Tanya, Part I; Likkutei Amarim 13:6

Hook

So, you tried Hebrew school, or maybe a Jewish class as an adult, and it felt… like homework. A list of rules, a history lesson that felt disconnected, a spiritual practice that seemed more about obligation than inspiration. You probably thought, "This isn't for me," or maybe, "I just don't get it." You weren't wrong – the way it was presented might have missed the mark for you. But what if the core ideas are actually brilliant, practical, and deeply relevant to navigating the messy, beautiful reality of adult life? We're going to re-enchant you with a concept from Jewish thought that sounds complex but is actually a surprisingly relatable framework for understanding yourself, your choices, and your potential for growth.

Context

Let's tackle a misconception that might have made you feel like you were either a saint or a sinner, with no room in between. The idea that you have to be a perfect spiritual being or you're basically a lost cause is… well, a bit much. This passage from Tanya, a foundational text of Chabad philosophy, offers a much kinder, and frankly, more accurate, picture.

The "Intermediate Person" Myth-Busted

• You're Not "Ruled" by Your Bad Habits: The text explicitly states that the "intermediate person" (called a benoni in Hebrew) is not "ruled" by their negative impulses. This is huge! It means that even when you feel tempted or fall short, it doesn't mean you've lost control or are defined by that moment. You're not automatically branded "wicked" because you had a less-than-ideal thought or action.
• It's a Debate, Not a Verdict: Think of the struggle within you like a courtroom. Your "evil inclination" (let's call it your impulsive, self-serving side) presents its case. But immediately, your "divine soul" (your higher aspirations, your capacity for good) contests it. This isn't a done deal; it's an ongoing dialogue. The text likens these to two magistrates offering opinions, and the final decision rests with an arbitrator.
• Divine Assistance is Key: The "arbitrator" is ultimately God, who helps the good inclination prevail. This isn't about you being a lone warrior against your darker urges. The text emphasizes that "If the Holy One, blessed is He, did not help him, he could not overcome his evil inclination." This means there's a partnership in your growth, a divine spark that illuminates your capacity for good and helps you tip the scales.

Text Snapshot

"Note that they did not say 'ruled' by both, G–d forbid, because where the evil nature gains any control and dominion over the 'small city,' even though but temporarily, one is at such times deemed 'wicked.' 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."

New Angle

This concept of the benoni, the "intermediate person," isn't just some ancient theological idea; it's a profoundly practical lens through which to view your adult life. It reframes your internal experience not as a battle you're losing, but as a dynamic process of negotiation and growth, supported by an inner and outer divine presence. Let's explore how this plays out in the real world, beyond the confines of prayer or study.

Insight 1: Navigating Workplace Dynamics and Professional Identity

You're likely familiar with the office environment. There are moments you feel on top of your game, innovative, collaborative, and deeply engaged. You're operating from your "divine soul" side, bringing your best to the table. Then there are times when you feel drained, tempted to cut corners, engage in office politics, or simply feel overwhelmed by the pressures. This is where the benoni framework can be incredibly liberating.

The text describes the "evil nature" as a magistrate, offering its opinion. In a work context, this "magistrate" might be the voice that whispers: "Just push this project off until tomorrow," "It's easier to just go along with the majority opinion, even if you disagree," or "Focus on your own success, even if it means stepping on someone else's toes." This is the raw, unrefined impulse for ease, self-preservation, or even a fleeting sense of dominance.

However, the text immediately introduces the "second judge," the "divine soul." This is your higher professional self. It's the part of you that values integrity, collaboration, long-term vision, and ethical conduct. It's the voice that might say: "This project is important, and it's better to start now," "My authentic perspective is valuable here, even if it's unpopular," or "True success involves lifting others up, not just oneself."

The crucial insight here is that the "evil nature" isn't inherently evil; it's simply an impulse, an opinion. It craves pleasure and ease, much like the text says it craves "pleasures of this world." But it doesn't have the final say unless you allow it to. The "small city" of your being, your professional life, is not permanently ruled by this impulse. The "divine soul" in your intellect, your capacity for reasoned judgment and ethical consideration, can challenge it.

This understanding is empowering because it reframes moments of professional struggle. When you feel tempted to compromise your values or succumb to a negative work dynamic, you can recognize it as the "magistrate" of your lower impulses presenting its case. You then have the agency to consciously engage your "divine soul" – your professional ethics, your long-term goals, your commitment to excellence – to contest that opinion. The "arbitrator," in this context, is your conscious decision-making process, guided by your core values. You are not inherently "bad" for having the impulse; you are actively engaged in the process of choosing your response. This allows for continuous learning and adaptation, rather than self-condemnation. It means that even if you momentarily indulge in a less-than-ideal behavior at work, you can acknowledge it, learn from it, and consciously re-align with your higher professional aspirations without feeling like your entire professional identity is compromised.

