A short shiur on Asara B’Tevet focused on Reb Nosson’s teaching: the search itself has value. Rav Shlomo sings “בברסלב בוער אש – הבער אותה בליבי” (Reb Nosson’s post-Shabbos Breslov tefillah) and explains why, after learning, we must daven over what we learned. From Likutey Halachos (Hil. Aveidah #5): even if you haven’t “found” what you’re seeking in avodas Hashem, every bit of seeking, longing, and effort counts and effects change—often unseen—so you need emunah to believe you’ve already gained.
What’s covered:
- Reb Nosson’s “Breslov burns a fire—burn it in my heart” as a model of praying what you learn.
- Core yesod: “Ha-chipus atzmo hu metzi’ah” – the act of searching is itself a finding.
- Why inner gains often can’t be seen, so they require emunah (e.g., “I’m not there yet”).
- Concrete applications: setting small kabbalos, hitbodedus, showing up to minyan, keeping heart-sense during crisis.
- Asara B’Tevet lens: we’ve “lost” things (taste, tenderness, presence) — keep searching and trust the increments.
What is The Teachings of Reb Nosson of Breslov with Rav Shlomo Katz?
Reb Nosson of Breslov, the beloved disciple of Rebbe Nachman, carried his Rebbe’s light into the world with boundless devotion. Through his writings, prayers, and letters, we are given a path to live with faith, joy, and strength even in times of struggle.
In this series, Rav Shlomo Katz learns from Reb Nosson’s Torah, weaving together his fiery commitment, his guidance to his children and students, and the timeless invitation to run not away from Hashem, but toward Him. Join us in tasting the sweetness of Likkutei Tefilot, Likkutei Halachot, and Reb Nosson’s letters, and discover how his teachings still burn in our hearts today.