The Going Backward to Go Forward

The Going Backward to Go Forward

From Breslov Therapy by Meir Elkabas

March 19, 2026 · 19 min

About this episode

This episode discusses the spiritual significance of setbacks in personal growth as illustrated in Parshat Vayikra and the teachings of Rebbe Nachman.

In Parshat Vayikra, the Torah describes the Korban Omer using the word “Ve’im,” which usually implies something optional, yet here it refers to an חובה, hinting to the inner confusion a person feels in spiritual growth. The Omer, made from barley—animal food—represents the אדם במצב של ירידה, when he feels distant, frustrated, and unsure if he is advancing. Rebbe Nachman teaches that דווקא through setbacks, confusion, and feeling “backwards,” a person becomes a vessel to receive the Infinite Light of Shavuot, the level of Keter. This is why we count “to the Omer” rather than toward Shavuot—because the דרך to true elevation begins from embracing the מקום הנמוך with emunah and persistence. What appears as “if”—uncertainty and doubt—is in truth “when,” a guaranteed process of growth, where every setback is preparing a person for a higher revelation of Hashem’s light. This class is based on Likutey Moharan lesson 24. For more on this lesson: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linktr.ee/breslovtherapy_lesson_24⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you have been inspired by this class/lecture please share it with your friends. Thank you. Follow us…

Topics covered

  • spiritual growth
  • Korban Omer
  • Rebbe Nachman
  • setbacks
  • faith

Keywords

  • Vayikra
  • Omer
  • Keter
  • Shavuot
  • emunah

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Parshat Vayikra, Torah

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