About this episode
This episode discusses the connection between idolatry, the missing alef in the Torah, and the importance of joy in spiritual life.
In Parshat Shelach, the Torah describes the unusual korbanot (offerings) brought when the Sanhedrin mistakenly permits a form of idolatry, with the olah (burnt offering) coming before the chatat (sin offering), and the word chatat missing the letter alef. Rebbe Nachman explains that idolatry begins in the mind, especially through ta’avat mamon (desire for money), which becomes a subtle form of avodah zarah (idol worship) when a person looks to money instead of Hashem for security and salvation. The missing alef hints to the loss of peleh (wonder), the Keter, which is accessed through simcha (joy). When simcha is missing, the mind becomes confused, hishtadlut (effort) turns into panic and money can become an idol. The correction is to restore simcha, remember that Hashem is the true source of parnassah (livelihood), and use money as a tool for holiness rather than treating it as the source of life. 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…
People in this episode
Host: Meir Elkabas
Topics covered
- idolatry
- joy
- money
- spirituality
- Torah teachings
- Rebbe Nachman
Keywords
- korbanot
- olah
- chatat
- ta'avat mamon
- avodah zarah
- simcha
- parnassah
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Sanhedrin, Hashem
Books & works: Likutey Moharan
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- Unlocking Divine Blessing and Spiritual Renewal Through Joyful Mitzvot, Personal Prayer, and Sincere Devotion · June 8, 2026 · 34 min
- The Complaints of the Keter · June 4, 2026 · 15 min
- The Frustration in Waiting and Believing · June 3, 2026 · 27 min
- From Simcha to the Infinite Light · June 2, 2026 · 50 min
- Giving Holiness to the Kohen · May 28, 2026 · 20 min
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