Let My People Know

Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz: “Even if you have problems you can achieve.”

The Beinoni differs from the Tzadik, the completely righteous person, in that the Beinoni has conflict.

Having conflicts, doubts, and uncertainties does not make you a bad person.

That’s the main idea of the Tanya, that even if you have problems you can achieve.

A Tzadik on the other hand is born, not made.

But for the majority of us who were not born a Tzadik, the Tanya tells us that we can do great good in this world if we don’t give up, if we fight and properly channel our personal weaknesses, our emotions, desires, the conflicts of every day life.

Everyone can aspire to be a Beinoni, but if everybody will, that’s the question.

If you buy a book on physical fitness, there is the assumption that if you exercise right and eat right you can have a more fit body.

But will you look like the person on the cover? Not always!

If you do the work, you will have a chance.

Some people will become Mr. America and some people will find it easier to climb the stairs. 

–Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz