Core Concepts Tanya: Chapter 37

Brief recap of Chapter 37:

1. Chapter 37 wraps up the fundamental idea that the entire purpose of creation is for us to learn Torah and do mitzvot in this physical world; all that exists in the world is a means to that end.
For example, this chapter shows how we can elevate and reveal G-d in the (a) animal world, parchment made from a cow to write a Sefer Torah, (b) vegetative world, esrog for the mitzvah of lulav and esrog, and (c) inanimate world, giving money to tzedakah. Additionally, we verbalize words of Torah study and prayer, and thus, we reveal G-dlines in this physical world.

2. This revelation is entirely dependent upon our actions, which is why the verse teaches that the very mitzvah creates its own reward. Unlike a laborer who doesn't create the money he's paid in wages, fulfilling a mitzvah reveals a great light and causes a great elevation in the world, and that is the ultimate reward. As we've learned, the G-dly soul is perfect and doesn't need polishing or fixing, so it's descent into this world doesn't make sense. However, it is sent to guide the body and animal soul toward Torah and mitzvah, thereby elevating and bringing light into the world.

3. Every Jewish soul--no matter which level it stems from or what level of holiness it reaches--has a part of the world which "belongs" to it, and is responsible for revealing G-dliness in that slice of the world. There are 600,000 "root" souls of the Jewish people, so each has its one six-hundred-thousandth part to perfect through Torah and mitzvot. Moreover, the food and drink and whatever sustains us in fulfilling Hashem's will is also elevated. Divine Providence means we end up in certain places specifically because it's part of the "slice" we've been entrusted to elevate. This makes us partners with Hashem in creation, as our actions bring about the ultimate intent of creation.

4. Each time we elevate a part of the world, each day we bring about revelation, we make the world a brighter place, a place where G-d can be seen. Ultimately, we create a world of absolute light, a place where darkness and negative forces cannot find a toehold so they vanish completely, just as darkness is negated with just the presence of light. This is the world of Moshiach, a time when we will see how G-d truly exists in the world, a time when there will be no negativity or evil because the world will be wholly light.

5. The Tanya places particular emphasis on the mitzvah of tzedakah, particularly because it is the only mitzvah with such wide-ranging elevation. Not only is the money we give elevated, but also everything that went into earning that money and giving it to tzedakah. "Tzedakah hastens the Messianic redemption," because of how much the world and animal soul are elevated in the moment of giving.

6. The Tanya also teaches the uniqueness of Torah study. Unlike prayer, which is referred to as "calling to G-d," Torah study is "calling to G-d in truth." Prayers effect change in the physical world, for physical needs, Torah study occurs in our thought and on the spiritual plane, ergo a higher level which also draws down a greater ray of Divine light. This expression of calling is similar to when a child calls to his father, or one friend to another, what they're calling to is the essence of the person, their core. The same level of calling and connection occurs in Torah study to Hashem's essence.

7. So what's more important? Where should we direct our energies? Well, Torah study connects us with Hashem and teaches us how to act, but at the end of the day "the essential thing is not study, but deed." Every mitzvah we do lights up a part of the world forever and for good.