Tanya with Rochel Schmukler

151

Tanya Chapter 33: Prescription for pure joy! part 1

Jan 29, 2021

50:01

If you are feeling weary and need extra joy, think about this: the idea of Hashem's true unity. Hashem fills all worlds, spiritual and physical. Indeed, this entire world is filled with His glory, and everything has no value at all relative to Him. Let us picture how letters have no existence of their own within the essence of the soul, and how light has no existence at all while still within the sun. With this, we can understand how the world and everything in it, being contained with the Infinite One, has no existence of its own, and all there is is Hashem.

152

Tanya Chapter 32 part 4

Jan 21, 2021

45:07

It sounds good to love and hate the same person. But how to act towards this individual, practically speaking? This is the time to employ compassion, which banishes hatred and arouses love. But what about King David's “consummate hatred” towards certain sinners, to those who are aware of the Creator and choose to deny Him? Don’t they have a soul too? Goodness to be loved, no matter their sins? Yes, but their Divine spark is hidden into obscurity, so that not even a glimmer of soul is revealed. With a lost signal, love might be quite elusive.

153

Tanya Chapter 32 part 3

Jan 14, 2021

47:41

The mitzvah of love applies to each and every Jewish person -- from great to small. But is this so? Isn't there a Talmudic statement urging us to hate certain fellow Jews? Examining the statement, we come to realize that there is a specific set of very narrow criteria to be met in which one would be qualified to be hated. But everyone else -- no matter how small, no matter how low, must be loved. And what about the person who must be hated? He too, must be loved.

154

Tanya Chapter 32 part 2

Jan 7, 2021

47:54

Hillel meant it quite literally –– love for our fellow really is the entirety of the Torah. Let’s examine the two-fold spiritual dynamic of the Torah. One aspect is about transcending the body and identifying with the soul. And another aspect is about drawing down the infinite light of the Divine, bringing it to be manifestly expressed within the world. Looking at the mitzvah of love, we can see that these two dynamics are most perfectly expressed right here in this mitzvah. In order to truly love another, we need to transcend our ego and identify with the soul. And –– by actually loving another, bonding through love, we draw down the infinite light of the Divine into all of the worlds. This is the entire Torah.

155

Tanya Chapter 32: Can you really love another person as you do yourself? part 1

Jan 1, 2021

48:26

Following the advice of the previous chapters to consider our soul of primary importance and our body of secondary importance, we effectively re-focus the center of our being. We escape the grasp of our ego and instead center ourselves within the essence of our soul. From this space, we have an entirely different system in the way we value others and a unique advantage in coming to love our fellow as we love our own self, which is seemingly impossible. It now becomes all about the soul. And if love is all about the soul, it is impossible to truly know the greatness of another's soul. Know this: Each soul is uniquely great. Furthermore, all souls are equal. And at the root of roots, we are truly all one.

156

Tanya Chapter 31 part 4

Dec 4, 2020

42:42

Dedicating life to reuniting the soul with Hashem is a source of incredible happiness. And the joy grows greater still! Aside from the soul being restored to its former unity with Hashem through Torah and Mitzvos, there is something original in this life's journey that the soul didn't experience before. It is the unique opportunity to satisfy the Divine purpose in creation. When we realize what we accomplish in bringing our body and animal soul along in our holy pursuits, our lifelong teshuva gains even greater depth and intensified joy.

157

Tanya Chapter 31 part 3

Nov 26, 2020

52:53

Once we truly realize the enormity of the Divine soul's exile, we are prompted to action. Our agenda now becomes to free the soul from captivity and restore her to being totally united and absorbed within the Divine reality. This is achieved through an incredible space where no darkness exists, where the Divine is totally manifest, where the truth of reality is completely exposed. Torah and Mitzvot. This type of mindset, of focused intention to free the soul from captivity, is one of "teshuva" -- return and restoration. It is not a single act of repentance, but rather a lifestyle of constant escape to the Divine, and one who lives in this way is in a place of constant joy. Is there any joy greater than release from captivity, from a deep dark dungeon to the splendid place of the King? The method here then is one of escape, of freeing the soul without reckoning with its dark surroundings, and it has precedence in the method of the Exodus from Egypt.

