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Tanya

“It is a wonder how [the author] managed to put such a great G-d into such a small book.”
— Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev Beis Rebbe, 63b

Welcome to Tanya!

The Tanya is the foundational book of Chabad Chasidism and is often referred to as “the written Torah’’ of Chasidus. It was authored in 1797 by the Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi (1745-1812), the first Chabad Rebbe.

The Tanya utilizes both traditional and Kabalistic Jewish works to illustrate how authentic Divine service, spiritual growth and emotional refinement is real and achievable for every Jew.

The Tanya is comprised of five sections, or books:

  1. Likkutei Amarim (Also called Sefer Shel Beinonim)
    53 Chapters
    Guidance and inspiration for the service of G-d
  2. Shaar Hayichud V’Haemuna
    12 Chapters
    A portal to understanding the oneness of Hashem and His providence
  3. Igeret Hateshuva
    12 Chapters
    A compendium on repentance
  4. Igeret Hakodesh
    32 Letters
    Correspondences between The Alter Rebbe and his disciples containing instruction and guidance on the topic of Avodat Hashem, the service of G-d.
  5. Kuntrus Acharon
    9 Essays
    Highly original treatise on mystical topics within the study of Kabbalah

The Tanya Study Schedule

Every year, we complete a circuit of the study of all 5 books of the Tanya. The cycle begins on the 19th of Kislev, a day known as “the new year” of Chasidus, and is completed the following year on the 18th of Kislev.

To complete this cycle, one should ideally study Tanya every day in conjunction with morning prayers.

Can’t get to it first thing in the morning? Don’t worry: you can study or recite it at any point during the day.

Make the Most of Tanya

For the sake of Chitas, “It is not necessary that it be understood profoundly, rather that one should simply read and study the text [on a basic level].”

In addition to the basic study, it is recommended that you endeavor to come away from your daily Tanya review with a lesson or meaningful thought that you can carry throughout the day.

— Sefer Haminhagim, p. 20

Reap the Benefits of Tanya Study

The book of Tanya removes all spiritual calamities, removes all challenges and concealments; it transforms a curse into a blessing. With it, the Jews will greet Moshiach. A chapter of Tanya brings an abundance of blessings and success.
— Igros Kodesh Rayatz, vol. 4, p. 269

There are many great reasons to learn Tanya every day, but for many it is a daily dose of spiritual inspiration and a compass towards fulfilling the purpose of creation. Learning Tanya is a daily dose of the mystical, kabbalistic dimension of the Torah, which has the power to energize and uplift a man.
“Learning the Tanya—even reciting the words of Tanya—has the power to unleash the unyielding power of your soul, and to energize your Divine service.”
— Kitzurim Vehaoros p. 124

The book of Tanya is an incense which can disinfect all spiritual calamities.
— Rabbi Yehuda Leib Hakohen, student of the Mezritcher Maggid, Kitzurim Vehaoros p. 125

With the book of Tanya will the Jewish people greet Moshiach.
— Rabbi Zushe of Anipoli, Kitzurim Vehaoros p. 125

Studying a line in Tanya has not only a spiritual effect, it also has concrete material results.
— Rabbi Sholom Dovber of Lubavitch, Sefer Hasichos 1943, p. 63

Practice of the Sages, Throughout the Ages

As early as 1797, just after the first printing of Tanya, Chasidim began learning a chapter of Tanya every week, with some studying as much as a chapter a day.
— Kitzurim Vehaoros, p. 123

In 1943, the Previous Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneerson, of righteous memory, established the daily study cycle of Tanya as part of the daily “Chitas” study schedule (upon which Chayenu is founded).

 

 

77 Tanya Chayenu   Companion Booklet   Full   V311