The Essence of Rebbe Nachman

The Essential Rabbi Nachman by Avraham Greenbaum
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When it comes to Judaism you cannot beat the spirituality of Rebbe Nachman. This book is a primer meant specifically for the beginner or someone just newly exposed to Rebbe Nachman. If course those more familiar with his works can glean some benefits as well. The author gives a biography of Rebbe Bachman along with a compendium of his books and works.
The book renders his teaching on a while variety of subjects , including prayer, serving hashem , repentance and a host of other subjects.Rebe Nachmans spirituality is Crystal clear, direct and simple. His philosophy is one of joy and optimism. His formost command is to always be joyous. One must never give up hope because of you can damage then you must believe you can fix. No sinner is even so low that Hashem will never forgive them for Hashem is there even in the lowest pit of hell. Worried about your lack of focus while praying then never fear. Just do the part that resonates with you while davening with intent. For that part of the prayer resonates with your soul. Why do families fight? Because parts of their soul that resonates with the different nations. Different nations fight.
The book also tells several of his stories. They tell a lot like faery takes but they convey a certain meaning. Many of them will tell how it is important for the Jew to bind himself with the tzaddik. The tzadik knows how to fix the soul and is the one who leads his chassids or followers to the her after. Rebbe Nachman introduced some new practices that are really useful. The first one is hisbodedute this is like freestyle prayer where you pour out your heart to Hashem. You tell Hashem what is troubling you, what is in your mind and how you plan to improve. In fact the Rebbe believed you should write your own prayers and even base them in Torah lessons. Another practice is the general remedy. You say 10 of certain psalms as a remedy for problems.The Rebbe was keen on waking up at midnight to say tikkun hatsote. This is mourning for the beit hamikdash. Rebbe Nachman was buried in uman in a Jewish cemetery where the martyrs of a massacre are buried. It is a big thing for his followers to go to his grave on Rosh Hashanah. Rebbe Nachman will alwAys intercede for his followers.

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