Ask A Breslover: Is There A Soul Correction For Cancer? written by Chaya Rivka Zwolinski | July 25, 2021

Can you tell me if Nachman ever said a soul correction for cancer?

A: According to Jewish wisdom, there is always a spiritual correlative to a physical state of health or disease—however, a linear correlation isn’t always so apparent, and a causative one isn’t always completely accurate.

Rebbe Nachman taught extensively about achieving spiritual awareness and soul-corrections. He may have addressed a variety of specific illnesses with his individual Chassidim, including cancer (which might not have been often identified by name or correctly diagnosed in 18th century Ukraine.) The understood perhaps more than anyone, that each person is an olam, an entire world, with his or her own “climate”, “ecology”, “geography” and so on. We know he gave specific tikkunim to individual followers, each custom-designed for that person’s soul-correction. Perhaps he did give some specific general corrections for cancer which could be used by anyone, but if he did, it isn’t mentioned in his sefarim.

To my understanding, cancer is the name given to a variety of diseases which may occur in various body parts or systems. Generally, it involves a prolific, abnormal growth of cells which can cause a tumor or otherwise damage a bodily system or organ.

Are the material causes of this dreaded illness viral? Behavioral (dietary for example)? Bacterial? Environmental (industrial chemicals for example)? Genetic? Does the cause of and the nature of cancer vary depending on where it is located in the body?

Medical research seems to say a variety of possible causes exists, maybe even a few at once. Perhaps the myriad material factors implicated exist to show us that the spiritual causes (and therefore, the spiritual correction), may stem from a variety of spiritual conditions as well.

Learning about the mind-body-soul connections, reflecting on one’s life, and perhaps most important,hitbodedut, are integral to soul-correction, and correcting the soul always has an impact on the body.

Learning: For an overview as well as a body part-specific understanding of the human body as a home for the soul, read Anatomy of the Soul (BRI). This best-selling book goes into great detail about the topics of spiritual and bodily health, the hidden meanings of our body’s design, and offers insights into spiritual obstructions that may lead to diminished physical functions or disease, G-d forbid. It is important when studying this book to keep in mind that while the state of our body reflects the state of our soul, armchair diagnostics may cause unwarranted stress. It’s good to learn this text with a trusted, empathetic study-partner, if possible.

If you are interested in exploring this topic further, please join me for The Healing Dance of Body and Soul, a free video course for women using Anatomy of the Soul as the main text, as well as numerous sources. You can find it at BreslovCampus.org. You can participate in thelive online class (Monday nights at 8 pm) or watch the archives.

Reflection: Rebbe Nachman suggests that most people don’t spend enough time thinking about themselves, their spiritual growth, and their service of Hashem. Making time to do this, even a few minutes a day, can be the catalyst for far-reaching change.

Hitbodedut: Talking to Hashem about both big and little issues, including the spiritual and material issues one is dealing with in every area of life, is integral to Breslov Chassidic practice. It can change the way you think, feel, and live. (All , not just hitbodedut, is important.)

Also, in addition to learning more about mind-body-soul wellness, reflecting on one’s life, and doing hitbodedut, there is another Chassidic practice followers of Rebbe Nachman do daily. This is saying Rebbe Nachman’s Tikkun Haklali (the universal remedy comprised of 10 specific ). Tikkun Haklali helps to heal us at the root of the soul. The book Rebbe Nachman’s Tikkun (BRI) contains the text of the 10 psalms, a variety of supplemental , and extensive commentary and explanatory text.

