Nathan of Breslov
Encyclopedia
Nathan of Breslov also known as Reb Noson, born Nathan Sternhartz, was the chief disciple and scribe of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov
, founder of the Breslov Hasidic dynasty
. Reb Noson is credited with preserving, promoting and expanding the Breslov movement after the Rebbe's death. Rebbe Nachman himself said, "Were it not for Reb Noson, not a page of my writings would have remained."
, Ukraine
. His father, Rabbi Naphtali Hertz Sternhartz, was a Talmudic scholar of some distinction and a wealthy businessman. His mother's name was Chaya Laneh. Reb Noson was the firstborn of his family; he had three brothers — Reb Yudel, Reb Yosef, and Reb Leibush — and one sister, whose name is not known.
Reb Noson received a traditional Torah education and learned his father's business. At the age of 13 (as was the custom), he married Esther Shaindel, daughter of Rabbi Dovid Zvi Orbach, the leading rabbinical authority in Mohilov, Sharograd, and Kremenetz. Both his father and his father-in-law were staunch opponents of Hasidism
.
Although Reb Noson was a learned scholar, he felt that something was lacking in his spiritual devotions. He began to visit different Hasidic rebbe
s, including Levi Yitzchok of Berditchev
, and was impressed by their followers' sincerity. However, he could not summon the same intensity in his religious devotions. In 1802, Rebbe Nachman moved to Breslov
, Ukraine, which is located nine miles south of Nemyriv (a three-hour journey by horse in those days). Reb Noson went to hear the Rebbe, who was only 8 years his senior, and found the spiritual advisor he was seeking. Reb Noson became Rebbe Nachman's lifelong disciple.
Although Reb Noson's family was initially opposed to his association with Hasidism, they eventually relented when they saw that his Torah scholarship and personal piety only improved under the tutelage of Rebbe Nachman.
Reb Noson and Esther Shaindel had three sons — Shachneh, Yitzchok, and Dovid Zvi — and one daughter, Chana Tzirel. Esther Shaindel died in September 1826, and Reb Noson married Dishel, a widow
with a son and daughter of her own, in October 1826. With his second wife, he had two more sons, Nachman and Yosef Yonah.
While the Rebbe was alive, Reb Noson was his official scribe, carefully recording his teacher's words. Because many of the Rebbe's lessons were delivered on Sabbath
s and Jewish holiday
s, when it is forbidden to write (according to Halakha
, "Jewish law"), the material had to be written down later. However, Reb Noson had a phenomenal memory and was able to recall the lessons almost word-for-word. He would then show the manuscript to the Rebbe, who would make any final corrections. In his later publications, Reb Noson carefully notes whether a lesson was edited and approved by Nachman himself, or was a less formal anecdote not specifically approved by him. He also makes a clear distinction between the Rebbe's actual words and any comments he himself wrote.
Instead, Reb Noson threw all his energies into strengthening the Breslover movement while maintaining his own rigorous schedule of Torah
study. He purchased a printing press
and published all of Rebbe Nachman's writings, as well as all the remembered conversations he and others had had with Nachman. Reb Noson also wrote many original discourses and teachings, some of which were published during his lifetime. He corresponded with Breslover Hasidim throughout Ukraine, and visited them several times a year.
Reb Noson was also responsible for making Uman, Ukraine, the city in which Rebbe Nachman is buried, into a focal point of the Hasidut. In 1811, he organized the first annual Rosh Hashana kibbutz
(prayer gathering) at the gravesite, and continued to lead this pilgrimage until his death in 1844. Around 1830, he raised funds to build a synagogue
in Uman to accommodate the increasingly large Rosh Hashana pilgrimage, and composed a number of prayers to be recited at Nachman's grave by his followers.
