Straight to the Rebbe!

The 10th of Teves is the day of the hilula of Reb Nosson of Breslev, the 163rd yartzeit of his passing to the world of truth.

Reb Nosson's passing was directly connected to the three tragedies that took place in Teves. Ezra was a scribe, he spread Torah among the Jews. Reb Nosson was Rebbe Nachman's scribe, he was the only of the Rebbe followers who worked constantly to spread his teachings as widely as possible. Even people who never met the Rebbe are aroused to serve Hashem through his writings, all because of Reb Nosson.

With the passing of the scribe there is a slackening in the spreading of Torah, as manifested in the translation of Torah into Greek - which obscured the deeper meaning of the Hebrew text. This corresponds to the imposition of secular studies and atheism on the Jews of our times. This heresy led to the siege of Jerusalem and exile, and corresponding to the infamous Russian Pale of settlement and the mass migration of eastern European Jewry, which began around the time of Reb Nosson's passing. It was not for nothing that Reb Nosson mentioned these three tragedies and to exhort his followers to "be strong with money, willpower and effort," and make sure to spread the teachings of the Rebbe (Parparaos leChokhmah 61:8).

Reb Nosson passed away on that Friday afternoon, 10th of Teves, 5605 (December 20, 1844), just moments after the Shabbos candles were lit. He was 64 years and 11 months old. Reb Nosson was totally attached to Hashem until the very end. His whole mission was to show that a man can always return to Hashem, regardless of anything he may have done, no matter how much he may have sinned. This was the mission Rebbe Nachman held out to him a few days after their frist meeting: to become the lower point of the aleph, to bring life, vitality and faith to all the lower levels. Even as he left this world, Reb Nosson was mindful of his mission, repeating again and again, "Chanun Hamarbeh lislo'ach" There is hope for all; Hashem will forgive! always!

Repentance and forgiveness for all of Israel were the very essence of Reb Nosson. The letters of the words "Chanun hamarbeh lislo'ach have the the numerical value of 500, the same as the letters of NoSSoN.
Reb Nosson Passed away just before Shabbos. those were the days before the invention of the telegraph, and it was impossible to transmit the news of his passing anywhere until after Shabbos. Even so, that Friday night Reb Naftali, who was in Uman, already knew that Reb Nosson was no longer. When asked how he knew, Reb Naftali answered: "I had a dream in which I saw Reb Nosson running quickly. I said,'Reb Nosson where are you running?' 'Me?' he said. 'Straight to the Rebbe'" may we merit to run also straight to our Rebbe Amen!

Shalom Reb Nati

Pesach Sheynei "A Second Chance"

Hashem told the the Jews to prepare for the Pesach Festival. There were Jews who were tamei (impure) and were not ready in time. They came to Moshe and asked, 'How can we still partake of Pesach, when it was too late for us to purify ourselves?' Moshe asked Hashem and He replied, 'They can have a second chance. Let them celebrate the holiday of Pesach Shaynei, one month later, on the fourteenth day of the second month the month of Iyar'(Bamidbar 9).

"How great these impure people must have been! they were able to initiate the revelation of a new law of Torah" (Rashi).

Reb Noson explains that this came about specifically because of their great desire to partake of the Mitzvah. These people were impure. It was their own negligence that brought them to be distanced from the rest of the Jews on Pesach and thus not being able to participate in the Paschal lamb. Still, they never gave up hope. They came Before the Tzaddik, Moshe, pleading, "We are impure, we know we are impure, but we do not want to fail to be included in the sacrifice to Hashem."

Similarly, continues Reb Noson, every Jew should come to the Tzaddik and say, "I'm impure. I know I'm impure. Still why should I be held back? Why should i not come close to Hashem, to learn Torah, to pray, to do t'suvah? Is it because I am to distant that there is Hashem forbid no hope for me whatsoever? Hashem can always help, even those who are very distant from Him." A person must know that if he always turns to Hashem and constantly searches for the true Tzaddik who can show him the right path, he will definitely come true repentance (Likutey Halakhot, Birkhat HaPeirot 5:15, G'viat Chov M'Yetomim 3).