Rebbe Nachman teaches us that everything that happens to us in life is a message to us from Hashem. He wants us to turn to Him to seek the answer. May you and each person turn to Hashem and seek answers to their questions in good health, B”H. Sincerely,

Chaya Rivka Zwolinski

The Silent Scream – The Three Weeks written by Ozer Bergman | July 25, 2021

Well, apropos of life in general and The Three Weeks in particular, I want to share Rabbeinu zal’s teaching about the kol demamah dakah, the small, silent voice. (Yes, I know I translate it differently later.) This will be new to some and a review for others. It’s a good tool to have and a practice worth practicing. Rabbeinu zal used it. This piece is Sichot HaRan/Rabbi Nachman’s Wisdom, #16. Know! It is possible to scream extremely loudly in a “small still voice” (1 Kings 19:12) without anyone hearing a thing, for one emits no sound at all. The scream is simply a “small still voice.”

Anyone can do this. One pictures in his mind the exact sound of a scream, down to its tone One can enter this till he is literally screaming with this soundless “small still voice.” Yet no one will hear you.

This is not a figment of the imagination at all, but a genuine scream. Just as some channels bring the sound from the lungs to your lips, there are narrower channels from the lungs to the brain. One can draw the sound through the channels leading to the brain, till he forms in his mind an actual scream. Picturing the scream in one’s mind is a scream in the mind. One can scream loudly with others present and no one will hear a thing.

Sometimes some slight sound may escape. Some of the sound intended for the mind-channels may slip into the vocal- channels, but only slightly.

It is much easier to scream this way without words. If one wants to express words, it is much more difficult to direct the voice to the mind without letting any sound escape. Without words it is much easier. Solving the Shidduch/Marriage Crisis! written by Ozer Bergman | July 25, 2021

Bashert Is Bashert “[Avraham] said to the senior servant … ‘Go to my native land, to my birthplace, and obtain a wife for my son .’ ‘But what if the girl does not want to come back with me to this land?’ asked the servant” (Genesis 24:2-5).

Just in case some review is necessary, let’s start with this. Bashert is the Yiddish word for “destiny” or “destined.” For example, a newly-engaged couple is often told, “You two are so alike! He/she must be your bashert!” or, “The two of you are bashert!” When no matter what you’ve tried, something happens—or doesn’t—somebody is likely to tell you, “Bashert is bashert (it was just meant to be that way).”

As far as I know, the shidduch (marriage) crisis still exists. It’s worse than sad. It’s devastating and a theological problem no less challenging than the Holocaust, on a par with Pharaoh’s decree to kill Jewish babies, may God spare us. In lieu of a dvar Torah attempting to solve this challenge (because I’ve tried and could not), I offer some renditions of Reb Noson’s prayers to find one’s bashert. Because these are loose renditions, feel free to amend or modify as you like. If you wish to pray for someone in particular, the formula is: “___ (name), the son/daughter of ___ (mother’s name).”

May every Jew who needs to get married, soon marry his or her bashert, and may they build a bayit ne’eman b’Yisrael (a faithful house in ), and together raise their children l’Torah, l’chuppah u’l’maasim tovim (to Torah, to the wedding and to doing good deeds). Amen.

Dear God, please have pity on us and all Jews, and prepare for our sons and daughters proper matches, made in Heaven. Although we have sinned, let there be no mix-ups and no mismatches.

Instead, let each person marry the one Heaven made just for him, in particular [specify person(s) you are praying for]. Please, always lead us on the true path so that we merit making good and proper matches, honestly, in accordance with Your will (LT #2).

Dear God, please have compassion on every Jew who is having difficulty finding his/her marriage partner, in particular [specify person(s) you are praying for]. Help each and every one of them! Save each and every one of them, soon! Bless each to find his/her true perfect match, quickly, easily and soon! With no more delay or pain or suffering!

We don’t know what to do anymore! We’re totally out of suggestions and ideas on how to find a shidduch for the people we know, or how to pray for them. You know how hard it is for a person to find a proper match, a good fit. People are so different, sometimes so totally different it’s like trying to split the sea! The only way to do it is with great da’at, which we can only get from hearing the tzaddik who brings together words and concepts from all over the Torah to reveal new insights. But who is he?! Where can we find him?!

