from God and is the source of our higher aspirations, our capacity for intellect, morality, and spiritual connection. This soul is often described as residing in the brain, the seat of our rational thought and higher consciousness. The second is the "animal soul," which is more primal and instinctual, driving our physical desires, emotions, and the basic needs for survival and pleasure. The Tanya locates this soul in the "left part of the heart," often understood as the seat of our passions and emotions.

The "Small City" Analogy

The text uses a powerful analogy of the body as a "small city." In this city, the brain is the king's palace, where decisions are made, and the limbs of the body are its citizens or soldiers who carry out those decisions. The divine soul, residing in the brain, aims to govern this city, directing the actions of the limbs towards noble and divine purposes. The animal soul, on the other hand, seeks to control the city for its own selfish pleasures and desires.

The Benoni: The Intermediate Person

This is where the concept of the Benoni (intermediate person) comes into play. A Benoni is not defined by the absence of the animal soul, nor by its complete victory. Instead, the Benoni is characterized by the ongoing, dynamic tension between these two souls. The text explains that the animal soul, though present and potent, does not have the final say or the power to completely dominate the Benoni. It can "give its opinion" and present its desires, but it is not necessarily the final decision-maker.

The Internal Courtroom

The passage likens the internal struggle to a courtroom with multiple judges. The animal soul, residing in the left part of the heart, presents its case and its desires. This is then brought up to the brain for contemplation. However, immediately, the divine soul, residing in the brain and extending into the right part of the heart (the abode of good), challenges this opinion. It acts as a second judge, offering a counter-argument rooted in higher wisdom and morality.

The Role of Divine Assistance

Crucially, the Benoni is not left to fight this battle alone. The text emphasizes that God Himself "stands at the right of the destitute to deliver him from the judges of his soul." This divine assistance comes in the form of a "glow radiated by the Divine light," which illuminates the divine soul, empowering it to gain the upper hand. Without this divine help, the text states, it would be impossible for a person to overcome their evil inclination.

Why "Wicked" in One's Own Eyes?

This is a particularly nuanced point. The text states that the Benoni is "likened to a 'wicked man'" not because they are wicked, but because of how they should perceive themselves. This is rooted in the Sages’ teaching: "Even if the whole world tells you that you are righteous, in your own eyes regard yourself as if you were wicked." Why this seemingly harsh self-assessment? Because the animal soul in the Benoni, while not ruling, is still present in its "innate strength," craving worldly pleasures. It hasn't been "nullified" or "relegated from its position" in its essence. It's merely prevented from fully manifesting its desires through the limbs because the divine soul, aided by God, has control over the body.

The Illusion of Victory

The danger is that one might mistakenly believe their evil inclination has been dissolved, a state characteristic of a tzaddik (righteous person). The Benoni must constantly remind themselves that the essence of the evil inclination remains, dormant but potent, in the left part of the heart. Even engaging in Torah study and spiritual pursuits doesn't automatically mean the animal soul is vanquished. It might simply mean its "garments"—its outward expression in thought, speech, and action—are not being worn because the divine soul is in control.

The Temporary Nature of Spiritual Highs

The love for God experienced during prayer, for example, is a powerful manifestation of the divine soul's dominance. However, the text notes that this heightened state can be temporary, like a sleeping person who can awaken. While this love is crucial and a sign of spiritual progress, it's not necessarily a permanent eradication of the animal soul's desires. This is why even individuals deeply devoted to Torah study, like Rabbah in the Talmudic era, would still consider themselves Benoni, recognizing the potential for the animal soul to reassert itself.

The Difference Between "True Service"

The passage distinguishes between the spiritual experience of a Benoni and a Tzaddik. The love of God experienced by a Benoni during prayer, while genuine and powerful for their level, is considered "temporary" compared to the "true service" of a Tzaddik, whose love for God is constant and unwavering, described as "established forever." The Tzaddik actively despises and hates evil. The Benoni's inclination is more like a sleeping person who can be awakened.

The Attribute of Truth

Despite these distinctions, the Benoni's capacity to reawaken love for God, even if temporarily, is still considered a form of "true service" relative to their own level. This is linked to the "attribute of truth," which is associated with Jacob, who is described as the "middle bolt which secures everything." This attribute allows for a constant connection to God, even within the ongoing struggle. It signifies the potential for consistent spiritual effort and connection, even if not at the absolute pinnacle of spiritual attainment.

How We Live This

Acknowledging the Inner Battle

The concept of the Benoni offers a realistic and compassionate framework for understanding our own spiritual lives. It acknowledges that the struggle between our higher and lower natures is not a sign of failure, but rather the very definition of being human and on a path of growth. We can begin by simply observing these internal conflicts without judgment. When you feel tempted by something you know isn't in your best interest, or when you find yourself wrestling with a difficult ethical decision, recognize this as the dynamic of the Benoni at play.

The Power of Conscious Choice

The Benoni is defined by the ongoing choice to align with the divine soul. This means consciously choosing to engage in actions that uplift us and others, even when our impulses pull us elsewhere. This could involve dedicating time to study, practicing acts of kindness, engaging in prayer, or simply making mindful choices in our daily lives. The text emphasizes that the divine soul, aided by God, can gain mastery. Our role is to actively participate in this process through our choices and intentions.

Cultivating Divine Awareness

The "glow radiated by the Divine light" is a key element. This divine assistance is accessed through cultivating awareness of God's presence and our connection to the divine. Practices like prayer, meditation, or even mindful reflection on our actions and their motivations can help to illuminate our divine soul. By focusing on our connection to something greater than ourselves, we strengthen our ability to overcome our lower inclinations.

The Importance of Humility

The instruction to regard oneself "as if" wicked is a powerful tool for maintaining humility and continued effort. It prevents complacency and reminds us that the struggle is ongoing. Even when we achieve spiritual or ethical milestones, we must remain grounded, recognizing the persistent presence of our lower desires. This humility fosters continuous growth and prevents spiritual arrogance.

Consistent Effort, Not Perfection

The Benoni model teaches us that spiritual progress is not about achieving instant perfection, but about consistent effort. It's about the daily, even hourly, recommitment to aligning with our divine aspirations. The ability of the divine soul to "reawaken" love for God means that even after a moment of weakness or distraction, we have the capacity to return to our spiritual path. This understanding liberates us from despair and encourages perseverance.

One Thing to Remember

The Benoni is the person in the midst of the ongoing, dynamic struggle between their divine and animal souls. This internal battle is not a sign of failure, but the very essence of our human journey, and with God's help, we have the capacity to choose the higher path, moment by moment.