Articles (2)
The Tanya on Charity in Times of Hardship
In one of the most moving letters of the Iggeret HaKodesh, Chapter 16, the Baal HaTanya speaks to a community struggling with poverty. His words are not merely historical counsel but an eternal call, addressing the tension we all feel between limited means and unlimited responsibility. Even during times of hardship, he insists, the obligation to give tzedakah—charity—does not disappear. Rather, this act of compassion deepens.
Tzedakah’s Mystical Power in the Tanya: The Cosmic Chainmail
In the teachings of the Baal Hatanya, Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, tzedakah (charity) isn’t just about giving money; it’s presented within a unique and intricate mystical framework in Part IV (Chapter 3) of the Tanya, called Igeret HaKodesh. This chapter dives deep into the spiritual workings and cosmic effects of giving, showing tzedakah as a powerful action that truly impacts both the spiritual and physical worlds creating a protective barrier like a cosmic chainmail suit or armor. The Baal Hatanya starts by referencing a pasuk and its commentary, then carefully reveals the inner dimensions of this crucial commandment and the vast scope of Tzedakah’s mystical power.