Daily "Chitas" Tanya

Questions for today:

We learned that action with intent is much more valuable then instinctive action. Today we look at our daily, often instinctive, routine, and appreciate something really valuable about it

When we think about the strength of a relationship, such as marriage, what often comes to mind are the few very special moments shared with one’s spouse, such as the honeymoon and the long walks.

However, the vast majority of what we do in real life is sitting across from each other at the breakfast table, sweeping the floor, and changing a lightbulb.

Today’s Tanya has an intricate and satisfying analysis of all different parts of our relationship with the Creator. The Tanya discusses some emotional and intellectual aspects of our relationship as well as the world to come.

A fascinating concept stands out in this discussion. Even though many of the commandments we do are just by route, the Tanya tells us that there is still something special and unique about them.

Because we have free-choice, performing mitzvos from habit is like sitting across from your spouse while eating breakfast. There's nothing deep about it, but it is meaningful because you have millions of other options, and you're choosing to taking the time to sit with your spouse.

This quality time spent with a loved one – by their choice - is more meaningful than sitting by yourself in a five-star resort with the most luxurious food.

Because we have other options, through our mitzvos by route, we can elevate ourselves higher than the angels and bring God the greatest joy.

108 Tanya Nissan 8 ~ m127b Adar II 27b

Tanya book 1, ch 39, Pt 2

Despite much of our relationship with the Creator stemming from an inner, natural love, rather than one that we achieve intellectually, the relationship still has deep meaning.

We have choice. As we go about our day, the commandments that we do reflect that we are choosing to incorporate the Creator into our daily lives. This is much greater than what angels can accomplish.

Study today’s Tanya in full:

https://www.chabadmed.com/dailystudy/tanya.asp?tdate=3/30/2022

See today’s video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0MghuGFeVU&list=PLFZQPK6u-zSBls9Hwx3P5vKIBRnjBvHe&index=108

Questions for today:

If what sets us apart as humans is our intellect, how should I see myself, realizing that the vast majority of what I do is instinctive?

Today’s Tanya gets a little bit Kabalistic explaining in detail how the Torah allegorically refers to the angels as animals. eg, how the Torah speaks about the face of a lion and of an ox when referring to angels.

Why? The Tanya is supposed to be a practical guidebook for your average Joe. What are we supposed to learn from this discussion?

Yesterday, we divided the world into mineral, vegetation, animal and human, and we said that ‘human life’ parallels the performance of a commandment based on the intellectual inspiration that comes from delving into the greatness of the Creator.

In contrast, when we fulfill commandments because of natural desire to become close to the Creator, it is compared to the animal life. – yet this is often what drives us.

So which one is it? Are we G-d's greatest inspiration, or are we G-d's pets?

The Tanya tells us not to worry even though we often perform mitzvos on the level that would be compared to the animal kingdom.

The angels that we speak about every day in our prayers, who are on great, elevated, spiritual levels, are allegorically referred to as animals.

107 Tanya Nissan 7 ~ m127 Adar II, 27

Tanya book 1, ch 39, Pt 1

The Tanya explains that angels, who's love for the Creator is part of their nature, rather than a result of their intellectual thought, are referred to allegorically as animals.

The intent of the Tanya is not to explain about the nature of angels. Today's lesson allows us, who often serve G-d on an innate, natural level rather than by intellectual thought, to understand that we are nevertheless on a great level.

Study today’s Tanya in full:

https://www.chabadmed.com/dailystudy/tanya.asp?tdate=3/30/2022

See today’s video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2XKWdPAFKU&list=PLFZQPK6u-zSBls9Hwx3P5vKIBRnjBvHe&index=107

Questions for today:

Yesterday we described the life we infuse our action with as being parallel to the life forms of ‘animal’, and ‘human’. Is there a difference between the two? What would that be?

When we divide the world into four expressions of Divine life, we see a world that consists of mineral, vegetation, animal and human.

Mineral and vegetation are inanimate, physical entities, so we correlate them with physical actions; they parallel the physical performance of mitzvos.

In contrast, animals and humans are living beings. Therefore, they correlate with the intent that infuses life into the physical actions. People and animals represent the physical actions that are performed with excitement, intent, and inspiration.

Although humans and animals are in the same category here, they differ from one another and therefore we need to make a distinction between the two groups.

When a natural love or fear inspires us to fulfill a commandment, this type of mitzvah would parallel animal. Yes, the action is thriving with life, but there is still a higher level.

A human being has intellect. When we think about the vastness of the Creator and that the Creator chose us as His nation, we develop a love for the Creator. This love we develop then inspires us to want to fulfill His will.

This love formed through intellect is the highest form of life that we can infuse into our physical actions. Human, intellectual, life.

106 Tanya Nissan 6 ~ m126 Adar II, 26

Tanya book 1, ch 38, Pt 6

We discussed that minerals and vegetation parallel physical actions, while the living animals and humans parallel the intent that infuses life into the actions.

Today we distinguish between animal and human. Animal life represents the fulfillment of commandments that stems from a natural love. Human life represents the fulfillment of commandments from the internal desire to connect with the Creator.

Study today’s Tanya in full:

https://www.chabadmed.com/dailystudy/tanya.asp?tdate=3/29/2022

See today’s video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9DjVkzpJo4&list=PLFZQPK6u-zSBls9Hwx3P5vKIBRnjBvHe&index=106

Questions for today:

What is it about thought and intent that make G-d love them more? (hint: nothing)

There are two types of desire; when I want  a cookie, it may a personal desire of mine, but it's connected to the cookie. Therefore, depending how  fresh the flavor, or how big the cookie is, I'll have more or less desire.

