Tanya, Part I; Likkutei Amarim 2:1

Hook

We gather today to honor a memory, a moment, a person who shaped our lives and continues to resonate within us. Perhaps it is an anniversary of a loss, a birthday that now holds a different kind of significance, or simply a day when their presence feels particularly strong. This time is for remembrance, for acknowledging the enduring thread of connection that binds us to those who have walked before. The text we explore today offers a profound perspective on the nature of our souls, their divine origin, and their interconnectedness, a framework that can help us find meaning and solace in our grief.

Text Snapshot

"The second soul of a Jew is truly a part of G–d above... As it is written, 'He breathed into his nostrils a soul of life,' and 'You have breathed it [the soul] into me.' ... So, allegorically speaking, have the souls of Jews risen in the [Divine] thought, as it is written, 'My firstborn son is Israel,' and 'You are the children of the L–rd your G–d.' That is to say, just as a child is derived from his father’s brain, so—to use an anthropomorphism—the soul of each Israelite is derived from His thought and wisdom, blessed be He. For He is wise—but not through a knowable wisdom, because He and His wisdom are one."

Kavvanah

As we engage with these ancient words, may our intention be to cultivate a spaciousness within our hearts to hold both the depth of our grief and the enduring light of connection. We seek to understand, not in an intellectual sense, but with our entire being, the profound truth that the essence of the one we remember, and indeed our own essence, is not truly separate but rather a spark of the Divine, a reflection of the Infinite Wisdom. This is not a denial of the pain of absence, but rather an invitation to perceive the presence that remains, woven into the fabric of existence and into the very core of our own souls. May this practice deepen our reverence for the life that was, and illuminate the legacy that continues to flow through us.

Insight 1: The Divine Spark Within

The text speaks of the soul as being "truly a part of G–d above," a concept that can feel both immense and deeply personal. In moments of grief, we may feel a profound sense of separation, as if a vital part of ourselves has been taken away. This teaching gently reminds us that the essence of the one we mourn, and our own essence, is not lost but is, in its deepest root, connected to the Divine. This connection is not a distant ideal but a tangible reality, described as a breath, a divine exhalation. This understanding can offer a subtle shift in perspective, allowing us to see the enduring light of our loved one not as extinguished, but as having returned to its source, a source that is also intrinsically within us.

Insight 2: The Interconnectedness of Souls

The analogy of a child derived from a father's brain is particularly poignant. It illustrates how, even as souls descend and manifest in different forms and levels of understanding, their root remains unified. This speaks to the idea that the souls of all people, and especially within the community of Israel as described in the text, are fundamentally interconnected. When we grieve, we often feel isolated in our pain. This teaching invites us to consider the broader tapestry of souls, and how the light and essence of our loved one continues to illuminate and influence the world, and indeed, our own lives, through this intrinsic connection. Their wisdom, their love, their very being, are not gone but are part of a larger, ongoing flow.

Insight 3: Wisdom Beyond Comprehension

The text grapples with the nature of Divine wisdom, acknowledging that "He is wise—but not through a knowable wisdom, because He and His wisdom are one." This can be a challenging concept when we are seeking answers or trying to make sense of loss. It suggests that there are depths of reality and understanding that transcend our human capacity to fully grasp. In our grief, we may wrestle with questions that have no easy answers. This teaching encourages us to find a measure of peace in acknowledging the mystery, to hold the questions with reverence, and to trust that there is a wisdom at play that is beyond our current comprehension, a wisdom that encompasses even the pain we feel.

Practice

This practice is designed to be a gentle, contemplative engagement with the spirit of the text, offering a tangible way to connect with memory and meaning in a way that feels accessible and nurturing.

Micro-Practice: The Candle of Connection

Objective: To create a sacred space for remembrance and to acknowledge the enduring light of the one you are holding in your heart.

Materials:

• A candle (a Yahrzeit candle, a simple taper, or a pillar candle – whatever feels meaningful to you)
• A safe holder for the candle (a candle holder, a small plate)
• A quiet space where you will not be interrupted for a few minutes.

Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Space: Find a quiet place where you can sit or stand comfortably. Dim the lights if that feels comforting. You can light the candle at the beginning of this practice or simply have it ready.

2. Lighting the Candle: As you light the candle, gently say aloud or in your heart: "I light this flame in memory of [Name of loved one], and in honor of the enduring light of their soul." Take a moment to observe the flame. Notice its flicker, its warmth, its steady glow.