Our eyes look to You and You alone. Compassionate One Who makes matches, have pity on Your people and help all who need to get married, in particular [specify person(s) you are praying for]. Please, match each couple so they fully complement one another, a marriage made in Heaven, swiftly and speedily, for each and every one (LT #45).

One and only Lord, Who sees to the final generation of mankind, Who is full of compassion and runs the world with kindness—have mercy! Have pity on our Jewish young. Teach us how we are to find the true match for each of our dependents. In the merit of the great tzaddikim, give us the privilege and help we need to make the matches we need to make. May we marry off our children soon. May they and their intended have a good mazel, a good, long life together. May they be truly in love with each other and live in peace and harmony, just as You want every couple to.

May each and every one of Your people, the Jews, succeed at guarding the foundation of , remaining modest when facing the greatest human temptation. May each Jewish couple have sons and daughters—generations of offspring, forever—all of whom will live good, long lives worshipping You (LT #45).

A gutn Shabbos!

Shabbat Shalom! (Based on Likutey Tefilot II, #2, 45)

Have You Looked Up At The Sky Today? written by Yehudis Golshevsky | July 25, 2021

BRI’s NarrowBridge.Org sends out twice weekly inspiration providing a regular dose of hope, meaning and courage. These emails include small doses of Rebbe Nachman’s wisdom, enabling us to get through the week in a more spiritual way. Rebbe taught… For Rebbe Nachman, living in tune meant awareness—being aware of the transient nature of this world and the eternity of the next. From his window facing the marketplace Rebbe Nachman spotted one of his followers rushing by. “Have you looked up at the sky this morning?” the Rebbe asked. “No, Rebbe, I haven’t had the time.” “Believe me, in fifty years everything you see here today will be gone. There will another fair—with other horses, other wagons, different people. I won’t be here then and neither will you. So what’s so important that you don’t have time to look at the sky?!” (The Empty Chair, p. 14*)

What does this mean to me? This story is actually part of a much longer anecdote, and in it Rebbe Nachman refused to give a poor relation of his student a blessing without offering an explanation as to why. The poor man was blessed in any case, and quickly rose to great wealth. Years passed and the man had been transformed completely; in days past, when he traveled to Breslov, he always ran to hear a word of Torah from Rebbe Nachman. Now, his only interest in the town was the fair held in the market square. Too embarrassed to even visit his Rebbe, he would run past Rebbe Nachman’s house, avoiding the tzaddik’sgaze. But, one market day, Rebbe Nachman spotted him beneath the window and tapped on the pane to get his old follower’s attention.After the conversation recorded up above, Rebbe Nachman turned to his student—the one who had given the man a blessing when Rebbe Nachman refused to do so—and said, “You see what your blessing did? You took a sincere servant of G-d and turned him into a person who doesn’t even have the time to look at the sky!”

A prayer: O G-d, Help me fix within my mind the enduring truths of life. Let my every action be directed toward life’s ultimate goals. For how can I face You, my Creator, without having invested all my days in preparation for that Moment when I will meet you? (The Gentle Weapon, p. 18**) We encourage hearing your feedback and may anonymously publish great remarks. Please send email to: [email protected] *“The Empty Chair: Finding Hope and Joy – Timeless Wisdom from a Hasidic Master, Rebbe Nachman of Breslov” by Rebbe Nachman of Breslov, Adapted by Moshe Mykoff and The Breslov Research Institute, 1994. Permission granted by Jewish Lights Publishing, Woodstock, VT, www.jewishlights.com. **“The Gentle Weapon: Prayers for Everyday and Not-So-Everyday Moments – Timeless Wisdom from the Teachings of the Hasidic Master, Rebbe Nachman of Breslov” by Rebbe Nachman of Breslov, Adapted by Moshe Mykoff & S.C. Mizrahi with the Breslov Research Institute, 1999. Permission granted by Jewish Lights Publishing, Woodstock, VT, www.jewishlights.com. Feedback: I love your emails and find them both practical and spiritually lofty at the same time. Thanks so much. YK BRI Women Weekend Retreat September 8-10–Are You In? written by Chaya Rivka Zwolinski | July 25, 2021

