Walking Rebbe Nachman's Path with Rav Shlomo Katz

Why do we often feel paralyzed by fears that make absolutely no logical sense? In this eye-opening session, Rav Shlomo Katz delves into Rebbe Nachman of Breslov's profound understanding of phobias, anxieties, and the illusion of physical lusts. We learn the famous analogy that the Yetzer Hara (Evil Inclination) runs through the world with a closed fist, tricking everyone into believing it holds th...

Is it really possible to run away from conflict, or is Machloket (dispute) an inescapable reality of human existence? In this profound session, Rav Shlomo Katz explores Rebbe Nachman's teachings on how the world is inherently designed with opposing views. Drawing on insights from the Izhbitzer Rebbe and stories of the Amshinover Rebbe , we learn that every human being carries internal contradictio...

Why is Hisbodedus (Personal Prayer/Seclusion) considered the highest level of all? Rav Shlomo Katz explores Rebbe Nachman's flagship teaching on setting aside an hour a day to talk to "Your Creator" ( Kono - the One who acquired you). We learn that this is not optional; it is the oxygen of the Jewish soul. Rav Shlomo explains that Hisbodedus is the only time we can truly "settle our minds" ( Yishu...

We often approach prayer with high expectations: we want to feel inspired, connected, and "on fire." But what happens when we show up and feel absolutely nothing? In this deeply comforting session on Sichos Haran #75 , Rav Shlomo Katz explores Rebbe Nachman’s radical advice for dealing with a lack of Kavana (intention) and the intrusion of foreign thoughts ( Machshavos Zaros ). We learn that the w...

Do you actually listen to the words you pray, or are you just reciting them? Rav Shlomo Katz explores a life-changing teaching from Sichos Haran : "Tilt your ear and listen to what your mouth is saying." We learn that Kavana (intention) isn't some mystical meditation; it is the simple act of connecting your thought to your speech. Rav Shlomo explains that when we listen to our own words, we summon...

What does it mean to scream "Aye?" (Where are You?).  Rav Shlomo Katz explores the paradox of God's presence: The whole world is filled with His glory, yet we constantly ask "Where is the place of His glory?" We learn that when Hashem "distances" Himself, it is only to teach us how to walk on our own, like a parent teaching a toddler. Rav Shlomo discusses the concept of selfish vs. selfless prayer...

Recording from the chaotic and holy atmosphere of Uman near the Tziyun of Rebbe Nachman , Rav Shlomo Katz struggles to find quiet amidst the noise. In this raw and authentic session, he shares a life-saving teaching from Rebbe Nachman regarding the verse "One was Avraham" ( Echad Haya Avraham ). Rav Shlomo explores the necessity of feeling completely alone in the world when serving Hashem. Drawing...

Recorded late at night in the Sukkah on the Yahrzeit of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov , Rav Shlomo Katz reflects on the mystery of how a Rebbe who passed away at 38 has become the "therapist" for our entire generation. We explore the concept of Hitchadshut (Renewal), with Reb Nosson testifying that on his deathbed, Rebbe Nachman recited the Shema with the excitement of a child saying it for the first t...

How should we ask Hashem for what we need? Rav Shlomo Katz explores the concept of Hitakshut (stubbornness) in prayer based on Sichos Haran . We learn that demanding things from God "exactly the way I want it" is like robbing the King. Instead, we must come with Tachanunim —supplications and grace. Rav Shlomo explains that true prayer is surrendering the outcome, asking Hashem to give only if it i...

Who was Reb Nosson , and why without him would we have no Rebbe Nachman ? In this historical and spiritual overview, Rav Shlomo Katz traces the lineage from the Baal Shem Tov to Rebbe Nachman, and details the fateful meeting in 1802 that changed Jewish history. We learn about Reb Nosson's dream: "Climb, but hold yourself". Rav Shlomo explores the mystery of Uman, the concept of the Tzaddik Emes ,...

Are our addictions and cravings real, or are they a fabrication of the mind? Rav Shlomo Katz continues with Sichos Haran #51 , exploring the radical idea that "A lust on its own is not real." We learn that essential needs (like eating) are not evil; it is the mind that blows them up into "Lusts". Rav Shlomo discusses how to dismantle the power of temptation by realizing it is an illusion we have e...

What is the ultimate truth about this world? Rav Shlomo Katz explores Sichos Haran #51 , where Rebbe Nachman states bluntly: "This world is nothing." We learn that the world is a place of illusion ( Mateh - misleading), where we chase things that don't last, particularly wealth. Rav Shlomo explains the axiom that "Money is either taken from the man, or the man is taken from the money."  This episo...

