* Translation by Yehoshua Siskin
Today, on the 24th of Tevet, 213 years ago, Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, founder of the Chabad Hasidic movement, passed away. He is also known as the "Alter Rebbe" who wrote Sefer HaTanya, the foundational writing of Chabad. Here are three thoughts from this book to be learned in his memory on the day of his passing:
1. “The second soul of a Jew is truly ‘a portion of God’ from above.” Each of us has an “animal soul” where our cravings and lusts exist, but there is also a second soul, a “Divine soul” that comes from above and attaches us to holiness and to God. It is essential to have this awareness, that we have a soul within us that is truly a part of God.
2. “The brain rules the heart.” Sometimes the culture around us cajoles us to go with the flow, to do whatever we feel like doing. However, a person has the capacity to rule over every desire with their conscious will, to exercise restraint, and govern their passions. This is not easy, but it’s possible. The brain is stronger than the heart and every emotion begins with a thought. If we can purify our thoughts, our desires will follow suit.
3. “A small amount of physical light dispels much darkness, which is automatically pushed away”. Just as this is true regarding physical light, it is true regarding spiritual light as well. We may occupy ourselves all day long with our failures and sins, but if we add mitzvot, good deeds, light, holiness and joy to our daily experience, our spiritual darkness will disappear on its own.
In his memory.
