Tanya, Part I; Likkutei Amarim 4:5

Hook

We gather today with a gentle intention to connect with the enduring threads of memory and meaning, particularly as they touch upon a significant anniversary, a yahrzeit, or simply a moment when a particular individual or a deeply felt experience comes to mind. This is a space for honoring the echoes of lives lived, the wisdom shared, and the love that continues to resonate. It is an invitation to pause, to breathe, and to acknowledge the profound impact of those who have shaped our journeys. In this quiet space, we can allow the currents of remembrance to flow, not as a burden, but as a source of strength and enduring connection.

Text Snapshot

In addition, every divine soul (nefesh elokit) possesses three garments, viz., thought, speech, and action, [expressing themselves] in the 613 commandments of the Torah. For, when a person actively fulfills all the precepts which require physical action, and with his power of speech he occupies himself in expounding all the 613 commandments and their practical application, and with his power of thought he comprehends all that is comprehensible to him in the Pardes of the Torah—then the totality of the 613 “organs” of his soul are clothed in the 613 commandments of the Torah. Specifically: the faculties of chabad in his soul are clothed in the comprehension of the Torah, which he comprehends in Pardes, to the extent of his mental capacity and the supernal root of his soul. And themiddot, namely fear and love, together with their offshoots and ramifications, are clothed in the fulfillment of the commandments in deed and in word, namely, in the study of Torah which is “equivalent to them all.” For love is the root of all the 248 positive commands, all originating in it and having no true foundation without it, inasmuch as he who fulfills them in truth truly loves the name of G–d and desires to cleave to Him in truth; for one cannot truly cleave to Him except through the fulfillment of the 248 commandments which are the 248 “organs of the King,” as it were, as is explained elsewhere; while fear is the root of the 365 prohibitive commands, fearing to rebel against the Supreme King of kings, the Holy One, blessed is He; or a still deeper fear than this—when he feels ashamed in the presence of the Divine greatness to rebel against His glory and do what is evil in His eyes, namely, any of the abominable things hated by G–d, which are the kelipot and sitra achara, which draw their nurture from man below and have their hold in him through the 365 prohibitive commands [that he violates].

This passage from Tanya speaks to the profound connection between our inner selves and the actions we take, the words we speak, and the thoughts we cultivate. It suggests that our very souls are expressed and find their deepest resonance through engagement with the world and with sacred tradition. For those we remember, their essence might be seen as having been intricately woven into the fabric of their lives, expressed through their unique contributions, their wisdom, their kindness, or even their struggles. This text offers a framework for understanding how their presence, their "divine soul," might have manifested in tangible ways, offering us a lens through which to appreciate the full spectrum of their being.

Kavvanah

A Gentle Anchor in the Flow of Time

As we approach this moment of remembrance, let us cultivate a kavvanah, an intention, to hold with gentleness and spaciousness. It is not a call to grasp or to force, but rather a receptive opening. Our intention is to acknowledge the intricate tapestry of the life we are remembering, seeing it not as a finished story, but as a continuous thread that weaves through our present. This passage from Tanya speaks of the soul’s "garments" of thought, speech, and action, all expressed through the 613 commandments. This offers us a powerful metaphor: that the essence of the person we remember was expressed, in their own unique way, through their engagement with life’s commandments, both sacred and secular.

Embracing the Fullness of Being

Our kavvanah is to embrace the fullness of their being, as revealed through their actions, their words, and their thoughts. We are not seeking to distill them into a singular essence, but to honor the multifaceted expression of their divine soul. Just as the Tanya describes how the soul’s faculties are clothed in the commandments, we can reflect on how the person we remember clothed themselves in their own unique expressions of love, of learning, of compassion, of creativity, or even of righteous struggle. We acknowledge that their capacity for love was the root of their positive actions, and their sense of awe or deep respect—a form of fear—guided their abstentions from harm.