(the Savraner Rebbe) instigated a smear campaign
against Reb Noson and the Breslover Hasidim. Opponents denounced Reb Noson to the Russian authorities, claiming that he was a false prophet whose activities opposed the interests of the Czar. Reb Noson was arrested, charged with treason, exiled to Nemirov (his hometown), and placed under house arrest.
A week before Rosh Hashana, Reb Noson obtained a travel permit and journeyed to Uman in secret. He was discovered, however, reported to the authorities, and arrested on the night before Rosh HaShanah. Assimilated Jews who lived in Uman and who had been friendly with Rebbe Nachman intervened on Reb Noson's behalf and allowed him to remain in Uman for the holiday.
The sudden death of the Savraner Rebbe in 1838 cooled his follower's anti-Breslov ardor. Reb Noson was finally able to return to the city of Breslov later that year.
Reb Noson died shortly before the onset of the Sabbath on Friday, December 20, 1844. His childhood friend, Reb Naphtali, was living in Uman at the time. On Shabbat morning, Reb Naphtali told his companions that he was sure Reb Noson had died the evening before. When asked how he could be so sure, he explained, "I had a dream in which I saw Reb Noson running quickly. I said, 'Reb Noson! Where are you running?' 'Me?' he said. 'Straight to the Rebbe!' (oral tradition).
Reb Noson is buried in Breslov
by the banks of the Bug River
.
Nachman of Breslov
Nachman of Breslov , also known as Reb Nachman of Bratslav, Reb Nachman Breslover , Nachman from Uman , was the founder of the Breslov Hasidic movement....
, founder of the Breslov Hasidic dynasty
Breslov (Hasidic dynasty)
Breslov is a branch of Hasidic Judaism founded by Rebbe Nachman of Breslov a great-grandson of the Baal Shem Tov, founder of Hasidism...
. Reb Noson is credited with preserving, promoting and expanding the Breslov movement after the Rebbe's death. Rebbe Nachman himself said, "Were it not for Reb Noson, not a page of my writings would have remained."
Spiritual seeker
Reb Noson was born in the town of NemyrivNemyriv
Nemyriv is a historic city in the Vinnytsia Oblast of western Ukraine. It is the administrative center of the Nemyriv Raion . Nemyriv is one of the eldest cities in Vinnytska oblast, Ukraine...
, Ukraine
Ukraine
Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It has an area of 603,628 km², making it the second largest contiguous country on the European continent, after Russia...
. His father, Rabbi Naphtali Hertz Sternhartz, was a Talmudic scholar of some distinction and a wealthy businessman. His mother's name was Chaya Laneh. Reb Noson was the firstborn of his family; he had three brothers — Reb Yudel, Reb Yosef, and Reb Leibush — and one sister, whose name is not known.
Reb Noson received a traditional Torah education and learned his father's business. At the age of 13 (as was the custom), he married Esther Shaindel, daughter of Rabbi Dovid Zvi Orbach, the leading rabbinical authority in Mohilov, Sharograd, and Kremenetz. Both his father and his father-in-law were staunch opponents of Hasidism
Hasidic Judaism
Hasidic Judaism or Hasidism, from the Hebrew —Ḥasidut in Sephardi, Chasidus in Ashkenazi, meaning "piety" , is a branch of Orthodox Judaism that promotes spirituality and joy through the popularisation and internalisation of Jewish mysticism as the fundamental aspects of the Jewish faith...
.
Although Reb Noson was a learned scholar, he felt that something was lacking in his spiritual devotions. He began to visit different Hasidic rebbe
Rebbe
Rebbe , which means master, teacher, or mentor, is a Yiddish word derived from the Hebrew word Rabbi. It often refers to the leader of a Hasidic Jewish movement...
s, including Levi Yitzchok of Berditchev
Levi Yitzchok of Berditchev
Levi Yitzchok of Berditchev , also known as the Berdichever, was a rabbi and Hasidic leader. He was the rabbi of Ryczywół, Żelechów, Pinsk and Berdychiv, for which he is best known...
