Certain metaphors capture the imagination. Among the most powerful in Judaism comes from an 18th century Rabbi named Nachman.

“The whole world,” he said, “is a narrow bridge. And the most important part is not to be afraid!”

This saying has been set to music. It has been committed to memory by thousands. It has been the subject of numerous articles and even books. What does it mean?

This question challenges me now because I just returned from the town where Rabbi Nachman spent the final months of his life. It was in a massive park in this town that he encountered the bridge that led to this saying. I took the picture of it above. Here are a few of the many possible interpretations.

Evan Moffic writes the "Truths You can Use" blog on Beliefnet.