Thursday, September 21, 2023

From Rosh Hashanah to Yom Kippur

BH


 based on Likutey Moharan lesson 24

Given in Uman after Rosh Hashanah 2023

for more info:

@: breslovtherapy@gmail.com

WhatsApp: +1-732-800-1860

The Wonder - Pele of Rebbe Nachman and Uman

 BH


Based on Likutey Moharan lesson 24

Given at the BRI Kollel - Uman - 2023

For more info:

@: breslovtherapy@gmail.com

WhatsApp: +1-732-800-1863

Sunday, September 10, 2023

The Wondrous Craftsman – Amon Mufla (אמון מופלא)

 BH


In the book of Proverbs, King Solomon speaks on behalf of the Torah, praising its greatness. The Torah itself claims to be the blueprint, the vessel through which Hashem created the world.

The verse reads (Proverbs, Chapter 8): “Va’eyeh etzlo amon – ואהיה אצלו אמון” which means, “I, the Torah, was with Hashem as His craftsman.”

The Midrash Rabbah (Bereishit 1:1) first offers four interpretations of the term “amon” used in this context:

-“Amon Pedagog,” akin to a newborn baby that needs constant care and attention. The Torah was under God’s nurturing guidance until it was ready to be revealed.

-“Amon Mechuseh,” meaning “covered up.” The Torah was there, but veiled, waiting to be uncovered when the time was right.

-“Amon Mutzna,” hidden. The Torah was not just covered but concealed, requiring effort to uncover its secrets.

-“Amon Rabbata,” big or precious. The Torah was something immense and significant for Hashem, awaiting the right moment to be unveiled.

However, the main interpretation is the fifth explanation – that the word “amon” means “uman – אומן,” a craftsman or an architect. The Torah describes itself as the vessel God used to plan and create the world, much like an architect’s blueprint for building a palace.

In worldly matters, even a king does not personally construct his palace. He hires an expert, an architect, who designs the palace’s layout on parchment and wax boards. Similarly, God consulted the Torah as His blueprint to craft and shape the universe.

In essence, the Torah was the master plan, the Divine blueprint from which Hashem fashioned the world. It’s a profound concept, emphasizing the Torah’s integral role in creation.

The first four explanations revolve around how Hashem cared for the Torah, encapsulating the four levels of the Torah – Pshat, Remez, Drash, and Sod.

Let’s delve into the four levels:

-Pshat: This level demands substantial investment. To comprehend Pshat, one must dedicate time, intellectual rigor, and the capacity to follow the method of the Sages, which requires a sharpened intellect. This level embodies pedagogy, meaning it requires complete devotion. Thus being Amon – Pedagog.

-Remez: Remez introduces the notion of hints – uncovering hidden clues. Though it may seem somewhat concealed, these hints become evident through thoughtful connections and deeper consideration. Thus being Amon – Mechuseh.

-Drash: This level requires delving deep to unearth concealed insights. A Darshan aims to reveal something hidden, and is celebrated for his ability to bring out these exciting and innovative ideas. Thus being Amon – Mutzna.

-Sod: Sod ventures into the realms of Kabbalah, introducing profound concepts like Atzilut, Biriyah, Yetzirah, and Atzira etc.. It deals with esoteric, higher-level terms, offering a sense of awe akin to exploring the great vastness of outer space. Thus being Amon – Rabbata.

However, the Midrash’s fifth explanation corresponds to the level of the Infinite Light – the Or Ein Sof. This level transcends the previous four, considering them as mere prerequisites (which is why Hashem has to “pamper” them before they are revealed). The Or Ein Sof employs these 4 other levels of the Torah as vessels to bring about vast, infinite perspectives and perceptions, an experience called the Keter.

The Keter has a preliminary precaution from letting anyone access the Infinite Light. The Keter “bounces” a person backwards, away from his goal of advancing and perceiving the Infinite Light. This “bounce” allows for the formation of vessels that enable a person to perceive the Infinite Light in a passing and fleeting experience only.

The Tikkuney Zohar coins this sublime level of Godly perception as “Amon Mufla – אמון מופלא” – the Wondrous Handicraft, stating that it was the level of Keter – the Infinite Light which was the actual blueprint used by Hashem in the Creation.