158

Tanya Chapter 31 part 2

Nov 19, 2020

54:38

The best time to stir up holy bitterness is when you are anyway sad because of mundane problems. Or, when you are sad for no apparent reason. Grab that moment of sadness and redirect it to become the holy emotion of bitterness. This will alleviate your worldly sadness, and unbelievably enough, transition to into joy! It is not about brushing the issues under the rug and making light of them. It is about continuing to honestly recognizing the dark space of our body and animal soul. But bringing something else into the picture -- that infinite reality that we hold within us: our Divine soul. Can you sit with that thought? The pity of this most precious soul within a deep and dark exile? This will motivate you to do something about it! And ultimately, as we will explore next class G-d willing, will bring you to great joy.

159

Tanya Chapter 31: Transition from bitterness to joy. part 1

Nov 12, 2020

51:51

Taking the ideas presented in the previous chapters to heart seems to put us in a very compromised position. Sadness! Isn't sadness to be avoided at all costs? After all, every sadness, even that which is induced by spiritual concerns, belongs to the realm of the kelipah. The Alter Rebbe tells us: Don't worry! This is the method -- to subdue the darkness with its very own kind. And furthermore, the main feeling that follows these humbling meditations is a holy one, that of bitterness, which comes from the energy of the holy gevurot (severity). By stirring up the holy gevurot within our own Divine soul, we call forth a response from the holy gevurot above. And that manifestation bears down upon the animal soul, which is actually sourced in the holy gevurot, only to have degenerated in its descent down below. Exposing its holy source sweetens the animal soul, even as it is down here.

160

Tanya Chapter 30 part 3

Nov 5, 2020

54:36

In this exercise of humility, the thinking person considers his own struggles and compares them to those of the sinful person. The struggle that we expect of the impassioned man is the struggle that we must demand of ourselves. And we fall short, unfortunately. This is true not only in the realm of "do good," in optimal performance of mitzvos. But this is true even in the realm of "turn away from evil," completely and totally refraining from all misdeed. This being so, not only is the morally upright person EQUAL to the sinful person in his level of devotion to Hashem, but he is in fact more culpable. Because the sinful person has no understanding of the gravity of his actions, while the wise and knowing person, when he falls short -- his is a grave offense indeed.

161

Tanya Chapter 30 part 2

Oct 29, 2020

52:41

It's easy to feel smug when you measure yourself up against someone who seems to fail miserably. But let's look at things beyond the superficial level, by a deeper set of criteria. The person who sins repeatedly doesn't fight to overcome his burning desires. To do so would require a valiant struggle. We may not face his formidable tests just to "turn away from evil." But we face our own tests in the realm of "doing good." Do we fight as fiercely as we expect him to fight? At the core of it, it all boils down to the one issue: the will of the King.

162

Tanya Chapter 30: True humility for every person, no matter who. part 1

Oct 22, 2020

56:22

Our Sages instructed us to be truly humble before every other human being. And that means having humility even towards someone who is on the lowest spiritual level. Can a great person be truly humble before an evildoer? Yes: By taking the Sages' advice not to judge another until you have come to his place. A person must consider the physical place of the evildoer, as well as his spiritual "place," his incessant, burning passions. And while you can not judge the sinful person, in no way does this justify his behavior. He should have used his mind to control his passions for fear of Hashem. And here's another thing to consider: If you look deeply, you will come to realize that you have a lot in common with the careless person.

163

Chapter 29 part 6

Oct 15, 2020

49:17

Breaking out of the illusion created by our dark side is simply about crushing it. Amazing! Is humility all it takes to fight this complex illusion? Yes. After all, the sitra achra, the "other side," is essentially substanceless -- like darkness, which is simply the absence of light. Light appears, and darkness vanishes. This idea is played out in the Biblical story of the spies. The Jewish people made a leap from no faith to total faith, without any sign or wonder. This was accomplished by humbling their hearts and allowing their essence to shine. Essentially, every Jew is a believer.

164

Who Am I?

Sep 16, 2020

18:51

Doesn't everyone ask themselves this question? It is an important part of growing up. Get in touch with your truest, deepest essence. Your soul is calling and it won't be satisfied with anything but the real thing.

165

Tanya Chapter 29 part 5

Aug 27, 2020

53:42

To access our deepest, truest space, the superficial self must be broken. That was position one -- the place from where we identify with our external self. Now, moving further into the chapter, we go into second person position. Now is the time to take the standpoint of the Divine soul and from that place, to rage against the animal soul. How dare it obscure the truth of Hashem's oneness! This is something that is plainly visible to the eye, and yet the evil inclination dares to cover the eyes of the Divine soul, brazenly hiding this truth!

