The Likkutei Amarim Tanya – and its Relevance to Modern Jewish Thought

The Likkutei Amarim, commonly known as the Tanya, is a seminal work of Hasidic philosophy written by Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, the founder of the Chabad movement. Published in 1797, the Tanya serves as a foundational text for Chabad Hasidism and has had a profound impact on Jewish thought and practice.

The Tanya presents a systematic approach to Jewish spirituality and psychology, integrating Kabbalistic concepts with practical guidance for spiritual growth and ethical living. Its enduring relevance to modern Jewish thought stems from its unique synthesis of mystical ideas and everyday application, addressing perennial questions of human nature, divine service, and the struggle between good and evil.

One of the Tanya’s most significant contributions is its conception of the Benoni, a key concept in understanding human spiritual potential. The Benoni, often translated as the “intermediate man,” represents an attainable ideal for the average person striving for spiritual growth.

Definition of the Benoni:

The Benoni is defined in the Tanya as an individual who has not eradicated their evil inclination but has gained complete control over it. Unlike the Tzaddik (righteous person) who has transformed their evil inclination into good, the Benoni still experiences negative thoughts and desires but never succumbs to them in action, speech, or even conscious thought.

Rabbi Shneur Zalman describes the Benoni in Chapter 12 of the Tanya:

“The Benoni is he in whom evil never attains enough power to capture the ‘small city’ [a metaphor for the body] to clothe itself in the body and make it sin. That is to say, the three ‘garments’ of the animal soul… namely, thought, speech and action… do not prevail in him over the divine soul to the extent of clothing themselves in the body in the brain, mouth and other organs…”

The concept of the Benoni has remained influential in modern Jewish thought for several reasons:

1. Accessible spirituality: It presents a realistic model of spiritual achievement for the average person, emphasizing constant struggle and effort rather than innate perfection.

2. Psychological insight: The Benoni concept aligns with modern psychological understandings of the human psyche, acknowledging internal conflicts while emphasizing the power of self-control.

3. Ethical framework: It provides a clear guideline for ethical behavior, focusing on actions and speech rather than solely on internal thoughts and feelings.

4. Growth mindset: The idea of the Benoni encourages continuous self-improvement and spiritual striving, resonating with contemporary ideas about personal development.

5. Integration of mysticism and practicality: The Tanya’s approach to the Benoni demonstrates how abstract Kabbalistic concepts can be applied to daily life, a model that continues to influence modern Jewish thinkers.

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Credit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Schneur_Zalman_of_Liadi.jpg | Boris Schatz

Scholars and rabbis have continued to explore and expand upon the concept of the Benoni in modern times. For example, Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz, in his commentary on the Tanya, elaborates on the psychological aspects of the Benoni, relating it to modern concepts of consciousness and self-awareness.

The Tanya’s teachings on the Benoni have also influenced contemporary Jewish approaches to mindfulness and meditation, with many modern practitioners drawing parallels between the Benoni’s constant vigilance and mindfulness techniques.

In conclusion, the Tanya and its concept of the Benoni remain highly relevant to modern Jewish thought, offering a sophisticated framework for understanding human nature, spiritual growth, and ethical living that continues to resonate with contemporary seekers and scholars alike.


References

1. Primary Source:

Shneur Zalman of Liadi. “Likkutei Amarim (Tanya).” First published in 1797.

– Specific reference: Chapter 12 for the definition of the Benoni.

2. Translations and Commentaries:

Mindel, Nissan, trans. “Likutei Amarim – Tanya.” Kehot Publication Society, 1962.

Wineberg, Yosef, trans. “Lessons in Tanya.” Kehot Publication Society, 1998.

Steinsaltz, Adin. “Opening the Tanya: Discovering the Moral and Mystical Teachings of a Classic Work of Kabbalah.” Jossey-Bass, 2003.

3. Secondary Sources:

Elior, Rachel. “The Paradoxical Ascent to God: The Kabbalistic Theosophy of Habad Hasidism.” State University of New York Press, 1993.

Foxbrunner, Roman A. “Habad: The Hasidism of R. Shneur Zalman of Lyady.” University of Alabama Press, 1992.

Loewenthal, Naftali. “Communicating the Infinite: The Emergence of the Habad School.” University of Chicago Press, 1990.

4. Modern Applications and Interpretations:

Jacobson, Simon. “Toward a Meaningful Life: The Wisdom of the Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneerson.” William Morrow, 2002.

Schachter-Shalomi, Zalman. “Wrapped in a Holy Flame: Teachings and Tales of the Hasidic Masters.” Jossey-Bass, 2003.

5. Psychological Perspectives:

Levin, Jeffrey S. “Judaism and Psychology: Meeting Points.” Jason Aronson, Inc., 1997.

Twerski, Abraham J. “Self-Improvement? I’m Jewish!: Overcoming Self-Defeating Behavior.” Shaar Press, 1995.

6. Contemporary Hasidic Thought:

Schneerson, Menachem Mendel. “Likkutei Sichos.” Vaad L’Hafotzas Sichos, various volumes.

7. Academic Studies:

Etkes, Immanuel. “Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liady: The Origins of Chabad Hasidism.” Brandeis University Press, 2015.

Hallamish, Moshe. “An Introduction to the Kabbalah.” State University of New York Press, 1999.

These references provide a comprehensive foundation for understanding the Tanya, the concept of the Benoni, and their relevance in modern Jewish thought. They include primary sources, scholarly analyses, and contemporary interpretations, offering a range of perspectives on this influential text and its key ideas.

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