אות - ג

It cannot be put into writing how much the Rebbe emphasized God’s greatness. He stressed that it is beyond all measure. God does so many wonderful things that absolutely no one can really appreciate them. 2 Tzaddik #67; Alim LeTerufah #15, #188, #227, #243, #276, #373, #413, #443, #444.

We may speak of God, but we know absolutely nothing. It is said that the goal of all knowledge [of God] is to realize that one knows nothing. 3 Chovot HaLevavot 1:10; beginning of Keser Shem Tov ; Likutey Moharan I, 24:8; Tzaddik #282, #283; Parparaot LeChokhmah on Gittin 47a. But even this cannot be attained.

This goal pertains to every level of insight. One may reach the level of realizing he knows nothing, but only in a particular area and on a given level. There is still the next level, and this has not even been touched. He does not know enough about the next level to even realize his ignorance. And no matter how high he goes, there is still a higher step.

Therefore, a person knows nothing, and still cannot perceive his ignorance. For there is always a degree of “not-knowing” on a level that lies beyond his perception. 4 This was said when Rebbe Nachman was moving from Breslov to Uman, shortly before he passed away. Reb Noson and a messenger from Teplik were then riding in the coach and they met R' M. of Teplik near Ladyzin ( Yemey Moharnat #47; Tzaddik #82). This occurred on Tuesday, 3 Iyar 5570 (May 7, 1810).

The Rebbe also emphasized the high level of repentance.

You may fall to the lowest depths, Heaven forbid. But no matter how far you have fallen, it is still forbidden to give up hope. Repentance is higher even than the Torah – therefore there is absolutely no place for despair.

If you are worthy, even your worst sins can be turned into something good. We are taught that sin can be transformed into merit ( Yoma 86b) . This idea contains deep mysteries, but the main lesson is that even from one’s failings and declines, one can easily return to God. Nothing is beyond His power. The most important thing is never to give up, but to continue to cry out and pray to God (cf. Tzaddik #565) .