Rabbi Nachman’s Teachings Explain Why True Justice Requires Faith and Divine Help

The article explores the nature of truth and falsehood through the lens of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov’s teachings, focusing on the weekly Torah portion Shoftim. It addresses how to discern who is right amid disputes and why sometimes cases must be brought to a rabbinical court (din Torah). Rabbi Nachman emphasizes that truth is singular and absolute, while lies are numerous, colorful, and confusing. He stresses the importance of negotiating with faith and honesty, quoting the principle "you shall carry and give in faith." When one party distorts the truth, a din Torah is necessary to uncover the real facts.

The piece highlights the challenge judges face in distinguishing truth from falsehood, noting that lies often mask the truth. Judges must pray for divine assistance (siyata dishmaya) to reveal the truth and avoid bias, as stated in the Torah commandment "do not pervert justice." Rabbi Nachman teaches that God supports judges who sincerely seek to render true judgments, illuminating the truth like light dispelling darkness.

A key distinction is made between judging "truth" and judging "truth to its reality," meaning that even a judgment made according to Torah law might not fully reflect the absolute truth if the judge’s heart is biased. Only with God’s light can a judge perceive the full truth accurately. The article concludes by urging readers to pursue truth and faith, reminding that true justice and faith repair spiritual flaws and bring divine light into the world.

The article also briefly notes the recent passing of a prominent Hasidic Rebbe in the United States, Rabbi Chaim Rozenboim, underscoring the significance of spiritual leadership in maintaining faith and truth.