There are other desires I have, and they have nothing to do with the thing itself - it's an inherent desire of mine. 

For example, I want something red or green because of myself, not because of the thing. In this case, the thing could have no impact on the amount of desire I have for it.

When we talk about the difference between us physically doing a commandment, or doing the same commandment with thought, intention, inspiration, there is no difference in the value between the  thought and inspiration, or the physical objective  of doing the commandment.

- The only distinction is that the Creator 'decided' that the Creator will have infinitely greater pleasure when we do  a commandment with thought and inspiration, than if we do it without.                                                                      

105 Tanya Nissan 5 ~ m125 Tanya Adar II, 25

Tanya book 1, ch38 p3

The additional G-dly life in thought and intent over physical action, is not because of an inherent quality.

G-d's appreciation of both thought and action is by choice, not because of a specific value of either.

And it's by G-d's choice that thought, intent, and inspiration are infinitely more alive than rote, physical, action.

Study today’s Tanya in full:

https://www.chabadmed.com/dailystudy/tanya.asp?tdate=3/28/2022

See today’s video:

https://youtu.be/BYStTj7fsFA

Questions for today:

Where can we see this difference between our act of fulfilling a mitzvah, and the meditation and intent that we imbue it with, in the world around us?

There's a fascinating G-dly concept that we could see clearly in the world around us.

When we describe the divine name with which the world is created, it has four letters - and you can see four different expressions of G-dliness in the world around us.

'Mineral' doesn't move or change, the G-dly source is completely invisible.

'Vegetation' grows and changes, you can see a little bit of life/G-dly impact.

‘Animal' is a very different category all together. It walks around - they're living things.

However, an animal is still a 'body' that's alive. Compare that to a 'Human being' which is a 'living thing' that happens to 'use' a body.

Although the four are a powerful lesson in divinity, for our subject here in Tanya, we’ll bundle them into two categories; mineral and vegetable, are 'objects' and, animal and human, are 'living things'

Take those two bundles; objects and living things, and you have a fascinating example of the difference between the physical Commandments that we do in the material world, and the thought, intent, and inspiration that gives them life.

104 Tanya Nissan 4 ~ m124 Tanya Adar II, 24

Tanya book 1, ch38 p4

A great and visible example of the different levels of G-d's "constriction" is the different expressions of G-dliness in the world around us.

Mineral, vegetation, animal and human, each have respectively "higher" expressions of G-dliness.

The division between mineral/vegetation (objects) and animal/human (living things) are a great example of the distinction between physical action, and thought/intent".

Study today’s Tanya in full:

https://www.chabadmed.com/dailystudy/tanya.asp?tdate=3/27/2022

See today’s video:

https://youtu.be/xVSsUu6jF5E

Questions for today:

How do we have two elements of the physical world, our material body and our physical life, yet with such differences in the G-dliness they are imbued with?

We're learning about the difference between our physical action, and the thoughts and intention behind it by using an example of body and soul.

When you teach mathematics there are two methods to explain something complicated; one way is to simplify the ideas. The lower the grade of the class we're teaching, the more simplified the concepts we'll teach.

The second method is to hide the ideas in a parable; You have two apples, a train leaving from Boston, etc.

Both our physical body, and our 'soul' - the physical life force that's within our body - are both completely hidden from G-dliness. It’s as though they form a parable in which G-d is hidden.

Our G-dliness is hidden in both body and Soul, but very differently.

Behind the veil of the body is a very simplified and constricted level of G-dliness. However, the life force within our body - the soul so to speak – the G-dliness hidden within it is much more inherent, inspirational, and Divine.

103 Tanya Nissan 3 ~ m123 Tanya Adar II, 23

Tanya book 1, ch38 p3

A great There are two way that G-d "restricts" Himself to create the world.

they are similar to how when teaching, we can; 1) simplify the ideas 2) hide them in a parable.

Our body and its physical life force are both hidden from G-dliness. But within the hiding, the G-dliness in the body is constricted to a much lower level.

Study today’s Tanya in full:

https://www.chabadmed.com/dailystudy/tanya.asp?tdate=3/26/2022

See today’s video:

https://youtu.be/I9R10BlvPQ

Questions for today:

Having articulated the centrality of physical impact in G-d's innermost desire, we now tackle a central topic in Jewish law, why is thought not enough?

Nobody ever got points for thinking about bringing their wife a glass of coffee. A poor person never became less hungry because we wished we could provide a meal for them.

Sometimes, thought is not enough. The concept of prayer is a great example of this. 

While thought and intention are very important factors in prayer, one must physically articulate the words in order to fulfill their obligation of prayer. Merely thinking about communicating with the Creator would not be enough. 

In contrast, if we would articulate prayer with our lips while being distracted and lacking proper concentration, we would still fulfill the vast majority of our obligation. 

While this is true, there's no comparison between bringing a glass of coffee to a friend with your nose in your phone, to bringing it with a smile. 

Similarly, one can’t compare giving a meal to a poor person with warmth and respect as opposed to just dropping it from the window. 

The thought that accompanies the action can transform the whole deed. 

