Rebbe Nachman's Timeless Advice for Difficult Days

Rebbe Nachman of Breslov teaches that no matter how far a person feels they have fallen, there is always goodness waiting to be uncovered. His timeless message reminds us that hope begins when we choose to recognize the spark of good within ourselves and others.

"Know that a person must judge everyone favorably. Even someone who appears completely wicked should be searched carefully until you find at least one small measure of good within them. In that good point, they are not wicked...

"A person must also do the same for themselves. It is well known that one must be very careful to remain joyful at all times and to distance oneself from sadness as much as possible.

"Even if a person examines themselves and feels they are full of faults and sins, they must still search until they find some small point of goodness. How could it be that they never performed even a single mitzvah or good deed?

"A person must judge themselves favorably and find within themselves some good point that still remains. In this way, they can strengthen themselves, avoid falling into despair, and bring life and joy back to their soul through the little good they discover.

"And even if that goodness is mixed with many imperfections, they should still uncover and hold on to that good point."

Source:Likutey Moharan, Torah 282

What This Teaching Means

In one of his most beloved teachings, known as Azamra, Rebbe Nachman of Breslov presents an idea that has transformed countless lives.

He teaches that we should learn to judge both others and ourselves favorably. Even when someone appears deeply flawed, we should search for the good that still exists within them. The same is true when we look inward.

There are times when we become painfully aware of our shortcomings. We notice our mistakes, our failures, and the distance between who we are and who we hope to become. At those moments, it is easy to believe there is nothing good left to find.

Rebbe Nachman tells us that this is never true.

No matter how discouraged a person feels, there is always a spark of goodness within them. It may be small. It may be hidden beneath many imperfections. But it is there.

Finding that single "good point" is not about ignoring our faults or pretending we are perfect. Rather, it gives us the strength to keep growing instead of giving up.

Why Joy Matters

Rebbe Nachman places tremendous importance on joy.

He teaches that sadness and despair are among the evil inclination's most powerful tools because they weaken a person's spirit and make spiritual growth feel impossible.

The antidote is to actively search for the good.

When we recognize even the smallest mitzvah, kind deed, or sincere effort we have made, we remind ourselves that we are capable of growth. That recognition restores hope, strengthens our resolve, and fills us with renewed joy.

Rather than allowing our failures to define us, Rebbe Nachman encourages us to build upon the goodness that already exists within us.

A Few Words About the Author

Rebbe Nachman of Breslov (1772–1810) was the founder and only rebbe of Breslov Chassidut. One of the most influential Jewish spiritual leaders of the past several centuries, he taught the importance of joy, simple faith, heartfelt prayer, personal conversation with Hashem, and never giving up hope.

His foremost disciple, Reb Noson of Breslov, preserved and organized his teachings in Likutey Moharan and other foundational Breslov works, allowing generations of Jews to continue drawing inspiration from Rebbe Nachman's timeless wisdom.