Three years ago, there was a grassroots incentive to start a new class at Chabad Lubavitch Leeds. The Tanya Shiur, as it is known is now one of our most popular classes, drawing a spectrum of attendees across the community. While credit is certainly due to the teacher, Rabbi Yoel Topp and his teaching style, as well as the regular attendees who encourage their friends to attend, on reflection it is no surprise that the Book for Tanya, the fundamental book of Chabad Lubavitch philosophy, is so popular.

The Compiler of Tanya – this was how he referred to himself, as opposed to Author – is Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, also known as the Alter Rebbe, the founder of Chabad Lubavitch. In his introduction, he writes that he is writing a book with all the answers to all the questions and challenges that we encounter in our service of G-d. Chassidic teachers have since explained that the Alter Rebbe wasn’t just talking about questions in his generation, but in every generation until the coming of Moshiach. While this may seem a bold claim, the truth is that while circumstances and challenges may change in appearance, in truth it is the same evil inclination and the same animal soul that existed 300 years ago or 2000 years ago, trying the same tricks to cool us down from our Judaism.

I was thinking about this in light of the political upheavals recently. Chabad Lubavitch is an apolitical movement and does not comment on leaders, but there have certainly been those pushing for support from us for one candidate or another. While of course, certain candidate may align more with Jewish values and concerns that others, ultimately, the real challenges come from within and how we relate to ourselves and to others. These haven’t changed and won’t change.

In this week's portion. Abram (as he was then still known), was sent by G-d to a new country. 'Go,' he was told, 'I will bless those who bless you, and those who curse you will be cursed.' The original Hebrew text however is slightly confusing; the verse uses two different words for curse. When referring to those who cursed Abram the word 'kelala' is used, while when his tormentors are to be cursed, G-d uses the word 'arur.'

Why the different words for 'cursing'? 'Arur,' comes from the same word root as 'or'. 'Or' means light. Essentially, what G-d was telling Abram was that curses and complaints come from darkness.

When someone would curse Abram, G-d would 'show them the light.' They would realise that in truth Abram was a G-dly person, and their opposition would cease. This point is also clear from the end of the verse; 'they will bless [themselves]... like you.' When the darkness and jealousy would disperse, and the light would prevail, Abram's enemies would realise his true worth and wish that they too could be like him.

Sometimes arguments must be won and points made, however at times it is better to continue spreading light in whichever way we can, as even a little light can push off a great deal of darkness.

If you don’t learn Tanya yet, you can start online here or be in touch to join the weekly shiur.