Connection Through Shared Understanding

We intend to connect with the enduring lessons and the legacy of their presence, recognizing that their engagement with the world, their "comprehension of the Torah" in its broadest sense, has left an imprint. We may not have fully understood all the depths of their internal world, just as the Tanya speaks of the incomprehensible nature of the Divine. Yet, through their actions and words, they offered us glimpses into their inner landscape, their "Pardes." Our kavvanah is to honor these glimpses, to appreciate the wisdom that was accessible to us, and to find meaning in the ways they sought to live a life of purpose.

Acknowledging the Unfathomable and the Accessible

We also hold an intention to acknowledge the profound mystery that surrounds any life, the aspects that remain beyond our complete grasp, much like the Tanya’s description of the Divine Essence. Yet, we also recognize the accessibility of their presence through their tangible expressions. The Torah, the passage reminds us, has descended and clothed itself in forms that can be apprehended. So too, the essence of the person we remember, though perhaps ultimately beyond full comprehension, is accessible to us through the stories, the memories, and the impact they had. Our kavvanah is to hold both the mystery and the tangible connection with equal reverence.

The Generosity of the Present Moment

Finally, our kavvanah is to receive the gift of this present moment, this opportunity for reflection, with gratitude. The Tanya suggests that "better is one hour of repentance and good deeds in this world than the whole life of the World to Come." This highlights the profound value of our earthly engagement, of our actions and our consciousness in this life. Our kavvanah is to honor the "good deeds" and the meaningful engagement of the person we remember, and to recognize the profound value of our own ability to connect with their memory and to draw strength from it in this very moment. We are not striving for a perfect understanding, but for a deep and meaningful connection that honors their journey and enriches our own.

Practice

Lighting a Candle: A Beacon of Enduring Presence

This practice invites us to create a small, contained space for remembrance, a gentle yet potent way to honor the person whose memory we hold. The Tanya speaks of the soul's "garments" of thought, speech, and action, and how these are expressions of a deeper, divine essence. A candle, in its quiet luminescence, can serve as a tangible representation of this enduring presence, a beacon that connects us to the spirit that continues to shine.

### Choosing Your Light

Begin by selecting a candle. This could be a yahrzeit candle, a simple taper, a votive, or even a flameless LED candle if open flames are not suitable. The choice is yours, guided by what feels most resonant and accessible. The act of selecting is itself a small, intentional step.

### Invoking the Flame

As you light the candle, bring to mind the person you are remembering. It is not about conjuring a specific image, but about opening your heart to their essence. You might offer a silent intention, such as: "May this light be a reminder of your enduring presence, a beacon of love that continues to shine." Or perhaps, "I light this flame to honor the light you brought into the world."

### Connecting Through "Thought, Speech, and Action"

Now, consider the "garments" of thought, speech, and action as described in the Tanya. How did the person you remember express themselves?

• Thought: Allow your mind to gently wander to a memory that reflects their thoughtful nature. Perhaps it was a moment of deep contemplation, a wise piece of advice, or a unique perspective they offered. You don't need to recall every detail, but rather the feeling or the essence of their thought process. You might silently say, "I remember your thoughtful way of seeing the world."

• Speech: Bring to mind their voice. Was it gentle, strong, humorous, or comforting? Recall a phrase they often used, a story they loved to tell, or a word of encouragement they offered. Even the silence of their presence can be a form of speech. You might acknowledge, "Your words, or the wisdom of your silence, still echo within me."

• Action: Reflect on their actions. These are the tangible manifestations of their being. Consider a time they demonstrated kindness, perseverance, creativity, or love through their deeds. This could be a grand gesture or a simple, consistent act of care. You might affirm, "I honor the impact of your actions, the good you brought forth into the world."

### The "613 Commandments" of Their Life

The Tanya links these faculties to the 613 commandments of the Torah. While we may not have a direct spiritual mapping for every individual, we can translate this concept into their lived experience. Think about the "commandments" of their life – the principles they lived by, the values they upheld, the passions that guided them, the responsibilities they embraced. Did they embody a profound sense of justice? Did they dedicate themselves to learning? Did they express unwavering loyalty? Did they nurture beauty in the world? Consider these as their unique expression of engagement with life’s sacred duties. Silently acknowledge, "The way you lived your life, embodying your own unique 'commandments,' continues to inspire me."

