שובו בנים אינטרנשיונל בנשיאות הגה"צ הרב ברלנד שליט"א - הרב תפילינסקי חלק ב'

In a fascinating and profound lesson, Rabbi Tfilinski unfolds the foundations of the teachings of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov regarding the importance of drawing close to the true tzaddik. The lesson deals with the question of why drawing close to the tzaddik is not just 'good advice' but a necessary foundation in serving Hashem, especially in the recent generations.

## The Tzaddik as the Foundation of Serving Hashem
Rebbe Nachman of Breslov explains that the main thing and the foundation upon which everything depends is to bind oneself to the tzaddik of the generation. In the book 'Chayei Moharan' (section 9), it is brought in the name of Reb Noson that it is impossible to be a truly 'kosher person' (upright person) unless one draws close to the true tzaddik of the generation.

Before the true tzaddik was revealed in the world, it was possible to draw close to Hashem, may He be blessed, directly. However, from the moment the tzaddik is in the world, the path to true closeness passes through him. The tzaddik is the teacher and the doctor of the soul, and without him, it is very difficult to find the right path amidst the darkness of the world.

## The Struggle Between Light and Darkness: The Sitra Achra
The Rabbi explains that every time a great soul of a tzaddik descends to the world with immense light and wondrous Torah, there must be a balance. In order to maintain free will, the 'Sitra Achra' (the other side/impurity) must also be strengthened.

In our generation, we see the strengthening of the evil inclination through technology (such as the iPhone) and illnesses of the mind and spirit. These are forces designed to act as a counterweight to the light of the tzaddik. If a person does not use the 'doctor' (the tzaddik) and his advice, he is liable to fall into the trap of these forces.

## Why is the Light of Rebbe Nachman Hidden?
A central question that arises is: If Rebbe Nachman is such a great tzaddik, why is he not famous to all of the Jewish people? The Rabbi answers this through a story from 'Sipurei Ma'asiyot' (Rabbi Nachman's Tales - The Tale of the Spider and the Fly).

When the soul of the tzaddik needed to descend to the world, the evil inclination (Samael) became frightened and said that if this soul descends, he will no longer have any work. He was told that the soul must descend, and he must find a solution. The evil inclination found a 'bent-over old man' – a symbol of mockery and dispute. The mockery and dispute against the tzaddik are what hide his light and prevent people from drawing close to him.

## Faith with Knowledge
The Rabbi emphasizes that faith in the tzaddik should not merely be 'blind faith', but rather 'faith with knowledge' (emunah b'da'at). A person must understand with his intellect the greatness of the tzaddik and the need for him. Faith without knowledge is liable to dissipate in a moment of difficulty or spiritual cooling, but when a person understands the truth with his intellect, he remains stable on his path.

## The Path to Finding the Truth
In conclusion, the Rabbi calls upon every person searching for the truth to turn to Hashem, may He be blessed, in personal prayer (hitbodedut). In a world full of confusions, where everyone says something else, the only way is to ask Hashem: "Master of the Universe, have mercy on me and reveal the truth to me, who is the tzaddik who can truly bring me back in teshuvah (repentance)." Whoever searches in truth and with earnest simplicity, Hashem will guide him to the light and grant him the merit of a complete Geulah (Redemption).