In conjunction with his 200th Yahrtzeit on 24 Teves 5773/2013 these classes were given on the hakdamos of three of his Sefarim. The Tanya. Introduction to the Tanya was written by the Alter Rebbe himself and reveals the interest of Chassidim in Chassidus and the difficulties in acquiring it.

A series of classes on the life of the Alter Rebbe given at Yeshivas Chovevai Torah, beginning in Adar 5773/2013. Class Sixteen. The Tanya. This class (begins) explores the history of the Tanya, and its four stages: 1) Yechidus, 2) Ma’amarim, 3) Manuscript, ‘kuntreisim, 4) The printed Tanya. This class has some detail on Yechidus.

Tanya (1) Ki Karov. – Ki Karov Beinoni – It is Close To You… (Directed to a Beinoni)This series is based on 1) title page, 2) beg Ch 16, 3) beg Ch 17, [4) beg Ch 8,] 5) End Ch 19, 6) beg Ch 25, 7) Chapter 35There are two types of Beinoni using different…

Tanya Chapter 14 Class 5 (114)Class 5 on Perek 14  This class presents an analysis of the tzadik in matters of the heart – “Dovor ha-masur lilev” (things that have to do with the heart).  The meaning of a tzadik is that he loves Hashem and hates evil.  If a person has some evil inside…

Teshuva is done by doing more good (Ig Hateshuva Ch 9), a little more (Ch 15) a lot more (Ch 30).

Tanya Chapter 14 Class 4 (113).The focus of this class is to clarify that Hashem did not create us to be perfect – He created us to be ourselves.  Two approaches to Avodas Hashem as a Beinoni are contrasted: with and without emotion.   The avodah of serving Hashem with no feelings – with kabbalos…

Tanya Chapter 14 Class 3 (112)Class 3 on Perek 14 begins a discussion of “ahava misuteres” that will be stated in detail in Perek 18-19.  The Alter Rebbe refers to “ahava misuteres” here without explanation.  Rabbi Paltiel explains “ahava misuteres” and how it differs from other types of love and why it is an essential…

Tanya Chapter 14 Class 2 (111)NOTES:Tanya Perek 14 (2) :  “Middos ha Beinoni: Minute to Minute Self Control”0:00 – Introduction: This class is a second pass through Perek 14 withmore detailed analysis. In the previous class on Perek 14 the page wasread and translated up to the last line “I don’t want to be such…

Tanya Chapter 14 Class 1 (110)0:00 – 4:16 Intro to the perek4:16 –  5:38 Perek 14 is a new Beinoni – the Middos HaBeinoni.  Madregas HaBeinoni describes a personality (inyan from mehus) versus Middos HaBeinoni which describes a behavior.  You have to be somebody and you have to do something.  5:39    Begin to read inside…

Tanya Chapter 13 Class 5 (109)To the Tzadik, what the Beinoni does is false, as the Possuk indicates שפת אמת תכן לעד (if it’s true it’s forever) ועד ארגיעה לשון שקר (what is temporary is a lie.)But to the Beinoni [and the Alter Rebbe himself הריני קורא…] it is Emes1) He can reawaken the Hisorerus…