Path to the Tree of Life

Lessons on Tanya adapted from the teachings of Rav Mordechai Silver, shlit"a, with the approbation of Rav Moshe Wolfson, shlit"a

For many years, Rav Mordechai Silver, shlit"a, one of this generation's great masters of Chassidic thought, has given classes on Tanya, the classic Jewish guide to a life of purpose authored by Rav Shneur Zalman of Liadi. Path to the Tree of Life, adapted from Rav Silver's classes, reveals an eye-opening, life-changing perspective on the lessons of the holy Tanya. This book will enlighten your soul, inspire devotion, and bring you closer to your true self.

"Rabbi Silver's words ... spring from a heart that is wise and pure. His ideas are exalted and deep, and they gladden the heart of those who seek Hashem. I am certain that with Hashem’s help this book will make a positive change in the hearts of many, many Jews. Their eyes will light up with the precious treasures from the holy Tanya."

-- Rav Moshe Wolfson, shlit”a, Rav of Beis Medrash Emunas Yisroel, Mashgiach Ruchani of Yeshiva Torah Vodaas

Rav Mordechai Silver, shlit"a, is the Rebbe of Kehal Toldos Yehuda - Stitchin. His students have established centers under his leadership in Boro Park, Jerusalem, Lakewood, Monroe, Monsey, and Williamsburg. He is a student of some of the greatest tzaddikim of the previous generation , including Rav Yehuda Horowitz, zt"l, the Stitchiner Rebbe, and Rav Yitzchok Kalish, zt"l, the Amshinover Rebbe. Rav Silver has become renowned as one of most profound expositors of Torah thought and Chassidus of our time. Although speaking almost exclusively in Yiddish, the Rebbe’s brilliance has spread far beyond his Bais Medrash. Aside from the many people who flock to the Rebbe to receive blessings and spiritual guidance, thousands more study his Divrei Torah on a weekly basis and find in them the inspiration, encouragement, and proper guidance necessary to continue their quest to gain closeness to Hashem.

In the years 5758-5765 (1998-2005) Rav Silver taught classes on a weekly basis to young men on the Tanya. The classes were taught in Yiddish. This book is based on those lessons. The Yiddish has been translated and adapted to a broader audience. Rabbi Reichman has added testimonies, stories, and other insights of his own to these lessons in order to make them more understandable to those unacquainted with Chassidic thought. This is the first book in English that is based on Rav Silver’s Torah ideas.

About The Author

Rabbi Zev Reichman studied at Yeshiva Shaar Hatorah- Grodno, Yeshivas Knesses Yisrael-Chevron, and Yeshivas Rabbeinu Yitzchok Elchanan. He serves as the Rabbi of East Hill Synagogue in Englewood, N.J. and as a teacher of Talmud and Jewish Thought at Yeshiva University. He has also authored, Flames of Faith: An Introduction to Chassidic Thought, and translated Remove Anger From Your Heart: A Torah guide to patience, tolerance, and emotional well being.