Breslov Hasidism
The Breslov movement was founded by Rabbi Nachman
of Breslov (17721810), who was the greatgrandson of the Baal Shem Tov, the founder
of Hasidism.
Breslover Hasidim usually refer to him as "Rebbe Nachman"
or simply "the Rebbe" (different from the Lubavitcher Rebbe).
Rebbe Nachman is buried in Uman in the Ukraine. Each year, Breslover
Hasidim travel to Uman to celebrate Rosh
Ha-Shanah near the gravesite. Plans are currently under way to build
a Breslov synagogue there.
The name "Breslov" comes
from the town of Breslov, also located in the Ukraine,
where Nachman spent most of the last eight years of
his life. Some people also see the name as a play on
words in Ashkenazic Hebrew: "Bris lev" means "covenant
(or circumcision) of the heart." The Breslov approach
places great stress on serving Gd with joy and
living life as intensely as possible. "It's a great
mitzvah always to be happy," Nachman taught.
One distinctive Breslov practice is hisboddidus (hitbadedut), a personalized form of freeflowing
prayer and meditation. In addition to the regular daily
services in the prayer book, Breslover Hasidim try to
spend an hour alone with Gd each day, pouring out
their thoughts and concerns in whatever language they
speak, as if talking to a close personal friend.
Rebbe Nachman stressed the importance of soulsearching.
He always maintained that his high spiritual level was
due to his own efforts, and not to his famous lineage
or any circumstances of birth. He repeatedly insisted
that all Jews could reach the same level as he, and
spoke out very strongly against those who thought that
the main reason for a Tzaddik's greatness was the superior
level of his soul. "Everyone can attain the highest
level," Nachman taught, "It depends on nothing
but your own free choice... for everything depends on
a multitude of deeds."
Although Rebbe Nachman died almost 200 years ago,
he is still considered to be the leader of the movement
through the guidance of his books and stories. Breslover
Hasidim today do not have a "Rebbe in the flesh,"
and each Hasid is free to go to any guide or teacher
with whom they feel comfortable. No single person or
council of elders is "in charge" of the Breslov
movement, and no membership list is kept.
Sources: Shamash |