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Welcome to TanyaToday, where we offer daily doses of divine wisdom straight from the heart of Chassidic philosophy. Our episodes delve into the timeless teachings of the Tanya, shedding light on how these ancient insights are astonishingly relevant to modern living. Whether you're wrestling with life's big questions or simply seeking a moment of spiritual serenity, TanyaToday aims to enrich your day with meaningful, bite-sized lessons. Subscribe now to embark on a journey that bridges the heavenly and the everyday.
Welcome, dear listeners, to our daily exploration of the Tanya, the foundational work of Chabad Chassidus, where we seek to connect the lofty ideas of Kabbalah with the practicality of our everyday lives.
Today, we delve into the concept of "benoni," the intermediate person, as discussed in the Tanya. The benoni is someone who, while not a tzaddik, a fully righteous person, never allows their negative impulses to manifest into actual misdeeds. This is a highly attainable level for each of us and it resonates deeply with our daily struggles.
The Alter Rebbe, author of the Tanya, teaches us that the benoni controls their speech, action, and even thoughts, constantly wrestling with their inner inclinations. Every moment presents a choice, and every choice is a battle won. This is the essence of our service to the Divine. We may not always succeed in transforming our feelings, but we can always choose how we act upon them.
This teaching is a powerful reminder that spiritual success isn't about never experiencing negative thoughts or desires, but about the vigilance in not acting on them. Our sages tell us that it's the effort and struggle that count. The victory lies in the everyday choices, the small moments where we choose patience over anger, kindness over indifference, and humility over arrogance.
As we go about our day, let's keep the image of the benoni in mind. Let's remember that each moment is an opportunity to choose the good, to do a mitzvah, to speak words of truth and kindness. This is the path of the benoni, and it's a path that is open to us all.
Thank you for joining. May this brief insight help illuminate your day and guide your choices. This podcast was produced and sponsored by Daniel Aharonoff.