Rebbe Nachman, in Likutey Moharan lesson 24, adds another dimension for the term Amon Mufla – Emunah (אמונה and אמון share the same root) in the Keter (כתר and פלא both connote that which is separated and beyond a person)!!!

Emunah in the level of Keter involves believing in a higher purpose when one experiences setbacks or challenges (the “bounces”), trusting that these difficulties serve to prepare the mind for greater revelations.

~~~

Rebbe Nachman called himself a man of “Pele” (wonder).

He also chose the city of Uman as his resting place to work from there to rectify the entire world.

In this vein, “Amon Mufla” suggests a couple things:

-The Uman (Amon) of Rebbe Nachman (Mufla) – his resting place and the location of of his Rosh Hashanah gathering

-The Faith/Emunah needed in following Rebbe Nachman’s teachings, as he is a man of wonder – that he can help a person experience the Keter.

For those who embark on the Breslov journey, it’s important to understand that there will be ups and downs. The initial spiritual high may fade, but this process is integral to building vessels to receive the Infinite Light-Keter-Pele. Embracing and accepting the setbacks and difficulties is part of the preparation for receiving the Or Ein Sof. This is the essence of Uman Rosh Hashanah, where and when the Keter can be experienced.

In conclusion, Emunah is the key in navigating the Keter, and through it we can accept that the challenges and setbacks we face are part of the journey toward profound understanding and connection.





(THIS ARTICLE ALSO APPEARS ON THE BRI BRESLOV.ORG WEBSITE:
~~~

Rebbe Nachman made a promise that anybody who comes to his grave in Uman, gives a coin to charity in his memory, recites the Tikkun Haklali, and takes upon himself not to return to his folly, the Rebbe swore to do everything in his power to pull that person out of the lowest pit of hell, no matter how low and serious his crimes and iniquities may be.

Since the time of Reb Noson (over 200 years ago) the Breslover conduct and tradition has been to say the Tikkun HaKlali by Rebbe Nachman's grave on the Eve of Rosh Hashanah.

More recently, it has become accustomed to recite the Tikkun Haklalli in Uman on the Eve of Rosh Hashanah in unison at exactly 12 noon.

It has also become accepted in Breslov circles - for those who don't make it to Uman - to make a shaliach (representative) to recite the Tikkun Haklali on their behalf.

To have the coin donation in memory of Rebbe Nachman and the Tikkun Haklali recited on your behalf on the Eve of Rosh Hashanah in Uman at the noontime recitation please follow this link to submit your charity along with full Hebrew name and mother's name: 


With blessings for a happy New Year, inscribed in the books of the True Tzaddikim for life, peace and happiness.

Uman, Uman Rosh Hashanah!!!

Meir Elkabas


Tuesday, August 29, 2023

Likutey Moharan lesson 24 007-3a

 BH


The waiting of Keter - more details of the necessity to wait and settle and organize the mind to receive the Infinite Light, etc. Follow us: Breslovtherapy.com Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/breslov-therapy FB: https://www.facebook.com/breslovthera... To donate or sponsor a class: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meire... #breslov #breslovtherapy #rebbenachman


Likutey Moharan lesson 24 007-3

 BH


THIS CLASS IS DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF: SIMCHA BAT MASSOUDA OUAKNINE. IN THE MERIT OF REBBE NACHMAN BEN FEIGA MAY HER NESHAMA BE INCLUDED AMONG THE SOULS OF THE TZADDIKIM, AMEN. The connection between E-H-Y-H and Keter - patience and waiting for development etc. Follow us: Breslovtherapy.com Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/breslov-therapy FB: https://www.facebook.com/breslovtherapytm.meir To donate or sponsor a class: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meirelkabas #breslov #breslovtherapy #rebbenachman

Friday, August 4, 2023

The 5 Ways To Joy

 BH


This week we have the festive day of Tu B’Av in the week of Parshat Eikev. These occasions carry a remarkable message of joy. The Gemara highlights the exceptional significance of Tu B’Av and Yom Kippur as days of unparalleled happiness for the Jewish people.

