Since 1908, the secular New Year has been marked by the famous “ball drop”—a moment meant to symbolize a fresh start. Yet the phrase “dropping the ball” has come to mean something very different: missed opportunities, abandoned commitments, and resolutions that don’t last.

In this shiur, we explore the deeper irony of that image, especially in light of the well-known reality that many New Year’s resolutions fade quickly—so much so that the second Friday of January is often called “Quitter’s Day.”

Drawing on a teaching from Reb Yaakov of Husiatin in the name of the Apter Rav, we examine the idea that January 1st can actually be a day of merit for the Jewish people—not in a spirit of judgment or comparison, but as a revealing contrast of values.

While secular culture often marks new beginnings with celebration and levity, Judaism sanctifies beginnings through meaning, commitment, and connection to Hashem. Our life is not about escape from responsibility, but about deeper alignment with who we are meant to become.

This shiur is not about “us versus them,” but about understanding what makes Jewish beginnings different—and how those differences can help us build lasting growth, clarity, and spiritual direction.

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Asara B’Teves marks the day Nevuchadnezar, King of Bavel, laid siege to Yerushalayim — the beginning of the Churban.

But on this very same day is the yahrtzeit of Reb Nosson of Breslov (December 20, 1844), the primary talmid of Rebbe Nachman, the one who revealed and transmitted Rebbe Nachman’s redemptive Torah to the world.

This is no coincidence.

In this shiur, we explore the deep contrast and connection between the beginning of destruction and the beginning of geulah. Rebbe Nachman taught that his Torah is the “beginning of redemption,” and Reb Nosson embodied that message—especially on a day that represents siege, darkness, and concealment.

We examine how the siege of Bavel continues today—not only through the outside world of sheker, confusion, and distraction, but through the inner siege of the yetzer hara, which tries to define us by externals, past failures, and despair.

Through Breslov teachings, we uncover the nekuda tova—the inner point within every Jew that is untouchable by sin, untouched by exile, and always connected to Hashem.

Asara B’Teves is not only about mourning the past—it’s about discovering where redemption truly begins.

#AsaraBTeves #Breslov #RebbeNachman #RebNosson #Geulah #Churban #JewishTorah #InnerAvodah #NekudaTova #YetzerHara #Emunah #Redemption #TorahThoughts