So It was with me yesterday night on the 14th day of Iyar I got my second chance, as we preformed my pidyon Habechor. I had never been redeemed and was was in a constant state of issur mitzvah deriser, unknowingly. My father not begin religious had never redeemed me as I'm a first born son of first born son for five generations. and only last week I found out that I had chiuv to be redeemed without delay. As all that I had previously had done, yes every mitzvah I had done until yesterday was tied to the other side, because of this issur. Wow that explains a lot. The whole day from the first shiur at Rav shalom Arush's yeshieva to the shiur in zohar with Rav Teicher was screaming do this so we found a Kohain actually two and I and three others preformed the ceremony at the kotel on pesach shaynei, and yarzteit of Rebbe Meir Baal Haneis, seuda and all, right there in front of Hashem and all those who were present, several hundred who said amen. What a relief these people must have felt to know they had a second chance. I know what I felt, I felt relief as now I am able to draw even closer to Hashem. Thank you Hashem for being Loving and Compassionate to the poor and distant of Your people.
A Guten Yom Tov
Reb Nati

"Sefirah" Counting the Omer Part III

Reb Nosson teaches that the daily obstacles we encounter are in direct proportion to the spiritual levels and wisdom we seek to achieve. We should therefore not feel discouraged when we see our improvement in serving Hashem suddenly countered by difficulties. As long as we maintain our Mochin de'Gadlut, the forces opposing our advancement cannot affect us. For it is only when we descend to Mochin de'Katnut, to depression and despair, that we find it very difficult to stand up against these obstacles.

In fact, taking heart and strengthening ourselves each day is the one protection we have. Even when there are difficulties or obstacles, we have to realize that today is also part of the allotted time on earth. It, too, is a day during which we can and must accomplish whatever possible in coming closer to Hashem. If we cannot pray or study study Torah properly, then we should say tehillim (psalms) or perform other miztvot - doing whatever we can. For "Hashem wants the Jews to be rewarded; and therefore He gave them the Torah to study and many mitzot to perform."

In other words, we must never fool ourselves into thinking that since the day started wrong, today is a wasted day, G-d forbid! We must never allow ourselves to say that there is no point in trying to serve and to know Hashem or returning to Him on this day; that we are better off waiting until tomarrow. Rather, we must realize that every day is important and that every moment counts! And this is the lesson of Sefirat Ha'Omer, the 49 days of counting. It teaches us to make the best and the most of what we have, since every day does count! (Likutey Halakhot, Pikadon 4)

Have a great day, from Reb Nati

Shevi'i Shel Pesach

The Splitting of the Red Sea:

Rebbe Nachman taught: "Even if a person should fall to the lowest level, he must never assume that he is beyond hope."

Our forefathers found themselves in similar circumstances on the shores of Red Sea. Before them, the sea; behind them, the Egyptians; wild animals and wilderness on either side. In the worst possible situation they did not give up hope. They cried out to Hashem and were heard. Similarly, no matter how far one is from Hashem, there is still hope. Atik is the highest, most lofty spiritual level in existence (Etz Chaim, Sha'ar Atik).

It is from there that assistance comes to a person, even if he is to be found in the lowest levels. Thus, the miracle of splitting of the Red Sea can be summed up this way: even though all seems lost, there is still hope for a redemption (Likutey Moharan I, 21).

Reb Nosson teaches a further concept tied in with the splitting of the Red Sea is the breaking of haughtiness. Pharaoh said "Who is Hashem that I should listen to Him!" During this entire episode, Moshe Rabaynu tried to convince Pharaoh that Hashem rules the world and that He could destroy Pharaoh completely. However, the Egyptian ruler had declared himself a deity. Thus Pharaoh, like most people in a position of power, is characterized by arrogance and haughtiness. The splitting of the Red sea demonstrated how this arrogance could be completely broken. Moshe turned the sea bed into dry land. Earth is associated with the concept of modesty. Great rushing water, with it's powerful waves 'sure of it's strength and unchallenged power' is everything that a person views as the epitome of greatness. Yet, within a short period of time, Hashem destroyed the water's arrogance by changing it into dry earth. Thus the song that Moshe and the Jews sang when the red Sea split was one of praise to Hashem, for He is great and rules over all those who are arrogance and haughty (Likutey Halakhot, Orlah 4).