Tu B’Av falls just five days after the 10th of Av, not counting from the 9th, as the Temple continued to burn on the 10th, and certain mourning laws extend to this day. These five days leading into Tu B’Av correspond to the five kolot (sounds) mentioned in Isaiah’s prophecy about the happiness that will come with the arrival of Mashiach. These kolot represent five distinct types of joy that we can experience.

Reb Noson outlines five ways to cultivate happiness:

  1. Acting Silly and Telling Jokes: Humor and light-heartedness can lift people out of their sadness and lead to genuine joy.
  2. Dancing, Singing, and Rejoicing: Engaging in song and dance with melody and rhythm can stir inner happiness.
  3. Finding Your Good Points: Recognizing and acknowledging our positive traits and actions can bring a sense of contentment.
  4. Giving Thanks for the Good Points: Expressing gratitude for our blessings further amplifies our joy.
  5. Looking at the Ultimate End: Gaining perspective by focusing on the ultimate future, where everything will be rectified, can alleviate present distress and bring in joy.
In the days following Tu B’Av, we are encouraged to embrace simcha wholeheartedly!

Tu B’Av, occurring after a period of mourning, allows time for the accumulation of these five types of joy, making it a day of ultimate happiness.

Parashat Eikev begins with the blessings that follow from faithfully listening to the Torah. Moreover, the Parashah uses the term “V’hayah” (it will be) – “And it will be, following that you listen to these precepts…”. The Sages teach that V’hayah is a joyous term. In contrast, “Vayehi” denotes sorrow. This connection underscores the significance of joy in serving Hashem.

Rebbe Nachman emphasizes that joy itself is a “big” mitzvah, greater than other mitzvot. To serve Hashem with joy is the ultimate goal. And in these 45 days following Tu B’Av leading up to Rosh Hashanah, we are encouraged to embrace simcha (joy) wholeheartedly.

As we approach this auspicious period, we should strive to incorporate the “fabulous five” into our lives. By adopting a joyous attitude, singing and dancing, acknowledging our good points, giving thanks to Hashem for our good points, and trusting in a brighter future that in the end everything will work out for the good, we can serve Hashem with genuine joy. This will lead us to a meaningful and uplifting connection with Hashem, paving the way for a joyous and prosperous new year.

for a video presentation of these concepts: 




May we merit to use these 45 days to cultivate true happiness and embrace the joy that awaits us.

(this article also appears on the BRI breslov.org website:

Shabbat Shalom!
Meir Elkabas
WhatsApp: +1-732-1863
@: breslovtherapy@gmail.com


Thursday, August 3, 2023

Likutey Moharan lesson 24 007-2

 BH


More details about the Organizing and Settling of the mind, the blessing of EHYH of Yitzchak, etc. (Also discussed Tisha B'Av) Follow us: Breslovtherapy.com Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/breslov-therapy FB: https://www.facebook.com/breslovtherapytm.meir To donate or sponsor a class: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meirelkabas #breslov #breslovtherapy #rebbenachman


Tuesday, July 11, 2023

Likutey Moharan lesson 24 007-1b

 BH


Further development of the Malkhut of Yetzira and the Keter of Asiyah etc. (also discussed Bein HaMeitzarim and the 5 daughters of Tzelofchad).

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Friday, July 7, 2023

The Daughters of Tzelafchad – The Perspective of the Keter

 BH



The Parshah delves into the casting of lots, known as the Goral, to determine the division of the Holy Land among the 12 tribes. This division was done by lottery.

Additionally, the Parsha focuses on the daughters of Tzelafchad. These five sisters, descendants of Yosef HaTzadik, presented a question to Moshe Rabbeinu. If they were not considered children or sons, then their mother should perform Yibum, which is the law requiring a widow to marry her deceased husband’s brother. However, if they were considered children, they should be given the land.

Moshe Rabbeinu, in response, told them to wait while he consulted with Hashem to determine the law pertaining to the case of these daughters of Tzelafchad. In the Torah scroll, the letter Nun in the word “Mishpatan” (their law) is written larger than usual.

Hashem responded to Moshe Rabbeinu, affirming that the daughters were correct. The term used is “Ken,” meaning “yes” or “correct.” Hashem explained that this is what is written in His Torah above: When a man only leaves behind daughters and no sons, the daughters are eligible to inherit part of the Land of Israel. Rashi also adds that the daughters were able to perceive something that even Moshe Rabbeinu did not see.

