The halacha states clearly that the search for chametz must be done by candlelight. Even if the sun or moon are shining we use a single solitary candle. There are a million reasons for this; here's one more.
Rebbe Nachman teaches (LM 34:8) that every person has a nekudah, a point inside, which is a micro-version of the Tzaddik, the great soul who includes all of Israel and the world. Through speaking extemporaneously with the Creator you can illuminate that point so that you can actually feel it in your heart.
Throughout its history, Breslov Hasidism was opposed by other Hasidic groups with vigor. There are a few reasons for this, but one was certainly Rebbe Nachman's assertion that each of us has what we need - a heart and a mouth- to gain full clarity about any life-question we face. The fact that Breslovers did not choose a rebbe to take Rebbe Nachman's place after he died only intensified the concern that Breslovers would become independent to the point of anarachy or antinomianism. Yet through the guidance provided by Rebbe Nachman and Reb Noson, through the assiduous application of spiritual practices like hitobdedut (conversations with God), and through sincere seekers and great teachers in each successive generation (including some you and I may have been privileged to meet) followers of Rebbe Nachman have succeeded in developing spiritual self-reliance while remaining within the Jewish community.
The lesson of "bodkin l'ohr haner"- that we search by the light of the candle- is this: no book that you read is going to speak directly to your situation. What you must seek in Torah are practices and teachings that you can apply to your unique challenges. The chametz we seek to destroy is hiding in the nooks and crannies of our homes and consciousness, and the great light of the sun and the lesser light of the moon are too uniform to reach there. The geeneral principles provided by great leaders are useful, but are no replacement for your own search, your own lighting of your own candle to find your own hametz and release it into fire.
Rav Ariel Burger
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Rav Ariel Burger received his ordination from Yeshivat Bat Ayin in 2003. He is currently completing his doctoral work at Boston University, where he studies under Professor Elie Weisel. Ariel lives in Sharon, Massachusetts with his wife and four children. |