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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 another moment of reflection and wisdom from the holy Tanya.
Today we turn our attention to a powerful idea found in the Tanya, the concept of a "banoni", the intermediate person. The Alter Rebbe teaches us that the banoni is not someone who is halfway between good and evil. Rather, it is someone who may experience inner conflict and struggle, yet chooses to act virtuously at every moment.
Imagine you're standing at a crossroads, each path representing a choice in your life. The banoni is the person who, despite feeling the pull of a less virtuous path, chooses to walk in the direction of good deeds and Torah study. The banoni's actions are impeccable, even if their inner world is a battleground.
This teaches us an incredibly relatable lesson: perfection is not the absence of struggle, it's about the choices we make despite our struggles. Every day, we face our own battles, our own crossroads. The Tanya empowers us to recognize that while we may not have control over every thought or feeling that arises, we have ultimate control over how we act.
So, as you go about your day, remember the message of the banoni. Be kind, be honest, and choose the good path, even when it's hard. Your actions define you, not your internal conflicts. Strive to be a banoni, and you'll find yourself walking a path of righteousness, one good deed at a time.
This podcast was produced and sponsored by Daniel Aharonoff.