More Approbations for Likutay Moharan

Concluding Statement on Approbations for Likutay Moharan

These approbations were already given for the first printing of this holy book in the holy community of Ostroh during the lifetime of our Rabbi, the author, of saintly and righteous memory. Together with other approbations from the great geniuses and Chassidim of the generation, due to his immense humility, he did not wish to print them. Over time, most of the approbations were lost. Now, as I searched through the satchel of writings for new teachings not previously printed, I found these three approbations from three towering sages of the earth, in their own handwriting and signatures, as they are now in our possession. I said, this is from the Lord, to print them, that they may be written in a book and inscribed, giving their testimony and being justified. (This is copied from the second printing - which only published 3 approbations.) And now, we have found in the satchel of his holy disciples two additional approbations from two pillars of the world, exalted holy ones, the Maggid of the holy community of Kozhnitz and the Maggid of Lublin. We said it is good to print these as well, to fulfill what is written: "Do not withhold good from its owners," and may the merit of these holy righteous ones protect us and all Israel, and may the Redeemer come to Zion, speedily in our days.

Approbation 5 for Likutay Moharan by Rabbi Efraim Zalman Margolis author of Bais Efraim and Pri Tevuah

Approbation for Likutay Moharan

Note from the English Translator
Rabbi Ephraim Zalman Margulies (1762–1828), a towering figure in both Talmudic scholarship and Chassidic piety, was renowned across Jewish communities far and wide for his extraordinary intellect and mastery of Torah’s revealed and esoteric dimensions. Based in Brod, he served as a leading rabbinic authority, authoring significant works such as Beit Ephraim, a responsa collection, and Pri Tevua, a commentary on the Torah, alongside other writings. Known for his sharp analytical mind and deep spiritual insight, he was celebrated as a "great man among giants," whose influence extended through his leadership and teachings. His approbation for Likutay Moharan reflects his recognition of Rabbi Nachman’s profound contributions, cementing his legacy as a pivotal scholar and spiritual guide in the Chassidic movement.

By the honorable Rabbi, the distinguished genius, renowned across all corners of the earth and distant seas, the great and towering sage, sharp and erudite in all chambers of Torah, reaching the heavens, may his light shine, our teacher Rabbi Ephraim Zalman Margulies of Brod, of blessed memory, author of Beit Ephraim, Pri Tevua, and other works:

I have heard a report, O Ephraim. For many days, a great voice has resounded, praising Rabbi Nachman, that he is a great man in Torah and Chassidism, a holy man who unravels riddles, knows the secrets of wisdom and the rose of mysteries, deciphering hidden matters and revealing secrets in Scripture, Talmud, and Aggadah. This is his inheritance from his ancestors, from fathers to descendants, for he draws from the holy lineage, a shoot from the divine stock of the renowned Baal Shem Tov, of blessed memory, a man of delights. His seed is blessed, a holy seed whose name and deeds testify to their sanctity. These men are people of virtue, drawing hearts with cords of enlightened discipline, gladdening hearts, enlightening eyes, raising the stumbling, and setting them on their feet. From among them has emerged a great and mighty tree, Rabbi Nachman, the holy Chassid, renowned and exalted, who has written a work of beauty and praise, expositions on verses and Aggadot of Rabba bar Bar Hana. His exposition is sanctified, like that of a Tanna requiring intention. These words are pleasant and delightful, beloved and pleasing to those who read them and walk in their simplicity, sweeter to the listening ear than flute or drum, sweeter than honey and nectar. The aforementioned holy Rabbi requested this of me, to see my signature affixed, a splendid writing, exalted in holiness. Though I am indeed unworthy that he sent to me, especially since how can I grasp words that stand at the heights of the world? I have not entered into judgment over every hidden matter—there, lions stand before you, and you ask the hidden—yet my great love, like mighty waters, cannot be quenched. I am a companion to all who fear God and His holy ones, and my soul desires to fulfill the will of the righteous, may their merit protect us. I said, let it be, what shall I desire? According to the need of the hour, I glanced at the beginnings of sections, as one peering through lattices, and found in them words of substance, hidden delights that please. All within it contributes to holiness, and I raise my hand to join those who approve, following the words of the great sages of our time who preceded me. I am found among those who fulfill their request, joining the assembly of the holy Rabbis, the exalted sages, for Torah and testimony. With their decree, I establish my hand, a decree binding for ten years from the day it is brought to the altar of the printing press. Let any who approach beware for their soul, fearing serpents and vipers’ heads. Those who heed the words of the sages will inherit the good of the upright.

