Chassidic Thought

In one of Rebbe Nachman most uplifting teachings, he explains that suffering comes from Hashem, like everything else in life. Therefore, when a person experiences difficulties in life, he or she should focus on the ultimate purpose. Since the ultimate purpose is Hashem's will and intention, it's all good. So, by focusing on Hashem, one's suffering becomes much lighter. Indeed, he or she will feel joy as a result of the abundant good that comes from connecting with Hashem. That's the ultimate good.

Rebbe Nachman describes an exquisite field full of exotic and indescribably beautiful plants and trees. There is a Master Gardener who tends to this field, giving each plant and tree what it needs. When they bear fruit, his eyesight is far-reaching. But, if they don't bear fruit, his eyes become dim. The secrets of prayer...

Rebbe Nachman tells of a field where exquisitely beautiful trees and plants grow. The splendor of this field is indescribable. Where is it?

Rebbe Nachman teaches that the melody of an upright singer or musician inspires people to better their service of Hashem. Yet, there are few kosher musicians around. So, how does one correct the detrimental effects of hearing music from a less than upright source? 

This is the amazing story of how a newly observant IDF war veteran - Lazer Brody - spent four days with the Lubavitcher Rebbe of saintly and blessed memory. The story begins with the First Lebanon War of 1982 and then moves to 770 in Crown Heights, Parshat Korach, 5747/ June 25-28, 1987. The Rebbe's unforgettable eyes...

Everything our soul ingests affects our spirituality. We pay much attention to the kashruth of food because of its effect on the soul. Music penetrates our souls much faster than food does. For that reason, Rebbe Nachman stresses that a person must listen to music of upright musicians.

The Torah commands us to judge everyone fairly. Even if a person is seemingly evil, we can always find some good quality if we look hard enough. Likewise, we must search for the good points within ourselves. Our good points are like musical notes. When they come together, they create beautiful melodies.

The heart has a spiritual self-cleaning mechanism that is capable of cleansing it from all forms of impurity. Rebbe Nachman teaches us how to activate it.
 

The closest distance between two points is a straight line. In spirituality, straightness means simplicity and honest innocence. The two traits, which are really one, makes a person beautiful. They also create the closest distance between the person and the Creator.

Don't ever be down on yourself. With emuna and teshuva, there's always hope. Every soul has the potential of being a priceless jewel in the Almighty's crown. This is our concluding lesson on Rebbe Nachman's famous teaching of how to navigate life's ups and downs.

Life is like a ferris wheel. Don't boast when you're on top of the world, because you'll soon go down. But, don't be upset when you hit rock bottom, for you'll soon go up. Rebbe Nachman shows us the awesome secrets embedded in the ability to serve Hashem during good times and the opposite.

This week, we learn how the true spiritual leaders attain their greatness. Despite their prodigious wisdom, they are extremely humble. How do we know? Ask the geese in the desert…