Rebbe Nachman Quotes

The whole world is a very narrow bridge. And the most important thing is not to be afraid.

Common sense is strengthened by joy.

Know this: you should judge every person by his merits. Even someone who seems completely wicked, you must search for and find that little speck of good, for in that place he is not wicked. By this you will raise him up and help him return to God. And you must also do this for yourself, finding your own good points, one after the other, raising yourself up. This is how melodies are made, note after note.

Know this: You should judge every person by his merits. Even someone who seems completely wicked, you must search and find that little speck of good, for in that place, he is not wicked. By this you will raise him up, and help him return to God. And you must also do this for yourself, finding your own good points, one after the other, and raising yourself up. This is how melodies are made, note after note. REBBE NACHMAN OF BRESLOV

There are leaders who go by the name of "rabbi" but whose learning has been picked up from the "superficialities" and "waste" of Torah. They are unable to control even themselves, let alone other people. But they still have pretensions to greatness and seek to lead and guide the whole world. You should be very careful not to accord them any recognition whatsoever, so as to not add in any way to their power or authority. They themselves can be forgiven for what they do: they are no more than victims of a strong lust for power. The people who give them credibility and power and who are prepared to accord them the title "rabbi" will have a heavy penalty to pay (LM I, 61:2).

There’s a Hasidic teaching, from Rebbe Nachman of Breslov: ‘There’s nothing as whole as a broken heart,’” Burger explained. “In these traditions, you cultivate a broken heart[,] which is very different from depression or sadness. It’s the kind of vulnerability, openness, and acute sensitivity to your own suffering and the suffering of others that becomes an opportunity for connection.