Esoteric Embeddings from R. Eleazar of Worms in the Book of Tanya to R. Schneur Zalman of Liadi

Abstract

The book known as Tanya or Sefer Shel Benonim (The Book of Intermediates) is the major and most comprehensive work of the Chabad Hasidic movement. The book was written and brought to print by R. Schneur Zalmaz of Liadi (Rashaz), the founder of this Hasidic movement. Tanya deals with the human soul, according to the Kabbalistic tradition, as a tool to achieve devotion to God. It introduces one to the techniques and the options to overcome the obstacles that stand in the way of this goal. Rashaz named his work Likkutei Amarim (Collection of Statements) and, in his introduction, he clarifies that 'Part one is entitled Sefer shel Benonim and is compiled from books and authors'. In this study, I wish to refer to the clarification of Rashaz and to bring to readers’ attention the ideological connections and the comparisons to be found between Tanya and Hokhmat ha-Nefesh, composed by R. Eleazar of Worms. R. Eleazar was a German Pietist and his book is, in fact, the first monographic work dedicated to the understanding of the soul in Hebrew esoteric literature. The study charts the main ideas in both works and offers a comprehensive comparison between them.