, and was impressed by their followers' sincerity. However, he could not summon the same intensity in his religious devotions. In 1802, Rebbe Nachman moved to Breslov
Bratslav
Bratslav |Breslov]] as the name of a Hasidic group, which originated from this town) is a townlet in Ukraine, located in the Nemyriv Raion of Vinnytsia Oblast, by the Southern Bug river. It is a medieval European city having dramatically lost its importance during 19th-20th centuries...
, Ukraine, which is located nine miles south of Nemyriv (a three-hour journey by horse in those days). Reb Noson went to hear the Rebbe, who was only 8 years his senior, and found the spiritual advisor he was seeking. Reb Noson became Rebbe Nachman's lifelong disciple.
Although Reb Noson's family was initially opposed to his association with Hasidism, they eventually relented when they saw that his Torah scholarship and personal piety only improved under the tutelage of Rebbe Nachman.
Reb Noson and Esther Shaindel had three sons — Shachneh, Yitzchok, and Dovid Zvi — and one daughter, Chana Tzirel. Esther Shaindel died in September 1826, and Reb Noson married Dishel, a widow
Widow
A widow is a woman whose spouse has died, while a widower is a man whose spouse has died. The state of having lost one's spouse to death is termed widowhood or occasionally viduity. The adjective form is widowed...
with a son and daughter of her own, in October 1826. With his second wife, he had two more sons, Nachman and Yosef Yonah.
The scribe
Reb Noson was personally responsible for preserving the teachings, stories and everyday conversations of his mentor, and for promulgating the Breslov movement after Nachman's death in 1810.While the Rebbe was alive, Reb Noson was his official scribe, carefully recording his teacher's words. Because many of the Rebbe's lessons were delivered on Sabbath
Shabbat
Shabbat is the seventh day of the Jewish week and a day of rest in Judaism. Shabbat is observed from a few minutes before sunset on Friday evening until a few minutes after when one would expect to be able to see three stars in the sky on Saturday night. The exact times, therefore, differ from...
s and Jewish holiday
Jewish holiday
Jewish holidays are days observed by Jews as holy or secular commemorations of important events in Jewish history. In Hebrew, Jewish holidays and festivals, depending on their nature, may be called yom tov or chag or ta'anit...
s, when it is forbidden to write (according to Halakha
Halakha
Halakha — also transliterated Halocho , or Halacha — is the collective body of Jewish law, including biblical law and later talmudic and rabbinic law, as well as customs and traditions.Judaism classically draws no distinction in its laws between religious and ostensibly non-religious life; Jewish...
, "Jewish law"), the material had to be written down later. However, Reb Noson had a phenomenal memory and was able to recall the lessons almost word-for-word. He would then show the manuscript to the Rebbe, who would make any final corrections. In his later publications, Reb Noson carefully notes whether a lesson was edited and approved by Nachman himself, or was a less formal anecdote not specifically approved by him. He also makes a clear distinction between the Rebbe's actual words and any comments he himself wrote.
Building a movement
After Rebbe Nachman's death on October 16, 1810, Reb Noson moved to Breslov and began to be known as Nathan of Breslov. He became the leader of the Breslover Hasidim—but not the Rebbe, because Rebbe Nachman did not appoint a successor or establish a dynasty.Instead, Reb Noson threw all his energies into strengthening the Breslover movement while maintaining his own rigorous schedule of Torah
Torah
Torah- A scroll containing the first five books of the BibleThe Torah , is name given by Jews to the first five books of the bible—Genesis , Exodus , Leviticus , Numbers and Deuteronomy Torah- A scroll containing the first five books of the BibleThe Torah , is name given by Jews to the first five...
study. He purchased a printing press
Printing press
A printing press is a device for applying pressure to an inked surface resting upon a print medium , thereby transferring the ink...
and published all of Rebbe Nachman's writings, as well as all the remembered conversations he and others had had with Nachman. Reb Noson also wrote many original discourses and teachings, some of which were published during his lifetime. He corresponded with Breslover Hasidim throughout Ukraine, and visited them several times a year.
