Ever heard of the “dead Hasidim”? They are not really dead. These are the Breslov.
Welcome to the heart of Breslov in Jerusalem. This is a unique branch of Hasidic Judaism. It was founded by Nachman of Breslov. He lived from 1772 to 1810.
Nachman was the great-grandson of the Baal Shem Tov. The Baal Shem Tov founded Hasidism. Breslov adherents strive for a joyous relationship with God. They seek guidance from Nachman’s teachings.
Interestingly, Breslov has had no central leader for 200 years. Nachman did not name a successor. This is why they are called “dead Hasidim”. They have not had a formal Rebbe since Nachman’s death. Some Breslov groups do refer to their leaders as “Rebbe”.
Nachman lived in Bratslav for eight years. He then moved to Uman where he died. Bratslav is in Ukraine. Nachman declared that his followers would be called after Breslov. He said this name would never disappear.
The Hebrew letters of Breslov can be rearranged. They spell lev basar. Lev basar means “heart of flesh”. This echoes a prophecy in Ezekiel. God says he will take away the heart of stone. He will give a heart of flesh.
Breslov emphasizes serving God with sincerity and joy. Breslov teachings focus on faith and repentance. Every Jew must yearn to return to God. It does not matter where they are on the spiritual level.
Study and fulfillment of Torah life leads to joy. Breslov worship is personalized and emotional. It includes clapping, singing, and dancing. Nachman said it is a great mitzvah to always be happy.
Nachman emphasized drawing people to the “true tzadik”. This is key to fixing the world. It overcomes evil and brings people closer to God. In Breslov thought, Nachman is the true tzadik.
Nachman also emphasized Jewish prayer. Besides synagogue services, he advised hitbodedut. Hitbodedut means self-seclusion. People pour out their thoughts to God in their own language. It is like talking to a close friend. The goal is unification with God. It brings a clearer understanding of personal motives.
A Breslov sub-group uses the mantra Na Nach Nachma Nachman Meuman. This mantra is based on Nachman’s name. Yisroel Ber Odesser taught it in the 20th century. The NaNach movement is controversial. It emphasizes ecstatic worship over traditional texts.
Nachman always said his spiritual level was due to his efforts. He disagreed with those who thought a Rebbe’s greatness came from his soul.
Another Breslov practice is the Rosh Hashanah kibbutz. This is a large gathering at Nachman’s grave in Uman. Nachman said his Rosh Hashanah is greater than everything. He wanted all his followers to be with him. After his death, Nathan of Breslov organized the annual pilgrimage. It started in 1811. Thousands joined from Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania, and Poland. The kibbutz operated secretly under Communism. It was re-instituted after the fall of Communism. Now, over 70000 men and boys arrive each Rosh Hashanah.
Breslovers also make individual pilgrimages to Nachman’s grave. Visiting any time is beneficial. Nachman said whoever visits his gravesite and recites the Ten Psalms of the Tikkun HaKlali and gives a penny to charity will be cleansed and protected.
Today, Breslov communities exist in Israel. They are also in major cities worldwide. These cities include New York, Los Angeles, Paris, and London. The original Jerusalem community was founded by emigrants from Ukraine. It is built around the Breslov Yeshiva in Mea Shearim.
Breslov is more than a place. It is a path to a heart of flesh. It is a journey of faith, joy, and connection with the Divine.