166

Tanya Chapter 29 part 4

Aug 14, 2020

54:06

Walking down the path to humility, we are enjoined to examine our thoughts, utterances and deeds. Were all of them an expression of holiness, allowing us to be a vehicle of the holy chambers? Or did some of our behaviors cause us to act as a chariot for the chambers of impurity? This is a most humbling thought. And further, let us consider our dreams: Did we experience mundane dreams, or even tormenting ones? This would point to the fact that those originating from the evil side come and attach themselves to the person. These humbling thoughts shatter the darkness that numbs our heart and obscures the Divine light from affecting our heart.

167

Tanya Chapter 29 part 3

Aug 6, 2020

49:00

To relieve the heart of numbness, the shell of the sitra achra -- the dark side -- must be shattered. In this exercise, a person is called upon to look at the misdeeds of their youth from their current standing. True, you've moved on. But there is a place deeper still that must be reached. And from this deeper space, you can bring yourself to a state of true humility, thereby allowing the light of the Divine soul to shine within your body and move your heart.

168

Tanya Chapter 29 part 2

Jul 24, 2020

57:33

Why is the animal soul considered "the very person"? It's all a matter of the energy source with which you identify. The fact that most people identify with their animal soul, means that "this is me." And if that is who you are ... just this very thought is utterly humbling.

169

Tanya Chapter 29: Curing a spiritually insensitive heart. part 1

Jul 16, 2020

56:32

We now begin to examine the spiritual sickness of a "dull heart." You are doing everything right as far as your meditation goes, but your heart won't respond. It is numb. It won't produce a corresponding emotion. This has serious repercussions as far as prayer is concerned, and as far as exercising restraint. To heal this sickness, we take advice from the Holy Zohar –– this requires a crushing of the animal soul. We are going to have to talk about this!

170

Tanya Chapter 28 part 2

Jul 10, 2020

46:50

There is a common error that if you are suddenly distracted in middle of your devotions, you weren't doing a good job. That would be true if you had but one soul –– but you don't. You have two. Just ignore that distracting voice as though it were a stranger outside of you. And if the going gets rough, don't forget to ask Hashem for help.

171

Tanya Chapter 28: Unwanted thoughts in middle of holy endeavors –– what to do? part 1

Jul 3, 2020

47:58

How are we supposed to handle extraneous thoughts that come our way while seriously engaged in Torah study or prayer? Should we try to sublimate the driving emotion? Or should we perhaps feel dejected and despicable? Here's the rule: certain exercises are only meant for the tzadik who eradicated his evil. But for everyone else –– refocus your concentration, intensify your joy and ignore the distraction.

172

Tanya Chapter 27 part 3

Jun 26, 2020

55:46

This class, we finish the chapter. We explore how the practice of self-restraint, of "self-made holiness" creates immense Divine repercussion. The very holiness that we unleash above is drawn down to us, granting us great Divine assistance in our unique mission.

173

Tanya Chapter 27 part 2

Jun 18, 2020

51:51

Each and every time we resist our dark side, we cause a corresponding effect above. The unique flavor of the beinoni's struggles has the power to bring down the root of the evil above. His service is similar to the naturally unpleasant substance that has been seasoned and tempered to become a delicacy that comes to surpass the quality of naturally sweet and delicious foods. The pleasure that this brings Above is the greatest of all.

174

Tanya Chapter 27: Struggling is hard, but precious. part 1

Jun 12, 2020

51:41

Working through different causes for depression, we now visit the problem of having involuntary sinful thoughts. This can bring a person down, feeling that they have not made any spiritual progress. The Alter Rebbe turns this scenario around, and brings us to realize that this in fact is a reason for joy! A new way to be close to Hashem!

175

Tanya Chapter 26 part 3

Jun 5, 2020

1:02:54

A person who rejoices in sufferings is called a lover of G-d and is rewarded measure for measure. Now, we move to understanding sadness that comes from spiritual disconnection. While truly, separation from the Divine is a reason to be sad, you still have to be happy. For this kind of sadness, you need will to make the time and have a calm mind. Once you have paid attention to your sadness caused by spiritual disconnection, the subsequent joy is powerful!

176

Tanya Chapter 26 part 2

May 21, 2020

59:36

Joy is required! To free the heart of any trace of worry or sadness, the Alter Rebbe first explores sadness originating from worldly matters. Examining the advice of our Sages, we come to an incredible realization –– that a person can actually experience joy even in the midst of challenges.