When the Jews left Egypt and came close to Hashem, they received great wealth. This is because wealth is rooted in the same source of holiness as the soul. However, there is one bad trait through which it is possible for a person to lose all his wealth. This trait is ANGER. When the opposing forces see that a person is about to receive wealth and blessings, they try to bring him to anger. CHeMaH, anger, creates a breach in his CHoMah, his protective wall, which is also his wealth (Likutey Moharan I,68).

It is forbidden to eat Chametz on Pesach, for chametz is the concept of anger. Chametz rises. Like arrogance and anger, it's blown up. Likewise, we must avoid exaggeration in our lifestyles. The way we live should not be arrogant and blown up. When the Red Sea split, the waters stood like a wall (chomah) for the Jews. Afterwards, the Jews were able to withstand any anger (chemah) and were permitted to have Chametz. This is why, after the Seventh Day of Pesach (in Israel, the eighth day outside of Israel) Chametz is permitted (Likutey Halakhot, Harsha'ah 4).

Chag Samayach! Reb Nati

Erev Rosh Chodesh in Meron

There is so much I could write on this one trip to Rasbi, Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, zt"l. It was intense to say the least. I was joined by a friend and student, Uzi. We had unbelievable experiences more than than once, as we just kept getting the same message, "rok zerok l'sekel shelcha" - just throw away all your preconceived notions.

Like two little children we set out, and what a journey it was. We came to receive a blessing for me, "a refuah" (a healing), and to ask for a special blessing for the new month. We came away with a lot more.

As Erev Rosh Chodesh is Yom Kippur Katon (the beginning of a new month is like a small Yom Kippur), we can wipe clean the slate from last month and start anew.

We rode up from the Shomron (West Bank) in the rain and cold, catching rides (Israeli style). This is my personal favorite way to travel as I always ask Hashem to bring me people to speak to about emunah (faith). I'm getting a ride, they're getting a shiur in Torah, no choice as I just can't shut up about G-d and my Rebbe and how he has changed my life. For me, it's so natural and it just flows.

Every ride was a blessing and a part of the emunah lifestyle, and everyone we spoke to received a blessing. We relate to each as family, and people are just not used to this. They ask, "Are all you guys like this? Alive and energized?" I say chalavei! (We fervently wish!)

One adventure after another (that's another story!) and we arrived at the Kever (Tomb) of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai zt"l. Only then did the plane really begin to leave the runway! WOW!!! Everyone from the rebbe ashir b'Torah to the most simple beggar said the same thing! Just throw your sechel (intellect) and just trust in Hashem. I mean everyone!

We met a tzaddik who took us on a trek behind the tomb, hiking around the hills to the cave of Hillel HaZakain, the great Hillel the Elder, zt"l. We were not sure what was about to happen, even began to get nervous at entering a cave with the fellow. But what a blessing! This guy just started giving us Torah like you would not believe. There was one confirmation after another, WOW! We exchanged numbers and prayer requests, Reb Shimon ben Miriam want a zivug (marriage partner), so I promised to pray for him everyday and I look forward to dancing at his wedding very soon, may it be His will!

We trekked back around the hill to the mikvah by the kever, to purify ourselves and say Tikun Klali (the spiritual repair of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov). There energy there like Uman! As we finished and left to go outside for cup of tea, I ran into the Melitzer Rebbe (literally, bump!) Bli ayin hara, ben porat yosef, a very special tzaddik who I had come to see, to give a pidyon nefesh (a soul request) and recieve a bracha (blessing) for a refuah shalayma (a completely recovery). All I can express is...Wow. He had come with Rabbi Lazer Brody of Lazer Beams.

After spending a few precious minutes with this special man of G-d, my friend Uzi and I merited to have some private time with Rabbi Brody on the side of the hill. Ahh, the the cream of the trip. Torah, words of praise of Hashem and the prayers of old soldiers were shared! G-d willing, I should merit to write another post just to tell you some of we learned on the side of the hill by Rashbi in Meron.

Hodu l'Hashem Key Tov, Key Le'olam Hasdo!

