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Shalom and welcome, dear friends. Today, we delve into the heart of the Tanya, the foundational work of Chabad Hassidic philosophy. The Tanya teaches us that every Jew has two souls: the animal soul and the divine soul. The divine soul is an actual part of God, while the animal soul is the source of our natural instincts and desires.
In our everyday lives, we often find ourselves in a struggle between these two forces. The animal soul seeks immediate gratification, while the divine soul yearns for higher spiritual connection.
Consider when you wake up in the morning. The animal soul might want to stay in bed, but the divine soul knows the importance of getting up to pray and start the day with positive energy. Or when you're faced with a choice to speak ill of someone, your animal soul might be tempted, but your divine soul reminds you of the importance of guarding your speech.
The Tanya teaches us not to despair in this struggle, but to embrace it. It is through this struggle that we fulfill our divine mission in this world, refining ourselves and our surroundings.
So the next time you find yourself in a tug of war between your animal and divine souls, remember the teachings of the Tanya. Choose the path that aligns with your divine soul, bringing light and goodness into your life and the world around you.
This podcast was produced and sponsored by Daniel Aharonoff.