Introduction to Volume 2

Introduction to Likutay Moharan II

This is the book of the chronicles of man [Bereshit 5:1], pure utterances, which we have heard from the mouth of our holy teacher, the hidden and concealed light, Rebbe Nachman, of blessed memory (zts"l). His awe-inspiring teachings were already published in the book Likutay Moharan, which has been printed previously. These are his later words, which he added, innovated, and revealed after the completion of the aforementioned book. All that we heard from his holy mouth from that day forward until his passing is recorded in this book.

Know this: All the words of this book, as well as all the words of the first book already printed, are lofty matters, deep and vast beyond the sea [Iyov 11:9]. The seeker will weary himself to grasp their essence. Even on their simple level, it is exceedingly difficult to understand these words in writing, for they are profoundly deep matters, impossible to fully explain in writing, even in their simplest sense. Each teaching and each matter from the innovations of our Rebbe, of blessed memory, contains many hidden mysteries. They are drawn from a very high and exalted place, encompassing immense generality. Within every teaching, numerous wondrous and awe-inspiring concepts are included, with a single teaching branching into multiple reasons and diverse matters.

Yet, with some effort, the seeker may grasp a bit of their simple meaning and understand one matter from another. However, the root essence of these words transcends our knowledge. We cannot elaborate on the immense greatness of our Rebbe, of blessed memory, due to the great controversies that surrounded him in his lifetime. The discerning one will understand gradually, as he sets his eyes and heart upon the words of our Rebbe, of blessed memory. He will perceive a glimpse of the immense sanctity and lofty holiness, the precious splendor of his greatness. Beyond this, if one merits, he will discern in the future the sealed matters until a spirit is poured upon us from on high [Yeshayahu 32:15].

However, it must be declared to all our brethren who tremble at the words of our Rebbe, of blessed memory—those who eagerly await and yearn to hear his words, their eyes longing to behold his writings—that the primary intent of the teachings of our Rebbe, the hidden light, of blessed memory, which issued in holiness and purity from his sacred mouth, is not the exposition but the practice. All his holy words are wondrous guidance, awe-inspiring counsel, and a great awakening to the service of Hashem, blessed be He. His words are like burning coals, blazing torches [Yirmiyahu 23:29], kindling the heart with great fervor and intense yearning for Him, blessed be He. There is no need to elaborate on this for the discerning one who sincerely seeks truth, for he will understand it all and see it clearly. His eyes will behold, and his heart will rejoice [Mishlei 15:30]. Therefore, I will place a restraint upon my mouth and say, “Thus far you shall come” [Iyov 38:11]. The wise one will now remain silent until we merit to ascend to Zion with joy, as it is written, “We shall come, we shall come” [Tehillim 126:6].

These are the words of the transcriber and compiler, who seeks to magnify the Torah and make it glorious [Yeshayahu 42:21]: The humble Natan, son of my master, my father, our teacher and rabbi, Rabbi Naftali Hertz, may his Rock protect and sustain him, from the great city of Nemirov, son-in-law of the great, pious, and renowned rabbi, Rabbi David Tzvi, of blessed memory, who served as the head of the rabbinical court of the holy communities of Shargorod, Kremenchug, and the region, and here in the community of Mohyliv, may it be protected.

Behold, this holy book was already printed in Mohyliv shortly after his passing, and because it was cherished, it was widely sought. Now it has been printed again, with several excellent additions, as the seeker will see with his own eyes. We have also added at the end of the book several wondrous matters that I gathered from his holy conversations, most of which I heard directly from his sacred mouth, and some I heard from others who heard them directly from his sacred mouth. My soul knows well the immense depth in his holy conversations and how many profound lessons can be learned from them, as well as the wondrous counsel for the service of Hashem and the principles of proper conduct that can be derived from his words by one who has a mind in his head and gazes upon the truth.

Therefore, I said, I will not withhold this good, to print some of his holy conversations. Several of his holy conversations have already been printed in previously published books. Now, I have gathered additional matters of this kind. Due to the costs of printing and the lack of time, as the awesome days [the High Holidays] approach us for good, it was impossible to print all the holy conversations recorded with me. If Hashem wills, there will yet be a time appointed to print them all, for I see from afar how far each and every word that issued from his holy mouth in sanctity and purity reaches. I have seen, thank God, that the conversations we have already printed have succeeded and borne fruit. The eye has seen and confirmed them, and they have been greatly valued in the eyes of all who sincerely seek truth.

May Hashem, blessed be He, grant us the merit to walk in the path of truth, to fulfill all his words, which he spoke to us extensively in many ways—whether through public teachings, conversations with the masses, or numerous private conversations with each individual. In many ways, he guided us, all according to each person’s need, to turn our hearts to Him, blessed be He, to serve Him in truth and sincerity. May we merit to fulfill His will in truth. Amen, may it be His will.