Baruch HaShem 2nd Day of Chanukah Prayer trek

Baruch HaShem with immense gratitude 2nd day of Chanukah at Baba Haki & Rabbi Abraham Abihissara miracle workers during this miracle season 🕎💜🕎

Deep gratitude to all our cosponsors who helped make this happen for several hundred individuals all over the world to have their prayer lifted up!

May all the hostages be released immediately alive. May klal Israel have success in all their endeavors and may we all hear good news soon!!!!

Refuah shlema (body, mind and soul)in the zechut of Maggie hodaya bat gila David Chaim ben Miriam Miri Albert berty Abraham ben marguerite Margo Noam Liam Ben gila Lily Leah bat gila Ashley shirel bat gila Kelley rivka bat gila Chen Ben aviva Lily bat Sarah Danielle bat ronit Heleni orna bat Chen Chana Gershon Ben sultana, Freidel Chaya bat sima Devorah/ahud Ben ofra, Ephraim ben Yenta Freida Rahel bat Esther Gittel ( ah) Moriah Tzofia Malka bat Rahel Chaim Yisroel ben Rahel .

HaShem help them attain all their hearts desires speedily and ALL klal Israel. May we all hear good news soon!

Faith & Clarity Prayer prayer trek in the zechut of Maggie hodaya bat gila David Chaim ben Miriam Miri Albert berty Abraham ben marguerite Margo Noam Liam Ben gila Lily Leah bat gila Ashley shirel bat gila Kelley rivka bat gila Chen Ben aviva Lily bat Sarah Danielle bat ronit Heleni orna bat Chen Chana Gershon Ben sultana, Freidel Chaya bat sima Devorah/ahud Ben ofra, Ephraim ben Yenta Freida Rahel bat Esther Gittel ( ah) Moriah Tzofia Malka bat Rahel Chaim Yisroel ben Rahel .

HaShem help them attain all their hearts desires speedily and ALL klal Israel. May we all hear good news soon!

Illuminating Truth: Rebbe Nachman’s Vision for Chanukah's Eternal Light

As the glow of Chanukah candles illuminates homes around the world, we are invited to reflect on the profound teachings of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov, who likened these flames to the transformative power of truth and light. For Rebbe Nachman, truth is not merely an abstract ideal; it is the very essence of divine energy—a guiding principle that penetrates the core of existence, illuminating the path out of darkness and drawing us closer to holiness.

Chanukah—a celebration of miracles and resilience—offers a prism through which to explore the spiritual dynamics of truth and light. Rebbe Nachman teaches that light, in its truest form, does not merely dispel physical darkness but transforms it, revealing the hidden layers of divine wisdom embedded in every experience. The Chanukah candles embody this truth: their flickering light represents the soul’s yearning to rise above the concealments of the material world and connect with a higher reality.

The miracle of Chanukah—a tiny flask of oil sustaining the Menorah for eight days against all odds—symbolizes the profound interplay between faith, persistence, and the hidden truth that sustains all creation. For Rebbe Nachman, this miracle is not confined to history; it is an ongoing reality. Each of us carries within a reservoir of "pure oil"—a core of truth and holiness—that, when ignited, has the power to illuminate not only our own lives but also the world around us. The challenge lies in accessing this reservoir, particularly in moments of doubt, struggle, and apparent separation from God.

Rebbe Nachman emphasizes that truth is the ultimate conduit for divine connection. This truth is not simply honesty in speech or action; it is a radical alignment with the deeper reality of God’s presence in all things. When we embrace this truth, even in our brokenness and imperfection, we create a channel for divine light to flow into the darkest corners of our being. This is the transformative power of the Chanukah candles, whose light reaches into the depths, illuminating places where even the Shechina (Divine Presence) is said not to dwell. The act of lighting these candles is thus a spiritual declaration: even here, in this lowly or challenging place, the light of God’s truth can shine.

Consider the positioning of the Chanukah candles, set deliberately low, below ten handbreadths. In Kabbalistic teachings, this height represents the most concealed aspects of existence—the places where divine light is hidden and spiritual exile feels most acute. Yet it is precisely here that the miracle occurs, demonstrating that no area is beyond redemption. Rebbe Nachman’s wisdom calls us to see the symbolic resonance of this act in our own lives. When we find ourselves in the midst of confusion or despair, it is not a sign of divine absence but an invitation to bring light into that space through acts of truth, prayer, and connection.

To deepen this understanding, Rebbe Nachman urges us to see truth as a dynamic force rather than a static ideal. Truth, he teaches, is an ongoing journey of discovery and alignment. It demands courage, as facing truth often requires confronting the illusions and falsehoods we cling to—whether about ourselves, others, or our relationship with the divine. Yet, as we strip away these layers, we reveal a light that is not only enduring but infinitely expansive. This is the light of the Chanukah candles, growing brighter with each successive night, mirroring the soul’s capacity to ascend higher and higher in its search for God.

The connection between truth and light also reveals itself in the interplay between prayer and divine illumination. Rebbe Nachman teaches that prayer rooted in truth—even when it feels feeble or fragmented—has the power to penetrate the heavens and draw down blessings. Like the flicker of a candle, even the smallest utterance of heartfelt prayer can illuminate vast realms. This is why, even in moments of spiritual darkness, he advises clinging to whatever truth we can grasp, however small it may seem. In doing so, we align ourselves with the divine light that sustains the universe.