### Embracing the "Pardes" of Their Legacy

The text mentions comprehending the "Pardes" – the four levels of Torah interpretation. While this is a profound spiritual concept, we can think of the "Pardes" of the person’s legacy as the layers of meaning they left behind. There is the plain sense of their presence, the "intimation" of their deeper character, the "homiletical exposition" of the lessons learned from their life, and the "esoteric meaning" – the subtle, often unspoken, influence they continue to have. Allow yourself to ponder these layers. What is the simple truth of their absence? What subtle hints of their spirit remain? What stories can you tell that illuminate their character? What profound, perhaps even mysterious, impact do they still have on you? You might say, "I am exploring the many layers of meaning you left behind, and I find profound wisdom there."

### The Candle as a Symbol of Closeness

The Tanya concludes by emphasizing that the Torah and the Holy One, blessed be He, are one, and that through apprehending and being clothed in the Torah and its commandments, one apprehends and is clothed in the Divine. The candle flame, in its unwavering presence, can symbolize this profound connection. It is a tangible representation of something that is both of this world and reaches beyond it. As the light of the candle envelops the space, so too can the memory and the spirit of the person we remember envelop us, offering a sense of closeness and continuity. Allow yourself to feel this envelopment.

### Letting the Light Guide You

When you feel ready, you may extinguish the candle. Do so with gratitude for the light it has represented and for the enduring light of the person you remember. This practice is not about closure, but about continued connection and integration. The light may have gone out, but the warmth and illumination it brought can continue to guide you.

Community

Sharing Stories: Weaving a Collective Tapestry

The Tanya speaks of the soul’s expression through thought, speech, and action, and how these are interwoven with the fabric of tradition and life. In remembering those we love, sharing their stories is a powerful way to honor this interconnectedness and to invite others into the richness of their legacy. It is a way of ensuring that their "garments" of thought, speech, and action continue to resonate beyond our individual remembrance.

### Inviting Shared Reflection

Consider this invitation to share: "As we hold the memory of [Name of Person], I invite you to share a brief memory, a word, or a feeling that comes to mind. Perhaps it is a moment that exemplifies their kindness, a piece of wisdom they shared, or simply the way they made you feel. There is no need for a grand narrative; even a small, heartfelt contribution weaves into the larger tapestry of their presence."

### The Power of Collective "Pardes"

When we share our individual experiences, we are collectively exploring the "Pardes" of the person’s life. One person might recall a specific act of generosity (the plain sense), another might remember a unique phrase that encapsulated their worldview (the intimation), a third might share a lesson learned from their struggles (the homiletical exposition), and a fourth might speak to a subtle, enduring influence that continues to shape them (the esoteric meaning). By listening to one another, we gain a more complete and nuanced understanding of the individual we are remembering, creating a shared "comprehension" of their impact.

### Sustaining the "Commandments" of Their Life

Just as the Tanya describes how actions and study sustain the soul, our shared stories help to sustain the "commandments" of the person's life – the values, the passions, the principles they lived by. When we speak of their dedication to a cause, their love for learning, or their commitment to family, we are, in essence, keeping those aspects of their spirit alive. This collective affirmation strengthens the impact of their lived experience and ensures that their legacy continues to inspire and inform.

### The Warmth of Shared Presence

In a world that can sometimes feel isolating in grief, the act of community remembrance offers a profound sense of warmth and solidarity. It acknowledges that while loss is personal, the experience of memory and the enduring presence of loved ones can be a shared journey. By opening ourselves to each other's memories, we create a collective space where the light of the person we remember can shine more brightly, offering comfort, connection, and a renewed sense of meaning. This shared exploration is a beautiful way to acknowledge that their essence, like the Torah itself, has descended and clothed itself in forms that can be apprehended and shared amongst us, strengthening our own connection to the "Bundle of Life."