Posted at Mystical Paths. Read it elsewhere? Stop by the sour

Breslov/Chabbad (Facts)

This post is in response to Eli's comment, on my post of yesterday
It is a little know fact in Chabbad that Rebbe Nachman upon returning from the Eretz Hakodesh went straight to the Alter rebbe. Spring 5559 march thru June 1798-99
As Rebbe Nachman was instrumental in an effort to make shalom, in resolving a dispute between Rabbi Avraham Kalisker and the Alter Rebbe. (Igeres Baal HaTanya398p.156)
23 sivan 5559 "When the rebbe returned home Medvedevka he did not even stop at his house, but immediately went see Rabbi Shneur Zalman as he had promised R. Avraham Kalisker" (Chayay Morharan 26 b #10,113)
On Rosh Chodesh Tammuz 5559, the Rebbe Came to Liozna, where Rebbe Shneur Zalman lived.
it was a 450 mile trip of 8 days.(Chayay Moharan 33b,#150 appendix, letter #9). The Alter Rebbe spoke for 8 hours, (Aveneha Barzel) to those gathered.
"they spoke together about the k'chillah in Israel. In particular, the discussed the controversy involving the distribution funds. The Rebbe tried to calm the situation. But in the end, it did not help. It was later recorded the Rebbe was found crying. The rebbe said to Rabbi Shimon " I brought you a present from Israel, and the present is strife!". That summer The Rebbe taught several lessons connected to this issue. They met several times after that .Rebbe Nachman also gave the Alter Rebbe a copy of Likutey Moharan. And we know that, it is still in the archives of Chabbad, And also I once saw in in the office of the Rebbe when I lived in Crownheights.
But here is the best part of the story! The daughter of Rebbe Nachman, Chaya married Aharon the son of Freida, daughter of The Alter Rebbe. (Until Mashiach) So someone in Chabbad can please look this up for us and send to us, please as i curious to here there other side of the story. So in the end we are family.
But to talk on the subject at hand whether to use our intellect or emunah. I'll give the follow mushal, and let you decide? It's a well know medical fact that the heart can live on for years without the brain, ie. 'Brain dead', but the brain can not live for more than 5 minutes without the heart. The brain is dependent on the heart for life. So who gonna trust? The brain that is dependent on the heart, or the heart which gives the brain life?
The whole lesson of the Tanya 634 pages is simply this; A man must use his Emunah to convert his intellect so together they can covert the Yeitzer HaRah to the Yeitzer HaTov. The Avodah of the Habennoi, ( the service of middle or average Guy).
For you are chair Kabballist it's like this.
Mochin katnuse, constricted consciousness, sekel is the intellect, animal instincts without emunah (faith), this is what leads to apikorses, Hershey which resides in the a man's brain without emunah.
The Mochin Gadluse expanded consciousness "Emunah shaleimah" complete utter faith, Nefesh Elokees, (ie. The G-dly soul) that resides in the right side of a man's heart mush be strengthened and built up until it reaches the intellect, which resides in the a man's brain. Only then can the intellect descend into the left side of the heart, where the Yeitzer Harah (nefesh B'hemah, animal soul) resides. For intellect on it's own can never conquer the Yeitzer HaRah! Only with Mochin Gadluse, which is Emunah in tandem with the, sekel intellect, only in this Kedusha, holiness of the combination is the two can we ever hope to conquer and convert the Yeitzer! You see our mission here is not to destroy but to convert the Yeitzer. Any way Rebbenu said there is no such thing as the middle guy, or your in Gadluse or Katnuse. Either your one or the other! The basic message of the Tanya is the same there really is no middle ground. It's binary on or off, no half on half off!
So hopefully this will clear up this issue. The truth is, it takes both Menachem and Nachman to accomplish the tikun, It's in the achdus, the oneness of the two, that there is Kedusha and though brotherly love and acceptance we will rectify the sin of sinat chinam senseless hatred. Come guys we 're Mispacha family!
There isn't space for me to continue here on this subject as i can keep going. So for those who wish to delve deeper on this subject can join me on our sister blog Project-emunah. Where we are in the process of giving shuirim on just emunah. "All Emunah All the Time. also we are in the process of starting internet Radio program so stay tunned.
Shalom
Reb. Nati