Tanya classes – Rabbi Krasnianski: The Epistle on Repentance (Igeret HaTeshuva) ch. 7 - 12

In the language of the Zohar, the lower level of repentance entails returning the latter hei of the Four-Letter Name of G‑d to its rightful place — returning the Shechinah,

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וכמו שכתוב: וישוב אל הוי׳ וירחמהוAs the verse states:a 6 “He shall return to G‑d and He will have compassion for him”; i.e., the sinner shall return to G‑d and have compassion for

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והב׳: לבטש ולהכניע הקליפה והסטרא אחראThe second element [in one’s preparation for a true and direct path to repentance] is to crush and subdue the kelipah and sitra achra,” align=”right

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והאיך נשברה רוח הסטרא אחרא, כשהלב נשבר ונדכה וכו׳How is the spirit of the sitra achra broken? When the heart is broken and contrite…. 14

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להתבונן במה שפעל ועשה בחטאיו, בחינת גלות השכינה כנ״לto contemplate how through his sins he has brought about the exile of the Divine Presence, as noted above,וגרם לעקור נשמתו ונפשו האלקית

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ולכן סידרו בקריאת שמע שעל המטה, לקבל עליו ד׳ מיתות בית דין וכו׳For this reason it was ordained that in the course of Keriat Shema at the bedside 33 one

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Two basic elements, as the Alter Rebbe made clear in the previous chapter, enable the lower level of repentance to be true and direct: (a) considering how one’s soul and its Source, the Shechinah, are to be pitied, and arousing Supreme compassion upon them

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וכן ממש למטה בנפש האלקית שבאדםJust as there is a restoration of the hei Above, exactly so below in the Divine soul within man,שוב אין

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וזו היא תשובה שלימהThis is perfect return – Teshuvah.והנה בחינת יחוד זה ותשובה זו היא בחינת תשובה עילאה, שלאחר תשובה תתאהThis state of

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The Alter Rebbe explained at the conclusion of the previous chapter that through teshuvah ila’ah, the higher level of repentance, the soul is totally cleansed and purified. It then ascends and cleaves to G‑d with the same degree of

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The Alter Rebbe explained at the conclusion of the previous chapter that through teshuvah ila’ah, the higher level of repentance, the soul is totally cleansed and purified. It then ascends and cleaves to G‑d with the same degree of

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והנה עיקר האהבה היא אתדבקות רוחא ברוחאAhavah, the love of G‑d, is primarily the cleaving of spirit to Spirit, 3″ align

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ולפי שפגם הברית בהוצאת זרע לבטלהSince the violation of the covenant through wasteful emission,ואין צריך לומר בעריות, או שאר איסורי ביאה דאורייתא או דרבנן

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The theme of the previous chapter was teshuvah ila’ah and how it finds expression in the “cleaving of spirit to Spirit” — through Torah study, tzedakah and acts of lovingkindness.-heb” dir

He must also perform all the mitzvot, as it is written,9 “He has sanctified us with His commandments.”

He must also perform all the mitzvot, as it is written,9 “He has sanctified us with His commandments.”

This subject, simultaneously harboring contrite humility in the heart — the state of teshuvah tata’ah, as explained — and the above — mentioned [contrary emotion of] joy in G‑d, that is also necessary for the service of prayer,

This subject, simultaneously harboring contrite humility in the heart — the state of teshuvah tata’ah, as explained — and the above — mentioned [contrary emotion of] joy in G‑d, that is also necessary for the service of prayer,

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בלי שום ספק וספק ספיקא בעולם[The worshiper offers supplications such as the above] without the faintest vestige of doubt.וכמו שאנו מברכין בכל תפלת שמונה עשרה: תיכף שמבקשים סלח לנו כו’, ברוך אתה

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Now if mere mortals are also expected to forgive instantly, what kind of praise is it that we offer the Infinite One in Shemoneh Esreh (the Amidah) by ascribing a like attribute to Him? This is the question that the Alter Rebbe now anticipates:

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וכל החטאים שמתוודים בעל חטא מדי שנה, אף שחזר ועבר עליהםAs to all the sins for which we confess in the Al Chet annually, though repeatedly violated,” align

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ומה שכתוב: וחטאתי נגדי תמידAs to the verse that says,a 20 “My sin is always before me,”אין המכוון להיות תמיד עצב נבזה, חס ושלום/p

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The Alter Rebbe explained in the previous chapter that although a penitent should always remember his past sins, his recollection should not lead to a state of ongoing depression or shame; such an attitude would cripple the cardinal principle of serving _item