Tanya, Part I; Likkutei Amarim 13:11

Shalom, chaverim! It is SO good to gather with you, even virtually, to light our inner campfires with some Torah. You know, there’s nothing quite like the smell of pine needles, the crackle of a fire, and the sound of voices blending in song, right? That feeling of connection, of shared purpose, of being fully present… that’s what we’re aiming for tonight, but with a grown-up twist: bringing that vibrant camp energy right into your home, into your everyday!

Tonight, we’re diving into a text that’s all about the inner life, the secret world of our thoughts and feelings, and how we navigate the swirling currents within us. It’s from a book called Tanya, and it’s like a spiritual compass for how to live a truly G-dly life, especially for those of us who aren’t yet perfect saints (and let’s be real, who is?!).

Hook

Alright, everyone, let’s tap into those camp memories! Close your eyes for a sec… can you hear it? Maybe it’s the sound of a guitar strumming, or the collective hum before a song bursts forth. For me, when I think about the wrestling match we’re about to explore, one song always comes to mind. It’s a simple one, but boy, does it pack a punch:

(Imagine a gentle, upbeat strumming of a guitar)

"This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine! This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine! This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine! Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!"

Remember that feeling? That pure, unadulterated joy of knowing you have something precious inside you, and the determination to share it with the world? Well, tonight, we’re going to explore how to keep that light shining, even when it feels like there’s a gust of wind, or a sudden cloud, threatening to dim it. Because let’s be honest, life isn’t always a perfectly sunny camp day, is it? Sometimes, it feels like an internal tug-of-war, and that’s exactly what the Tanya is here to help us understand and navigate.

Context

So, what exactly are we getting into tonight? Think of it like this:

• Your Spiritual Hiking Guide: The Tanya is a foundational text of Chabad Chassidic thought, written by Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi. It's like a spiritual hiking guide, mapping out the inner landscape of the soul. It's designed to give us practical tools and profound insights into our inner world, helping us understand our struggles and strengths so we can serve G-d with greater joy and truth. It's not just philosophy; it's a manual for living!
• Meet the Benoni – The Everyday Hero: The core focus of Tanya is understanding the "Benoni," the intermediate person. This isn't the perfectly righteous tzaddik who has completely transformed their evil inclination, nor is it the rasha (wicked person) who is actively controlled by it. No, the Benoni is us! It’s the person who constantly battles, who might have negative thoughts or desires, but who never allows them to translate into action. It's the ultimate spiritual underdog story, where the victory isn't about eradicating the challenge, but about consistently winning the daily battles.
• Navigating the Inner Forest: Imagine your soul is a vast, beautiful forest. Within it, there are clear, sunlit paths—these are your G-dly desires, your yearning for good. But there are also dense thickets, shadowy paths that might tempt you off course—these are your animalistic desires, your self-serving impulses. The Benoni isn't someone who has cleared their entire forest of thickets. Instead, they’re masters of navigation. They know how to stick to the sunlit paths, even when the shadowy ones whisper tempting shortcuts. They recognize the signs, they consult their inner compass (their divine soul), and they keep moving forward, always choosing the path of light, no matter how wild the undergrowth might seem.

Text Snapshot

Let's zoom in on a few lines from the Tanya, Chapter 13, that really capture the essence of this internal journey:

"Therewith will be understood the commentary of our Sages 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.'' Note that they did not say 'ruled' by both, G–d forbid… The evil nature [in the benoni], however, is no more than, for example, a magistrate or judge who gives his opinion on a point of law, yet it is not necessarily a final decision to be implemented in deed, for there is another magistrate or judge who is contesting this opinion. It is, therefore, necessary to arbitrate between the two, and the final verdict rests with the arbitrator. Similarly, the evil nature states its opinion in the left part of the heart, which thence ascends to the brain for contemplation. Immediately it is challenged by the second judge, the divine soul in the brain extending into the right part of the heart, the abode of the good nature. The final verdict comes from the arbitrator—the Holy One, blessed is He, who comes to the aid of the good nature..."

Woah. Heavy stuff, right? But incredibly empowering! Let’s unpack it and see how we can bring this wisdom home, into our kitchens, our living rooms, and our hearts.

Close Reading

Okay, grab your mental flashlights, because we’re going deep into the forest of this text. The Tanya isn't just telling us what a Benoni is; it's giving us a profound understanding of our inner mechanics and, crucially, a blueprint for how to operate them. This isn't about being perfect; it's about being purposeful. And that, my friends, is a game-changer for home and family life.

Insight 1: Your Inner Courtroom & the Divine Arbitrator

The text opens with this powerful image: "intermediate people are judged by both [the good and evil natures]." But then, a critical clarification: they are not "ruled" by both. This distinction is everything! It's the difference between being a helpless pawn and an active participant in your spiritual destiny.

