Likutei Moharan

Title:Aleph Through Yud — Elevating Torah From the SourceBased on Likutei Moharan Torah 28, with R’ Nosson’s AppendixOverview:This shiur explores how Torah can either connect us to HaShem’s ratzon (will) or, chas v’shalom, be disconnected when taught superficially in the context the opposition against true talmidei chachamim that we have been discussing. Rebbe Nachman maps this through the first ten letters of the Aleph Beis, showing the path from fallen Alephs back to their source — and how serving true talmidei chachamim anchors us in emes.-----Some leaders relate to Torah horizontally superficially, as detached from its source. This is “Aleph Ne’fulin” — fallen Alephs — Torah taken at face value, not as a our access to deeper truth.We must attach to tzaddikim who are yirei Shamayim, including serving talmidei chachamim (an act compared to bringing the Korban Tamid.); and be anchored in chessed and emunah, to be protected from, and subdie these harmful influences.Takeaway:Torah must be approached as an expression of HaShem’s infinite will, not a self-contained “superficial” knowledge. By aligning with true tzaddikim and extracting the hidden good, we restore fallen Alephs to their source — and strengthen our connection to the One who gave it

In this shiur, we continue to explore the Torah transmission through a Tzaddik and opposition with Torah teachers lacking authenticity. We uncover how humility, emunah, chessed, and being in the service tzaddkim allow Torah to descend from the highest worlds into human experience.We explain the Tzaddik as a conduit that connects those in his charge with the ultimate truth. We contrast this with the those leaders lacking integrity and authenticity whose Torah is self-referential and disconnected from Truth. At the center of the shiur is a piercing message: 'Torah' that is disconnected from its source is not truly Torah at all!

In this powerful opening to Torah 28, we confront a piercing question: Not just what Torah are you learning—but from where?The shiur launches into a sweeping meditation on authentic Torah transmission and the distinction between lavush (outer garment) and essence—we learn that Torah only uplifts when drawn from its true source.The core warning? A Torah rooted externality without depth and attachment to the source can mislead both teacher and student. When Torah becomes a tool to flatter, entertain, or avoid discomfort, it loses its power to transform. And when we confuse charisma for kedusha, we risk following a voice disconnected from the makor ha’emes.Ultimately, the shiur invites us to ask: Are we aligned with the pipeline of truth, or just receiving echoes filtered through ego?

🎙️ Torah 27, Part 3 — Serving in One Voice, Crying with One HeartFinal World-Class Version for SpotifyIn this shiur, we continue uncovering Rav Nachman’s sweeping vision of redemption in Torah 27 — not merely as personal growth, but as global alignment through individual avodah.We explore what it means for each soul to cast aside falsehood and draw near to truth — not by becoming the same, but by fulfilling distinct roles within a divinely orchestrated system. Through vivid analogies from factory systems, marriage, and community, the shiur redefines shalom as purposeful interdependence grounded in emes. True peace, we learn, is not passive — it is coordinated harmony.One of the shiur’s most powerful emotional pivots centers on the difference between atzvus (paralyzing sadness) and merirus (constructive bitterness). While atzvus silences, merirus cries out — and in that cry, we find connection with Hashem.The shiur concludes with a stirring reflection on music as a vehicle for coming close to Hashem. For those interested in line with the idea of "music as a way to connect": Shoot me an email, been tangentially working a bit with a side music related project.