3. Connecting with the Text's Wisdom:

   • The Divine Spark: Gently bring to mind the idea from the Tanya that the soul is a "part of G–d above," a "breath of life." Consider the flame before you as a metaphor for this divine spark. It is not a creation ex nihilo, but a continuation, a manifestation of an eternal source. As you gaze at the flame, allow yourself to feel a subtle connection to this source, and through it, to the one you remember. Imagine the flame as a visible representation of their essential, eternal spirit, which, according to the text, is rooted in Divine wisdom.
   • The Interconnectedness: Reflect on the analogy of the son derived from the father's brain. Even the smallest part of the son is connected to the father's essence. How might this apply to your connection with the one you remember? Even though they are no longer physically present, is there a part of their essence that continues to exist within you, within their legacy, within the world? Imagine the light of the candle reaching out, connecting you to their memory, and to the broader tapestry of souls. Think of the wisdom and love they shared as continuing to nourish and sustain you, much like the brain nourishes the entire body.

4. A Moment of Presence: Close your eyes for a moment, or soften your gaze. Breathe deeply. With each inhale, imagine drawing in the enduring essence of your loved one, their light, their love. With each exhale, release any tension or pain you are holding, knowing that even in release, their essence remains.

5. Naming and Story (Optional but Encouraged): If it feels right, you can gently whisper the name of your loved one. If a specific memory or a quality you admired comes to mind, you can briefly acknowledge it. For example: "I remember your laughter, [Name]." Or, "Your kindness, [Name], continues to inspire me." Keep it brief and simple, allowing the feeling to arise.

6. Concluding the Practice: As you prepare to extinguish the candle, you might say: "May the memory of [Name] be a blessing, and may their light continue to shine within us and in the world." You can then gently blow out the candle, or let it burn down if that is your preference and it is safe to do so.

Variations and Considerations:

• For those who find visual metaphors challenging: Focus on the feeling of warmth from the candle. Connect that warmth to the warmth of your loved one's presence, their love, their spirit.
• For those who prefer a more active approach: You could write down a single word that embodies a quality of your loved one (e.g., "Joy," "Strength," "Wisdom") and place it near the candle.
• For those who are early in their grief: This practice can be very short, even just a minute of observing the flame and holding the intention. There is no need to force emotions.
• For those who are further along in their grief: You might choose to expand on the "Naming and Story" section, perhaps sharing a brief anecdote that illustrates the qualities you are reflecting on.

This micro-practice is a gentle on-ramp, a way to begin cultivating a relationship with remembrance that honors the complexity of grief and the enduring nature of connection.

Community

The text speaks of the interconnectedness of souls, and how the wisdom and spirit of the saints and sages nourish those who cleave to them. This profound idea can be extended to our own communities, offering a pathway to both offer and receive support in our grief journeys.

Sharing and Support

• Option 1: Acknowledging Shared Roots: When speaking with a trusted friend, family member, or a member of your spiritual community, you might share a brief reflection on the passage, focusing on the idea of shared spiritual roots. You could say something like: "I've been reflecting on this idea that our souls are deeply connected, like a branch to a tree. It makes me feel less alone in my grief, knowing that the essence of [Name of loved one] is part of a larger, enduring whole, and that we who remember them are also connected through that essence." This can open a gentle conversation about shared experience and mutual support.

• Option 2: Asking for Connection: If you are feeling particularly isolated, consider reaching out to someone you feel safe with and simply say: "I'm holding a lot of remembrance for [Name of loved one] today, and I'm finding comfort in the idea that their spirit is connected to something larger. Would you be open to sharing a moment of quiet connection with me, perhaps by lighting a candle in their memory together, or simply by holding them in your thoughts for a few moments?" This invitation can strengthen communal bonds and create a shared space for remembrance.

• Option 3: Collective Legacy: Consider contributing to a cause or project that was meaningful to the person you are remembering. This acts as a tangible way to honor their legacy and to connect with others who may have shared their passion. You could say to a fellow community member: "I'm thinking of [Name of loved one] today, and I want to honor their commitment to [cause]. I'm planning to [action, e.g., donate to X, volunteer for Y]. If this is something that resonates with you, I'd be happy to share more about how we can collectively support this legacy."

The key is to approach these interactions with gentleness and openness, offering the wisdom of the text as a point of connection rather than a directive. By sharing these insights, we can weave a stronger tapestry of communal support, recognizing that even in individual grief, we are part of a larger, interconnected whole.

Takeaway

The journey of memory and meaning is an ongoing exploration. Today, we have touched upon the profound idea that the souls we remember, and indeed our own, are not isolated entities but are deeply rooted in a Divine source. This understanding offers a perspective of enduring connection, even in the face of absence. May you carry this awareness with you, finding solace in the interconnectedness of all things and the eternal light of the souls we hold dear. This is not a destination, but a gentle unfolding, a continuous invitation to find hope without denial, and to honor the legacy that lives on, within and around us.