Reb Noson was also responsible for making Uman, Ukraine, the city in which Rebbe Nachman is buried, into a focal point of the Hasidut. In 1811, he organized the first annual Rosh Hashana kibbutz
Rosh Hashana kibbutz (Breslov)
The Rosh Hashana kibbutz is a large prayer assemblage of Breslover Hasidim held on the Jewish New Year. It specifically refers to the pilgrimage of tens of thousands of Hasidim to the city of Uman, Ukraine, but also refers to sizable Rosh Hashana gatherings of Breslover Hasidim in other locales...
(prayer gathering) at the gravesite, and continued to lead this pilgrimage until his death in 1844. Around 1830, he raised funds to build a synagogue
Synagogue
A synagogue is a Jewish house of prayer. This use of the Greek term synagogue originates in the Septuagint where it sometimes translates the Hebrew word for assembly, kahal...
in Uman to accommodate the increasingly large Rosh Hashana pilgrimage, and composed a number of prayers to be recited at Nachman's grave by his followers.
Persecution
Even during Nachman's lifetime, some Hasidic groups opposed the novel approach being taken by the Rebbe to disseminate Hasidism. After Nachman's death, this opposition was directed at Reb Noson, who refused to assume the mantle of leadership and continued to promulgate the teachings of the deceased rebbe as if he were still alive. In late 1834, after the Breslover synagogue opened in Uman, Rabbi Moshe Zvi of SavranMoshe Zvi of Savran
Moshe Zvi Giterman of Savran , the Savraner Rebbe, was an influential Hasidic Rebbe in Ukraine whose following numbered in the thousands....
(the Savraner Rebbe) instigated a smear campaign
Smear campaign
A smear campaign, smear tactic or simply smear is a metaphor for activity that can harm an individual or group's reputation by conflation with a stigmatized group...
against Reb Noson and the Breslover Hasidim. Opponents denounced Reb Noson to the Russian authorities, claiming that he was a false prophet whose activities opposed the interests of the Czar. Reb Noson was arrested, charged with treason, exiled to Nemirov (his hometown), and placed under house arrest.
A week before Rosh Hashana, Reb Noson obtained a travel permit and journeyed to Uman in secret. He was discovered, however, reported to the authorities, and arrested on the night before Rosh HaShanah. Assimilated Jews who lived in Uman and who had been friendly with Rebbe Nachman intervened on Reb Noson's behalf and allowed him to remain in Uman for the holiday.
The sudden death of the Savraner Rebbe in 1838 cooled his follower's anti-Breslov ardor. Reb Noson was finally able to return to the city of Breslov later that year.
Reb Noson died shortly before the onset of the Sabbath on Friday, December 20, 1844. His childhood friend, Reb Naphtali, was living in Uman at the time. On Shabbat morning, Reb Naphtali told his companions that he was sure Reb Noson had died the evening before. When asked how he could be so sure, he explained, "I had a dream in which I saw Reb Noson running quickly. I said, 'Reb Noson! Where are you running?' 'Me?' he said. 'Straight to the Rebbe!' (oral tradition).
Reb Noson is buried in Breslov
Bratslav
Bratslav |Breslov]] as the name of a Hasidic group, which originated from this town) is a townlet in Ukraine, located in the Nemyriv Raion of Vinnytsia Oblast, by the Southern Bug river. It is a medieval European city having dramatically lost its importance during 19th-20th centuries...
by the banks of the Bug River
Southern Bug
The Southern Bug, also called Southern Buh), is a river located in Ukraine. The source of the river is in the west of Ukraine, in the Volyn-Podillia Upland, about 145 km from the Polish border, and flows southeasterly into the Bug Estuary through the southern steppes...
.
