Tanya, Part I; Likkutei Amarim 6:7

The Big Question

Welcome, everyone, to our introductory journey into the foundational concepts of Judaism. Today, we're diving into a text that, at first glance, might seem a bit abstract, but it actually speaks to a very profound and relatable aspect of our human experience: the interplay between opposing forces. You've likely encountered this in various forms throughout your lives, perhaps as the struggle between good and evil, or the feeling of being pulled in different directions. Our text today, an excerpt from the Tanya, a foundational work of Chabad Hasidism, offers a unique Jewish perspective on this phenomenon. It asks us to consider how seemingly opposite realities can coexist, and how this dynamic shapes not only the cosmos but also our inner lives. We'll explore how this ancient wisdom offers a lens through which to understand the challenges and opportunities we face, both individually and collectively.

One Core Concept

The central idea we'll explore today is the concept of "the other side" (sitra achara), which stands in opposition to holiness. This isn't just an abstract theological idea; it's presented as a fundamental principle of existence, a necessary counterpoint that defines and, in a way, even illuminates the nature of holiness itself.

Breaking It Down

The Cosmic Play of Opposites

The text opens with a powerful statement from Ecclesiastes: "G–d has made one thing opposite the other." This isn't merely an observation about the world; it's presented as a foundational principle of creation. Think about it: light and darkness, hot and cold, joy and sorrow. These are not just random occurrences; they are inherent pairings that define each other. In the Jewish mystical tradition, this principle extends to the spiritual realm as well.

The Divine Soul and Its "Shadow"

The Tanya explains that just as our divine soul, with its ten holy sefirot (divine attributes or emanations) and three "garments" (thought, speech, and deed), represents the side of holiness, there exists a parallel, opposing force. This force is derived from what is called kelipat nogah, often translated as "the shell of emotion" or "the husk of light." This "other side" (sitra achara) also has its own structure, described as ten "crowns of impurity." These are not random negative traits, but rather the spiritual counterparts to our positive attributes, stemming from what the text refers to as the "evil elements" and the "evil middot" (character traits).

The Animal Soul: A Battleground

The text then delves into the human psyche, specifically the "animal soul," which is the part of us driven by instinct, emotion, and physical needs. This animal soul, influenced by the sitra achara, can manifest in negative character traits. The text notes that the intellect in this realm is often immature, leading a child to desire trivial things or become easily angered by minor issues. This immaturity of intellect is directly linked to the dominance of negative middot. When we engage in thoughts, speech, or actions driven by these impure categories, our physical being becomes the "impure garments" for these negative forces.

The Nature of Sitra Achara

The text clarifies that sitra achara is precisely "not the side of holiness." It's what exists when something is not surrendered to G–d. While the holy side draws its existence directly from G–d's essence, the "other side" receives its vitality "from behind its back." This is a fascinating metaphor. Imagine a light source; the direct light is pure and radiant. But if you try to draw energy indirectly, through a series of intermediaries and reflections, the light becomes diminished, distorted, and ultimately, weaker. This is how the sitra achara functions. It's a descent through countless levels, a process of contraction and diminishment, until the light is so faint it can be contained within a "separated thing," giving it existence but not true, pure vitality.

The World of Kelipot

This is why, the text explains, the physical world, with all its contents, is often referred to as the world of kelipot (husks or shells) and sitra achara. This doesn't mean the world is inherently evil, but rather that it is a realm where the divine light is more concealed, and where the forces of separation and impurity can manifest. This is why, as the text notes, "mundane affairs are severe and evil," and "wicked men prevail."

The Paradox of Divine Presence

However, the text introduces a crucial nuance. Within this world of kelipot, the divine light of the En Sof (the Infinite) still pervades. This happens through the ten sefirot of the four spiritual worlds (Emanation, Creation, Formation, and Action), with the light of the En Sof being clothed within them. This is a profound concept: even in the most seemingly mundane or even challenging aspects of existence, the divine is present, albeit in a more concealed manner.

The Graded Nature of Impurity

The text further subdivides the kelipot into two grades. The lower grade consists of three kelipot that are entirely devoid of good – the "whirlwind," "great cloud," and "flaring fire" described in Ezekiel's vision. From these stem the souls of the nations of the world, the existence of their bodies, and also the souls and bodies of unclean creatures, as well as forbidden foods and all actions, speech, and thoughts that transgress the 365 prohibitions in the Torah. This highlights a spectrum of spiritual reality, with some aspects being entirely removed from holiness and others existing in a more ambiguous space.

How We Live This

Recognizing the Internal Struggle

Understanding the concept of sitra achara isn't just an intellectual exercise; it's a practical guide for navigating our own inner lives. We all experience internal conflict. There are times when we feel drawn to elevate ourselves, to connect with something higher, and other times when we are pulled down by base desires, negativity, or self-interest. The Tanya teaches us that these are not random impulses, but manifestations of the interplay between the side of holiness and the "other side."

The Power of Choice and Intention

The text emphasizes that when we "meditate in them, speak them, or act by them" – referring to the impure categories – our physical being becomes the vehicle for these forces. This is where our agency comes into play. We have the power to choose our thoughts, our words, and our actions. By consciously directing our intention towards G–d and His will, we choose to align ourselves with the side of holiness. This doesn't mean we never face temptation or difficult emotions; it means we actively choose how we respond to them.

The Potential for Holiness in Every Jew

The text offers immense hope by stating that every Jew has the "capacity to abnegate himself completely to the Holy One, blessed is He." This potential is realized through our engagement with Torah study, prayer, and Mitzvot (commandments). The simple act of a single individual studying Torah, or a gathering of ten Jews, brings the Shechinah (Divine Presence) to rest upon them. This demonstrates that by actively choosing to connect with G–d, we can invite holiness into our lives and into the world, even amidst the presence of sitra achara.

Elevating the Mundane

The concept of the kelipot doesn't negate the possibility of holiness in the physical world. As the text notes, the divine light pervades all four worlds, including the world of action (Asiyah). This means that even in our most mundane activities, through mindful intention and dedication to G–d's will, we can infuse them with holiness. Eating, working, and interacting with others can all become acts of service and connection.

The Journey of Self-Perfection

Ultimately, this teaching is about the ongoing journey of self-perfection. It's about recognizing the forces that can pull us away from our highest potential and consciously choosing to align ourselves with the divine. It’s about understanding that the challenges we face are not necessarily signs of failure, but opportunities to strengthen our connection to G–d and to bring more holiness into the world.

One Thing to Remember

The core takeaway is that within our world, and within ourselves, there exists a dynamic tension between holiness and its opposite, the sitra achara. Our spiritual journey is about consciously choosing to align ourselves with holiness, transforming even the mundane into an act of divine service.