There are numerous fascinating questions arising from this Parsha.

Firstly, what is the significance of the enlarged letter Nun? And why was it necessary for the daughters of Tzelafchad to reveal this law?

Rabeinu Bachya suggests that this law emanates from the 50th level, representing the Keter in Kabbalistic terms. The number 50 corresponds to the sphere of Keter, which is higher than anything else in this world. Thus, these daughters tapped into a level of Torah knowledge that is exceedingly elevated.

~

Another question concerns the significance of giving the Land of Israel to daughters when there are no sons. Why does this question stick out that it must emanate from such a profound level?

The nature of the Land of Israel is to nourish and sustain the rest of the world. Typically, giving and sustaining are considered masculine attributes. In a marriage, for example, the man writes in the Ketubah that he will take care of and provide for his wife.

The concept of Eretz Yisrael, is associated with a masculine attitude of giving rather than receiving. However, the question arises as to whether women, who are typically seen as receivers, can inherit the land. It seems contradictory since the land is known for its giving and nourishing nature, traditionally inherited by males. In the absence of male heirs, can women, as receivers, receive the energy, holiness, and ownership of the land?

This question delves into a higher concept: In the current state of exile, the holiness of Eretz Yisrael is concealed. The majority of Jews living in the Holy Land rely on support from the Diaspora, reversing the usual roles of giving and receiving. This reflects the state of exile, where things are not as they should be.

In exile, the Holy Land adopts a feminine attitude, while the Jews in the Diaspora exhibit a masculine attitude. This reversal of roles is necessary to elevate and gather the trapped holiness. Exile represents a state of confusion, where the usual order is disrupted. The task is to find holiness within this concealed state.

~

This concept aligns with the notion of a “woman of valor is a crown unto her husband” mentioned in Proverbs. Such a woman combines being a receiver, and yet emanating from the Keter, the highest level. Her needs can elevate her husband, allowing him to reach the Keter. This dynamic illustrates how a woman’s role, typically associated with receiving, can actually lead to a higher level of spirituality.

The daughters of Tzelafchad reached the level of Keter - an understanding that surpassed the level Moshe Rabbeinu, as they recognized the concept of receiving within the "giving" nature of the Land of Israel - the state of exile and the unique inheritance of the Holy Land.

The five daughters hinted at this connection to the 50th level - the Keter - where understanding and not understanding are one.

Thus, this perspective challenges the conventional logic of inheritance, as one would expect male relatives to receive the land. However, in the context of the Holy Land in exile, it becomes necessary to collect the holy sparks and elevate the trapped holiness. This state of affairs may seem illogical, as it goes against expectations, but it aligns with the conditions of the Holy Land in exile.

This is why it was beyond the scope of Moshe Rabeinu, and left for these righteous women - the "crowns" of their future husbands - to discover and align with this halakhic clarification.

May we merit to reveal the hidden holiness of Eretz Yisrael even while still in exile.

(For an audio presentation of these concepts CLICK HERE.)

(This article also appears on the BRI breslov.org website: https://breslov.org/the-daughters-of-tzelafchad-the-perspective-of-the-keter/)


Shabbat Shalom!
Meir Elkabas 

@: breslovtherapy@gmail.com 

WhatsApp: +1-732-800-1863 





Wednesday, July 5, 2023

Likutey Moharan lesson 24 007-1 - The innerness of the blessings

 BH




THIS CLASS HAS BEEN DEDICATED AND SPONSORED IN MEMORY OF:
RABBI AHARON BEN AVRAHAM SHMUEL HALEVI PERRY
MAY THE MERIT OF REBBE NACHMAN BEN FEIGA PROTECT HIM AND GRANT HIS NESHAMAH A MAJOR ALIYAH AMONGST THE SOULS OF AM YISRAEL.

The innerness of the blessings; bringing Malkhut of Yetzira (Emunah) to become the innerness of ChaBaD of Asiyah;

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To donate or sponsor a class: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meirelkabas

#breslov #breslovtherapy #rebbenachman