Publications: Rebbe Nachman's teachings
Reb Noson arranged and published Rebbe Nachman's works as follows:- Likutey Moharan (Collected Teachings of Rebbe Nachman), (vol. i., Ostrog, 1808; vol. ii., Moghilev, 1811; vol. iii., Ostrog, 1815)—Hasidic interpretations of the Hebrew BibleHebrew BibleThe Hebrew Bible is a term used by biblical scholars outside of Judaism to refer to the Tanakh , a canonical collection of Jewish texts, and the common textual antecedent of the several canonical editions of the Christian Old Testament...
, the MidrashMidrashThe Hebrew term Midrash is a homiletic method of biblical exegesis. The term also refers to the whole compilation of homiletic teachings on the Bible....
im, etc.;
- Sefer HaMiddot (The Aleph-Bet Book) (Moghilev, 1821)—Treatises on morals, arranged alphabetically as a primer.
- Tikkun HaKlaliTikkun HaKlaliTikkun HaKlali Rectification"), also known as The General Remedy, is a set of ten Psalms whose recital serves as teshuvah for all sins — in particular the sin of wasted seed through involuntary nocturnal emission or masturbation...
(General Remedy)—Rebbe Nachman's order of ten Psalms to be recited for various problems, plus commentary by Reb Noson. Published as a separate book in 1821.
- Sippurey Ma'asiyyot (Rabbi Nachman's Stories) (n.p., 1815)—parables in Hebrew and Yiddish. The best-known of these tales is The Seven Beggarshttp://www.shuvubonim.org/storysb.html, which contains many kabbalistic themes and hidden allusions.
Publications: His own works
In addition, Reb Noson wrote several books of his own:- Alim L'Terufah (Leaves of Healing) — Collected letters.
- Chayey Moharan (Tzaddik) — Biographical material on Rebbe Nachman. Accounts of how the Rebbe's lessons were revealed, his dreams and visions, conversations and anecdotes.
- Kitzur Likutey Moharan (Abridged Likutey Moharan) — This work follows the original lesson outline of Likutey Moharan while focusing on the practical advice contained in each lesson. Reb Noson began this compilation at Rebbe Nachman's specific request in 1805, and published it for the first time in 1811, after the Rebbe's death. An edited and expanded version with explanatory notes was published in 1913 by Rabbi Yisroel HalpernYisroel HalpernRabbi Yisroel Halpern, also known as Yisroel Karduner , was a Breslover Hasid who lived in Ottoman Palestine at the turn of the century.-Biography:...
; this has become the standard version.
- Likutey Etzot (Advice) — An alphabetically organized list of practical advice gleaned from the lessons of Likutey Moharan.
- Likutey Halakhot (Collected Laws) — Reb Noson's magnum opusMasterpieceMasterpiece in modern usage refers to a creation that has been given much critical praise, especially one that is considered the greatest work of a person's career or to a work of outstanding creativity, skill or workmanship....
, following the order of topics in the Shulchan AruchShulchan AruchThe Shulchan Aruch also known as the Code of Jewish Law, is the most authoritative legal code of Judaism. It was authored in Safed, Israel, by Yosef Karo in 1563 and published in Venice two years later...
, gives explanations of Jewish law and practices in the light of Breslov teachings.
- Likutey Tefillot (Collected Prayers) — A collection of original prayers based on the lessons in Rebbe Nachman's Likutey Moharan.
- Shemot Hatzaddikim (Names of Tzaddikim) — A list of most of the tzaddikimTzadikTzadik/Zadik/Sadiq is a title given to personalities in Jewish tradition considered righteous, such as Biblical figures and later spiritual masters. The root of the word ṣadiq, is ṣ-d-q , which means "justice" or "righteousness", also the root of Tzedakah...
found in the TanakhTanakhThe Tanakh is a name used in Judaism for the canon of the Hebrew Bible. The Tanakh is also known as the Masoretic Text or the Miqra. The name is an acronym formed from the initial Hebrew letters of the Masoretic Text's three traditional subdivisions: The Torah , Nevi'im and Ketuvim —hence...
