Hitbodedut 101: Talking to Hashem

The most important of Rebbe Nachman's teachings is about hitbodedut, personal prayer, one's intimate private conversations with the Creator. Discourse 25 of Part II deals with this vital subject. We learn that each of us has the priceless birthright of our own personal relationship with Him. This is an asset greater than anything, which only a fortunate few take advantage of.

Shmura Heart

We do a great job in guarding our homes on Passover from chametz. But what about our hearts? Shouldn't we be guarding them against all kinds of non-kosher emotions like hate and jealousy?

Land of the Deer: Likutei Moharan I, Torah 55, Part 6

In our concluding lesson of Torah 55, we learn a beautiful upward spiral. The more we enhance emuna, the better we pray. The better we pray, the closer we get to Hashem. The closer we get to Hashem, the more we become purified. That way, even a person outside the Land of Israel can attain the aspect of the Land of Israel, which is a special holiness.

3 Voices: Likutei Moharan I: Torah 55, Part 4

In prayer, we must direct our voices exclusively toward the Almighty. When we do, we correct three different voices that mislead us down errant paths. Such directed prayer has the power of a ritual sacrifice in the Holy Temple...
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The Miser and the Vow

The Miser wanted to rid himself of his wife in the worst way. He couldn't divorce her, because then, he'd have to pay her a large sum of money. He asked the local rabbi what to do...

Holy Dust: Likutei Moharan, Torah 55, Part 3

Abraham compared himself to dust and ashes. This was not mere humility, but advice to his offspring until the end of time.

Not What the Eye Sees: Likutei Moharan I:55, Part 2

Rebbe Nachman explains that once the tzaddik's eyes are strengthened, he is able to perceive Hashem's justice. He becomes aware that whatever seemed unfair and unjust was simply a magnificent expression of Divine love.

Light of the Fathers: Likutei Moharan, Torah 55, Part 1

Rebbe Nachman explains that our only right to the Land of Israel is when we connect to its holiness. Yet, how can it be holy if the Divine Presence is in exile? By virtue of our holy matriarchs and patriarchs – and in their merit – the Divine Presence is with us. So, without a connection to our forefathers, the land is contested, and the evil gain the upper hand.

Guarding Your Wealth: Likutei Moharan, Torah 68

Everyone yearns to have money. Yet, why is money so difficult to obtain? And, if people care about their money, why do they lose it so easily? Once we learn what we need to do to guard our money, our lives become much more pleasant.

Arm in Arm: Likutei Moharan I, Torah 24, Summary and Concluding Part 7

Ultimately, all war will be futile. The holiness that accompanies joy will nullify the evil in the world. The nations will bring every exile back to rebuilt Jerusalem, arm in arm.

Ballroom of the Brain: Likutei Moharan, Torah 24, Part 6

The soul in the brain yearns to connect with its source, the Ein Sof, or Divine Light of the Infinite One. Yet if it succeeded, it would be instantly rendered into nothingness. When "Chaba'd" races toward the Ein Sof, the "Keter" stands in the way. A tremendous collision occurs, but something wonderful happens…

The Light of the Crown: Likutei Moharan, Torah 24, Part 5

After our review of the first four parts of Torah 24, we learn that "Keter" is the crown of the ten spheres. It not only illuminates the intellect, but it serves as the regulator, or spiritual limiter, of the Divine light that reaches the brain.