This September 8th through 10th Prepare for the Best Year of Your Life (So Far!) with Rebbe Nachman

Come to BRI Women’s First-Ever Weekend Retreat for Women at the Spectacular Vallevue Estate, Morristown, New Jersey With Talks, Workshops and Classes by

Rabbi Jonathan Rietti, Acclaimed Speaker, “My Emotions & Me: Who’s the Boss?”

Chaya Rivka Zwolinski, Director BRI Women & BreslovCampus “The Lost Art of Contemplative Writing” (bring pen, paper, or tablet) and “Chassidic ” (experiential) and“Preparing for the New Year with Rebbe Nachman’s Stories.”

Rabbi Yossi Katz, Director, and Mrs. Fraidy Katz & Family, Breslov Research Institute USA and BreslovCampus.org who will give two, powerful classes on“Teshuvah, Breslov Style” and “Rebbe Nachman’s Torah.”

Do not miss this chance for Inspiration and Relaxation in a Stunning, Natural Setting.

Our low cost includes all programs, meals, lodging $349 to $399 (depending on room) but there is LIMITED SPACE – BOOK NOW.

Call: 347-271-9539 or Email: [email protected] to register now.

P.S. Sponsors for talks, Shabbos meals, and more needed in order to keep costs low. Please contact if you would like to sponsor part of this retreat in the memory or honor of a loved one. You’re Invited! written by Chaya Rivka Zwolinski | July 25, 2021 Travel to Uman Summer 2017 from Breslov Research Institute on Vimeo.

BRI & Breslov Campus Invite You to Join

Our 2nd Annual BRI Uman Experience for Women

with Chaya Rivka Zwolinski

June 28* through July 2

For More Information Call 347-271-9539 or Email [email protected] Everyone’s Welcome

Reserve Before June 1st & Pay Only $850

Dear Friend,

This past Rosh Hashanah, tens of thousands of men from around the world gathered together in Uman, and forged deep connections with each other and the Tzaddik.

Now it’s your turn.

The BRI-BreslovCampus team is cordially inviting you to join an exclusive group of women on our Summer 2017 Women’s Uman Experience.

You’ll experience spiritual healing, blessings and heartfelt prayers by the gravesites of Rav Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, the in Mezhibuzh, Reb Noson in Breslov, and of course, Rebbe Nachman in Uman. Connect to Hashem in an uplifting hitbodedut workshop in Sofiefka Parkwhere Rebbe Nachman himself once prayed and meditated. Find your inner light and make the positive approach of Breslov your own. Explore Jewish history in this complex region. Enjoy delicious food in comfortable surroundings. Experience aShabbat of delight. Storm the Heavens with a powerful group Tikkun Haklali at the Rebbe’s tziyun. And return home spiritually renewed and refreshed.

Everyone’s welcome, including beginners.

What’s included in the special price of just $850?

All ground transportation in Ukraine—bus meets us at the Kiev airport on Wednesday, June 28 Visit the gravesites of Tzaddikim and learn their spiritual legacy Guided tours, Hitbodedut workshop, activities, and group gatherings Delicious kosher meals, snacks, and beverages Comfortable lodging (private room & luxury room supplements available) Additional guest speakers will be added if trip sells out like last year

*Please book before June 1st to get the $850 package price. Leave from the USA/Canada June 28 (or June 27). Leave from Europe/Israel June 28; airfare not included in package price—we will gladly assist you in booking your flight. Luxury and/or private room supplement available for extra fee.

Call for questions or to reserve your space: 347-271-9539 or email Chaya Rivka Zwolinski at [email protected]

Don’t miss this spiritually rewarding opportunity!For the experience of a lifetime, one that will touch your heart and lift your soul, reserve your space today.