Today’s Tanya articulates the difference between thought and action with an example of a body and soul. The body accomplishing physical deeds, and the soul giving the life and the energy animating the body

102 Tanya Nissan 2 ~ m121 Adar II, 21

Tanya book 1, ch 38, Pt 1 

after having explained the critical function of physical action in fulfilling G-d's inner most desire, we now understand why action is Central to Jewish law.

We compare action to body and intent to soul. Actions can sometimes be more important than thoughts. Nearly all prayer is valid without intent, but none is valid without physical articulation of the words.

Study today’s Tanya in full:

https://www.chabadmed.com/dailystudy/tanya.asp?tdate=2/2/2022 ?????

See today’s video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ez1DwmVm8HQ&list=PLFZQPK6u-zSBls9Hwx3P5vKIBRnjBvHe&index=104

Questions for today:

How to we understand the seeming dual priorities; the Torah is the greatest, the Mitzvos are the greatest?

We spent chapter after chapter explaining the very specific and incredible impact of the physical commandments that we do in the material world.

Yesterday we took a significant detour to explain the depths of G-dliness will reveal when we study Torah.

Today we explain how these seeming contrasting values work together.

There are two goals; One, is to achieve the ultimate goal and desire of the Creator, to be revealed in the physical world - that can only happen through physical Mitzvos.

Because of this, if there is any physical mission that needs to be done, one mitzvah, one person that needs to be helped, which hasn’t been taken care of, we close all of the books and we go and take care of it.

But the second important concept is to reveal the depths of our relationship with the Creator.

Therefore, once the first goal is taken care of, and we now have the opportunity, there is nothing that reveals the depth and expressiveness of the intimate relationship we have with the Creator, as the study of Torah.

100 Tanya Adar 29 ~ m120c Tanya Adar II, 20c

Tanya book 1, ch 37, Pt 9

Hard to imagine, today in the regular calendar year is 100 days!!

One important approach to any tough time is to look for, and work to reveal, G-dliness within it.

I hope that this milestone, 100 days of working to bring Tanya to clear, bite-sized portions, will help elevate us out of the challenge that we are now going through.

Please share with your friends, groups, etc, and invite them to join!

~~

After specifying that action is what G-d desires most, we then spoke about the value of Torah study.

Today we learn that each has a value. Action completes the Goal, Torah learning reveals a higher level of G-dliness

Study today’s Tanya in full:

https://www.chabadmed.com/dailystudy/tanya.asp?tdate=3/23/2022

See today’s video:

https://youtu.be/X8v4uw4thOQ

Questions for today:

How do the messages here, emphasizing our physical impact, jive with the many statements emphasizing the study of Torah – which we learn seems to encompass our action?

We are learning bold concepts here. For example, that G-d appreciates our physical action in this material world more than anything else.

These statements need to stand up not just to the intuitive logic we're describing here, but to every other statement in the Torah – every lesson is part of one true Torah.

Therefore, when the sages say that “when we study Torah it's compared to every other commandment”, it seems to fly in the face of everything we're learning - Isn't the study of Torah a spiritual pursuit?

Today’s Tanya says, no. We study Torah with our materialistic intellect, with our materialistic speech.

Not only are we refining those, we're refining a much more authoritative aspect of the animal soul.

In fact, the G-dliness that we tap into when we study Torah, unlike the G-dly life force in our fingers and our toes, is like the life force in G-d's brain - a much more inherent life force.

Also, when we study Torah, Torah is like water. Water comes down "as it is" and finds the "lowest plane".                                                                                                                             

099 Tanya Adar 28 ~ m120b Tanya Adar II, 20b

Tanya book 1, ch 37, Pt 8

Today we mourn the passing of a dear friend and teacher, Mr. Chaim Hein.

Mr. Hein taught my very rambunctious class math, and I still remember the classes fondly.

At the end of each of these videos, I sign off with the phrase "have a good one", a phrase that I picked up from a then young Rabbi Sholtiel Lebovik, who led our class to bring the Chanukah holiday spirit to the town of Mountain Lakes - organized by Mr. Hein. May his memory live on with the warmest blessings.

Today's Tanya explains how our discussion of -Gd's preference of material action fits with the statement of the sages, that the study of Torah is compared to all of the commandments.

Study today’s Tanya in full:

https://www.chabadmed.com/dailystudy/tanya.asp?tdate=3/23/2022

See today’s video:

https://youtu.be/tPjzA0xP9HU

Questions for today:

What is so unique about the mitzvah of Tzedaka, charity, that it accelerates the revelation of the Messianic era?

Today (on a regular calendar year) is the 27th of the month of Adar, a momentous day on the Jewish calendar when the love and inspiration of the Lubavicher Rebbe was hidden from us through a terrible stroke.

Today's Tanya touches on two defining Jewish concepts which the Rebbe taught and pushed through his entire leadership;

- The concept of charity, helping other people, is so fundamental to the Jewish tradition that the Jerusalem Talmud doesn't even give it a name, it simply calls it "mitzvah".

-We've been learning the last few days that the defining Jewish concept of the Messianic era is constructed through our investment of our physical talents, and the components of the world around us, revealing the G-dliness inside of them.

This is how those two things come together: There is no Mitzvah that utilizes as much as of our talent and the components of the world around us as charity, because of all the work and talent that we put in to our income.

When we share that with others, we are revealing G-d in every part of our talents and every part of the world around us.

