Text-Based Tanya: Recent Episodes
Rabbi Shais Taub
Rabbi Shais Taub presents this text-based class of the original Tanya going word for word in Hebrew and explaining in clear, accessible English with contemporary examples and applications.
In this class we study Chapter 25 and finally conclude the long argument begun back in Chapter 18 that explains how to channel our soul's most primal survival instincts.
Concluding Chapter 24 and the explanation of the complete disconnect from Hashem that is brought about at the moment of sin.
We begin Chapter 24 which discusses the state of complete separation from G-d rendered by sin.
Concluding Chapter 23 of Tanya which describes the levels of oneness with G-d achieved through Torah study and the performance of mitzvos.
We begin Chapter 23 of Tanya which describes the levels of oneness with G-d achieved through Torah study and the performance of mitzvos.
Chapter 22 of Tanya explains that idolatry is really just the belief that anything can exist outside of Hashem.
Chapter 21 of Tanya continues to discuss the metaphor of speech as a way of understanding how creation is one with the Creator.
Chapter 20 of Tanya describes the relative non-existence of created reality by way of a metaphor of speech.
Chapter 19 of Tanya describes the instinctive nature of the G-dly soul by comparing it to a flame. Rabbi Taub connects this lesson to the Hayom Yom of 21 Sivan.
Chapter 18 begins a description of another method for achieving emotional congruence with Torah behaviors.
Chapter 17 continues describing the purpose of meditation as producing emotions. It explains the meaning of the verse from the title page "This matter is very close to you..." and how that can be true even though it seems to go against our personal experience.
Chapter 16 describes the "tevunos" or quasi-emotional appreciations of Hashem felt by the Beinoni through meditation.
In Chapter 15 we learn about two distinct levels of Beinoni and the inherent value of struggle.
Concluding Ch. 14, we discuss the double language of the oath first mentioned in Ch. 1.
Chapter 14 of Tanya. We discuss the internal state of the Beinoni and the monologue that we can recite to ourselves to motivate ourselves to choose the right behaviors even when we feel conflicted.
We conclude chapter 12 of Tanya, continuing to describe the dichotomy that is the Beinoni.
We begin chapter 12 of Tanya which discusses the Beinoni. What is it that distinguishes a Beinioni from both a Tzaddik and a Rasha?
Chapter 11 deals with the very wide spectrum of personalities encompassed by the tern "rasha v'tov lo." We also contrast this level with that of the "rasha v'ra lo" who is incapable of remorse.
Chapter 10 concludes with a discussion of the "men of ascent"—another way of describing the unique personality of the complete tzaddik.
We begin Chapter 10 which speaks about two levels of tzaddik—the complete and the incomplete. What is the difference between them? How does a tzaddik regard the selfish gratification of physical pleasure?
In our study of Chapter 9 we are introduced to the parable of the two kings fighting over the small city, which helps us to understand the nature of the conflict between the two souls.
In our study of Chapter 8 we delve deeper into an understanding of the spiritual status of that which is halachically forbidden as well as how it affects the person who indulges in it.
Concluding chapter 7, we discuss the power of teshuvah to transform past sins into merits. We also discuss how to rectify the spiritual damage caused by the emission of seed in vain as well as forbidden relations.
Continuing chapter 7 and discussing how permissible acts require mindfulness in order to be elevated to holiness.
We begin Chapter 7 and discuss more in depth the idea of the "neutral" kilipah called nogah.
Learning chapter 6. The composition and modes of expression of the animal soul. The definition of holiness.
Chapter 4 of Tanya. We now learn about the soul's three "garments" of thought, speech and action as modes of expression.
End of Chapter 2. How to reconnect with your own G-dly essence. The role of having a relationship with a tzaddik.
Starting Chapter 1 of Tanya, asking questions about the categories of Tzaddik, Rasha, and Beinoni.