Tanya* is the foundation of Chasiddus* Chabad*. It is also called by Chassidim* "the Torah shabiksav" (the written Torah) of Chassidus. The Rebbe once defined Chassidus as the "Etzem" - the essential core of Torah encompassing all parts of Torah. The Rebbe compared it to oil in the way that when mixed with any other ingredient, it always rises to the top. Also, when in it goes into something it penetrates through and through. Chassidus is the same way. It is the highest level of serving Hashem* and therefore cannot be affected, yet it still holds a close relation to reality and once you learn it, it will penetrate you through and through.
The Rebbe writes in HaYom Yom* (9th of Adar), "When someone walks the street and thinks words of Mishna* or Tanya, or sits in his store with a Chumash* or Tehillim* - that is more valued today than it was when the streets were bright with the light of Torah. We must not go about in the street with a vacant heart. We must have some Torah memorized, to take with us into the street."
It is taught that we should learn Mishnayot* for the deceased, because the word "Mishna" is written with the same letters as "Nishama",soul, and therefore helps the nishama to be uplifted in gan eden. Tanya is also written with the same letters as "eitan", strength, which represents the ultimate core of the nishama. Obviously, then, Tanya has a similar power as mishnayot, if not greater.
Click here for a story the Rebbe once related which brings out the great importance of learning Tanya in general, and particularly the power of learning tanya by heart.
This is a secure link
Join in this great campaign!! Your donation will help support the awards given to the students to encourage them in learning Tanya by heart in Honor of Nosson