Yossi Katz, Chaya Rivka Zwolinski and the BRI-BreslovCampus Team

Meir Elkabas explains why travel to the Tzaddik is central to your Judaism and your life.

Summer 2016 Feedback: Here’s what some of the incredible women who joined us on the BRI Women’s Uman Experience visit to the gravesite of Rebbe Nachman and other Tzaddikim had to say:

The group dynamic was beautiful…quite unified, non-judgmental, and cohesive. It also felt like a giant hug.

Fonda Roth, Toronto

The first BRI women’s trip to Ukraine was simply incredible. I constantly said to Hashem, “If we had to go home now, it already would have been worthwhile,” and then an hour later, it had gotten even better. The whole journey was a constant dayenu. Rachel Goldsmith, NYC

You absolutely nailed it. Accommodations, food, transport, and oh, yeah, kedusha too. S. R., NYC

The trip was and still is a precious time. Diana Korzenik, Boston

Thank you for the spiritual adventure of a lifetime. Brenda Borenstein, Toronto

The Uman adventure was amazing, especially the feeling of unity and support for each other. I was doubtful that this cohesion was possible in such a large group – but it did happen, and it was a miracle! … among other miracles of this trip. Now it seems like a dream – but also a vision of a possibility of Jewish unity and togetherness in service to Hashem. Rivka Weinstein, Maine

Amazing! Love all the new ideas coming forth from this trip. Miriam Chava Kramer, Boston

Your Thoughts And The Power Of Hisbodedus written by Chaya Rivka Zwolinski | July 25, 2021 There is a school of thought.

It teaches that the way you think is organic and fluid. It arises from your intellect, life experiences, emotions and feelings.

It teaches that the main way we are able to profoundly change our thoughts is either from a steady diet of outside influence (brainwashing as from a cult, intense propaganda, life-long “education”) or relentless inner work which can be repressive and rigid—and stifles the freedom to be yourself.

It teaches that it is difficult to change our thoughts and says most of us shouldn’t even try.

It teaches that our thoughts (especially those we feel to be dominated by our feelings, more on this later) reflect who we are—indeed, they are our unshiftable permanent essence. We must simply accept this, says this school of thought. After all, everything’s good, everything’s relative, no one thought, idea, or way of thinking or belief is better than another—we’re just fine the way we are.

Really? Then why are so many people so unhappy?

Go Tell That To… someone suffering from obsessive thoughts that are causing them anguish. someone whose thoughts constantly lead them astray from where they want to ideally, if subsconsciously, be. someone who consistently pushes logic to the side in favor of near-total emotional rule and ends up in dramatic ups and downs in many aspects of life. someone whose thoughts shut down and they become unable to control their anger and rage. someone whose thoughts will not allow them to experience an emotion that conflicts with their logic. someone whose thoughts will not allow them to experience a logical premise and draw a logical conclusion if it conflicts with their emotions.

Then, go tell that to someone who has been able to work on themselves and change their thoughts. To someone who has found an old-new way of making sense of their life and the world. Someone whose thoughts often turn to God.

They really do have more peace of mind and happiness.

I Can Quit Thinking Negatively, It’s Easy. I’ve Done It A Thousand Times. Mystics, therapists, and self-help gurus have long recognized that you do not have to be a slave to your thoughts and you can make a positive change in them with a little effort. In many cases, a thinking style is a habit. Although this may seem obvious to you, and you agree that you can change our thoughts, ask yourself: Have I personally ever actually tried to change the way I think?

If you’ve tried various Eastern (or Western) meditation techniques, whether they are secular or rooted in religious philosophies, you’ve tried to change your thoughts. If you’ve worked with positive affirmations (the verbal repetition of positive phrases), you have tried to change your thoughts or beliefs.

Sometimes, these techniques work. Often, though, they don’t, at least not in the long term.