To draw the entire world to serve Hashem in unison, we must achieve true shalom. In this shiur, we explore how that harmony is only possible through Ha’aras Panim and Hadaras Panim—an inner radiance drawn from Torah, refined voice, and the spiritual power of Tikkun HaBris. When one purifies their kol (voice), even tefillah without words can pierce through concealment. From the depths of emotional expression to the harmony of collective shira, we uncover the chain from Yosef HaTzaddik’s nisayon to the cosmic split of the sea—and how inner purity unleashes song, unity, and redemption.(notes unedited)Practical ApplicationsRefine Your Voice through TorahConsider how deeply your words reflect inner clarity. Invest in learning that purifies koach ha’dibur—even reviewing the 13 Middos in davening with intent can elevate your kol.Turn to Hashem Even Without WordsWhen you're overwhelmed or confused, don’t wait for the perfect tefillah. Even a raw kol—a cry, a sigh, or an honest moment of emotional presence—can reach Hashem powerfully.Protect Your Kedushah to Protect Your ClarityThe shiur draws a powerful link between bris, hadras panim, and tefillah. Guarding personal kedushah isn’t just moral—it protects your spiritual antenna to receive truth.Lean Into Oneness During ConflictTrue shalom is not avoiding opposition—it’s integration toward a higher goal. Next time you face tension, ask: What greater ratson Hashem could unify these parts?Use Shabbos as a Spiritual CalibrationThe link between shira, tikun habris, and Shabbos suggests that preparing for and experiencing Shabbos consciously can be a weekly reset toward inner harmony.(notes unedited)

In this profound opening to Likutei Moharan Torah 27, we explore the sweeping vision of Rabbi Nachman: a world unified in service of Hashem. Drawing on the Athenian sages’ question about the chick in the shell, this shiur reframes individual avodah as inherently cosmic. How does Shalom become the vessel for Giluy Shechinah? What is the deeper meaning of Ha’aras Panim, and how is it rooted in the Torah and the Tzura Adam?We delve into:The global mission of every Jew and how each neshamah is a microcosm of creation.Why true unity (Shalom) isn’t just about avoiding conflict but about mutual bitul toward a higher goal.How Yaakov Avinu, Ha’aras Panim, and the Shemos of Hashem reveal divine structure in the world.The role of Torah as blueprint and how each of the 600,000 souls uniquely expresses one facet of that truth.What it means to bring the world to serve Hashem b’shem echad, not through conformity but harmony.-----Quotables: "You can't achieve shalom by being separate. True shalom (peace/completion/perfection) is when each soul fulfills its unique role within a single divine symphony.""Every Jew contains all the worlds within themselves—our personal refinement reshapes creation itself."

Where the Sparks Enter — The Tzadik’s Mesirus Nefesh in Tefillah Main Ideas from Likutei Moharan 26This Torah begins with a cryptic Gemara: when a chick dies within its shell, through which point does its soul exit? Rav Nachman reframes this as a metaphor for the tzadik’s avodah in tefillah. The tzadik must direct his greatest mesirus nefesh precisely to the areas where foreign thoughts (machshavos zaros) enter during prayer.These “foreign” elements are not distractions to escape, but rather sparks of holiness (nitzotzos) awaiting elevation. The avodah, then, is not about bridging distance from Hashem — chas v’shalom — but about recalibrating perspective and reconnecting each experience to its true source. The tzadik, operating from an elevated vantage point aligned with Hashem’s ratzon, is uniquely able to reveal Elokus in the very places where it appears most concealed. This is a function of his alignment with the ultimate context: HaMakom. Additional Expansions and Key ThemesTefillah is not primarily about personal requests; its essence is aligning oneself — and the world — with Hashem’s ratzon. Individual bakashos only carry meaning within that larger context.Even misdirected emotions (e.g., love, desire) are not disconnected from Hashem. They are divine energies misapplied. Teshuvah is a reorientation, not a reconnection.Perspective defines reality: everything in creation is rooted in Elokus. What changes is how we see it.The tzadik can descend into concealment without spiritual harm, enabling him to elevate the deepest sparks. His inner purity and orientation keep him above contamination.The shell = tefillah = pre-creation/revelation koach: Just as the chick emerges from the shell, creation unfolds from tefillah. The tzadik, deeply aligned with Hashem’s will, activates and channels this pre-creation power on behalf of the world.

