Core Concepts Tanya: Chapter 33

Brief recap of Chapter 33:

1. Chapter 33 returns to the idea of finding joy in our service of Hashem, specifically in knowing that when we do Torah/mitzvot it is akin to redeeming the Divine from captivity. And no joy can compare to that!

2. The basic idea is that we can find joy in developing a proper perspective of where we fit into Hashem's master plan. Like the Magic Eye images, when we look at the world, we usually see static and undefined lines, however, if we learn how to look, we see the picture woven within.

3. We've spoken before about Hashem's unity, and how it means that, not only is Hashem the one Creator and ultimate power of the universe, but also nothing exists but Him. Even this created world is still part of Him, nor did it effect any change in Him when it was created. How can this be so? Because Hashem created the world through speech, ten sayings to be specific. Compare these ten sayings to all the words a person can speak in a lifetime, compare these few words to the ultimate power of Hashem. Ten sayings doesn't really compare. Think of a candle at night, then think of a candle by day. Of what good is a candle in the daylight, in that it's no longer a source of light compared to the sun? This is Hashem's unity, all is nullified before Him.

4. Deeply contemplating and meditating on these ideas is what leads to joy, because herein lies the purpose of creation. The whole world was created so that we lowly mortal human beings reveal G-dliness in a physical world. This is not something an angel can do. This is not something an animal can do. This is not something a soul in the highest of heavens can do. Only us, here in this world, can reveal G-dliness. And it doesn't matter who we are or what level of holiness we're at. Each time we engage in Torah/Mitzvot, we reveal G-dliness. In other words, we make this world a "dwelling place" for Hashem.

5. Why does this cause joy? Imagine a regular peasant has the chance to spend some time with the king. Not only that, but the king visits the peasant in his home. joy the peasant must feel! This is the same joy when we realize that Torah/Mitzvot make us and our homes a place for Hashem. He comes to our house!

6. This is why we give thanks every day for the tremendous inheritance we received from our patriarchs, this mission and purpose which allows us to reveal Hashem in this world. As mentioned before, inheritance is not something we have to work for but automatically received as part of the Jewish people. When we do what we should, we experience this absolute unity of Hashem.

7. Our Sages teach that we have 613 mitzvot, and the prophet Chavakuk based them all on one, faith. As is written, "A tzaddik lives by his faith." Why? Because faith in Hashem and in the Divine plan is what leads us to the fulfillment of all the other mitzvot. Knowing and trusting and believing that we are where we need to be, when we need to be, with what we need to be to fulfill our specific mission in this world, in other words Divine Providence. Moreover, a tzaddik lives by his faith means that we can be rejuvenated by our faith. If things get tough, if we're feeling jaded or dejected, we have our faith to rely upon and lift us up. Consider, HOW CAN ANYTHING STAND IN THE WAY OF HASHEM'S WILL IF THERE IS NOTHING APART FROM HASHEM?! Whatever is happening is ALL part of His plan!

8. Embracing, developing, realizing this faith, which leads to Torah/Mitzvot, is how we reveal Hashem in this world, this is how we transform dark into light. And there's no greater joy for Hashem than the transformation of dark into light, specifically because a light that follows darkness is a superior kind of light. The Rebbe compares it to someone stumbling around in a dark room, growing frustrated because he can't find anything. Then someone turns on the light and all frustration vanishes. Everything is so clearly seen now. This is the revelation of Hashem in this world. This is Moshiach times.

9. All this is the basis and source of our joy in serving Hashem, knowing our purpose and the effect of our actions in this world. This is why the verse says "let Israel rejoice in its Maker!" Why refer to Hashem as "Maker" and not another term like Creator? Because the Hebrew for Maker relates to the Hebrew world "Asiyah," which is the name for this physical world that we live in, the lowest of all worlds. (Lowest referring to where Hashem is least revealed.) It is specifically in this world that we elicit the greatest joy from Hashem, when the people of this lowest world subdue the negative forces denying G-d's unity and reveal G-dliness in this world. Through this we partner with Hashem in fulfilling the purpose of creation. Us humans are the only ones who can make this happen, and this is certainly cause for the most tremendous joy.