098 Tanya Adar 27 ~ m120a Tanya Adar II, 20a

Tanya book 1, ch 37, Pt 7

Two defining concepts in Judaism come together; the quintessential mitzvah, Charity, and the ultimate goal, the Messianic Era.

We've been learning that the Messianic Era is built through our investment of our physical talents and the components of the world around us, in Gd's mission of good.

The Commandment of Charity involves every part of ourselves and the world around us, and expresses G-dliness into all of it.

Study today’s Tanya in full:

https://www.chabadmed.com/dailystudy/tanya.asp?tdate=3/23/2022

See today’s video:

https://youtu.be/tPjzA0xP9HU

Questions for today:

If Indeed my personal input is critical for every other part of the universe, how is my niche determined, and why am I given such a prominent role?

A powerful lesson in the previous Tanyas, is that if you look at the human body you see a phenomenal scientific concept.

Every single cell has the exact same DNA, but yet every single part of the body gets the precise blood cell, the precise nerve, tissue, muscle, that it needs in order to survive.

When we talk about our responsibility in constructing a messianic world there's the exact same precise design: Every single one of us are making choices but we are all in the precise place where our input is necessary.

This leads to today's question: why?

Why does God have our soul come down all the way from the lofty place where it is to make a difference in this physical world?

The answer is, that it's a secret.

We're not brushing off the question. It's just that there are certain things that are so intimate, so deep, that the answer doesn't come into intellectual words.

This is the idea. The fact that G-d asked us, as partners, to make this Messianic world - there's no intellectual answer for that. It's a deep, intimate, secret.                                                                                                                                    

095 Tanya Adar 24 ~ m113 Tanya Adar II, 13

Tanya book 1, ch 37, Pt 6

Although we each do our work of goodness based on personal choice, our placement re the need for our specific niche, is by divide design.

And why the desire for specifically our physical partnership? That is a deep, intimate, secret.

Study today’s Tanya in full:

https://www.chabadmed.com/dailystudy/tanya.asp?tdate=3/22/2022

See today’s video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpTkvJg0Obc&list=PLFZQPK6u-zSBls9Hwx3P5vKIBRnjBvHe&index=96

Questions for today:

How can I view my achievements with cosmic relevance, when I’m only doing my part? In fact, all human action only touches a small part?

Today is match day, when graduating medical students from around the country find their mandate for the future years.

Yesterday, we learned that when we use the elements of the world, such as mineral, vegetation, and animal, we refine ourselves as humans. Additionally, when we use it for good, we reveal the G-dliness inside of it and construct the future Messianic world.

This is understandable when we are referring to things that we are using and that are directly impacted by our actions. However, what about the parts of the planet that we never directly touch, such as the Amazon rain forest and the oceans?

The doctors who are getting their mandate today understand that they might be sent to one little corner of the world. The Coronavirus taught us that an occurrence in one part of the world can have a great impact on another part of the world.

One act that I'm doing here is connected to every other part of the planet. Therefore, when I am revealing G-dliness in one small place, all of the other parts of the planet, that are partners, are becoming elevated and G-dly too.

I would like to wish good luck to all of the graduating medical students, and G-d should culminate all your work by getting rid of all illness with the arrival of mashiach today.

095 Tanya Adar 24 ~ m113 Tanya Adar II, 13

Tanya book 1, ch 37, Pt 2

Special match day edition!!

Our actions construct the messianic world- but what about the parts of the world that we don’t directly touch with our actions?

Everything in the world is integrated. My actions here can have an impact across the globe. Therefore, the whole world is uplifted by our good deeds.

Study today’s Tanya in full:

https://www.chabadmed.com/dailystudy/tanya.asp?tdate=3/16/2022

See today’s video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NodweyILbGw&list=PLFZQPK6u-zSBls9Hwx3P5vKIBRnjBvHe&index=98

Questions for today:

It’s one thing to “be rewarded” for doing good work. But if I look for what I accomplished, where will I see that?

We have been describing the impact that our physical actions have in the world. Our physical actions increase the revelation of the Creator, here in our world.

To take it to the next step, let’s discuss the concept of reward. If we view reward as a prize, then the deed done and the reward given are not connected in any direct way. For example, I throw a ball into a basket, and I get a teddy bear. The teddy bear has no relation to the act of throwing the ball.

In contrast, our reward for doing mitzvos works differently. Our reward is not only connected to the performed action, but it is a direct consequence of the action.

When I build a house or learn information, the house in which I live or the knowledge that I have gained is not a prize. They are the culmination of my work and direct results of my efforts.

When we use the physical world to do mitzvos, we take every single aspect of physicality and reveal the Creator inside of it - the revelation of the Creator is a direct result of my actions.

For example, we use the minerals of the world to give charity, vegetation to make a succah, and animal skins to make Torah, tefillin, and mezuzos.

The culmination of these mitzvos will be the complete revelation of the Creator, without any coverings, in the era of Mashiach. This revelation is not a prize; it's a direct consequence of our accomplishments.

Tanya book 1, ch 37, Pt 1

The impact of our physical actions are not just great- they are monumental.

Through our physical action, we reveal the G-dliness in mineral, vegetation, animal, and human.

We affect the end goal: We can bring about the messianic revelation, when the Creator will be fully revealed in this world.­­­

Study today’s Tanya in full:

https://www.chabadmed.com/dailystudy/tanya.asp?tdate=3/15/2022

See today’s video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qi545fhn8lU&list=PLFZQPK6u-zSBls9Hwx3P5vKIBRnjBvHe&index=94

Questions for today:

How is it that the Torah has within it the power for us to survive, in our physical definitions, while experiencing a connection and a revelation of the Infinite Creator?

