Tanya is relatable to everyone; Lines from Tanya which express this; Like any other profound subject you will gain depth as time goes on
By the Grace of G-d
24th of Shevat, 5713
Brooklyn, NY
Greeting and Blessing:
I have received your letter of the 6th of Shevat, in which you describe your studies at the Yeshivah, and express your bewilderment at not finding anything to take out from the shiur of Tanya, although you have already reached chapter 18.
I am greatly surprised that you cannot follow the shiur although as you state, the Rabbi explains it well. No doubt this is the result of interference by the yetzer.
You also write that something tells you that the Tanya is only for tzaddikim; this is wrong of course, for apart from the fact that the very name itself - Sefer Shel Beinonim - clearly defines itself, it is also explained in the hakdomo and in chapter 17; as well as in other places that it is intended for all. The best proof is in the fact that all those who studied the Tanya (not allowing the yetzer-horo to hinder them) have benefited so much as to be completely transformed.
As to your complaint that you have found nothing to take out from the Tanya, I will point out some lines which are obviously full of meaning. For example, in chapter 6 page 20, in the ten lines from the 7th to the 17th, you will find enough material to occupy your mind for hours and days; likewise the first four lines of page 19; or on page 14, from the end of the 5th line to the 10th. In the same way you will find some lines on each page which will inspire you to Ahavas-Hashem and Yiras-Hashem, and the more you will think about these meaningful teachings the higher you will rise spiritually. In the course of a letter it is impossible to say more about it, but the Roshei HaYeshivah and senior Talmidim will surely help you if you will ask them.
The important thing is not to be discouraged, for to learn Tanya is like learning any other profound subject. In the same way as when you begin Gemoro, or even Chumash, you cannot expect to delve very deeply in it as you will years later, so with the Tanya you will gain depth as the time goes on, and your mind will grasp more and more of the Chassiduth.
I am pleased to hear that you are a Madrich helping younger children to understand more of Yiddishkeit. Helping others understand is a Segulah for G-d’s help to give you, too, a deeper understanding.
With the blessing of Talmud Torah B’yiras Shomaim,
By Nissan Mindel,
Secy.
