However, all of this depends on our emunah in the simple teachings of the tzaddikim. This brings us to the second introductory concept to this sichah: having emunah in the truth.
Rebbe Nachman explains (Likutei Mohoran I, 7) that emunah and truth go hand in hand. A person could have a very strong emunah, but if his emunah is not based on the truth of the Torah, G-d forbid, then he is very far away from Hashem. Similarly, a person could have a very clear knowledge of the truth of the Torah, but if he doesn’t believe in it, G-d forbid, then he won’t fulfill it and he will also be very far away from Hashem. Therefore, the path of Hashem is to learn Torah and understand the truth, while at the same time work on strengthening our emunah in the truth that we learn.
Of course, this begins with studying the teachings of the Gemarra, Rishonim, and Poskim and believing in everything they teach us. This makes us strong in our fulfillment of halachah. However, regarding the way in which we serve Hashem and the quality of our avodah, it is also necessary for us to learn the Torah of the Baal Shem Tov and his talmidim and awaken our emunah in these tzaddikim. The sefarim of these tzaddikim teach us how to act with good middos and how to have fear of Heaven. They also reveal to us the compassion that Hashem has to receive our teshuvah and His closeness to us at all times.
