עברית
Ask the Rabbi - General
How Did Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, of Blessed Memory, Praise Himself?
Question
How is it that Rabbi Nachman of Breslov said the following about himself: "I have won and I will win" (Song of Friendship at the beginning of the life of Moharan, Part 2), "I have completed and I will complete" (Life of Moharan, Section 262), "I am the river that purifies all stains" (there, Section 34), "I am a man of wonder, and my soul is a great wonder" (there, Section 256), "A renewal like mine has never existed in the world" (there, Section 249). Thank you in advance for the answer.
Answer
Greetings, The simple explanation according to the words of the Gemara in Nedarim (62a) is that it is permitted for a Torah scholar to publicize himself in a place where he is not recognized. This is brought to halacha by the Rema in Yoreh De'ah (Siman 240, Paragraph 21). The Rosh clearly wrote in Nedarim (there) that this is so that people will not belittle the honor of his teachings and will be punished. It seems there is also another reason to inform people that he is a Torah scholar, so that they will know they can receive benefit from him in Torah and fear of Heaven. Best regards, Hillel Meirs