To the profound disappointment of many, meditation using Eastern techniques which profess to teach awareness or bliss, don’t. In fact, some who do practice these techniques might end up feeling more depressed, anxious, and irritable than before. Somehow they become more sensitive and less tolerant to the ups and downs of life, except while meditating.

Also, despite their popularity, general affirmations, such as saying I’m okay just the way I am over and over again will not necessarily make you okay in the eyes of others or yourself. The details are too sketchy and the truth may be questionable. But fortunately, Eastern meditation and affirmations are not the only ways to change how you think.

Hisbodedus: Talking Meditation, Meditative Prayer

Meditation, n.

—continued or extended thought, reflection, contemplation and/or spiritual introspection

One of the key tools used in the Jewish spiritual tradition that can have a profound impact on the way we think has been an important part of our Jewish path since time immemorial. Taught in great detail by Rebbe Nachman of Breslov, hisbodedus, or meditative prayer has long been part of our spiritual legacy. We know Adam, the first human being, talked to God. We know Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov did, too. Moshe Rabbeinu spent 40 days in hisbodedus on top of Mount Sinai, not once, but three times.

Since it is a prayerful meditation that involves speaking our inner truths out loud, hisbodedus can also be called a talking meditation.

While many Eastern emphasize achieving bliss via gaining awareness of, becoming a part of or simply “sitting with” nothingness, hisbodedus emphasizes achieving personal growth via connecting with the Creator.

This is a connection you already have deep inside you.

You can still do hisbodedus even if you don’t believe. Even people who feel doubt and aren’t sure what they truly believe about God can do hisbodedus. This talking meditation can begin with a search for that Divine spark within. Or it can begin more simply, with a question or plea.

Walking and talking outdoors in nature is a good choice for prayerful meditation; another is inside in a safe, quiet space in which you feel comfortable. You can keep your eyes closed or open. You can walk, sit, or lie down. Although it is a good idea to begin with some relaxing breaths, verbally expressing what is in your heart, is the main meditative activity of hisbodedus. You can begin by asking Hashem to help you “open my mouth” or “open my heart.” Actually ask out loud until you feel yourself beginning to open up. How will you know? You will have the sensation that you are ready to really access and speak a deeper level of truth than you ever have before.

By verbalizing your deepest thoughts and feelings, you take them out of the realm of intangible into the realm where material and intangible meet. You begin to actually change the routes your thoughts usually take, and charter new territory. You also make space inside to listen to that still, small voice. You’ll have made space to hear the answers Hashem sends you. You and the Creator are the co-therapists, the co problem solvers, co life changers.

Rebbe Nachman encourages us to talk to God like talking to a best friend. What’s stopping you?

Self-Assessment, Honor, And Coming Closer To God written by Chaya Rivka Zwolinski | July 25, 2021 Rosh Hashana is the Day of Judgment for all humanity. But despite its profound ramifications, Rosh Hashana is actually a very down-to-earth day.

On the New Year, we are judged and awarded (or not), all the ‘stuff of life’ in this world—life, health, wealth and sustenance for the coming year. What we’re given depends not only on our actions during the past year, but also on how effectively we judge ourselves on this day, and open our hearts to God.

Several lessons of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov help us understand how to accurately assess ourselves and determine in which areas we need to improve. Taking stock of ourselves throughout the year, not just during the approach to Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, is done by means of dailyhisbodedus , talking to Hashem in our own words. Depending on how strong or fragile your self-image and faith are, deep introspection into your weaker areas is possible when you also maintain an awareness of your good points. Beating yourself up can make honest self-analysis and reflection impossible—you’ll be more likely to give up in the face of overwhelming pain.

Even with a daily, year-round thoughts of self-assessment, correction, and spiritual growth,in Elul, the month before Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, our thoughts naturally turn to teshuvah, returning to God. This is the time where Hashem discreetly beckons us. He imbues this period of time with Divine Favor, and we become aware of feeling that we possess the ability to come closer to Him.