This idea that we've been discussing, that us physical people can have a relationship with the Creator, is something that is borne out in our history.

Our history starts at Mount Sinai where G-d gives us the Torah.

The Torah is one with the Creator, and when that was revealed to us the Midrash says our souls left our body.

How did G-d bring our souls back into the body? The Medrash says G-d didn't take the Torah away from us, G-d gave us the “dew of the Torah” - G-d revealed to us the inner part of the Torah.

What does this mean? The Creator isn't ‘infinite’ - the creator created infinite, and isn't limited by it.

What happened was, the Creator revealed that inner, deeper, aspect. A level where the creator can actually choose to have a relationship with us, in our physical bodies.

As we observe this Torah day by day, the ultimate goal is the revelation of a Messianic era when G-d is going to take away all of the coverings and G-d is going to live in a reveals state with us in the physical world which G-d willing should happen today.

093 Tanya Adar 22 ~ m111 Adar II, 11

Tanya book 1, ch 36, Pt 2

This idea, of G-d being revealed in a physical person fulfilling mitzvos, is seen in the story of our history.

When G-d revealed (Gd's essence, ensconeced in) the Torah on mount Sinai, our souls left our bodies.

G-d brought us to life be revealing this deeper aspect of the Torah: that G-d can choose to dwell in the physical, as well.

Our lives in the physical world don’t only cause joy and light, it makes a difference?

Study today’s Tanya in full:

https://www.chabadmed.com/dailystudy/tanya.asp?tdate=3/14/2022

See today’s video:

https://youtu.be/T1tMck9Irk0

Questions for today:

There are so many levels above us, is it possible that not only is G-d ‘also’ interested in us, but actually G-d is ‘specifically’ interest only in us?

We've been discussing that we could create a place where the Creator is revealed, not despite our physical faculties, but uniquely because of them. Because of our ability to perform physical actions, we can transform ourselves and become homes for G-d.

Today, we discuss a fundamental aspect of this idea.

It would be counterintuitive for someone to invest billions of dollars to make back a few thousand. It wouldn't make sense for the Creator to create all of the spiritual worlds down to this world, so that we can become ‘spiritual’.

In order to create anything, even supernal spiritual worlds, G-d needs to mask the true Singular Infiniti of the Creator.

Is it possible for G-d to have 'descended' to create our physical world with the sole purpose of it becoming spiritual - which itself is a 'masking' of Divinity?

On the other hand, it does make sense for someone to invest a great amount into having a place to call home.

This physical world is unique, not because it has the lowest level of spirituality, but because it's different. It's unique in the sense that through our physical actions, fulfilling G-d's desire, we can create an 'unmasked' home for the Creator.

Tanya book 1, ch 36, Pt 1

It would not make sense for the creator to invest in creating our world if the goal was for us to become more spiritual- spirituality itself is a reduction of G-dliness!

Instead, the goal must be found in the uniqueness of this world, that we can create a home for the Creator by doing His mitzvos.

Study today’s Tanya in full:

https://www.chabadmed.com/dailystudy/tanya.asp?tdate=3/11/2022

See today’s video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOU7uhZxdfY&list=PLFZQPK6u-zSBls9Hwx3P5vKIBRnjBvHe&index=93

Questions for today:

we learned the value of welcoming the Creator to the lowest aspects of ourselves. However, how is there an up or down by an infinite creator?

In the last chapter, we learned that our physical selves have the privilege - and the thrill - to be the Creator’s home. 

In fact, studying Torah is not the ultimate way we create a home for the Creator, even though through Torah study, we unite with Him.

With Torah study we connect spiritually, using our thought and speech. When we do acts of kindness or other G-dly acts, we welcome the Creator into our lowest level, action. 

But why do we need to welcome the Creator into the lowest level? We will answer that question tomorrow. 

But first, how is it possible for there to be an up and down in an undivided creator? Obviously, the Creator is singular and not divided at all. 

By hiding Himself, The Creator creates a perspective of a divided world. 

Therefore, whenever we have more awareness of, and more humility to the Creator, that's up. Whenever we have less awareness of and Humility to the Creator, that's down.

So this world, with zero awareness of the Creator, in which people feel that they are self-existing and are opposed to the Creator, is the lowest of the low. 

092 Adar 21 ~ M107 Tanya Adar II, 7

Tanya book 1, ch 36, Pt 1

Because the division of the world is created through God's hiding, any environment with Divine awareness is inherently "up", and any environment where G-dliness is hidden is inherently "down"

Study today’s Tanya in full:

https://www.chabadmed.com/dailystudy/tanya.asp?tdate=3/10/2022

See today’s video:

https://youtu.be/7OQi2AqOp0Q  

Questions for today:

We can reveal our inherent Divinity through doing a mitzvah, but what about the parts of us, or the time we spend, that are not involved in doing a mitzvah?

We've been discussing this incredibly inspirational concept that when a physical person, like you or me, does a mitzvah, we become a home for the Creator, a place where He can be revealed.

But even while I'm doing those things, there's a part of me that's still my imperfect self. We don’t necessarily feel changed or transformed after performing a mitzvah. For example, even after doing an act of kindness for someone, I may still enjoy social distancing because I still don't love everybody.

