Torah For Kids
The Tanya
The Tanya was written by Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, the founder of Chabad Chassidut, about 200 years ago. The book explains how every Jew can be close to God and become a better person, even when it sometimes seems difficult. The book explains that everyone has two souls - one good soul that wants to do good things, and another that sometimes wants to do things that aren't good, and that's okay because that's how God created us. The Tanya teaches us that we can overcome the evil inclination (the soul that wants to do things that aren't good) through Torah study, prayer, and good deeds. This book is like a guide that helps us understand ourselves and our special connection with God. Click here to enter and learn a bit from the Tanya.
The Baal Shem Tov, or by his full name Rabbi Israel ben Eliezer, was the founder of the Hasidic movement about 300 years ago. He was born in a small town in Ukraine, and from his childhood, he was known for his great love for every person and his special connection to nature. He taught that every Jew, even the simplest one, could come closer to God through joy, prayer, and love of fellow Jews. The Baal Shem Tov used to tell special stories that helped people understand deep ideas in a simple way, and he always emphasized the importance of being joyful and seeing the good in everything.
There is a special blessing in telling a Baal Shem Tov story on Saturday night after Shabbat, and that's why we have prepared a selection of stories for you to watch. Have a good week.