The words of the insignificant one among colleagues, sealing the matter of truth in the weekly Torah portion of (containing) 'and I will remove affliction from your midst', and to 'fulfilling the number of your days' (gematria 568-) of the 6th millennium (5568), in Brod.

[Signed by],
the insignificant Ephraim Zalman Margulies of Brod

Approbation 4 for Likutay Moharan by Rabbi Meir of Brod

Approbation for Likutay Moharan

Note from the English Translator
Rabbi Meir (d. circa 1817), the Chief Rabbi, head of the yeshiva, and religious judge of the holy community of Brod and its region, was a distinguished scholar and Chassidic leader renowned for his sharp intellect and mastery of Torah’s innermost secrets. Known as the "Holy Luminary" who enlightened the eyes of the wise, he was a respected figure in Chassidic and rabbinic circles. His approbation for Likutay Moharan reflects his authority and deep appreciation for Rabbi Nachman’s teachings, cementing his legacy as a pivotal figure in the Chassidic movement of his time.

By the honorable Rabbi, the genius, the renowned Chassid, sharp and erudite in the chambers of Torah, who enlightens the eyes of the wise, may his light shine, our teacher Rabbi Meir, of blessed memory, Chief Rabbi, head of the yeshiva, and religious judge of the holy community of Brod and its region:

Although I have long resolved, from days of old, not to offer approbations for the printing of new books under the press due to several hidden reasons etched in my heart, now a hand has been extended to me by one of my esteemed colleagues, the wondrous and exalted Rabbi in Torah and Chassidism, the renowned our teacher Rabbi Nachman, may his light shine, great in his good name, a product of holiness, a seed of sanctity from the quarry of his lineage, grandson of the renowned Rabbi in Torah and Chassidism, whose hands were mighty with tenfold strength, the Holy Luminary, the Chassid and ascetic, to whom no secret was hidden, our teacher Rabbi Yisrael Baal Shem Tov, of blessed memory. This Rabbi, our teacher Rabbi Nachman, follows in the footsteps of his holy ancestors and has composed a pure work on sayings from the Talmud that are obscure and require exposition. Though I lacked the time to study it thoroughly, from the little I glimpsed, I saw that the aforementioned Rabbi labored greatly to elucidate all hidden matters. Its foundations are firmly established, its words sweeter than honey, sweeter than the teachings that flow from our master, the holy Ari, of blessed memory. Therefore, I join the ranks of those deemed worthy, preceded by the eminent Rabbis, the great sages of our time, to bring the composition of our teacher Rabbi Nachman to the printing press. My hand shall be with them, and may all who support this mitzvah receive a double reward from Heaven, so that the soul of the aforementioned Rabbi our teacher Rabbi Nachman may find rest, hastening his efforts to bring his thoughts from potential to reality. Needless to say, no harm should come, God forbid, to the aforementioned Rabbi our teacher Rabbi Nachman. May all who heed our words dwell securely and tranquilly, their glory like a flourishing olive tree, and may they merit to see the coming of our righteous Messiah, whose name is Yinon.

Behold these are thw words of one who speaks for the honor of the Torah and its learners, Tuesday, the 25th of Shevat, 5568 [1808], here in the holy community of Brod, may it be exalted.

Words of [Signed by],
the insignificant Meir, son of our teacher Rabbi Tzevi

Approbation 3 for Likutay Moharan by Rabbi Avraham Chaim of Zlotshev

Approbation for Likutay Moharan

Note from the English Translator
Rabbi Avraham Chaim (d. 1817), the Chief Rabbi of Zlotshev (Zolochiv), was a revered figure in Chassidic and rabbinic circles, known for his profound piety, scholarship, and holiness. Titled the "Holy Luminary," he was a disciple of prominent Chassidic masters and a respected leader in his community. His work, Orach LeChaim, reflects his deep Torah knowledge and spiritual insight. Renowned as a wonder of his generation, Rabbi Avraham Chaim’s approbation carries significant weight, affirming his role as a guiding light in the Chassidic movement and Jewish scholarship during his era.

By the honorable Rabbi, the genius, the holy Chassid, renowned as the Holy Luminary, may his light shine, our teacher Rabbi Avraham Chaim, of blessed memory, Chief Rabbi of the holy community of Zlotshev, author of Orach LeChaim:

Behold, I have received a letter from a great and towering sage, whom I respect and esteem though I do not know him personally, the great Rabbi, the Holy Luminary, the wonder of the generation, may his light shine, the renowned Chassid, scion of holy ancestors, our teacher Rabbi Nachman, may his light shine. He has requested my approbation for the printing of his holy book. I have examined it, and from the little honey I tasted, my eyes were enlightened. I saw that it requires no approbation from me, especially since the great sages of our time have already given their approval. Yet, one does not refuse a great man, and so I come, like Judah, and further proclaim: I hereby decree with the authority of the Torah that no one shall transgress the boundaries set by the earlier sages for ten years from the date below. May those who heed this find delight.

