* Translated by Janine Muller Sherr
A few days ago, a girl approached me on the street and said: “Remember a few years ago you wrote about learning daily from the Tanya?”.
I did remember writing about this. On the 19th of Kislev, the day that the founder of Chabad, Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, was released from the Russian prison 226 years ago. It is the custom to complete the study of the Tanya and to start again from the beginning each year. Rabbi Shneur Zalman (known as the Alter Rebbe) was the author of the Tanya, a book which explores the purpose of life and offers guidance how to serve God.
“I read what you wrote,” continued the girl, “and I started to study the Tanya. I didn’t even know what it was, but I started to learn a bit every day. It has influenced my life in so many ways. What an incredible discovery!".
Then she went on to share with me how her life has changed since she discovered the Tanya; how it has served as an anchor for her and has helped her to hold on to a sense of purpose and to feel joy even during this turbulent time.
Needless to say, I was very moved to hear this.
Tonight she sent me an email: “I just wanted to confirm that you remember: Tonight is the 19th of Kislev. Please write again that people should begin to study the Tanya and, in this way, bring Hasidism into their lives. Classes are available on YouTube, and you can also learn from books and material online. I can’t even imagine what my life would be like if I hadn’t begun this journey at age 14…”.
So I am following her advice and writing this message again. I would love to meet you on the street in a few years and hear your story...
