A part of G-d Above

The Tanya opens its description of the Jewish soul with a startling phrase: the G-dly soul of every Jew is 'truly a part of G-d Above'. This soul is not merely created by Hashem; it is rooted in His very essence, like a child drawn from the mind of a parent. Alongside it, each person has an 'animal soul' that drives natural desires. Recognizing the G-dly spark within oneself and others is the starting point of all Chassidic service.