In Likutey Moharan Volume I, Lesson 6, (Torah Vav), Rebbe Nachman of Breslov addresses concepts related toteshuvah , through the themes of this lesson:

Honor—understanding the difference between self- serving actions and those that reveal the honor of Hashem

Humility—cultivating authentic humility (without kidding ourselves) and maintaining both a verbal and heart-felt composure in the face of humiliation and embarrassment

Spiritual Strength—developing the spiritual muscles we need to get through life’s hard times

Applied Teshuvah—methods and meanings of teshuvah in light of the mystical revelations of the Arizal.

Understanding the Correct Approach to Honor is the First Ingredient of Teshuvah

“Every person must minimize his own honor and try to increase the honor given to God. He should not pursue honor, but rather flee from it…”—Kitzur Likutey Moharan, Vol. I, Lesson 6

Not seeking our own honor is an essential ingredient of teshuvah. Only we know the true motivations for our actions. A thousand times a day, a person in a position of authority may have the opportunity to make a choice conducive to his honor—or the honor of Hashem.

Rebbe Nachman tells us that the honor we pursue for our own glory, called “kingly honor”, will be questioned. If we attain kingly honor, people will examine us and ask: “Who is that person, that he is given so much honor? Who does he think he is?”

Then, they’ll oppose us and say that we don’t deserve it.

However, when a person doesn’t care about his own status or prestige and even disdains it in order to give honor to Hashem, people won’t ask whether or not he deserves it.

The example is given of King David. When welcoming the Holy Ark to Jerusalem, King David danced with frenetic joy, so much so, that his limbs were exposed. His wife Michal felt his behavior wasn’t suitably dignified for a king and told him so.

King David told Michal his actions were in fact, appropriate. He didn’t care for his own honor and dignity, he even said he would dance and frolic before God more rambunctiously, not caring if it dishonored him, as long as it enhanced the honor of Hashem.

Fleeing From Honor

Another, more recent, example of someone who fled from personal honor was Rabbi Yisroel Meir Kagan, The Chofetz Chaim, author of the famous work on the laws of proper speech, The Chofetz Chaim (Desirer of Life). He was a scholarly giant and also author of the renowned work of legal commentary, the Mishnah Berura, but is primarily known as a Tzaddik. It’s explained* that the reason we don’t remember him primarily for his incredible scholarship and genius is because his modesty was so great that he prayed to God that he would not be honored for his scholarship (which was obvious to him because he was able to produce scholarly works that were lacking in the world), and that it would, in fact, be concealed. He shunned honor, even feared it.

But then why do we then remember him for his great piety*, and even refer to him as a Tzaddik, a completely righteous individual?

Because he was so modest, he did not realize that his love for Hashem and his constant devotion to Torah and good deeds were anything out of the ordinary. He reasoned that every Jew felt the same way about God and therefore didn’t recognize his higher level of piety.

When we mention the Tzaddik, the Chofetz Chaim, we may be in awe of his piety, but we instinctively understand that the honor we give him belongs to God.

*Told to Rav Kahaneman by the Brisker Rav

*Told to Rav Kahaneman by the Beis Yisroel, the Gerer Rebbe

A Prayer for Rosh HaShanah written by Yossi Katz | July 25, 2021

One of Rebbe Nachman’s main teachings was to be with him for Rosh HaShanah. Ever since the pilgrimages in the times of the Rebbe, Breslover Chassidim from far and wide have done everything possible to heed his call. But so many of us have difficulties that seem to hold us back from traveling to the Tzaddik. Rebbe Nachman taught over and over again that the main obstacles are purely psychological and that our greatest weapons are desire and prayer. As many of us begin thinking about Rosh HaShanah, let us fortify ourselves with the power of Reb Nosson’s beautiful prayer and evoke these great powers.

Master of the Universe! You know the greatness of our obligation to travel to the true tzaddikim for Rosh Hashanah – and You also know how many formidable obstacles concerning this face us from all sides.