Insight 2: Cultivating Meaningful Family Relationships and Personal Fulfillment

Think about your family life. There are moments of pure joy, connection, and deep love. You're fully present, cherishing the interactions. Then, there are times of frustration, misunderstanding, or simply the exhaustion that comes with juggling responsibilities. The "evil nature," in this context, might manifest as impatience with a child's endless questions, a desire to withdraw from a difficult conversation with a partner, or the feeling of resentment when your own needs feel unmet. It's the impulse for immediate gratification, avoidance of discomfort, or the perceived unfairness of your own burdens.

The text states that the "evil nature is no more than… 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 is profoundly applicable to family dynamics. That fleeting feeling of annoyance with your child isn't a death sentence for your patience; it's an opinion offered by your less-than-ideal self. That urge to shut down during a marital disagreement isn't your final verdict on your relationship; it's a suggestion from your comfort-seeking side.

Your "divine soul," your capacity for empathy, unconditional love, and long-term commitment, is the counter-argument. It's the part of you that understands the importance of presence, the value of navigating conflict constructively, and the deep reward of nurturing relationships. The "arbitrator" here is your conscious choice to engage with love and understanding, even when it's difficult.

The passage mentions that "G–d has given the mind supremacy and dominion over the heart." In family life, this means your capacity for reflection, for understanding the long-term implications of your actions, and for choosing a compassionate response can and should govern your emotional reactions. When you feel that surge of impatience, you can pause, acknowledge it as an impulse, and then consciously choose to respond with the empathy and patience that your "divine soul" offers. This isn't about suppressing your feelings, but about discerning which impulses you will allow to dictate your actions.

Furthermore, the text's emphasis on divine assistance ("If the Holy One, blessed is He, did not help him, he could not overcome his evil inclination") can be interpreted as the inherent grace and resilience available in our relationships. There's a spiritual energy that supports our efforts to connect and love, even when we feel depleted. Recognizing this can shift your perspective from feeling solely responsible for maintaining harmony to understanding that you are part of a larger flow of connection and support. This allows you to approach family life not as a constant battle against your own shortcomings, but as a continuous process of choosing love, understanding, and growth, with an ever-present divine partnership. It means that even after a moment of frustration, you can reconnect with the profound love and meaning that family provides, understanding that these moments of internal negotiation are part of the journey of deepening those bonds.

Low-Lift Ritual

Let's make this concept tangible with a practice you can weave into your week. This isn't about grand gestures, but about a subtle shift in how you observe your inner world.

The "Courtroom Check-In"

What it is: A 1-2 minute mental practice to acknowledge and consciously engage with the "two judges" within you.

How to do it:

1. Find a quiet moment: This can be during your commute, while waiting for coffee, or just before you fall asleep.
2. Identify a situation: Think of a recent moment where you felt a pull between an easier, less desirable option and a more challenging, ethical, or growth-oriented one. It could be a work task, a family interaction, or even a personal decision.
3. Acknowledge the "Magistrate" (Impulse): Briefly name the impulse that arose. For example, "My impulse was to procrastinate," or "My impulse was to react with frustration." You don't need to judge it; just acknowledge its presence.
4. Hear the "Second Judge" (Higher Self): Now, consciously bring to mind the counter-impulse or the higher value. For instance, "But my higher self knows the importance of diligence," or "My higher self recognizes the need for patience and understanding."
5. Empower the "Arbitrator" (Your Choice): Silently affirm your intention to let your higher self, your conscious choice, guide your actions. You can say to yourself, "I choose to align with my higher self," or "I will let my values be my guide."

Why it matters: This simple practice helps you see your internal struggles not as failures, but as opportunities for conscious choice. It trains your awareness to recognize the different voices within you and empowers you to actively choose which one you will follow, reinforcing your agency and fostering a sense of inner alignment. It's a tiny act of re-enchantment with your own inner life, recognizing it as a dynamic space of potential rather than a fixed state of being.

Chevruta Mini

Think of these as conversation starters for yourself, or with a friend, to deepen the understanding.

Question 1

The text likens the "evil inclination" to a magistrate offering an opinion, not a final verdict. How does understanding your less-than-ideal impulses as "opinions" rather than inherent flaws change how you approach making difficult decisions in your daily life?

Question 2

The passage emphasizes that "G–d has given the mind supremacy and dominion over the heart." How can you consciously use your "mind" – your capacity for reflection, planning, and understanding consequences – to navigate moments where your "heart" (emotions, immediate desires) feels pulled in a different direction, especially in your relationships?

Takeaway

You are not your impulse. The internal tug-of-war you experience isn't a sign of failure, but a testament to your dynamic inner life. The wisdom of the benoni isn't about achieving perfect, static righteousness, but about embracing the ongoing, supported process of choosing growth, understanding, and connection. You have the capacity to engage with your higher aspirations, and with a little conscious practice, you can re-enchant yourself with the profound power of your own inner dialogue.