, TalmudTalmudThe Talmud is a central text of mainstream Judaism. It takes the form of a record of rabbinic discussions pertaining to Jewish law, ethics, philosophy, customs and history....
, MidrashMidrashThe Hebrew term Midrash is a homiletic method of biblical exegesis. The term also refers to the whole compilation of homiletic teachings on the Bible....
and ZoharZoharThe Zohar is the foundational work in the literature of Jewish mystical thought known as Kabbalah. It is a group of books including commentary on the mystical aspects of the Torah and scriptural interpretations as well as material on Mysticism, mythical cosmogony, and mystical psychology...
, including the GeonimGeonimGeonim were the presidents of the two great Babylonian, Talmudic Academies of Sura and Pumbedita, in the Abbasid Caliphate, and were the generally accepted spiritual leaders of the Jewish community world wide in the early medieval era, in contrast to the Resh Galuta who wielded secular authority...
, RishonimRishonim"Rishon" redirects here. For the preon model in particle physics, see Harari Rishon Model. For the Israeli town, see Rishon LeZion.Rishonim were the leading Rabbis and Poskim who lived approximately during the 11th to 15th centuries, in the era before the writing of the Shulkhan Arukh and...
and AcharonimAcharonimAcharonim is a term used in Jewish law and history, to signify the leading rabbis and poskim living from roughly the 16th century to the present....
up until Reb Noson's day.
- Shevachey V'Sichot HaRan (Rabbi Nachman's Wisdom) — Account of the Rebbe's pilgrimagePilgrimageA pilgrimage is a journey or search of great moral or spiritual significance. Typically, it is a journey to a shrine or other location of importance to a person's beliefs and faith...
to the Holy Land in 1798-1799, plus a collection of anecdotes and teachings.
- Yemey Moharnat (The Days of MoHaRNat [an acronymAcronym and initialismAcronyms and initialisms are abbreviations formed from the initial components in a phrase or a word. These components may be individual letters or parts of words . There is no universal agreement on the precise definition of the various terms , nor on written usage...
for Moreinu HaRav Natan, Our Teacher, Rabbi Nathan]) — Reb Noson's autobiographyAutobiographyAn autobiography is a book about the life of a person, written by that person.-Origin of the term:...
.
See also
- Breslov (Hasidic dynasty)Breslov (Hasidic dynasty)Breslov is a branch of Hasidic Judaism founded by Rebbe Nachman of Breslov a great-grandson of the Baal Shem Tov, founder of Hasidism...
- Rosh Hashana kibbutz (Breslov)Rosh Hashana kibbutz (Breslov)The Rosh Hashana kibbutz is a large prayer assemblage of Breslover Hasidim held on the Jewish New Year. It specifically refers to the pilgrimage of tens of thousands of Hasidim to the city of Uman, Ukraine, but also refers to sizable Rosh Hashana gatherings of Breslover Hasidim in other locales...
- Nachman of BreslovNachman of BreslovNachman of Breslov , also known as Reb Nachman of Bratslav, Reb Nachman Breslover , Nachman from Uman , was the founder of the Breslov Hasidic movement....
- Nachman ChazanNachman ChazanNachman Chazan was a seminal figure in the continuation and growth of Breslov Hasidism in the mid-nineteenth century. The Breslov movement was founded by Rebbe Nachman of Breslov, who died in 1810. Rebbe Nachman's closest disciple, Nathan of Breslov , shaped and shepherded the movement until his...
- Abraham SternhartzAbraham SternhartzAbraham Sternhartz , also known as Avraham Shternhartz, was an Orthodox rabbi in Ukraine and a unique and unsurpassed figure in the chain of transmission of Breslover teachings from the early generations of the movement to the latter ones....