Clearing the Mud

Tanya Igeres Hateshuva Chapter 4a

In this week’s episode of Clearing the Mud we talk about how Teshuva is effective in every case, even for sins that the Zohar states teshuva cannot rectify. For we know that teshuva is one of G-d’s commandments and G-d does not ask of us the impossible. 

Tanya Igeres Hateshuva Chapter 3b

In this week's episode of Clearing the Mud, we are finally wrapping up the subject of fasting, yay!! Nowadays, we don't use fasting as a means to establish a stronger connection to Hashem. Instead, a common substitute is tzedakah, charity. Just as we wouldn't restrict how much we spend on our physical health, we shouldn’t limit the amount we invest in our spiritual well-being. While it is generally advised not to give more than twenty percent of our income to tzedakah, when it comes to teshuvah, our atonement, there is no limit.

Tanya Igeres Hateshuva Chapter 3a

In this week's episode of Clearing the Mud, we talk about how taking upon oneself additional fasts beyond those already on the calendar is not recommended because the generations have weakened. Instead of fasting, one should redirect that resolution toward serving Hashem with an added measure of joy. 

Tanya Igeres Hateshuva Chapter 2b

In this episode of Clearing the Mud we talk about how fasting is a way of showing Hashem that we don't just want His forgiveness after we sin, but that we love and respect Him deeply and want to be in His good graces. You can forgive someone and still not want to hang out with them. We want a mutually respectful and loving relationship with Hashem. So even though fasting is not part of the teshuvah process, it is an additional gift we give Hashem to show Him that we want to be in this loving relationship. Fasting also opens up special channels of Divine favor, which can only be accessed through this fasting. This "supernal favor" is part of Hashem’s light untouched by our sins. By giving Hashem the gift of fasting, we receive the gift of “supernal favor” in return.

Tanya Igeres Hateshuva Chapter 2a

In this episode of Clearing the Mud we talk about how when we repent for our transgressions and receive atonement, we are granted a clean slate and are no longer held accountable for that deed. In the World to Come, it won’t even be mentioned. However, atonement alone does not fully restore our relationship with Hashem. While the deed itself won’t come back to haunt you and is fully erased, we still need to work on restoring our relationship with Hashem.

Tanya Igeres Hateshuva Chapter 1g

In this episode of Clearing the Mud we talk about how although verbally confessing our wrongdoings and seeking forgiveness can aid us in achieving atonement, it is not the core aspect of the Teshuva process. The fundamental mitzvah of Teshuva is oriented towards the future and entails accepting God’s authority and committing to altering our behavior. Rather than dwelling on our past transgressions and the associated shame, Teshuvah is about looking ahead and consciously improving ourselves. While fasting was once utilized to accelerate the process of atonement, it is not considered a critical component of Teshuva today.

Tanya Igeres Hateshuva Chapter 1f

In this episode of Clearing the Mud we talk about how Teshuva should be inspired by love, the desire to be closer to God. When one repents out of love rather than social pressure or fear of punishment, then one is essentially expressing their love for Hashem. This expression of love elicits a reciprocation of love and kindness from Hashem in return.

Tanya Igeres Hateshuva Chapter 1e

In this episode of Clearing the Mud we talk about how the mitzvah of Teshuva is to focus on the future. Even though Teshuva is a process of return and repentance, the essence of it is simply to stop the negative behavior and resolve to do something different in the future. Remorse, confession, and begging for forgiveness are teshuva related but not the essence of it. So even when we do something where remorse is appropriate we look ahead. We don’t get stuck in shame or dwelling on the past. This is why learning about teshuvah is really a positive and empowering process, rather than a negative one.

Tanya Igeres Hateshuva Chapter 1d

In this episode of Clearing the Mud we talk about how we relate to challenges/suffering. It is probably the most complex issue we face and the hardest to accept. We do not seek out suffering, yet when it comes, and come it will, we work to accept it with love and by seeing it as part of our soul’s journey. Listen to the class to hear more :).

Tanya Igeres Hateshuva Chapter 1c

In this episode of Clearing the Mud we talk about how humans can affect so much change. Think about it. When we fulfill a positive command we bring divine light and positive energy to the world and the worlds above. When we transgress, negative energy comes into the world.