O God Who pities the poor, have pity and mercy on us, and help us to break though all barriers. Show us Your ways, guide us in Your truth, and teach us, so that we will merit to travel to the true tzaddikim for Rosh Hashanah. Then we will truly attain sanctification of the mind. For You know that at present, during this period of travail known as the “footsteps of the Mashiach,”[i] our main support and salvation is only these holy days of Rosh Hashanah. Through them we seek to come close to You, and to draw Your Godliness and Your Kingship upon us, from Rosh Hashanah to the rest of the year entirely.

We don’t know what is taking place in the supernal worlds on Rosh Hashanah, nor how to appease You at this time, so that we may be deemed worthy of crowning You as our King, in awe and reverence.

We don’t know how to stand up to all of our enemies and heavenly prosecutors, “to close the mouths of our denouncers and accusers,”[ii] except in the merit and power of the true tzaddikim. Upon them we rely, and upon them we lean, for they wage war on our behalf, and subjugate and cast down all of our enemies and persecutors; and they draw upon us the holiness of Rosh Hashanah.

Therefore, have mercy upon us for the sake of Your Name, and take our side, so that we may overcome all obstacles, and succeed in traveling to the true tzaddikim for Rosh

Hashanah. Help us to may bind ourselves to them in truth, and fully attain sanctification of the mind through them, and sweeten and nullify all harsh judgments, and elicit loving-kindness.

Enlighten us, so that we may recognize and perceive Your exaltedness and Your sovereignty over us. Rule over us in Your Glory speedily; “And every created thing shall know that You created it, and every formed thing shall understand that You formed it; and everything that possesses the breath of life in its nostrils shall declare, ‘The Lord God of Israel is King, and His dominion extends over all!’ “[iii]

Purify us and sanctify us, in Your sublime holiness, now and forever, amen sela!

(LT I, 76)

If you would like more information about travelling to Uman, please contact us. It is our pleasure to help you along your journey.

[i] See above, note 156.

[ii]

[iii] Liturgy, Rosh Hashanah Musaf. The Highest Path written by Yehudis Golshevsky | July 25, 2021

Rebbe Nachman of Breslov taught… Hisbodedus-meditation— inner-directed, unstructured, active self-expression before G-d— is the highest path of all. Take it. (The Empty Chair, p. 91*)

What does this mean to me? Rebbe Nachman explained that although the practice of hisbodedus does not take the place of formal prayer, it does have certain advantages over even the loftiest prayers set down by sages. While their prayers were invested with prophetic insight and deep Kabbalistic significance, they can be compared to a broad highway. The road is easier to travel because it’s already been paved, but all of the highwaymen lie in wait along its length, because it’s the road that everyone travels upon. The path of hisbodedus can be as raw as the narrow track that I barely manage to hack out with my knife, in an area of the wild where no one goes. It may be rough going, but the robbers are nowhere to be found…because I have blazed a new trail. My prayer might be simple, but it has a great advantage over all others…because it’s mine.

A prayer: Dear G-d, help me talk to You About whatever is on my mind, And especially about my desire to be close to You. Give me time to be alone, To speak in my own words and language. Let me pour out my heart to You Sincerely and truthfully, And build up my spiritual strength Through my great longing for You. (Between me and You, pg. 342) We encourage hearing your feedback and may anonymously publish your remarks. Please send email to: [email protected] To view the past emails, click here. *“The Empty Chair: Finding Hope and Joy – Timeless Wisdom from a Hasidic Master, Rebbe Nachman of Breslov” by Rebbe Nachman of Breslov, Adapted by Moshe Mykoff and The Breslov Research Institute, 1994. Permission granted by Jewish Lights Publishing, Woodstock, VT, www.jewishlights.com. We encourage hearing your feedback and may anonymously publish your remarks. Please send email to: [email protected] To view the past emails, click here.

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