Think about it like this: inside each of us, there's a constant courtroom drama playing out. On one side, you have the Yetzer Hara, the evil inclination, acting like a persuasive, sometimes very loud, prosecutor. It argues for immediate gratification, for comfort, for self-interest, for anger, for impatience. It’s got a compelling case, often rooted in our most primal instincts. It speaks from the "left part of the heart," the seat of our passions, and its arguments can ascend to the brain for "contemplation." It's not just a gut feeling; it can present a rational-sounding case for doing something that isn't truly good.

But then, the Tanya tells us, "Immediately it is challenged by the second judge, the divine soul in the brain extending into the right part of the heart, the abode of the good nature." Ah, here comes the defense attorney, the Yetzer Tov, the good inclination! This is your neshama, your divine soul, speaking from the intellect, from a place of wisdom and connection to G-d. It argues for kindness, for patience, for generosity, for long-term spiritual growth. It reminds you of your deeper purpose, your higher values.

So, you have these two powerful "judges" presenting their cases. The crucial point for the Benoni is that neither one automatically wins. The evil nature "is no more than, for example, a magistrate or judge who gives his opinion on a point of law, yet it is not necessarily a final decision to be implemented in deed." This means that just because you think a negative thought, or feel a surge of anger, or desire something counterproductive, doesn't mean you are that thought or feeling. It’s just one judge giving an opinion. You, the Benoni, are the one who gets to decide which judge to listen to.

But wait, there’s more! The text says, "The final verdict comes from the arbitrator—the Holy One, blessed is He, who comes to the aid of the good nature." This is the ultimate spiritual superpower! We're not left to arbitrate this internal battle all on our own. G-d Himself steps in as the ultimate Arbitrator, giving the divine soul the "glow radiated by the Divine light" to "gain the upper hand and mastery over the folly of the fool and evil nature." This is incredibly empowering! It means that when you engage in this internal struggle, when you consciously bring your divine soul into the conversation, you're not fighting alone. G-d is literally on your side, providing the strength and clarity you need to choose good.

Bringing this home – the "grown-up legs" for home and family life:

• Self-Compassion in the Chaos: How often do we beat ourselves up for having negative thoughts or feelings? The kids are screaming, dinner’s burning, and suddenly that voice in your head screams, "I can't do this! I'm a terrible parent!" Or your spouse says something that rubs you the wrong way, and your Yetzer Hara immediately starts building a case for a sharp retort, for resentment, for shutting down. The Tanya teaches us: that voice is just one judge. It's not the final verdict. Recognizing this is a huge step toward self-compassion. You are not "wicked" for having the thought; you are a Benoni for engaging in the internal arbitration. The very act of noticing and choosing is your spiritual service. It’s okay to have the thought; it’s not okay to let it rule you.

• Parenting with Empathy and Empowerment: This courtroom analogy is brilliant for parenting. Imagine your child is having a meltdown. Their "left part of the heart" (their animal soul) is screaming for the candy, for immediate gratification, for control. It's a powerful "judge" in their little world. Instead of labeling them "naughty" or "stubborn," we can see them as Benonim in training. Our role is to help them bring in their "second judge"—their nascent divine soul. We can help them articulate their feelings, acknowledge their desires, but then gently guide them towards the "arbitrator." "I know you really want that candy right now, and it's hard not to have it. That's a strong feeling. But remember how we talked about healthy food, and how we choose things that make our bodies strong? Which choice feels better for your body and your heart?" We're teaching them to identify the judges and invite the arbitrator.

• Harmony in Relationships: In marriage or close family relationships, misunderstandings and frustrations are inevitable. When your partner does something that annoys you, or says something that feels hurtful, your Yetzer Hara is quick to jump to conclusions, to assign blame, to build a case for defensiveness or anger. This teaching reminds us to pause. "Is this just one judge speaking? What would my divine soul say? What is the truth here, beyond my immediate reaction?" By actively inviting the "second judge" (empathy, understanding, a desire for connection) and consciously asking for G-d's help (even a silent prayer for patience or clarity), we can transform potential conflict into an opportunity for deeper connection and growth. We are inviting the Divine Arbitrator into our relationship, moving from knee-jerk reactions to conscious, G-dly responses.

• The "Sleeping Man" Analogy: The text later says, "But in a benoni it is, by way of example, similar to a sleeping man, who can awaken from his sleep. So is the evil in the benoni dormant, as it were, in the left part, during the recital of the Shema and the Prayer [Amidah], when his heart is aglow with the love of G-d, but later it can wake up again." This is crucial. It means the Yetzer Hara isn't abolished in the Benoni. It's just dormant when the divine soul is ascendant. This implies constant vigilance, yes, but also a deep understanding that our spiritual work is ongoing. We can't conquer it once and for all and then relax. It will always be there, ready to awaken. This isn't discouraging; it's realistic and empowering. It means every day, every moment, is a fresh opportunity to choose.

