33 years ago, on Shabbat Eikev, 1991 the Rebbe spoke with enthusiasm about a unique edition of Tanya that had been published that week. It was a Tanya in Braille, making the Tanya’s teachings accessible to those with sight impairment. Tanya is the foundational work of Chabad Chassidic thought whose teachings demonstrate a path for people toward a more meaningful and sustained relationship with Hashem.
The Baal Shem Tov shared a vision in which he was told by Mashiach that the Redemption would come when “the wellsprings of your teachings are spread outward.” Ever since then, the mandate of the Chassidic movement became to spread the teachings to the furthest reaches. These teachings are transformational insights into meaningful living, which is the ultimate prerequisite for the final redemption.
Over hundreds of years, Chassidic wellsprings have been brought to the furthest reaches, literally and conceptually. Chassidim brought Chassidus to locales that had no previous exposure to these teachings. Populations that would otherwise have no opportunity to engage with these teachings, were touched by means of translations into a wide range of foreign languages, simplified explanation of profound ideas, and mentors who were willing to expend the time and effort to share and inspire others.
Up until 1991, a sight impaired person did not have firsthand exposure to Tanya. Of course, they could hear the voice of a teacher, but they could not read on their own. This is why the Rebbe was so enthusiastic about the braille edition. It was a new frontier that had not previously been reached, allowing those whose eyes were darkened by their condition to be illuminated by the bright light of Tanya.
Recently, a new edition of Tanya was published with the intent of reaching a population that until now had to rely on others to teach them. I refer to children. While there are several works that adapt ideas of Tanya for children, they were not comprehensive. Some years ago, Tzivos Hashem, the organization the Rebbe established for children, launched a project to create a Tanya that would be accessible to children of many ages. A team of researchers, writers, editors, illustrators, graphic designers, and project managers was assembled (my son-in-law, Rabbi Yossi Cohen was one of the researchers) to implement the goal. The result is the recently published Living Lessons from Tanya – Weiss Edition.
The book is masterfully designed, filled with stories, practical insights and lessons, great artwork, and has something relevant for children of many ages. It is styled after the rest of the Living Lessons series. More info at www.hachai.com/productcat/living-lessons-publications.
It is our fervent hope that this will be the last frontier needed in preparation for the complete and final Redemption through the coming of Mashiach.
I am sure that you will all join me in wishing my father well on the occasion of a milestone birthday this weekend. May Hashem bless him and my mother with good health, prosperity, nachas from their family and community, success in everything that they do, especially with the work of Chabad of Louisiana. May we all merit together to greet Mashiach speedily!
Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Mendel Rivkin