The one who speaks for the honor of the Torah, Thursday, the 10th of Shevat, 5568 [1808], here in the holy community of Zlotshev.

[Signed by],
the insignificant Avraham Chaim, son of our teacher Rabbi Gedalia

Approbation 2 for Likutay Moharan by the Magid of Kozhnitz

Approbation for Likutey Moharan

Note from the English Translator
Rabbi Yisrael Hopstein (1737–1814), known as the Maggid of Kozhnitz, was one of the most revered figures in Chassidic Judaism, celebrated for his profound scholarship, piety, and mystical insight. A towering luminary in both revealed and hidden Torah, he was a disciple of the Maggid of Mezritch and Rabbi Elimelech of Lizhensk, earning titles such as the "Shining Speculum" and the "Crown of Israel’s Glory." His hagiography recounts miraculous deeds, deep spiritual teachings, and a life dedicated to divine service, making him a central figure in Polish Chassidism. As the author of Avodat Yisrael and other works, his influence extended widely, mentoring countless disciples and shaping the Chassidic movement with his blend of intellectual rigor and heartfelt devotion.

By the great and towering sage, radiant in the heavens, the honorable Rabbi, the true genius, elder and leader in the yeshiva, a man of God, the wonder of the generation, the Crown of Israel’s Glory, the holy and venerable Chassid, the Shining Speculum, for whom the gates of light were opened in both the revealed and hidden Torah, whose hands are mighty and whose renown fills the earth, our teacher Rabbi Yisrael, of blessed memory, the Maggid of the holy community of Kozhnitz, author of Avodat Yisrael and other works:

Come and behold the works of God, performed and accomplished by a living man of great deeds, a gatherer of divine sparks, who has collected with his hands fiery flames and burning embers, sayings that are fitting and perfect in their essence. These Likutey Amarim, wondrous and awe-inspiring words, were sent to me by one of my dear friends, the great luminary, scion of holy ancestors, the wonder of the generation, whose great name is renowned at the gates, our teacher Rabbi Nachman, may his light shine, grandson of our holy Rabbi, the Baal Shem Tov, of blessed memory, who seeks to bring them to the altar of the printing press to reveal hidden pearls of wisdom.

I have seen in them words that are pleasing, delightful, incisive, and profoundly deep, each according to its measure. How glorious is this day when such words are brought to light, for which silence is their praise. I hereby join those who approve the publication of these words, precious beyond gold and pearls, worthy of being brought before the innermost sanctum. However, out of concern lest any man or woman arise and produce a similar work, whether by themselves or through their agents, I hereby decree with the authority of the rabbinic ban that no one shall do so for ten years from the completion of this printing, lest they incur a curse. May those who heed this find delight, and may blessings of goodness come upon them.

Tuesday, the 4th of Shevat, 5568 [1808], here in the holy community of Kozhnitz, may it be protected.

The words of [Signed],
Yisrael, son of our teacher Rabbi Shabtai

Approbation to Likutay Moharan by the Chozeh of Lublin

Approbation for Likutey Moharan

Note from the English Translator
The Chozeh of Lublin, Rabbi Yaakov Yitzchak Horowitz (1745–1815), was a towering figure in Jewish mysticism and Chassidic tradition. Revered as a holy visionary (Chozeh, meaning "Seer"), he was a leading disciple of the Maggid of Mezritch and Rabbi Elimelech of Lizhensk, establishing himself as a central figure in the spread of Chassidism in Poland. Known for his spiritual insight, piety, and ability to perceive divine truths, he was a mentor to many prominent Chassidic leaders, including Rabbi Simcha Bunim of Peshischa and Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Rimanov. His hagiography is filled with accounts of miracles, profound teachings, and a deep connection to the divine, earning him titles such as "The Pure Menorah" and "The Hidden and Concealed Light." His legacy endures in Jewish circles as a paragon of holiness and wisdom, with his works and teachings continuing to inspire generations.

