The Difference Between the Truth and the TRUE Truth

Siach Sarfei Kodesh 1:175 (translated by Rabbi Chaim Kramer, Through Fire and Water – The Life of Reb Nosson of Breslov, p. 99):

… In the circumstances, Reb Nosson’s father-in-law, Rabbi Dovid Zvi Orbach, was urging him to take a position as a Rav.

Reb Nosson turned to the Rebbe for advice. The Rebbe told him to accept the position. Reb Nosson told the Rebbe that he was afraid of the awesome responsibility. Rebbe Nachman said to him, “Who then should be a rav if not one who is afraid?!”

Reb Nosson then asked:

Is this the emes – is it the right thing for me?

“Yes!” said the Rebbe.

Reb Nosson then pressed him:

“But is the emeser emes – is it really right for me?

“You want the real truth?” replied the Rebbe. “Then don’t become a rav”.

Reb Nosson later wrote that he was grateful to God that he was saved from taking the position, since it would have hindered his own spiritual growth and the subsequent spreading of Reb Nachman’s teachings.

The end.

Reb Nosson knew to press the question because Reb Nachman had earlier explained this idea of “true” truth. See too Likutei Halachos’ vitally correct explanation of the Medrash on “ותשלך אמת ארצה” (Ribbis 5:16).

If only Jews loved and feared Hashem enough to not be satisfied with appearances or suffice with tradition and legal fiction, Oness and Dochak, we would listen carefully, and read between the lines, and seek to obey Hashem’s True will. And Hashem would listen back.

Reb Nachman of Breslov placed Halacha above all else. As a friend just said to me (a la “Lubavitch is the closest religion to Judaism”): “Breslovers are the closest Litvaks to Chassidus!”