Q&A: The Tanya
Originally published:
This is an English translation (via GPT-5.4). Read the original Hebrew version.
The Tanya
Question
Hello Rabbi. In the Rabbi’s view, is studying the Tanya considered Torah study? The goal is to explain intellectually how to reach a more elevated service of God. As I understood from books explaining the Tanya, the ultimate goal is not the human intellect. It is only a means to serving God. Thank you.
Answer
In my opinion, no. That is, it can be Torah in the sense of the person, but not Torah in the sense of the object itself. The claim that engaging in this has importance, and even if it has importance for the service of God, does not mean that it is Torah study. Studying mathematics also has importance, including for the service of God.
It should be noted that it brings many sayings of the Sages there (presumably…), and those certainly are Torah study; consequently, a substantial part of the book is, by all opinions, Torah study.