Breslov – Basic Judaism

Judaism –> Breslove

 “If you believe that you can damage, believe you can fix.” 

– Rebbe Nachman of Breslov

Rebbe Nachman of Breslov was the great-grandson of Rebbe Yisrael, the Baal Shem Tov—‘Master of the Good Name’—founder of the Chassidic movement. Rebbe Nachman was born in 1772 (1 Nisan 5532) in the Ukrainian town of Medzeboz. He grew to be an outstanding tzaddik (saint), Torah sage, teacher and Chassidic master. During his lifetime he attracted a devoted following of chassidim who looked to him as their prime source of spiritual guidance in their quest for God, as ‘the Rebbe.’ From the autumn of 1802 until the spring of 1810 Rebbe Nachman lived in Breslov, Ukraine. He then moved to Uman where he passed away from tuberculosis six months later (18 Tishrei 5571), at the age of thirty-eight. He is buried there till today.

Rebbe Nachman was a Kabbalist and a mystic of the highest order, and yet at the same time was artlessly practical and down-to-earth. He told tales of princes and princesses, beggars and kings, demons and saints and he taught of the need to live with faith, honesty and simplicity.

When Rebbe Nachman passed away his followers saw no one to take his place. Instead of appointing a new rebbe, they continued to turn to Rebbe Nachman’s teachings for inspiration and guidance, continuing to look to him as “the Rebbe.” The Breslover Chassidim have done so ever since, studying his writings and endeavoring to follow his teachings in their day-to-day lives. In this sense Rebbe Nachman is still the leader of the Breslover Chassidim.

Reb Noson was born to a well-to-do family in Nemirov, Ukraine in 1780 (15 Shevat 5540). Already in his early teens he was an accomplished Talmud scholar. He married the daughter of Rabbi Dovid Tzvi Orbach, a prominent rabbinic authority. Despite his religious and material success, Reb Noson felt a spiritual void, which he ceaselessly tried to fill. He was unsuccessful until he met Rebbe Nachman.

Reb Noson met Rebbe Nachman in 1802, just a few weeks after Rebbe Nachman settled in Breslov. For the remainder of Rebbe Nachman’s life—and his life—Reb Noson was a devoted disciple of Rebbe Nachman. We are indebted to Reb Noson for recording Rebbe Nachman’s works, for as Rebbe Nachman himself said, “If not for my Noson, not a page of my teachings would remain!” Reb Noson passed away in Breslov in the winter of 1844 (10 Tevet 5605) where he is buried.

One sampling of Reb Noson’s prayers, based on Rebbe Nachman’s Likutey Moharan, is from Breslov Research’s 50^th Gate. Another sampling, arranged by topic, is from BRI’s Flame of the Heart.

Introduction to the teachings of the chassidic master Rebbe Nachman of Breslov (1772-1810).

Shortly before his passing, Rebbe Nachman told his followers that his influence would long endure. “My fire will burn until the Mashiach (Messiah) comes.” Generations of readers have been enthralled and inspired by his writings, which have been explored and interpreted by scholars around the world.

The growing interest in Rebbe Nachman—among academicians and laymen alike—led to the establishment of the Breslov Research Institute in 1979. Since then a team of scholars has been engaged in research into the texts, oral traditions and music of the Breslov movement. The purpose of the Institute is to publish authoritative translations, commentaries and general works on Breslov Chassidut. Projects also include the recording of Breslov songs and melodies on cassettes, CDs and in music book form.

• The Writings is a link to a number of works of Rebbe Nachman himself, and to his major disiciple, Reb Noson.
• Parsha and Siddur leads to a collection of short pieces on the weekly Torah readings and the Siddur (prayerbook).
• The Tikun HaKlali is for those whose sexuality has been adversely affected, on-line or off.
• With our Catalog you can purchase our publications and cassettes on-line.
• The Chair tells you about Rebbe Nachman’s famous chair.