Tanya - GPS for the Soul

Tanya is the foundational text of Chabad philosophy. It compacts four millennia of Jewish wisdom to answer the great personal and existential questions of life. It has revolutionized the way we think about G‑d, the human soul, and the world.

Join Rabbi Levi Greenberg every Sunday at 8:00 a.m. in person (at Chabad) or on Zoom (chabadelpaso.com/zoom) for an engaging class on this important classic. Recordings are posted here weekly.

 

1.   Introduction (a): Everyone is Different
An in-depth discussion on the introduction of Tanya. 

2.   Introduction (b): All The Answers
The Alter Rebbe assures us that all our questions about divine service are addressed in Tanya.

3.   Chapter 1(a): This Book is for Everyone
How can Tanya be helpful to someone who has no questions?

4.   Chapter 1(b): If Only A Beinoni
Explaining the title of Tanya.

5.   Chapter 1(c): Leveling the Playing Field
How the Baal Shem Tov revolutionized Jewish living and made everyone an active participant.

6.   Chapter 1(d): The Survival Soul
The breath of life is more selfish than you'd imagine. 

7.   Chapter 1(e): Natural Goodness
Even when you do much good, you haven't started working yet.

8.   Chapter 2(a): The Divine Soul
One need not search far to find G‑d.

9.   Chapter 2(b): Defining the Jew
Understanding the impact of the "second" soul.

10.   Chapter 2(c): Soul Levels
Understanding the "anatomy" of Jewry.

11.   Chapter 2(d): The Leaders
How every soul reflects the divine through connecting to the lead souls.

12.   Chapter 2(e): The Transparent Conduit
The path to divine connection is through the sages.

13.   Chapter 3(a): Soul Anatomy
Exploring the faculties of the soul.

14.   Chapter 3(b): Connection
Exploring the function of "Daat" as a verb.

15.   Chapter 4(a): Soul Garments
How the soul functions through the body.

16.   Chapter 4(b): Real Connection
How Torah and Mitzvos connect us to G‑d.

17.   Chapter 4(c): This World is Better
How Torah study and Mitzvah observance in this world is the real deal.

18.   Chapter 5(a): Nothing Like it! 
Torah study causes an unmatched connection with G‑d.

19.   Chapter 5(b): The Highest Connection
Delving into the advantage of Torah study over Mitzvot.

20.   Chapter 6: The Other Side
Defining the natural soul and its challenge.

21.   Chapter 7(a): Understanding Reality
Appreciating the two levels of "The Other Side."

22.   Chapter 7(b): A Dynamic World
How humanity engages with the world defines if each thing becomes holy or not.

23.   Chapter 7(c): The Impossible Elevation
Even the most egregious violations can be fixed.

24.   Chapter 7(d): Natural Challenges
Understanding the context of a standard moral challenge.

25.   Chapter 8(a): Soul Cleansing
The impact every mundane action has on our soul.

26.   Chapter 8(b): Protect the Mind
The high stakes involved in non-Torah intellectual pursuits.

27.  Chapter 9: The Battle Over the Small City
A vivid description of the moral struggle to control the body.

28.  Chapter 10: What it takes to be a Tzaddik
It's possible to be righteous but not perfect.

29.  Tanya: Chapter 11: The many faces of wicked
Understanding the myriads of levels in the term "Rasha."

30.  Chapter 12(a): The Beinoni
Understanding the profile of the (im)perfect Jew.

31.  Chapter 12(b): The Average Guy
A Beinoni is not superhuman.

32.  Chapter 13(a): Turn On the Light
The strategy for winning every moral battle.

33.  Chapter 13(b): The Beinoni is My Role Model
While the Tzaddik is an inspiration, we are meant to emulate the Beinoni.