By the holy and illustrious Rabbi, the Crown of Israel’s Glory, the Pure Menorah, the Light of the Seven Days, a Radiant Light in the Heavens, a Pure and Polished Light, a Hidden and Concealed Holy of Holies, renowned throughout the world for fame and honor, our teacher Rabbi Yaakov Yitzchak of Lublin, of blessed memory, author of Divrei Emes and other works:

Behold, a writing inscribed by the finger of God has come before me, sent by one of my esteemed colleagues, none other than my dear friend and relative, the great luminary, the holy man, the wonder of our generation, may his light shine, our teacher Rabbi Nachman, may his light shine. It contains selections filled to the brim with fear of God, expressed in profound and wise words imbued with divine understanding. I have carefully reviewed them, and I find these words to be exceedingly upright and honorable, requiring no further deliberation. For these words themselves bear witness and proclaim the truth in its essence, according to their subject matter, and they are living words of God.

This great man needs no endorsement from me or from those like me. For who am I, lowly and insignificant, devoid of stature, never having ventured into matters too great or wondrous for me, to offer approbation for new works? Yet, out of love for truth, I humbly state that my master’s greatness has compelled me. I hereby join those who approve the publication of these hidden pearls of wisdom. I stipulate that no similar printing should be undertaken for approximately ten years from the date below, lest the violator incur a curse, and so forth. May blessings of goodness come to those who heed this.

Today, Tuesday, the 26th of Tevet, 5568 [1808], here in Lublin.

These are the words of he who loves him, though I do not know him personally, and who prays for his well-being, health, and peace always.

Signed,
Yaakov Yitzchak, son of our teacher Rabbi Avraham Eliezer HaLevi Horowitz

Blossoms of the Spring - Letter 7

Letter 7

BH 27 Nissan 718 (Thursday 17 April, 1958)

To a delightful man, Mr. Z. Shazar, greatings ("abundant peace").

On chol hamoed (-intermediate days of) Passover I wrote to his honor a receipt for his letter with the check of one hundred liras, and behold it is not possible to describe the great exquisite delight that he caused me to have from this wondrous matter, because I came to extra recognition in the matter of his pleasant, noble soul. I applied my heart, and I learned from this many good lessons of allusions, arousal, and encouragement, which are extremely urgent for the exalted and fundamental matter of drawing close to the light of the daas (realization of knowledge), the new and old, of the true tzadik who is the Rebbe and leader of us and of all the Children of Israel for eternal generations.

And now I am honored with this, to delight his good and expansive soul with good delicacies which I am about to publish ("bring to light") with the help of Hashem Yisburach.

Our teacher, the rav, Rabbi Nussun za.tza.l. once said to his disciples, "I will tell over to you my dream. I saw Ad.m.ur. (Our Master, Leader, and Rebbe), who came to me with one other person, and I told over to him ("before him") complainingly everything that transpired over me, and Ad.m.ur. said to me in these words, 'Dee <you> hust <did> ubber <however> mit <with> diyneh <your> sfurim <books> git gemacht <(you) did good>.' And this one who was with him nodded his head and agreed to this, and he said with these words, 'Yu yu <yes yes>, zayer <very> git <good> gemacht <(you) did>.' And I asked Ad.m.ur., 'Who is this?' And he replied, 'This is Moshe Rabbainu (-Moses) r.i.p.."

Also it is known that Rabbainu Hakadosh (-Our holy Rebbe) rested his hands upon him (-ordained him), and said of him that he (Rabbi Nussun) knows of him (Rabbainu) more than everyone.

In the beginning of Rabbi Nussun's o.b.m. drawing close to him, he (Rabbi Nachman) said then, "There came to me an avraich (-young married man, usually insinuating one engaged in Torah study), and through him there will not be lost even my small talk." And so it was, because just he engaged in publicizing his holy Torah (-teachings) to draw close through this many people to Hashem Yisburach, and through this the Samech Mem (-Satan) stood up against him, and made a controversy upon him through the Rav of Savrun who became his attacker and great hater to (-threaten/harass/endanger) his very life, but in the very end (Proverbs 12:19), "Language of truth is set firm forever," and the storm wind ceases and is lost, and is only great in its hour.

The main protraction of the exile, and the main obstruction of the redemption is just through strife (See Likutay Aitzos, Peace #4), because in every generation there exist people that tunnel (-strive, even in the most underhand way) to distance the heart of the Children of Israel from the true tzadik, and through this were brought about succeedingly all the destructions (-of the Temples), and the entire protraction of the present exile. However, even still (Psalms 92:9), "You are exalted forever Hashem," because also, likewise, there exist in every single generation true tzadikim and kosher (-proper) people who join up to the great chosen (/choice, prized) tzadik and go out joyously to great him, and listen to his counsel, and through this the redemption will come. He who desires to save his soul from the fire of strife, that is, not to take part in strife Heaven forbid, his main salvation is through truth.

