Rebbe Nachman’s teaching on tears in Likutei Moharan II:30 can feel both mystical and deeply practical. Let’s explore this profound idea with a touch of clarity, breaking it down and adding a metaphor to bring it closer to everyday experience.
Imagine Torah insights as life-giving water locked deep underground. To access this water, you need to dig through layers of earth with hard, dedicated work. In this analogy, the “digging” is done with the heart—not a shovel. Tears are the purest expression of that effort. They are the soul’s way of reaching for something higher, a raw outpouring of longing and connection. When you cry from a place of deep yearning—whether from frustration at a lack of understanding, a thirst for spiritual closeness, or even the pain of life’s struggles—those tears act like a key, opening channels to the wisdom and nourishment of the Torah.
Rebbe Nachman adds a twist to this metaphor: it’s not just about accessing wisdom but about overcoming obstacles. He explains that Esav’s tears, famously shed when he lost his father’s blessing, represent forces of spiritual opposition. These tears sustain the barriers that block spiritual growth, much like stones obstructing the flow of water. When we cry holy tears—tears born of prayer, study, or a yearning to connect with HaShem—they counteract Esav’s tears, breaking down these barriers and allowing the water of Torah to flow freely.
Think of it like a dam holding back a river. Esav’s tears fortify the dam, keeping the waters of insight and connection from reaching us. But when someone sheds holy tears, it’s as if they’re chiseling away at the dam, breaking through the blockade and letting the river flow again.
Here’s a practical example. Imagine someone struggling with understanding a particularly challenging Torah concept. They sit at their table, surrounded by books, feeling overwhelmed and defeated. At some point, they let out a sigh, bow their head, and a tear slips out as they whisper, “HaShem, help me understand.” In that moment, something shifts. They find clarity—not necessarily an answer, but a deeper connection to the process. Those tears become the turning point, transforming frustration into a doorway for insight.
This idea isn’t limited to Torah study. Any time we face a spiritual block—whether in prayer, relationships, or personal growth—the act of crying can help us break through. Tears born of sincerity and yearning are like letters sent directly to Heaven, carrying with them the message of our deepest desires.
Rebbe Nachman’s teaching also challenges a common perspective on tears. In a world that often views crying as a sign of weakness, he reframes it as an act of spiritual power. Crying, in his view, is not about despair but about connection. It’s the soul’s way of softening the heart, removing barriers, and inviting divine wisdom and compassion.
So, the next time you feel the sting of tears welling up—whether during prayer, Torah study, or even the struggles of everyday life—know that they are more than an emotional release. They are tools of transformation, breaking down spiritual walls and opening the gates to insight, growth, and redemption. In those moments, your tears are not a sign of failure but of profound strength, chiseling away at the dam and allowing the rivers of holiness to flow freely.
In my book Pick Me Up HaShem, you’ll find many prayers that explore how HaShem is constantly drawing us closer to Him, inviting us into a deeper relationship through prayer and reflection. These prayers are designed to help you connect with the divine presence in a way that transcends mere requests and taps into the true purpose of prayer.
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