Tanya Chapter 1 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What are the three translations of the word Tanya?

to learn (correct)

strength when we learn Tanya well it strengthens our neshama (correct)

name of a type of קליפה (correct)

none of the above

Who makes a swear and what is the swear?

Our neshamos promise to be a צדיק and not a רשע.

Explain the word משביעים.

It can mean to swear/promise, to satisfy, and relates to refining the seven מידות.

Why do we make this promise?

It is what we are told, although we don't fully understand. Signup and view all the answers

What is the problem with ואפילו כל העולם כולו...הי' בעניך כרשע?

It can lead to depression if we see ourselves as a רשע. Signup and view all the answers

What are the five levels of a Jew according to פשט?

צדיק וטוב לו, צדיק ורע לו, רשע וטוב לו, רשע ורע לו, בינוני. Signup and view all the answers

What are the five levels of a Jew according to חסידות?

צדיק וטוב לו, צדיק ורע לו, רשע וטוב לו, רשע ורע לו, בינוני. Signup and view all the answers

How does the גמרה explain the two types of צדיק?

צדיק וטוב לו is a complete צדיק, while צדיק ורע לו suffers in this world. Signup and view all the answers

How does the זוהר explain the essence of the צדיק ורע לו?

The inside bad is controlled by the good. Signup and view all the answers

What is the real name of the צדיק, רשע, and בינוני?

צדיק is controlled by the נ'A, רשע is controlled by the נ'B, and בינוני is controlled by the נ'A. Signup and view all the answers

What did רבה say about being a בינוני?

Rבה said that he is an example of a בינוני. Signup and view all the answers

What was אביי's complaint to ה'?

He complained about the existence of צדיקים and wicked people and questioned how ה' could punish them. Signup and view all the answers

What does the גמרה say about free choice?

Before coming into this world, a מאלך decides who will be a רשע or צדיק. Signup and view all the answers

How does כגון אנא בינוני show that a בינוני is not 1/2 and 1/2?

Because רבה never stopped learning Torah, making it impossible for him to have done any bad. Signup and view all the answers

Why can't we say that a בינוני does not do any bad?

Even if a person does one עבירה, they are considered a רשע. Signup and view all the answers

What is שם המושאל and שם התואר?

both A and B Signup and view all the answers

What is a צדיק's real name?

A person that is controlled by their יצר't. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Tanya: Chapter One Study Notes

Tanya Translations
- Translates to "to learn."
- Strengthens the neshama (soul) through proper study.
- Refers to a type of קליפה (clipa or shell).
Soul's Promise
- Neshamos promise to be a צדיק (righteous person) to overcome life's challenges.
- Commitment empowers the soul in its earthly journey.
Meaning of משביעים
- Implies "to swear" or "to promise."
- Suggests satisfaction associated with fulfilling obligations.
- Relates to the seven מידות (character traits) that require refinement.
Purpose of the Promise
- It's an inherent directive that remains unclear to us.
Potential Misinterpretation
- Viewing oneself as a רשע (wicked person) can lead to despair or actual wickedness.
Five Levels of a Jew (Simple Understanding)
- צדיק וטוב לו: Consistently observant and rewarded in both worlds.
- צדיק ורע לו: Observant but faces misfortunes.
- רשע וטוב לו: Engages in wrongdoing yet experiences a good life.
- רשע ורע לו: Primarily engages in wrongdoing and experiences hardship.
- בינוני: Balances between good and bad actions.
Five Levels of a Jew (Chassidic Understanding)
- צדיק וטוב לו: Transformed evil inclinations into good.
- צדיק ורע לו: Struggles but preserves a faint good inclination.
- רשע וטוב לו: Exhibits a combination of good and bad behaviors.
- רשע ורע לו: Engages predominantly in bad actions.
- בינוני: Engages only in mitzvos (commandments).
Gemara's Explanation on צדיק Types
- צדיק וטוב לו: A complete tzadik enjoying rewards in both earthly and heavenly realms.
- צדיק ורע לו: Incomplete tzadik experiencing worldly suffering for future reward.
Zohar's View on the Essence of צדיק ורע לו
- The inner negative tendencies are managed by the goodness within.
Real Names of Character Types
- צדיק is governed by the נ"א (good inclination).
- רשע is governed by the נ"ב (evil inclination).
- בינוני is influenced by both inclinations.
Rabba's Example as a בינוני
- Claims to embody a בינוני, raising concerns about the validity of such a self-assessment if no room for true צדיקים exists.
- Suggests that a true בינוני cannot be equally split between good and evil.
Abaye's Complaint to God
- Questions the purpose of creating both righteous and wicked individuals if punishment is incurred.
- Acknowledges that free choice exists, yet some souls may be predetermined for righteousness.
Contradictions in Free Choice
- A מלאך (angel) determines one's destiny before birth, raising questions about the nature of free will.
Rabba's Continuous Learning
- Illustrates that a true בינוני cannot partake in wrongdoing if he is perpetually engaged in Torah study.
Definition of Righteousness
- Any single transgression can label a person a רשע, including negligence in learning Torah or performing commandments.
Concept of שם המושאל and שם התואר
- שם התואר: Actual name based on virtue.
- שם המושאל: Nickname/borrowed term reflecting behavior.
- Indicates that distinctions between צדיק and בינוני are internal, despite external similarities.
Real Name of a צדיק
- Defined as a person under the influence of their good inclination.

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Test your knowledge of key concepts from Chapter 1 of Tanya. This quiz covers important definitions and translations related to the teachings of Tanya, focusing on the neshama and its commitments. Perfect for those studying Jewish philosophy and spirituality.