177

Tanya Chapter 26: What's so good about being happy? part 1

May 14, 2020

57:01

Your Divine soul is the stronger of the two souls. But being stronger is not enough! If you want to be victorious in the inner struggle of light over darkness, happiness is key. Sadness is dangerous, and although it has its place, it must be employed only under very specific conditions.This Women's Tanya Class is our interactive spiritual journey where we investigate, discuss and apply the revolutionary ideas presented in the Tanya, a foremost work of Kabbalah and Jewish Mysticism by the Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi.

178

Tanya Chapter 36 part 4

May 7, 2020

59:33

The Revelation at Mount Sinai broke all barriers, and we beheld the Divine. That condition was only temporary -- the sin of the golden calf brought denseness back to the world. Still, with the profound revelation of the Torah, we received the strength to transform the darkness into light, and this time for good. A time is coming when the fleshly eye will perceive the Divine and every creature on this earth will perceive and know G-d.

179

Tanya Chapter 36 part 3

Apr 30, 2020

50:11

It should be utterly impossible to remain in existence when G-d is totally and essentially manifest. And it is. No being, earthly or heavenly, can withstand total Divine exposure. Still! There is one way to remain vested in the body and yet bear that profound revelation that is coming at the End of Days. That is the "technology" of the Torah -- the Torah is "strength."

180

Tanya Chapter 36 part 2

Apr 23, 2020

1:01:30

In understanding the Divine desire, we come to examine the Kabbalistic idea of the chain-like order of worlds. And in so doing, we come to realize something utterly striking: that in our world of darkness lies the ultimate purpose of Creation.

181

Special Edition: Tanya Chapter 36 part 1

Mar 29, 2020

43:55

Hashem has a desire to dwell in these lowest realms. In order to understand the scope of this desire, we must first define "lower" and "higher" from a new frame of reference. With our new realization, we can come to the astounding realization that Hashem is equally present in all of the worlds, from the most lofty and spiritual to this most physical.

182

Moshiach - does it really matter?

Mar 26, 2020

7:04

In this introduction to Tanya Chapter 36, we discuss the fact that belief in Moshiach's coming is one of Maimonides' 13 principles of faith. A principle of faith means that everything we do in terms of Torah and Mitzvos is affected by this. Why does it matter that much if someone believes or not?

183

Tanya Chapter 25 part 5

Mar 6, 2020

22:24

To live a life truest to yourself, remember what you would give up life for. The generation of Jews entering the Land of Israel was commanded to say the Shema for this very reason. Although no one would stand up against them from without, there is always the battle within. And to win this battle, there is something that must be engraved in your mind always. In this class, we summarize and culminate the unit of chapters 18-25.This Women's Tanya Class is our interactive spiritual journey where we investigate, discuss and apply the revolutionary ideas presented in the Tanya, a foremost work of Kabbalah and Jewish Mysticism by the Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi.

184

Tanya Chapter 25 part 4

Feb 27, 2020

49:57

Hashem is forever, His Will is forever. Any contact with the Eternal lasts forever. The act of Torah study, the performance of a mitzvah, are contact with the Divine - creating a fusion that lasts forever. As long as the soul's sensation within the confines of time and space has not been interrupted, this fusion can be sensed within the soul below. And if there has been an interruption, asking for forgiveness restores the awareness and attachment.This Women's Tanya Class is our interactive spiritual journey where we investigate, discuss and apply the revolutionary ideas presented in the Tanya, a foremost work of Kabbalah and Jewish Mysticism by the Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi.

185

Tanya Chapter 25 part 3

Feb 20, 2020

47:28

When your attachment to the Divine is jeopardized, you would give up life itself. All you want is to stay attached, terrified to lose that bond that you already have. But this is purely about loss! What about gain? Are you willing to go the extra mile to intensify and immortalize the bond that you already have? Reach into that space where everything is eternal to inform and drive your everyday conscious.This Women's Tanya Class is our interactive spiritual journey where we investigate, discuss and apply the revolutionary ideas presented in the Tanya, a foremost work of Kabbalah and Jewish Mysticism by the Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi.

186

Tanya Chapter 25 part 2

Feb 12, 2020

39:50

Our core self yearns to stay attached to the Divine even at the price of life, and this gives us a new way to see through the haze. The haze of insanity can bring us to draw a distinction between temporary and eternal separation. Don't be fooled. Our core self, our Divine self, transcends time – it rules and dominates time. From this space within ourselves, a moment is forever.This Women's Tanya Class is our interactive spiritual journey where we investigate, discuss and apply the revolutionary ideas presented in the Tanya, a foremost work of Kabbalah and Jewish Mysticism by the Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi.

