Monthly Archives: May 2016

BS’D

In the midst of a trial or nisayon, some of us may struggle to see the good in our lives. What does Rebbe Nachman advise in such cases?

First, during hitbodedut we have to work hard to search high and low for Hashem’s kindness to us, to actively focus on the times when His gracious hand is clearly revealed. But Rebbe Nachman also advises that we should utter words of thanks even if our hearts are not moved. Eventually our words lo lishma will melt the high walls and secured fortress surrounding our hearts. Even in the absence of intense emotion, hitbodedut can still successfully peel away the klipot (shells) covering the heart and transforms our hearts into a vessel that captures Hashem’s light.

Singing or humming holy music or niggunim during hitbodedut is an excellent way of opening our hearts. Such music may awaken hidden feelings or forgotten memories and may inspire a connection to Hashem. Alternatively, we can choose a certain passuk or verse from Chazal and repeatedly recite it with intense concentration. The holy words act as a laser beam, piercing our heart with emotion. For instance, repeating “Ribbono Shel Olam or “Avinu Malkenu” a thousand times may enhance our emotional bond with our Creator.

Even sitting in pure silence during hitbodedut has the power to inject great light into our soul. Despite the absence of words, there remains a strong desire to communicate with Hashem. This type of silence is a spiritual silence, originating from intense feelings that cannot be expressed via words. Though not auditory, we are still connecting with Hashem on a deep, spiritual level. This type of silence goes beyond words and is described in Tehillim, “Lecha Dumia Tehillah (Silence is praise to You…) (see (65:2)”.

Regardless of the method we choose, each hitbodedut session serves to knock down another brick from the wall around our hearts, until eventually we can access our true internal neshama and connect fully with Hashem.

BS’D

One remarkable effect of hitbodedut is the ability to deeply connect to Hashem in a close and personal way. This process illuminates our soul. Through emotional discourse – words of praise, appreciation, desire, will, lament, and honest reflection – we are able to bond with our Creator on the deepest level.

Our souls’ true desires are often covered over by the desires of our guf, body. Hitbodedut enables us to shed the layers of the guf and some of the genuine desires of the soul begin to surface. For instance, we may begin to feel and access our desire to be righteous and not transgress, to be happy, to live with zest and strength, to increase our emuna, see good in all things and in everyone, a strengthening of self-worth and honor. Above all, this process enables us to truly feel Hashem’s constant and intimate presence.

One highly beneficial part of hitbodedut is to utter words of gratitude. This demonstrates our contentment and our firm emuna that Hashem does everything for the best and that He listens to our tefillot. Expressing appreciation also motivates us to continue to pray with anticipation that the ultimate good will be revealed. We all have friends, relatives and others who support and assist us; B’H we are not alone in this world. Thanking Hashem for our loved ones keeps our blessings coming.

If we are stuck for something to thank Hashem for, Chazal suggest that we visit a hospital or a cemetery. By comparing ourselves to others in the community who are less fortunate than us, we automatically feel appreciation for what Hashem has blessed us. This process of contrasting ourselves with others may minimize the need for Hashem to send us intense challenges in order to encourage us to appreciate the beauty of an ordinary day.

BS’D

The process of pouring our heartfelt thoughts and feelings to Hashem often enables us to feel cherished and uplifted. Rebbe Nachman explains that hitbodedut is meant to be a deep, intimate talk with Hashem in order to reach heart-felt issues that need to be addressed. Chiseling through the fortress surrounding our hearts requires a significant period of regular time to open up and acknowledge our feelings and emotions. He therefore advises us to do one hour of hitbodedut a day in order to reach this deep, penimi place, this deep place within.

In terms of location, Rebbe Nachman suggests that the most effective hitbodedut is achieved in a private space or in the fields. The fields offer open space and views of nature , which may enhance our connection with Hashem. Though we should also bring Hashem into our everyday lives and speak with Him during all activities, whether driving, folding the laundry and/or washing the dishes, this is not Rebbe Nachman’s hitbodedut per se’. Rather, Rebbe Nachman is referring to talking to Hashem, ‘face to face’ while not engaging in any other activity other than perhaps taking a drink which doesn’t disturb our mode of focus.

Ideally we should set aside a private spiritual ‘corner’ in which we regularly pray, learn and do hitbodedut. We may associate this holy setting with spirituality and this association may enhance our spiritual connections. However, such a separate space is not crucial and we can carry out hitbodedut even while traveling as a passenger and pretending to read a book or while walking in public, while sitting in a public space or in bed under the covers (being careful not to fall asleep!).

Regardless of where we carry out the process, the main thing is to be alone, without being disturbed. The crucial element of this practice is to open ourselves up honestly and connect with Hashem’s presence.

Today’s daily dose of emuna is dedicated to the refuah of Binyamin Yitzchak Yosef Leib ben Faiga, a young father who is in serious condition in need of a lung transplant. May Hashem shower him with a complete healing among all of Klal Yisrael who are sick and suffering, b’karov, b’rachamim, Amen.

BS’D

The Higher Heavenly court asks each of us an interesting question: “Did you appoint regular times for learning Torah?” One lesson we can extract from this question is the importance of regular, consistent practice as opposed to sporadic, albeit heartfelt prayers. Although it is a beneficial and admirable to ‘run’ to Hashem and talk over our deepest emotions and concerns the long-term benefits of hitbodedut is achieved best via everyday ‘ordinary’ talk.

Every hitbodedut session is a personal encounter with our Creator. Practiced on a regular basis, hitbodedut forges a deep connection with Hashem that cannot be severed easily. It is called “a lofty level greater than all” Rebbe Nachman ztk’l teaches. Consistency, routine and repetition work best, even at times when it appears there is nothing special to discuss.

Many question Rebbe Nachman’s teaching of the importance of one hour of hitbodedut. Some are concerned about the unrealistic nature of setting aside a whole hour dedicated to Hashem every day. In actual fact, Rebbe Nachman writes, “… one hour or more…”! He teaches that we should ideally strive towards transforming our entire lives to one dynamic intimate conversation with Hashem.

Let’s begin with setting aside a consistent block of time to open our hearts and mouths to our Creator. Let’s choose an authentic length of time, no matter how short a time period, at the most convenient time of day Then, gradually, we can build up towards our “one hour per day” goal. And in order to succeed, we can pray to Hashem to help us set aside this time to achieve our goal.

Today is memorial day in Israel. It is special to take a moment to pray for the souls who have departed from this world and their families.  May Klal Yisrael merit the geula without pain and tragedy, Amen.

Today’s daily dose of emuna is dedicated to the refuah shleimah of Ahava Emuna bat Chava Etta, a young bother battling stage 4 cancer with tremendous pain and difficulty.  May Hashem shower her family with strength and heal her, b’riut hanefesh v’b’riut haguf among all of Klal Yisrael who are sick and suffering b’karov, b’rachamim, Amen.