Unedited Summary: Navigating the Spiritual Ladder: Insights from Likutei MoharanThe Power of Perspective: Top-Down vs. Bottom-Up ApproachesTop-Down Approach (Truth-Driven):Spiritual growth begins with a higher, unified perspective. A higher perspective sees unity in seemingly conflicting systems (like the body’s organs), understanding them as one coherent design.Bottom-Up Approach (Desire-Driven):When you’re grounded in physicality or emotional desires, it’s hard to see the unity. The goal is to elevate your perspective to reveal the interconnectedness of all things.Breaking Through Illusions (Klipah) on the Spiritual AscentKlipah: Obstacles on the Path:At every level of spiritual growth, we encounter klipah—barriers that seem to separate us from the truth. These barriers provide the stage for spiritual challenge, growth and, ultimately, elevation.The Orange Peel Metaphor:Klipah is like the peel of an orange: it protects the fruit but doesn’t stand alone. At higher levels, we recognize that klipah serves its purpose, but once removed, it withers away.As we grow, we must confront and subdue these klipah, recognizing that everything in the physical world ultimately leads us to a unified truth.Unity in Diversity: Revealing Divine HarmonyDivine Attributes as Colors:Chesed (kindness) and Gevurah (strength) may appear as opposites, but from a higher perspective, they complement each other to create beauty (Tiferes).Spiritual growth is about seeing the whole picture—how different elements, when integrated, create a beautiful and unified system.Tzedakah: The Key to Spiritual AlignmentThe Role of Tzedakah:Giving tzedakah connects you to others and to Divine purpose. It transforms your resources from personal possessions to vessels for Divine will.Through tzedakah, we acknowledge that our material wealth is not for our benefit alone but a means to connect and uplift the world.The Cosmic Impact of Individual GrowthInterconnectedness of All:Each person’s growth impacts the entire spiritual ecosystem. As you rise, you elevate those around you, creating a ripple effect that leads to greater unity in the world.Practical Guidance for Overcoming Spiritual ChallengesRecognizing Spiritual Growth Through Challenges:New difficulties are often signs that you’ve advanced to a higher spiritual level. What seems like a setback or resistance can actually be a sign of closer proximity to the Divine.Embrace these challenges as opportunities to break through illusions and connect with deeper truths.The Role of Simcha in Spiritual GrowthSimcha as a Driver:True happiness comes from doing what you should be doing, aligned with your higher purpose. As you grow spiritually, you’ll experience more Simcha, which propels you closer to unity with Hashem.Simcha is not external; it comes from within when you align with your true self and purpose.Breaking Through the Illusions of the Yetzer HaraThe Yetzer Hara’s New Name: Koach HaMedameh:The Yetzer Hara, which manifests as illusions and fantasies, is described as the “power of imagination” (Koach HaMedameh). As we rise spiritually, we encounter new levels of the Yetzer Hara.In times of spiritual revelation, these illusions become stronger, presenting new challenges that must be...

Would love to hear from you. See notes below; please don't rely on them as they were generated to accompany shiur and not edited, but feel free to let me know if they are helpful. Understanding Unity Within Creation: Notes from Likutei MoharanTwo Approaches to Understanding CreationTop-Down Approach: The source (or seed) contains all potential, with everything emanating from it in a structured, orderly way. From this perspective, creation unfolds with perfect unity.Bottom-Up Approach: Starts from our experience of fragmented reality where things may appear disconnected or contradictory. The spiritual work is to align these fragments back with their original source to reveal their deeper unity.Spiritual Growth as RealignmentAs we ascend through different spiritual levels, we refine ourselves and reconnect with the panimiyus (internal essence) of each level.The Process of Alignment: We must realign ourselves with the inner purpose at each stage of growth, sensitizing ourselves to the deeper truth present at every level of reality.Money and Tzedakah in Divine ServiceMamon as a Vessel (Kli): Money can either serve as a tool for Hashem's purpose or become empty and meaningless when disconnected from its source.Purpose of Tzedakah: Charity aligns our physical resources with spiritual purpose. When used properly, money becomes a means to express divine unity in the world.Spiritual Rectification: The act of giving redirects resources to fulfill divine will. Money used for tzedakah becomes infused with purpose, rectifying both the giver's soul and participating in the greater tikkun of creation.Navigating Contradictions in Spiritual LifeApparent Contradictions: At each level of spiritual and personal development, we encounter challenges and apparent contradictions. This happens in all contexts—educational, business, and personal.Growth Process: As we develop spiritually, we begin to see how seemingly contradictory elements fit together in a unified whole, serving a greater purpose.Yichud (Unity) as Higher PerspectiveTranscending Contradictions: Spiritual growth allows us to access higher levels of unity where we can see the entire system as interconnected.This higher vantage point reveals how each piece works toward the ultimate goal of divine revelation in the world.Tzedakah as Expression of UnityThrough tzedakah, we actively participate in creating unity between the Creator and creation.When we give, we align ourselves with divine purpose, ensuring our resources reveal Hashem's light in the world.

