This class explores the ויפח, the allusion to Hashem creating the נשמה by blowing. The idea is explained in the topic of גבורה; which means two things: 1) It takes גבורה to unify opposites; in this case, a נשמה and a physical body. 2) Only while in the body does the true גבורה of the…

This class explained one idea only: the dichotomy in the words חלק אלוק ממעל ממש. A) חלק אלוק ממעל: there is nothing more lofty and spiritual than a Neshama. B) ממש: There is nothing that can descend as low as a Yiddisher Neshama. The combination of the highest high and the lowest low tells what…

The Neshama is called “the second Soul”. It is a part of G-d above Mamosh. 1) This qualified by two ideas: A Chassidic form: חלק אלוקה ממעל ממש, as it was blown (rather than spoken) by Hashem into our nostrils. A Kabbalistic form: we come from מחשבה and חכמה like all children (have their parent’s…

Another idea associated with the Kochos is that it inhibits, limits, and gives finite expression to the infinite soul כחות הנפש מבטאים גילויי הנפש בהגבלה ובהתחלקות. This allows the Neshama and the person to operate in a finite world and to co-exist with other Neshamos and to even make compromise.

Introduction: The Neshama’s three levels: 1) Etzem, 2) Kochos and 3) Levushim. Chapter 2 dealt with Etzem, Chapter 4 will deal with Levushim and our Perek will deal with Kochos. The idea of נשתלשלו מהם, that בצלמינו כדמותינו in חקירה means intelligence, but in קבלה it means that all the aspects that exist in אלקות…

3. Kunteres Acharon 5-9. Essay 5 is some more notes of a very abstract nature (connected pretty directly to the previous essay). It deals with the mystical value of studying halachos that don’t never have nor ever will be of practical worth. He explains that all Torah effects a birur at least on high. Essay…

This class has three separate audio files. a. Introduction, b. Essay, c. Notes. 2. Kunteres Acharon 4. Lehavin Ma Shekasuv biPri Etz Chayim. Introduction. Essay. Notes. This essay may be the most difficult section in all of the Tanya. Its form is very mystical. It addresses first of all the effects of prayer. Then begins…

14. Letter 31-32. 1.Kunteres Acharon 1-3. Letter 31 deals with the concept of illness mystically and explains the notion of ailment “on high”. Letter 32 deals with tzedaka. The masculine and feminine levels of giving. K. Acharon 1-3 are notes on Tanya (section 1) chapter 40. They address the importance of doing physical acts of…

13. Letter 29-30. Letter 29 explains the concept of halachos; why they are considered the crown of Torah. He explains that Mitzvos are Ratzon (from Sovev) and can therefore be a vessel to hold the Ein Sof Taanug (delight which is the highest idea of Sovev).

12. Letter 27-28. Letter 27 and 28 both deal with the issue of histalkus (passing) of a Tzadik. The difference is that Letter 27 deals with the histalkus of a Rebbe (Neshama Klalis) while 28 deals with the histalkus of a Tzadik. The contents of the respective letters reflect this. Letter 27 was written to…