It is important to realize that while we may not feel G-d’s presence, G-d’s presence is there., my whole being is a dwelling place for G-d, whether I feel it or not.

We wear a kippah on our head because of the divine presence that is with us. Similarly, we are respectful in a synagogue because of G-d’s presence there. We act this way because G-d’s presence is real and is with us.

So yes, maybe only one part of us is revealing the Creator in an internal way when we perform a mitzvah. However, the rest of us tags along with a broad, general, aspect of G-d's presence. which is everywhere.

091 Tanya Adar 20 ~ m106d Adar II, 6d

Tanya book 1, ch 35, Pt 5

It is inspiring that we are host to a revelation of the Creator, as we do His will with our physical bodies, such as our hands or feet. But what about the rest of us that may not be involved in the commandment?

While only one part of us may be welcoming the Creator's presence internally, the rest tags along with a general aura of G-d's presence.

Study today’s Tanya in full:

https://www.chabadmed.com/dailystudy/tanya.asp?tdate=3/9/2022

See today’s video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6IHkWAGYXs&list=PLFZQPK6u-zSBls9Hwx3P5vKIBRnjBvHe&index=92

Questions for today:

We are learning why physical mitzvos are uniquely suited to welcome the Creator, because through them we humble ourselves and reveal the inherent G-dliness inside. Wouldn’t Torah study do the same thing?

We’ve been having a very inspirational discussion, as we speak about the illumination and joy that we bring G-d when we do good in the dark environment of our animalistic body.

Beyond that, we said that because of the inherent humility that is felt when following G-d's will, the greatest way for us to reveal G-d’s presence is by using our physical bodies to perform mitzvos. 

Another way to humble ourselves and reveal G-d’s presence is through Torah study. The Mishna specifically says that when we study Torah, G-d dwells with us.

But here's the difference. When we study the Torah, it's a spiritual pursuit so G-d is revealed in the G-dly soul. However, this only occurs in two of the three defining clothing of the soul, that of thought and speech, but not action.

On the other hand, when we perform a mitzvah, such as physically helping somebody, putting on tefillin, or lighting shabbos candles, G-d is revealed in the G-dly soul in all three defining clothing.

Not only this, but most importantly, we transform all of our physical limbs, organs, and body systems into a welcoming home in which the Creator can dwell.

090 Tanya Adar 19 ~ m106c Adar II, 6c

Tanya book 1, ch 35, Pt 5

Even though G-d does dwell with those that study Torah, it is not the same as with those who are performing physical mitzvos.

With Torah, a spiritual pursuit, G-d is revealed in our G-dly soul- and only in two of its three defining clothing; thought and speech, not action.

When we do a physical mitzvah, not only is the souls 'action' identity included, but the physical life force that animates our organs and limbs, become a welcoming home for the Creator to reveal Himself.

Study today’s Tanya in full:

https://www.chabadmed.com/dailystudy/tanya.asp?tdate=3/9/2022

See today’s video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2AXRhQW8kz8&list=PLFZQPK6u-zSBls9Hwx3P5vKIBRnjBvHe&index=91

Questions for today:

What is it about my self-concern that hides the Creator, and what is it about humility that uniquely allows the Creator to be revealed within us?

We made a very bold statement yesterday: the place that the Creator reveals Himself, almost to the exclusion of all others, is in the physical action of doing a mitzvah. This is because of the humility inherent in following the Creator's will instead of our own.

However, even though humility is an important component in a relationship, it's not the only component. It's possible to connect to people and have them revealed in our life, without being completely humbled. Why is our humility so significant in our relationship with the Creator?

Here's the difference. When we say that there is one Creator, we don't mean “my” Creator, as opposed to “your” Creator. Just the opposite.

When we speak about One Creator, we are saying that everything in existence, all time, space, and people, are all of, and by, One Creator. They're all inherently one.

The fact that the different parts of creation look separate and distinct from one another is because of the Creator's capacity to hide.

Therefore, as soon as the different parts of creation have any self-importance, or distinction, - even if that distinction is that someone feels love for the Creator, the true singularity of the Creator is hidden.

The only way to reveal the Creator is when I'm truly humble to the Creator’s will.

089 Tanya Adar 18 ~ m106b Adar II, 6b

Tanya book 1, ch 35, Pt 3

Why is G-d specifically revealed in humble action-and not love?

When we say G-d is one, we mean all-inclusive. All, including time and space, and all souls/perspectives, are inherently included in G-d's oneness.

We are defined distinctively by G-d hiding G-d's ultimate, singular, inclusiveness.

When we distinguish ourselves, even to love G-d! We hide G-d's essential oneness.

Study today’s Tanya in full:

https://www.chabadmed.com/dailystudy/tanya.asp?tdate=3/9/2022

See today’s video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ET2a3-c1iqE&list=PLFZQPK6u-zSBls9Hwx3P5vKIBRnjBvHe&index=90

Questions for today:

What is it that is so – uniquely – potent about mitzvahs, that they welcome G-d’s very self into us, moreso than our love, awe, and even Torah learning, for G-d?

Worst. Date. Ever.

The guy spends an hour talking about himself and what kind of amazing quarterback he was in high school. He goes on about the tension of the last game and how he threw this clutch touchdown, it was unbelievable.

After an hour, he looks at his date and he and says, “you know, I haven't been asking you about your feelings. What do you think about me saving the whole school with that touchdown?”

