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Rabbi (or Rebbe) Nachman of Breslov (1772 - 1810) was the great-grandson of Rebbe Israel, the founder of Hasidic Judaism. Nachman developed a following during his lifetime that has continued in the two centuries since his death: his followers today are known as "Breslavers", and the movement itself is called Breslov.
Nachman was born in Mezhibuz, Ukraine, and in his short life achieved much acclaim as a teacher and spiritual leader. Nachman was an extreme example of the hassidic movement, living in poverty and better known for his stories and songs than his Torah scholarship. Thirteen canonical stories have been published and are considered precursors to the later literary style of such authors as Franz Kafka (who may have been acquainted with them). Other teachings of his are epitomized in his famous adage: "It is a great mitzvah (divine commandment) to always be happy!"
Another prominent feature of Nachman's teachings is asceticism, best expressed in regard to sexuality. A well-known example of this is his tikkun, or "prayer for spiritual correction," which focuses on the dangers of masturbation and the severe damage it causes one to fall to lowly animalistic depths .
For most of the last 8 years of his life, he lived in Breslov, Ukraine, continuing his work as a rabbi and Kabbalist and teaching his growing band of followers. Upon his death in Uman, Ukraine, his followers chose not to select a new teacher, but rather to follow Nachman's teachings (they began calling him "the Rebbe"). His teachings, which were mostly oral, were transcribed by Nathan, thus keeping the movement alive.
To this day, Breslavers see Nachman as their spiritual leader. With the collapse of the Soviet Union, his tomb in Uman is once again a center of pilgrimage for thousands of hassidim every year, particularly during the High Holy Days. The movement has also managed to grow considerably, with many new adherents from among formerly secular Jews who are drawn to the ascetism and mysticism.
Quotes
- "There is no more complete thing than a broken heart."
- "If you believe that is possible to break, believe it is also possible to fix. If you believe it is possible to harm, believe it is also possible to cure."
- "We better should fail with unjustified love than we fail with unjustified hatred."
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