In every single generation it is necessary to prowl, and to seek, and to search very very much, with all our strength, with all types of searching, with self sacrifice, for the true tzadik, until we merit to find him, and to draw close to him, and then we will merit to complete faith ("emoonu shlaimu"), through which the redemption will be brought (See Likutay Moharan, Torah 7). Fortunate is he who merits this, fortunate is he who awaits this, fortunate is he who spends all his days yearning, craving, and longing for this.

To be continued soon. Wishes of well-being to him and his household and those associated with him, and with feelings of absolute true love which is not contingent on any temporal matter.

Yisroel Dov Odesser - Tiberius

ספר אב"י הנחל - הוצאת נקודות טובות - מכתב ז:

ב"ה כ"ז ניסן תשי"ח, טבריא.

לאיש חמודות, מר ז.שזר, שלום רב.

בחול המועד פסח כתבתי לכבודו קבלה על מכתבו עם הסך מאה לירות, והנה אין ביכולת לצייר את התענוג הגדול שגרם לי מדבר פלא הזה, כי באתי להכרה יתרה בענין נעימת נפשו האצילה. נתתי ליבי ולמדתי מזה כמה לימודים טובים של רמזים התעוררות והתחזקות הנחוצים מאד לענין הנשגב והעיקרי של ההתקרבות לאור הדעת החדש וישן של הצדיק האמת שהוא הרבי והמנהיג שלנו ושל כל בני ישראל לדורות עולם.

ועתה הריני נתכבד בזה לשעשע את נפשו הטובה והרחבה במטעמים טובים שאני עומד להוציא לאור בישועת ה' יתברך:

מורנו הרב רבי נתן זצ"ל אמר פעם לתלמידיו, אני אספר לכם את חלומי, ראיתי את אדמו"ר שבא אלי עם עוד אחד, וסיפרתי לפניו בדרך קובלנא כל אשר עבר עלי, ואמר לי אדמו"ר בזה הלשון, די האסט אבער מיט דיינע ספרים גיט געמאכט (אבל עם הספרים שלך עשית טוב). וזה האחד שהיה עימו נענע לו ראשו והסכים על זה, ואמר בזה הלשון: "יא יא, זייער גיט געמאכט" (כן, כן, טוב מאד עשית). ושאלתי את אדמו"ר מי הוא זה. והשיב לי, זה הוא משה רבנו עליו השלום.

גם ידוע שרבנו הקדוש סמך ידו עליו ואמר עליו שהוא יודע ממנו יותר מכולם.

בתחילת התקרבות מוהרנ"ת ז"ל אליו אמר אז, בא אלי אברך אחד ועל ידו לא יאבד אפילו שיחת חולין שלי. וכן היה, כי רק הוא עסק לפרסם תורת רבנו הקדוש בעולם ושיחותיו הקדושים, להודיע לבני אדם גדולת תורתו הקדושה לקרב על ידי זה אנשים רבים לה' יתברך, ועל ידי זה עמד עליו הס"מ ועשה עליו מחלוקת על ידי הרב מסוראן שנעשה לו רודף ושונא גדול עד לחייו, אבל סוף כל סוף "שפת אמת תכון לעד" והרוח סערה כלה ונאבד ואינו גדול אלא בשעתו.

עיקר אריכת הגלות, ועיקר עיכוב הגאולה הוא רק על ידי מחלוקת, כי בכל דור נמצאים בני אדם שהם חותרים להרחיק לב בני ישראל מהצדיק האמת, ועל ידי זה נתגלגלו כל החורבנות וכל הגלויות וכל האריכת הגלות של עכשיו. אך אף על פי כן "אתה מרום לעולם ה'", כי גם כמו כן נמצאים בכל דור ודור צדיקים וכשרים אמיתיים שהם נילווים אל הצדיק הגדול המובחר ושמחים לקראתו, ושומעים לעצתו ועל ידי זה תבוא הגאולה. מי שרוצה למלט נפשו מאש המחלוקת, היינו שלא יחזיק במחלוקת חס ושלום, עיקר הצלתו על ידי אמת.

בכל דור ודור צריכים לשוטט ולבקש ולחפש מאד מאד בכל כוחנו בכל מיני חיפוש במסירות נפש את הצדיק האמת עד שנזכה למצאו ולהתקרב אליו ואז נזכה לאמונה שלמה שעל ידי זה תבוא הגאולה. אשרי הזוכה לזה, אשרי המחכה לזה, אשרי המבלה כל ימיו להתגעגע ולהשתוקק ולכסוף לזה.

המשך יבוא בקרוב. בדרישת שלום לו ולביתו והנלוים אליו, וברגשי אהבת אמת לאמיתו שאינו תלוי בשום דבר בטל.

ישראל דב אודעסר - טבריא