Note from the Author

Life in the 21st century could be hectic. It could be a kaleidoscope of flashing images and technology, with multiple responsibilities vying for our attention. And as life swirls around us in blinding color, we sometimes crave that calm, grounding center: something to hold onto so that everything else could settle. We search for a piece of sanity, a spiritual anchor.

The holy book of Tanya is such a source. It is a book of deep spiritual concepts, yet written for the average Jew. It is based on a verse in Deuteronomy 30:14: “No, the thing is very close to you, in your mouth and in your heart, to observe it....” Close to You is literally the point of the Tanya, and the actual point of this volume you are holding in your hand. What better way to provide a center for the modern Jewish woman than with a book of short bursts of inspiration: nuggets that can inspire you and motivate you to serve G-d according to your capacity; a book to invite you to delve deeper whenever you have the chance; a book to show you that it is close to you to serve G-d whoever you are, wherever you are?

Serving G-d is relevant. Serving G-d is realistic. And here is a manual to show you, in bite-sized nuggets, just how.

Just like a well-rounded meal has an appetizer, a main course, and a dessert, each piece in this book has a hook, an expounded idea, and a takeaway dessert for you to keep chewing on—a line that you can take with you, sweet as chocolate pudding, to inspire the rest of your day. That can help you get unstuck emotionally and spiritually, and keep you focused during the day.

So if you’ve never studied Tanya, this book is for you.

If you’ve studied Tanya just a bit but felt it was out of your league, this is for you. And if you’ve studied the Tanya but are at a loss how to apply its teachings to everyday life, this is for you.

Use this book as a springboard for meditation. Journal about it. Internalize the one-liners that can accompany you throughout your day, proving to you that it is indeed Close to You to serve G-d with true love and awe.

Sara Blau