34.  Chapter 13(c): Relative Truth?
The Beinoni's life is truthful despite the ups and downs.

35.  Chapter 14(a): Everyone Can Be In Control
The level of Beinoni is within everyone's reach.

36.  Chapter 14(b): Aiming for Higher
When the Beinoni tries to be a Tzaddik.

37.  Chapter 15(a): Servant as a verb
Serving G‑d, in the present tense, connotes challenge.

38.  Chapter 15(b): Pushing the Limits
One act beyond routine makes all the difference.

39.  Chapter 16(a): Guided Meditation
You need to learn what to think about.

40.  Chapter 16(b): Intellectual Love
Meditation that does not lead to passion also has a purpose.

41.  Chapter 16(c): Internal Change
The internal battle must change over time.

42.  Chapter 17: It's Doable
Everyone can serve G‑d.

43.  Chapter 18(a): The Hidden Love
Every Jew has an automatic love for G‑d. How?

44.  Chapter 18(b): Soul Genetics
The divine ingredients for every soul.

45.  Chapter 18(c): Hereditary Faith
Once you define faith, it's obvious every Jew has it.

46.  Chapter 19(a): The Soul is like a flame
Fire naturally tries to stop existing. The soul does too.

47.  Chapter 19(b): Defining Holiness
Being holy is a zero-sum game.

48.  Chapter 19(c): Reaching the Essence
Why all Jews are capable of loyalty to the point of martyrdom.

49.  Chapter 20(a): The Big Two
All 613 Mitzvot are encapsulated in the first two of the Ten Commandments.

50.  Chapter 20(b): Paradigm Shift
A new perspective on Mitzvot that can change every challenge we face.

51.  Chapter 20(c): The Value of Creation
In comparison to the Creator, all of creation doesn't register.

52.  Chapter 20(d): Do We Exist?
Defining existence and appreciating the parameters of our relationship with G‑d.

53.  Chapter 21(a): Two Perspectives
Jewish mysticism promotes two true streams of consciousness. 

54.  Chapter 21(b): Appreciating Oneness
Viewing existence from G‑d's perspective.

55.  Chapter 21(c): Divine Contractions
G‑d hides Himself from creation so we can exist.

56.  Chapter 22(a): How Evil Exists
Everything comes from G‑d. But how?

57.  Chapter 22(b): Divine Exile
Divine energy must be hidden for evil to exist.

58.  Chapter 23(a): The Purpose of Creation
Doing a Mitzvah is much more than getting a reward or avoiding punishment.

59.  Chapter 23(b): Mitzvah Unity
The power of Mitzvot to unite us with G‑d.

60.  Chapter 23(c): Torah Unity
The unmatched connection with G‑d is achieved through Torah study.

61.  Chapter 24(a): Understanding the "Other Side"
The "Other Side" has a Divine mandate. But we must not be impressed.

62.  Chapter 24(b): The Insanity Plea
The case for understanding how a Jew can sin in the first place.

63.  Chapter 24(c): Sinners and Wild Beasts
Our relationship with the world depends on our behavior.

64.  Chapter 24(d): Rebounding
After failure comes the opportunity to win.

65.  Chapter 25(a): Who Am I?
A new understanding of the Jew allows us to appreciate how "near" Jewish living is.

66.  Chapter 25(b): Mitzvot Are Permanent
The Jew's motivation to do the right thing, even when it's hard.

67.  Chapter 26(a): Watch out for this "Achilles' heel"
Jewish living must be joyful and enthusiastic.

68.  Chapter 26(b): Happiness No Matter What
Undertaking the task of being happy even when there is reason to be sad or worried.

69.  Chapter 26(c): G‑d's Privacy
A deep Chassidic perspective that reframes our perception of good and bad.

70.  Chapter 26(d): Sadness Canceled
Sadness is only beneficial in specific controlled environments.

71.  Chapter 27(a): The Value of Challenge
Sadness from challenges is misguided and conceited. Here is why.

72.  Chapter 27(b): Perfection vs Purpose
Imperfection may be the purpose of your creation.

73.  Chapter 27(c): Initiating Self Discipline
The opportunity for Iskafya, even when not challenged.

74.  Chapter 28: Remember It's a Wrestling Match
Contextualizing distracting thoughts during prayer and study is crucial to staying happy.

75.  Chapter 29(a): A Spiritual Affliction
Divine meditations not evolving into the appropriate emotions is a symptom of a severe spiritual illness called "Dullness of Heart." It can happen to anyone.

76.  Chapter 29(b): Identify the Enemy
Sometimes it's necessary to subject oneself to a good takedown. Knowing the right address is essential.

77.  Chapter 29(c): Neutralizing the Bully
When coarseness and mundaneness cross the line, it's time to put them in their place.

78.  Chapter 29(d): Calibrating Reality
Confronting the part of you that denies G‑d's omnipresence.

79.  Chapter 29(e): Exposing the Lie
Light banishes darkness, and truth banishes lies. Here is how this plays out every day in our lives.

80.  Chapter 30(a): Effort-Based Evaluation
The only one you can judge for effort is yourself.

81.  Chapter 30(b): Leveling the Playing Field
A sure way to nurture true humility in life.

82.  Chapter 31(a): Speak the Right Language
Sometimes sadness in a controlled environment is the only medicine that works.

83.  Chapter 31(b): Sweet Bitterness
Bitterness, when leveraged effectively, can be a powerful motivator in Divine Service. 

84.  Chapter 31(c): Redeeming Joy
Appreciating how trapped the Divine Soul is in the body allows us to rejoice in its redemption through Torah study and Mitzvah observance.

85.  Chapter 31(d): Nothing Left Behind
The redemption of the soul through Torah study and Mitzvah observance includes the body as well.

86.  Chapter 32(a): The Heart of Tanya
"Love your fellow as yourself" proves the thesis of Tanya.

87.  Chapter 32(b): Unlimited Love
Love for others can transcend all boundaries.

88.  Chapter 33(a): Divine Companionship
Joy stemming from the realization that G‑d is always with you.

89.  Chapter 33(b): Divine Unity
What does "G‑d is One" really mean?

90.  Chapter 33(c): "Getting the Ungettable"
Understanding the Divine necessitates special tools.

91. Chapter 33(d): Inherited Knowledge
Knowing the true "Oneness" of G‑d is a divine gift.

92. Chapter 33(e): Making G‑d Happy
Adopting a perspective of faith is integral to changing the entire world.

93. Chapter 34: Real Talk
Even regular people can integrate the lofty concepts described in Chapter 33 and become joyful.

94. Chapter 35(a): You Are A Candle
Confronting the Beinoni's existential question: If I will never win the war, why am I here?

95. Chapter 35(b): The Inherent Value of Mitzvot
Mitzvot are transparently divine since they are defined by G‑d's desire and will.

96. Chapter 35(c): The Case for Action
Only physical Mitzvot can fuel the presence of G‑d upon our bodies.

97. Chapter 36(a): Defining the Lowest
Physical Mitzvos are the only path to fulfilling the purpose of creation.

98. Chapter 36(b): Down Here It's Real
The real purpose of creation was for the hard work to happen in this world.

99. Chapter 36(c): The Ultimate Purpose of Creation
Sinai and the Messianic Era are about unfiltered divine revelation.

100. Chapter 37(a): The Power of a Mitzvah
Every Mitzvah introduces new light to a dark world.