It's not usually as extreme as this, but the truth is that anytime we're in a relationship with somebody we love and respect, there's some self-serving aspect.

The Tanya tells us that for our relationship with the Creator, we should focus on physical mitzvos which will help us turn our focus away from ourselves and towards the Creator.

When you look at a fire, the oil doesn't love the flame. Rather, it becomes nullified and one with the flame.

When I love the Creator emotionally, it’s about my emotions for the Creator. However, when I do physical actions, such as wrap myself in tefillin, light Shabbos candles, or give money to charity, it's not about me. Through doing mitzvos, I'm becoming transparent and humble to the Creator’s desire.

088 Tanya Adar 17 ~ m106 Adar II, 6

Tanya book 1, ch 35, Pt 3

When I love, it is still with a capital “I”. When we do G-d's commandments, we are humble and transparent, one with the Creator's desire.

Study today’s Tanya in full:

https://www.chabadmed.com/dailystudy/tanya.asp?tdate=3/9/2022

See today’s video:

youtube.com/watch?v=laXngFqQB50&list=PLFZQPK6u-zSBls9Hwx3P5vKIBRnjBvHe&index=89

Questions for today:

I understand that the Soul brings G-d joy through its challenges in its bodily life, but why does it need to live a lifetime inside of a body, why can't it just wrestle with it?

We learned that the soul comes down into the body that's not just imperfect, but that pulls away from G-dliness.

The Creator puts the soul within the body to provide us with a challenge so that *through that challenge, we can bring G-d tremendous joy and illuminate the world.*

However, if that's the only goal, our soul could have come down and wrestled with the body instead of living inside of it.

The fact that the soul lives inside the body tells us that *part of the Soul's goal is to lift up the body as well.*

The Tanya quotes a Zohar to help explain this concept. The Zohar describes that a candle can burn when oil is used. *Oil is needed because it’s a fuel that is prone to combust easily.*

The combustion of the fire can be analogous to the revelation of the Creator.

What is the oil in our lives? In other words, *what will be prone to combust, aka to reveal G-dliness?*

Naturally, we might think it would be our emotions or our thoughts. However, the Zohar tells us that *our actions* more than anything else reveal G-dliness.

How can we reveal G-dliness? What is prone to bring the Creator into our lives and allow for Him to live with us? *It is through our physical actions that we accomplish these things.*

087b Tanya Adar 16b ~ M104 Tanya Adar II, 5

Tanya book 1, ch 35, Pt 2

As we you work in this world 2 make the choices that bring God enjoy, we're also revealing G-dliness within the world itself

Study today’s Tanya in full:

https://www.chabadmed.com/dailystudy/tanya.asp?tdate=3/8/2022

See today’s video:

https://youtu.be/HOI71Jy5JIk

Questions for today:

Causing joy is great, but what impact do we have?

A prisoner has experienced 10 years of difficult forced labor.

When he is finally freed, he runs to the other side of the factory to see the fruits of his labor, as he had been turning a winch every day for many years.

He cannot believe his eyes. The gears that he had been tirelessly turning for days, months, and years, were not attached to anything. The resistance he had felt was merely from a resistance band, he had been fooled to think that he was accomplishing something productive.

He can't handle this realization. He falls and dies.

We just spent many chapters learning the deep emotional impact of the G-dly soul’s struggle in the dark environment of the animal soul.

However, at the end of the day, our physical setting is still an animal soul. If that hasn’t changed, then why are we here? What have we accomplish through the everyday humdrum of life?

We're starting a new segment of the Tanya where we will learn that our impact in the world is not limited to being joyous and illuminating.

We are going to learn that the place where the Creator is revealed the most is actually in the thing that is our specialty – physical, mundane, action.

087 Tanya Adar 16 ~ m103 Adar II, 4

Tanya book 1, ch 35, Pt 1

Our lives in the physical world don’t only cause joy and light, it makes a difference?

Study today’s Tanya in full:

https://www.chabadmed.com/dailystudy/tanya.asp?tdate=3/7/2022

See today’s video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mP2MZlSLfmQ&list=PLFZQPK6u-zSBls9Hwx3P5vKIBRnjBvHe&index=88

Questions for today:

We’ve found that through faith, we make a home for G-d within us. Further, we learned that our Torah learning and Charity invite G-d into our action. What about the rest of our lives, how do we invite G-d into those?

For the last couple of days, Tanya has been leaving us on an emotional high. We have been learning to realize that it's not just that the Creator invites are imperfect selves to live with Him, but that He yearns to call us His home.

We then took it a step further. When we study Torah or give charity we're doing something tangible to make the Creator feel welcome.

Today, we see that when we give ten or 20 percent of our income to charity, it's not just that it spiritually lifts up the other 80 percent.

In fact, when we study or pray, we're doing it with the energy that we have from the food that we ate, which was food that we bought with money that we earned.

This pattern means that everything that we do on an ordinary day becomes part of the house that G-d yearns to call home.

Therefore, even though we're still looking in the mirror and facing our flaws honestly, so that we can break down those logs that didn't want to burst into flames, we are simultaneously thrilled because of the part of us that G-d is happy to call home.

086 Tanya Adar 15 ~ m102 Adar II, 3

Tanya book 1, Ch 34, Pt 4

We make our imperfect persona a home for the Creator, not just through faith and Torah learning.
Every dollar we earn and every calorie that we eat can function as fuel for our prayers and good deeds, thereby becoming a part of the house which G-d calls home.