(Here's a simple niggun, a wordless melody, to internalize this idea of G-d's help. Imagine a gentle, rising melody, almost like a lullaby, then a stronger, more confident phrase. You can hum it, or just listen to it in your mind.)

Niggun suggestion: (Humming a simple, ascending scale: "Mm-mm-mm-mm-mm...") Then a more resolved phrase: "Ki Hashem Yitzei Lach!" (For G-d will go forth for you!) (Repeat the humming and the phrase, letting the idea of divine support sink in.)

Insight 2: The Art of Self-Perception – Always "As If"

This is perhaps one of the most challenging, yet ultimately liberating, teachings of the Tanya for the Benoni. The text quotes our Sages: "Even if the whole world tells you that you are righteous, in your own eyes regard yourself as if you were wicked"—not as actually wicked. This isn't about wallowing in self-deprecation or guilt. It's about a sophisticated spiritual strategy to ensure continuous growth and vigilance.

Why this seemingly harsh advice? Because the Benoni has not eradicated their evil inclination. It's still there, "in its innate strength, craving after all the pleasures of this world." Even if the Benoni is constantly choosing good actions, even if they are immersed in Torah study day and night, even if the "divine soul rules over the 'small city' (the body)," the essence of the Yetzer Hara remains. It's dormant, perhaps, but not gone. As the text says, "Even one whose whole aspiration is in G-d’s Torah, which he studies day and night for its own sake, this is still no proof whatsoever that the evil has been dislodged from its place."

The danger of believing "the world's opinion" that you are a tzaddik (righteous person) is complacency. If you think you've "made it," that the evil in you has been "dissolved by the good," you drop your guard. You stop fighting, stop arbitrating. You assume your default mode is righteous, and that's when the "sleeping man" (the Yetzer Hara) can awaken and catch you off guard. The Benoni must always remember that the battle is ongoing, that their inner strength lies not in the absence of evil, but in the constant overcoming of it.

This "as if" perspective is about humility, realism, and a commitment to perpetual striving. It's about understanding that our love for G-d, even if intense during prayer, "passes and disappears after prayer" for the Benoni. It's not a static state of being, but a dynamic, ever-renewed choice. Yet, the text reassures us, this "love... is regarded as a truly perfect service in terms of their [level of] truth... For truth is the attribute of Jacob, who is called the 'middle bolt which secures [everything] from end to end.'" Our Benoni efforts, renewed daily, are true and lasting in their own right, like a bolt securing a structure, even if the battle continues.

Bringing this home – the "grown-up legs" for home and family life:

• The Humility of the Parent: As parents, we often receive praise. "You're such a good mom/dad!" or "Your kids are so well-behaved!" While it's lovely to hear, the Benoni teaching reminds us not to get complacent. Are we truly showing up with our best selves, or are we just coasting on past successes? Are we still actively learning, growing, and seeking to improve, even in areas where we feel competent? The "as if wicked" mindset here means: "I recognize that despite my successes, I still have areas to improve. My patience can wear thin, my temper can flare, my attention can wander. I must remain vigilant and actively choose to be better, rather than relying on my 'good parent' label." It keeps us honest and engaged in the sacred work of raising children.

• Nurturing Relationship Growth: In a long-term relationship, it's easy to fall into a routine and take your partner for granted. You might think, "We've been together for years; we're solid. I don't need to work on this anymore." The "as if wicked" perspective challenges this complacency. It's about recognizing that even in the strongest relationships, the "Yetzer Hara" can whisper temptations of selfishness, indifference, or taking shortcuts. It means consciously choosing kindness, attentiveness, and appreciation every day, even when it doesn't feel novel or exciting. It means not resting on the laurels of past love, but actively renewing and rebuilding it, like the Benoni reawakens their love for G-d during prayer daily. Each act of love, each moment of connection, is a "middle bolt" securing the relationship from end to end.

• Beyond the "Good Deed" – Intention and Vigilance: We do many good things: volunteer, give charity, observe Shabbat. The Benoni knows that even when these "garments" (thought, speech, action) are G-dly, the "essence and substance" of the animal soul can still be "in their full strength and might." This means constantly checking our intentions. Am I doing this mitzvah for G-d's sake, or for ego, for recognition, for habit? The "as if" challenge pushes us to dig deeper, to purify our motives, and to ensure that our external actions are truly reflections of our internal commitment. It’s about not getting comfortable with the veneer of righteousness, but always striving for the genuine article. It’s like tending a campfire: it’s not enough to have a good fire going; you need to keep adding wood, keep stirring the coals, keep making sure it’s burning brightly from within.

