Tanya: Chapter 1 - Part 3

Disparagement of the Danish people The Danish word for "offend" also means "outrage." Language is a tricky thing. You have made a horrible accusation with no way of being sure of what the Danish minister intended. Was he offended or outraged at the way the Jews were treated? Not that it makes a difference in my mind. Either way, you have disparaged people who acted selflessly by risking their lives to save others.

Has it occurred to you that the reason that the Danes could not bear to see the Jews treated worse than dogs was because they had empathy for them? They felt the pain of the Jews and that pain was unbearable. That in the goodness of their hearts, they could not condone evil and took action. You praise the Jews for being empathetic. What blocks your vision when looking at the Danes? Why do you call them selfish and sinful? Furthermore, it is impossible for anyone to know the heart or soul of the Danish minister or any one of the thousands of Danes who helped the Jews get to Sweden. Only G_d knows that. Reply

Really makes me think The part about charity out of egotism really makes me think about my motivations more thoroughly than before. I've always thought that charity comes naturally when the ego recognizes that being helpful to others is better but always permeates the helping deed. I also think that selflessness has much to do with the ability to feel, to empathize. When you feel the pain of a person, it is hard to reject that person. The rejection makes your pain worse - although originally not yours - and your conscience gives you a hard time. Humans are also able to empathize with animals. I wonder if the humankind lost empathy after G-d had expelled Adam and Eve from Paradise and had no memory of their former abilities until G-d revealed it to them. I believe that a world filled with empathic humans would be a world without wars. Reply

Lessons in tanya Ch. 1 part 3 Shalom Rabbi:

I am speechless and awed at this most beautiful lesson.

Thank you. May all the Blessings that G-d has for you be upon you every day. Reply

Thank you! Estimated R. Krasnianski, thank you so, so much for these illuminating, profound and spiritually enriching lectures on Tanya. It is of a great benefit and spiritual nourishment for me, as I listen and watch you on the internet from Serbia, Belgrade. You are an extraordinary and wise Rabbi and I am so glad that I discovered your lectures because I am thrilled by your way of explaining very important issues in such a broad and interesting way! Especially in this lecture you lucidly explained so well the meaning of a “shell” with the elaboration of the scenes from Gan Eden, plus a wonderful explanation of a possible root of anti-Semitism viewed as a reaction to a person (or a Jew) that transcended his ego. Tried to find more videos of you but without much success till now. I wish you would continue to give us more lectures and share your wisdom with us. I also wish to thank the Chabad.org for putting these lectures on their site. All the best. V.M. Reply