5519 —איך להבחין בין יצר טוב ויצר הרע, ולימוד תניא עם אחרים

B"H, 15 Sivan, 5717.

Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from the 8th of Sivan, in which you ask how to discern whether something is advice from the yetzer tov (good inclination) or the yetzer hara (evil inclination): Since you have studied the story of the righteous one from Chernobyl (as brought in the Pesach 5703 sichah ^[1]), and surely you have also seen what is brought in Hayom Yom for the 23rd of Sivan ^[2], this is the answer to your question.

Regarding your second question—whether it is permissible for you to learn Tanya with other young men—know that not only is it permitted, but you are obligated to do so. As explained at length in Magen Avraham, studying the inner dimension of Torah as revealed in our generation through Chassidus is a personal obligation. This study does not merely add another area of Torah knowledge; it also strengthens both mitzvah observance and learning in the revealed parts of Torah.

May it be Hashem's will that you share good news regarding all of the above.

Blessings,

On behalf of the Rebbe Shlita,
Secretary

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that guidance for distinguishing between good and evil inclinations can be found in Chassidic sources. He further emphasizes that learning Tanya with others is not just allowed but required, as it strengthens both spiritual practice and Torah study.