As we approach Chanukah, these teachings beckon us to reflect deeply on the light we carry within and the truths we choose to live by. The act of lighting the menorah becomes a meditation on our role as bearers of divine light. Each flame is a reminder that no matter how obscured our inner world may feel, there is always a spark waiting to be kindled.

Living by Rebbe Nachman’s vision of truth and light requires a shift in perspective: to see every challenge as an opportunity for illumination, every moment of doubt as a call to greater faith, and every act of truth as a step closer to divine intimacy. The candles of Chanukah invite us into this sacred dance, where light and truth intertwine to transform not only our individual lives but the collective soul of humanity.

May this Chanukah inspire us to embrace the light of truth, to illuminate the hidden corners of our hearts, and to carry that light into a world longing for redemption. As we light each candle, let us remember Rebbe Nachman’s timeless wisdom: that even the smallest spark of truth has the power to dispel the greatest darkness, guiding us back to the infinite source of all light.

The Joy of Imperfection in Spiritual Growth

We live in a world that idolizes perfection. Social media showcases polished lives; work demands flawless execution; even personal development often comes with an unspoken pressure to "get it all right." Yet, deep in our hearts, we know this chase is exhausting, and more importantly, it’s not real. Life is messy. People are imperfect. And here’s the good news: in the spiritual realm, imperfection isn’t just accepted—it’s celebrated.

The Baal Shem Tov, a spiritual giant and founder of Chassidism, often spoke of the beauty and divinity found in human flaws. He taught that the Divine doesn’t dwell in a place of perfection, but rather in the cracks where light shines through. “God desires the heart,” he reminded his students. It’s not the polished prayer or the perfect deed that ascends to heaven, but the authentic one—the one offered with sincerity, even when it’s incomplete.

Embracing the Beauty of the Journey

One of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves is the permission to be works in progress. The Baal Shem Tov emphasized that life is not about arriving at a destination but about walking the path. “A person’s journey,” he said, “is itself the service of God.” Every stumble, every misstep, is part of the process. Instead of chastising yourself for not being “good enough,” celebrate the fact that you are trying. In the attempt itself, you are creating something holy.

Think of a child learning to walk. When they fall, do we criticize them? Of course not. We cheer for their every step, no matter how wobbly. The Baal Shem Tov taught that this is how the Divine sees us—as beloved children making our way. Our falls are not failures; they are proof that we are alive, moving, and growing.

The Power of Broken Prayers

Have you ever sat down to pray or meditate, only to find your mind wandering? Perhaps you struggled to form the right words or felt distracted by the noise of your own thoughts. The Baal Shem Tov taught that even these broken prayers have tremendous value. “The sigh of a person yearning for connection can ascend higher than the most eloquent words,” he said.

In fact, our struggles in prayer or spiritual practice can make them more meaningful. Why? Because they are real. They reflect the raw, unfiltered reality of being human. Instead of striving for perfect focus or flow, let your imperfections become part of your offering. Whisper your struggles, your doubts, your hopes. They are just as holy as your triumphs.

The Divine Presence in Imperfection

The Baal Shem Tov shared a parable about a king who loved his subjects deeply. One day, he decided to visit a small village. The townspeople, eager to impress, rushed to clean the streets and prepare grand speeches. But one man, overwhelmed by the occasion, stood quietly to the side with tears streaming down his face. The king noticed this man and said, “This is the one who truly honors me, for he offers me his heart, just as it is.”

This story captures a profound truth: the Divine doesn’t seek our perfection. What matters most is our presence. When we come as we are—messy, flawed, and authentic—we create space for the Divine to dwell within us. It is through our cracks and imperfections that God’s light shines brightest.

Turning Shame into Joy

Our imperfections often carry a heavy burden of shame. We tell ourselves we’re not enough—not disciplined enough, not kind enough, not spiritual enough. But the Baal Shem Tov taught that this very shame can be transformed into joy. How? By recognizing that our imperfections are what make us human and what draw us closer to the Divine. He said, “Where there is brokenness, there is potential for the greatest light.”

When you make a mistake, instead of spiraling into self-criticism, pause and reflect. Ask yourself, “What can this teach me? How can this moment bring me closer to my purpose?” Even your shortcomings can become stepping stones toward growth. Celebrate the fact that you are learning, evolving, and opening yourself to transformation.

Finding Joy in the Small Victories

In a culture that glorifies big achievements, it’s easy to overlook the small victories. Yet, the Baal Shem Tov taught that every step forward, no matter how small, is precious. Did you manage to set aside a moment for prayer today, even if it was brief? Celebrate it. Did you show kindness in a moment when frustration could have taken over? Treasure it. These small acts are the building blocks of a meaningful life.

“Every mitzvah, every good deed, no matter how small, is a spark of light in the darkness,” he said. Let this truth inspire you to see the beauty in your efforts, even when they feel incomplete. Each step you take is a victory, and each one brings more light into the world.

The Joy of Being Human

At its core, the Baal Shem Tov’s message is this: to be human is to be imperfect, and to be imperfect is to be divine. Stop waiting for the day when you’ll “have it all together” to embrace your spiritual journey. Start now, with all your flaws and doubts. The Divine isn’t waiting for you to become perfect; the Divine is waiting for you to show up.

So, take a deep breath and let go of the pressure to be perfect. Celebrate the joy of being a work in progress. Offer your broken prayers, your half-finished efforts, and your stumbling steps. They are enough. You are enough. And in the eyes of the Divine, your imperfect journey is more beautiful than you could ever imagine.