Likutay Moharan - Volume 2 - Torah-teaching 75

Likutay Moharan II Torah 75: Looking at the Face of the Tzadikim Alone Is Also a Very Great Matter

Looking at the face of the tzadikim [righteous ones] alone is also a very great matter. For our Sages, of blessed memory, said that the talmid chacham [Torah scholar] is greater than the Torah [divine teaching], as our Sages, of blessed memory, said (Makkos 22b): “How foolish are the rest of people, who stand before a Torah scroll but do not stand before a great man.” Thus, the talmid chacham is greater than the Torah. Regarding the Torah, we find that our Sages, of blessed memory, said (Midrash Rabbah, Eichah, Introduction): “The light within it restores one to good.” All the more so, the light of the tzadik, where looking at him alone is greatly beneficial for holiness. Certainly, when one merits to speak with him, it is even better. But looking alone is also a very great matter.