187

Tanya Chapter 25 part 1

Feb 5, 2020

21:36

We now look at our everyday choices in a new light; it is not just in extreme situations that our decisions are fundamental. From our greatest choices to those that seem inconsequential, we essentially face the same question every time. And we can connect to our deepest core, our truest desire, in every situation – in just a moment's time.This Women's Tanya Class is our interactive spiritual journey where we investigate, discuss and apply the revolutionary ideas presented in the Tanya, a foremost work of Kabbalah and Jewish Mysticism by the Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi.

188

Tanya Chapter 24 part 5

Feb 5, 2020

15:37

In this closing class on the chapter, we summarize the idea behind violating the Divine will. Delving deeply into the psyche, we reach a potent cognizance of the inner pain a person endures in violating the core self. This Women's Tanya Class is our interactive spiritual journey where we investigate, discuss and apply the revolutionary ideas presented in the Tanya, a foremost work of Kabbalah and Jewish Mysticism by the Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi.

189

Tanya Chapter 24 part 4

Jan 29, 2020

58:32

This Women's Tanya Class is our interactive spiritual journey where we investigate, discuss and apply the revolutionary ideas presented in the Tanya, a foremost work of Kabbalah and Jewish Mysticism by the Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi.

190

Tanya Chapter 24 part 3

Jan 23, 2020

53:51

This Women's Tanya Class is our interactive spiritual journey where we investigate, discuss and apply the revolutionary ideas presented in the Tanya, a foremost work of Kabbalah and Jewish Mysticism by the Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi.

191

Tanya Chapter 24 part 2

Jan 16, 2020

55:50

This Women's Tanya Class is our interactive spiritual journey where we investigate, discuss and apply the revolutionary ideas presented in the Tanya, a foremost work of Kabbalah and Jewish Mysticism by the Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi.

192

Tanya Chapter 24 part 1

Jan 8, 2020

49:04

This Women's Tanya Class is our interactive spiritual journey where we investigate, discuss and apply the revolutionary ideas presented in the Tanya, a foremost work of Kabbalah and Jewish Mysticism by the Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi.

193

Tanya Chapter 23 part 4

Jan 8, 2020

1:05:53

This Women's Tanya Class is our interactive spiritual journey where we investigate, discuss and apply the revolutionary ideas presented in the Tanya, a foremost work of Kabbalah and Jewish Mysticism by the Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi.

194

Tanya Chapter 23 part 3

Dec 31, 2019

54:06

Join us in our interactive spiritual journey as we investigate, discuss and apply the revolutionary ideas presented in the Tanya, a foremost work of Kabbalah and Jewish Mysticism by the Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi.

195

Tanya Chapter 23 part 2

Dec 27, 2019

56:15

This Women's Tanya Class is our interactive spiritual journey where we investigate, discuss and apply the revolutionary ideas presented in the Tanya, a foremost work of Kabbalah and Jewish Mysticism by the Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi.

196

Tanya Chapter 23 part 1

Dec 26, 2019

1:07:12

This Women's Tanya Class is our interactive spiritual journey where we investigate, discuss and apply the revolutionary ideas presented in the Tanya, a foremost work of Kabbalah and Jewish Mysticism by the Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi.

197

Tanya Chapter 22 part 3

Dec 25, 2019

53:01

Join us in our interactive spiritual journey as we investigate, discuss and apply the revolutionary ideas presented in the Tanya, a foremost work of Kabbalah and Jewish Mysticism by the Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi.

198

Tanya Chapter 22 part 2

Dec 24, 2019

54:02

Join us in our interactive spiritual journey as we investigate, discuss and apply the revolutionary ideas presented in the Tanya, a foremost work of Kabbalah and Jewish Mysticism by the Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi.

199

Tanya Chapter 22 part 1

Dec 23, 2019

56:28

Join us in our interactive spiritual journey as we investigate, discuss and apply the revolutionary ideas presented in the Tanya, a foremost work of Kabbalah and Jewish Mysticism by the Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi.

200

Tanya Chapter 21 part 2

Dec 22, 2019

53:24

Join us in our interactive spiritual journey as we investigate, discuss and apply the revolutionary ideas presented in the Tanya, a foremost work of Kabbalah and Jewish Mysticism by the Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi.

Tanya with Rochel Schmukler

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