Opening the Tanya: Discovering the Moral and Mystical Teachings of a Classic Work of Kabbalah

As a novice student of Kabbalah and Chassidut I found Rabbi Stiensaltz' 'Opening The Tanya' a great introduction to this classic work. To me, it was inspiring, challenging, thought provoking and sobering. Beautiful in its exposition, I found that it brought clarity and perspective to the language of Kabbalah. It is revealing in its discussion of the human soul, the quest, the conflict, and our innate duality. This is a book I will revisit and use in my studies. I highly recommend this work for those intent on expanding their hearts and souls toward their Creator. I am currently reading volume two, 'Learning from The Tanya' and find it's seamless continuation an invitation to ascent and vigilence in the pursuit of Godliness.

One of the best translations, I only wish it had the accompanying Hebrew. Service is un-real. Next day delivery!

Rabbi Steinsaltz is the author of numerous books on mysticism and Kabbalah, including the critically acclaimed Opening the Tanya, the first volume in his series of companion guides to the Tanya, and the modern classic The Thirteen Petalled Rose. Learning from the Tanya offers a key for unlocking the mysteries of one of the most extraordinary books of moral teachings ever written. A seminal document in the study of Kabbalah, the Tanya explores and solves the dilemmas of the human soul by arriving at the root causes of its struggles. Though it is a classic Jewish spiritual text, the Tanya and its commentary take a broad and comprehensive approach that is neither specific to Judaism nor tied to a particular personality type or time or point of view. In LEARNING FROM THE TANYA, Steinsaltz speaks to readers on all levels of familiarity with Kabbalah and provides an eye-opening and easily comprehensible line-by-line commentary on chapters 13-26 of the Tanya, a seminal work of Hasidic thought. Throughout his commentary, Steinsaltz offers many insights into basic concepts in Jewish mysticism through the use of metaphors, parables, and real-life stories of the Hasidic masters, helping him to transform an often cryptic source text into applicable life lessons and a formula for spiritual growth. In line with the goal of the Tanya itself, Rabbi Steinsaltz aims to reveal the root causes of human failings and to devise comprehensive solutions," thus directing readers in their quest for self-improvement and achieving closeness to God. LEARNING FROM THE TANYA seeks to explain the role of humanity in the world and their place vis-à-vis God. To that end, Steinsaltz boldly addresses fundamental questions of spiritual existence, such as: * What is the meaning of truth? * How can one understand the nature of human experience? * How does one grow closer to God when He feels so far away? * What does it mean to serve God? * Can one approach God without love in his/her heart? * How does God sustain the existence of the physical world? This book is a torch of wisdom and enlightenment. It will lead you toward the light and knowledge. - By Tamara. L.R and Paul Rosenberg

Rabbi Steinsaltz for many years gave a shiur on Thursday evenings in the 'Chovvei Tsion' shul. At one point anyway, he gave 'shiurim' on Tanya. I attended these shiurim on and off for a few years. I would always look for some insight I could take home with me , while understanding that I would not really follow the whole argument, or understand the text comprehensively. A book like the present one provides a certain introduction and entree to a very difficult text. There is much to learn from it.

I just received this book and have read only the introductory matierial and chapter one as yet, but this is a book I will keep in my home library. Each line(s) of the Tanya is explained by Rabbi Steinsaltz in language that even allows one not trained in Kabbalah and Hassidism to understand. As a Christian who is studying Kabbalah, this book has opened a new and deeper understanding for me of many of the teachings in Kabbalah by tying them to verses in the Torah, Talmud, and other writings which would otherwise be inaccessible to me. Rabbi Steinsaltz has helped me wade into the waters of Rabbi Ashlag's writings as well. A book for seekers after Wisdom.