Spiritual Tools: Derech Chassidim: Emet

The 13th of Adar is the Yahrtzeit of Rav Nachman (ben Tzvi Aryeh) Goldstein of Tcherin (1894), one of the greatest Breslov leaders. Grandson of Reb Ahron, the Rov of Breslov. His sforim include Parparos Lechochmah

on Likutei Mohoran, Leshon Chasidim and Derech Chasidim on teachings of the Baal Shem Tov and talmidim, Likutei Eitzos Hameshulosh and more. (My favorite is Derech Chasidim, which is a comprehensive collection of Chassidic teachings organized by theme.)

The Hebrew letters that spell “Emet,” Truth, are the first, middle, and final letter of the Aleph-Bet, to remind us that God is everywhere and there is no place without God. (Likkutei Torah: Agadot)

One who does business only with Truth, brings the presence of God into the transaction, which raises the holy sparks of the silver, gold, money or merchandise that he is using. (Me’or Einayim, Vayeitzei)

A person also has Written Law and Oral Law. His thoughts are his Written Law, and his speech is his Oral Law. The two must be as one, just as the Written Torah and the Oral Torah. Every word must truthfully reflect his thoughts, whether being used in Torah, prayer, or casual speech.  One who unifies his Oral and Written Law is considered a Bet Midrash, the place we are told to bring our Evil Inclination when he fights us. This person will have the ability to use his Torah wherever he is in his internal Bet Midrash. (Me’or Einayim, Nitzavim)