Garments of the Soul

The signature metaphor in Tanya to describe all human activity, popping up in some form or another on almost every page, is clothing. Life, according to Tanya, is less about who you are and more about what you wear.

A critique of the three negative blessings, "that I was not made a woman... a slave... a non-Jew," gives way to a mystical teaching on three modes of soulful expression, and ultimately to a reminder that the soul's essence lies beyond all expression.

At times my mind wanders off and I imagine myself committing crimes. I’ve always felt that there is nothing wrong with these thoughts because I do not actually follow through and commit the crime. What do you think?

The difference between who you are and what you do.

I felt completely inadequate. Me? Help the Jewish people? When I didn't even identify as a Jew?

This class discusses the kabbalistic and spiritual meaning of garments which are the source to physical clothing; this sheds light on the Torah laws relating to dress.

Jewish mystics teach that by dressing in a proper manner we increase loving-kindness in the world.

Understanding the Worlds

The human form provides a model in which the worlds are enclothed

'Who clothes the naked.'