Tanya – Lesson 2 – The Tzaddik, Rasha and Beinoni

The Alter Rebbe

In our second lesson, we get involved in understanding more about the nature of souls. What does it take to be a Tzaddik? What do we mean when we say someone is a Rasha (and evil person)? And what do we make of the Beinoni – the middle average man?

Are we Tzaddikim just because we do good? And if not, does that make us Reshaim (evil)? What is the discussion about the Beinoni being someone who studies Torah all day long? This doesn’t seem to be most of us – and if so, does that make us all Reshaim? Is that a bad thing? Are we stuck with this status for life? Can we do anything to get us out of the rut?