• The Power of "Their Truth": Even though the Benoni's love and service might not be as constant as a tzaddik's, the text validates it as "a truly perfect service in terms of their truth." This is incredibly important for avoiding burnout and cynicism. Don't compare your spiritual journey to others. Your daily, renewed struggle, your continuous arbitration, your "lip of truth" that reawakens love and commitment again and again—that is your truth, and it is powerful and sacred. Every single moment you choose G-d, every small victory in your inner courtroom, every decision to let your light shine, is a significant, lasting act.

Micro-Ritual

Okay, let’s bring this Benoni wisdom right into your home, specifically for Friday night. Shabbat is all about creating a sacred space, a sanctuary in time, and it’s the perfect moment to practice this internal arbitration and conscious choice.

The "Candlelight Choice" Ritual:

This ritual is something you can do yourself, or easily involve your family, especially if you have kids who are old enough to understand a little bit about making choices.

1. Preparation (Before Shabbat): During your busy Friday afternoon, before the rush, take a moment. Think about a specific internal "battle" you’ve faced this week. Maybe it was patience with your kids, or an unkind thought about a neighbor, or a desire to procrastinate on something important. Identify one area where your Yetzer Hara made a strong "case." Don't judge yourself; just observe.

2. Candle Lighting: As you light the Shabbat candles, pause for a moment before reciting the blessing.

   • Acknowledge the Judges: Hold your hands over your eyes. In that brief moment of darkness and introspection, visualize the "two judges" within you regarding that specific challenge you identified. Acknowledge the voice of the Yetzer Hara (e.g., "I felt so impatient with them today, and my mind kept telling me they were being difficult"). Then, immediately bring in the "second judge," your divine soul (e.g., "But my deeper self knows they were tired, and I want to be a patient, loving parent").
   • Invite the Arbitrator: Now, with the candles glowing, and before you recite the blessing, silently or softly say (to yourself or your family): "Hashem, please be the Arbitrator. Help my divine soul gain the upper hand. Help me choose kindness, patience, peace in my home this Shabbat." You are actively invoking the Divine help mentioned in the Tanya. You are stating your intention to let your inner light shine.
   • The Blessing of Choice: As you recite the blessing over the candles, let it be a conscious affirmation of your choice. You're not just lighting candles; you're illuminating your intention, strengthening your divine soul, and declaring your commitment to the path of goodness. The light of the candles becomes a physical manifestation of the Divine light helping your Yetzer Tov to prevail.

3. Throughout Shabbat:

   • The "As If" Check-in: As you enjoy your Shabbat meal or interact with your family, occasionally do a quick "as if" check-in. "Even though everything feels peaceful right now, am I still actively choosing peace? Am I still consciously present and loving, or just going through the motions? Where can I infuse more intention and kindness right now?" This isn't about creating anxiety; it's about maintaining a gentle, vigilant awareness, preventing complacency, and ensuring your actions truly stem from your highest self.
   • The Niggun of Neshama: Sing the niggun we learned earlier (or any wordless melody that resonates with you) during your Shabbat meal or a quiet moment. Let it be a simple, internal reminder that G-d is always there to help your neshama (divine soul) win the inner battle. Just a gentle hum, a quiet moment of musical connection to your inner strength and the Divine Arbitrator.

This ritual transforms a familiar act into a powerful, personal spiritual practice. It makes the abstract ideas of the Tanya tangible and actionable within the very heart of your home. It’s about bringing that camp energy of conscious intention and joyful spiritual work into your grown-up Shabbat.

Chevruta Mini

Alright, let's turn to our partner, real or imagined, and chew on these questions. Remember, there are no wrong answers, just honest reflection!

1. Think of a recent time when your "Yetzer Hara" (the "left part of the heart" judge) made a strong argument—maybe for impatience, self-pity, or a quick retort. How might understanding that it's just an opinion, not a ruling, change how you respond next time?
2. The Tanya says we should regard ourselves "as if wicked," not to feel bad, but to avoid complacency. How can you apply this "as if" vigilance to an area of your home or family life where you currently feel "good enough," ensuring continuous growth without becoming self-critical?

Takeaway

My dear friends, the Tanya doesn't ask us to be perfect; it asks us to be Benonim – intermediate people, engaged in the holy work of choosing good, moment by moment. It reminds us that our internal struggles are not a sign of failure, but the very arena of our spiritual service. With G-d as our ultimate Arbitrator, and our divine soul as our unwavering advocate, we have all the tools we need to let our little light shine, not just at camp, but in every corner of our homes, every single day. Keep choosing, keep shining, and remember, you are never alone in the beautiful, challenging journey of the soul. Chazak, chazak, v'nitchazek! Be strong, be strong, and let us be strengthened!