would love to hear from you; MRubin214@gmail.comPlease let me know if the notes below are helpful (note they are unedited so please do not rely on)The Bridge Between Mind and ActionIn Likutei Moharan, we’re taught that human nature is shaped by three key faculties:Intellect (Seichel): The mind that perceives truth and connects to Divine wisdom.Imagination (Koach HaMedameh): The bridge faculty that translates understanding into action.Action (Ma’aseh): The physical implementation of our thoughts in the world.Two Approaches to RealityTop-Down (Truth-Driven):The intellect, grounded in absolute truth, leads the way.The imagination becomes a faithful transmitter of Divine wisdom.Actions naturally align with Divine will, and there’s no resistance in the system.This approach is like a healthy body, where the limbs move as directed by the mind without friction.Bottom-Up (Desire-Driven):Desires and circumstances often drive the perception of what’s true.Imagination creates illusions, justifying actions that may not be based in eternal truth.This results in dissonance, where a person’s actions are not aligned with their higher purpose.It’s like a body whose movements are driven by random impulses, instead of being guided by a higher purpose.The Dynamic System of Spiritual GrowthLayers of Reality (Olamim):Reality consists of interconnected spiritual levels, each with its own essence and outer expression.As we grow, we ascend through these levels, expanding our capacity to connect to the Divine.The Individual Journey:Spiritual growth begins at the most basic level, and we must master each one before progressing.Moving from one level to the next is like advancing through school—each level introduces new challenges and forces us to begin again in a new environment.Each transition brings us face-to-face with the klipah (spiritual shell) of that level, which we must break through to access the deeper spiritual essence.Encountering and Transforming BarriersKlipah as Spiritual Barrier:At every level, we encounter a klipah—a spiritual barrier—that prevents us from accessing the deeper truths.These barriers may appear as confusion, resistance, or limitations, but they are not inherently negative; they provide the necessary challenge for spiritual growth.Revelation of Divine Glory Through ContrastsThe Spectrum of Divine Qualities:Divine attributes like chesed (kindness) and gevurah (strength) may seem like opposites at first glance.From a limited perspective, they appear to conflict with each other. But from a higher vantage point, these contrasting qualities come together to create Divine beauty (tiferes).The Power of Giving in Spiritual GrowthTzedakah as Spiritual Alignment:Giving tzedakah (charity) creates a powerful connection between the giver and the receiver, as well as with the Divine.By giving, we identify with others and transform our resources into vessels for Divine will, elevating both ourselves and the recipient.Breaking Inertia Through Connection:Giving tzedakah before prayer sets the stage for spiritual ascent, allowing us to break through barriers and access higher levels of Divine connection.This act of selflessness creates the spiritual alignment needed to ascend through the worlds during...

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We will continue on our journey through LM; As a follow up on Torah 73 I am posting a few thoughts on Teshuva. If you like this new format (in addition to learning through the text) please let me know; re this piece in particular or generally. mrubin214@gmail.comIf you are inspired, please share the wealth!(also drop 5 stars so podcast spreads)