How do we handle failure? Rav Shlomo Katz shares a personal testimony from Rebbe Nachman in Sichos Haran #48 : "I would start over again several times a day." We learn that the Rebbe didn't attain his level through perfection, but through the relentless ability to say, "I am starting fresh right now". Rav Shlomo explains that we must learn "how to fall"—not to stay down, but to use the fall as a s...

We are often our own harshest critics, adding guilt to our mistakes. In this touching session, Rav Shlomo Katz shares a foundational teaching from Reb Levi Yitzchak Bender , the elder of the Breslov Chassidim in the previous generation. We learn the principle: "It is hard enough for the sinner that he sinned." Rav Shlomo explains that the pain of distancing oneself from Hashem is punishment enough...

Is happiness a luxury or a necessity? Rav Shlomo Katz explores Sichos Haran #43 , where Rebbe Nachman declares that Simcha (Joy) is not optional—it is a life-saving obligation. We learn that a person who is depressed "forgets his own name," meaning he loses his identity and connection to his source. Rav Shlomo discusses the power of bringing joy to others, comparing it to reviving the dead.  This...

Is it okay to be sad? Rav Shlomo Katz clarifies the critical distinction between "Sadness/Depression" ( Atzvut ) and a "Broken Heart" ( Lev Nishbar ) based on Sichos Haran #41 and #42 . We learn that sadness comes from the spleen (ego/anger) and leads to paralysis, while a broken heart comes from love and leads to connection. Rav Shlomo explains Rebbe Nachman's advice to set aside one hour a day f...

When we get inspired, we want to do everything at once—but is that sustainable? Rav Shlomo Katz explores Sichos Haran #27 (approx), warning against the "Grab it all" mentality. Rebbe Nachman teaches that getting overwhelmed by the sheer number of Mitzvahs can paralyze us, leading us to do nothing at all. Rav Shlomo explains the balance between Zerizut (haste) and avoiding the panic of "debt."  Thi...

Is a bad memory a flaw or a gift? Rav Shlomo Katz explores Sichos Haran #26 , where Rebbe Nachman reveals that "Forgetfulness is a great advice." We learn that if we remembered every trauma and failure, we wouldn't be able to lift our heads to serve Hashem. Forgetfulness allows us to start fresh. Rav Shlomo discusses the art of "active distraction"—removing the mind from past negativity so we can...

What is the true reward of Torah study? Rav Shlomo Katz explores Sichos Haran #17 and #19 , where Rebbe Nachman discusses the intense love for Torah. We learn that when the Torah "shows you love," you forget about all future rewards because the relationship itself is the greatest gift. Rav Shlomo also discusses the power of Torah to pull a person out of any spiritual "trap" or addiction, provided...

How do you scream when no sound can express your pain? Rav Shlomo Katz teaches Sichos Haran #16 , introducing the powerful practice of the "Silent Scream" ( Tzeakah b'Machshava ). We learn that we can scream in our minds with a "silent, thin voice" that is louder than any physical shout. Rav Shlomo explains the physiology of the "small tubes" leading from the lungs to the brain, teaching us how to...

As we approach Pesach, do we feel freedom or anxiety? Rav Shlomo Katz explores Sichos Haran #235 , where Rebbe Nachman strongly warns against excessive stringencies ( Chumras ), specifically regarding Pesach. We learn that "God does not rule over His creatures with tyranny" and that true devotion is found in simplicity, not in driving ourselves crazy. Rav Shlomo explains that obsessive stringencie...

Is regret a friend or an enemy? In this deep dive into Sichos Haran #11 (approx), Rav Shlomo Katz challenges the modern notion of "No Regrets." We learn that evildoers are actually filled with regret, but because they don't know how to channel it, it turns into depression and leads them further into darkness. Rav Shlomo explains that the "Good Inclination" within us creates the feeling of regret t...

What is the Yetzer Hara (Evil Inclination) actually holding in its hand? Rav Shlomo Katz explores Sichos Haran #6 , where Rebbe Nachman illustrates the Yetzer Hara as a trickster running through the crowd with a closed hand, asking, "What am I holding?" We assume it holds our greatest desires, but when the hand opens, it is completely empty. Rav Shlomo discusses the psychology of "The Apple Store"...

If we reject philosophy, how do we explain scientific progress? In this continuation of Sichos Haran #5 , Rav Shlomo Katz addresses the tension between faith and the modern world's intellectual advancements. We learn that scientific discoveries don't come from human genius alone, but from a "Spirit from Above" that is released into the world when the time is right. Rav Shlomo explains that while w...

Is it safer to be smart or to be simple? In this critical session on Sichos Haran #5 , Rav Shlomo Katz delves into Rebbe Nachman's stark warning against engaging in works of philosophy ( Chakira ). While great Sages like the Rambam engaged in it, Rebbe Nachman teaches that for us, it often leads to doubt ( Sfeikos ) rather than clarity. We explore the difference between "Holy Faith" and "Intellect...