Study today’s Tanya in full:

https://www.chabadmed.com/dailystudy/tanya.asp?tdate=3/6/2022

See today’s video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxzF4VjsI&list=PLFZQPK6u-zSBls9Hwx3P5vKIBRnjBvHe&index=87

Questions for today:

The objective that we aim for seems to be calculably unattainable. The Singular, Infinite, Creator, by virtue of the very greatness that we strive for, is in contrast to our finite being. How do we connect?

It's impossible to overstate the emotional impact of the Tanya’s message in the previous chapters.

G-d doesn’t just tolerate our imperfect persona. The same way that we look for a very dark room when we want to appreciate some video, the Creator made us, with our short-sighted vision, because of the beauty and the joy that we bring Him when we show Him the light of us seeing past ourselves.

In fact, when the Jewish people became aware of this for the first time at the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, their souls left their bodies. The body couldn't handle it.

Our bodies didn't get stronger since then. However, the Creator gave us a gift, the temple, to help us integrate this idea into our day-to-day lives.

Since the temples have been destroyed, today we have the study of Torah instead. For each and every one of us on our own level, when we study to the best of our abilities, it could be one chapter in the morning and one chapter in the evening, we're making our lives into a place where the Creator would love to call home.

085 Tanya Adar 14 ~ m100 Adar II, 1

Tanya book 1, Ch 34, Pt 2

Yesterday's Tanya was so inspirational, it could be existentially overwhelming.
So G-d gave us the temple to enact it in a relatable way.

Today, we have Torah study. As each of us study Torah to our best ability, we invite the Creator to dwell within us.

Study today’s Tanya in full:

https://www.chabadmed.com/dailystudy/tanya.asp?tdate=3/4/2022

See today’s video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qCkmTnnQuY&list=PLFZQPK6u-zSBls9Hwx3P5vKIBRnjBvHe&index=86

 Tanya thought for Adar I, 30 (Adar 14b)
Please check later for transcript

https://youtu.be/IACtTvakr48

Questions for today:

Why are people so compelled by the attention we get from others? Where can I find in the framework of my creation, an onus to create happiness in another?

We mentioned the 12 Torah passages that the Rebbe encouraged children to learn and the deep life lessons that they contain. Today, we touch on another one.

There are two types of joy. There is the joy that comes as a result of something great happening to me.

Then, there's a whole new level, the joy that comes when I can have an impact on someone else. This can be when someone laughs at my joke, when a recipe I post on Facebook becomes some family's annual tradition, or when the song I sing brightens up the day of a musical idol that I worship.

Can we have that impact on the Creator?

Remember as a kid when you got a light up yo-yo, you quickly ran to find the darkest room in the house so you can see the brightness light up the room.

When I look in the mirror and see darkness in my nature, such as the self-centeredness of my body such that I don't recognize other people's feelings, I shouldn’t feel down and depressed about myself.

Instead, I should realize that the Creator purposely created this division so that I can bring Him joy when I brighten up that darkness, when I find a way to help others.

084 Tanya Adar 13 ~ m098c Adar I, 29c

Tanya book 1, Ch 33, Pt 3

 When we think of the extra light our good exudes, in the darkness of the nature G-d created within us, it brings us great joy.
Additionally, it leads to another, much greater joy - the recognition that the Creator, who made the darkness specifically for the additional light our good deeds will then add, is thrilled by our actions.

Study today’s Tanya in full:

https://www.chabadmed.com/dailystudy/tanya.asp?tdate=3/2/2022

See today’s video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPdnZCJXZdo&list=PLFZQPK6u-zSBls9Hwx3P5vKIBRnjBvHe&index=85

Questions for today:

We’ve come to value our imperfect humanity. Today we leverage that to a new level. What’s a greater thrill, to visit the palace, or for the king to feel at home in my home?

As kids, we learned the 12 Torah passages that the Rebbe encouraged us to learn. We learned them by heart and we said them in public, but for many of us, it took decades to truly understand how these messages impacted our lives.

We have been learning that an imperfect person can achieve happiness. Today's Tanya, with one of those twelve Torah passages, knocks it out of the park.

Imagine a creator that makes the entire vast universe on a whim, yet every particle within every grain of sand is directed by this great Creator. Where does this creator choose to call his home?

The most important mission of mankind is to realize that the Creator doesn't view the oceans or the heavens as His home. He doesn’t even view the heart of the perfect person as His home.

He specifically views the “tachtonim” as His choice dwelling place. He wants to be present in the mundane struggles of a person like me. When I realize that not only does the Creator invite me to come live with Him, but He yearns to make a home for Himself in my heart, this realization will induce the greatest happiness.

082 Tanya Adar 11 ~ mo98 Adar I, 29

Tanya book 1, Ch 33, Pt 1

 How can an imperfect person be happy? How can they not?
G-d's deepest desire, the home where He yearns to dwell, is in the place we make for G-d "betachtonim", below, in our imperfect hearts.
This is mankind's greatest mission and is also the source of our greatest joy.
Not only does G-d invite us to live with G-d, G-d yearns to live with us.

Study today’s Tanya in full:

https://www.chabadmed.com/dailystudy/tanya.asp?tdate=3/2/2022

See today’s video:

https://youtu.be/L4yroNF49sM