Nachman of Breslov

Nachman of Breslov also known as Reb Nachman of Breslav or simply as Rebbe Nachman (1772-1810) was a rabbi and the founder of the Breslov Hasidic dynasty. His full name was Nachman ben Simchah (Nachman son of Simchah), but he also sometimes used his mother's name, calling himself Nachman ben Feiga (Nachman son of Feiga). He is a seminal figure in the history of Hasidism.

Controversy over his beliefs

He moved to Medvedevka, Ukraine and began preaching there, and in 1800 he moved to Zlatopol (near Shpola), Kiev. Unfortunately, a serious dispute immediately developed between him and Rabbi Aryeh Leib of Shpola, known as the Shpola Zayda (1725–1812) ("Shpola grandfather/sage"). Although the Shpola Zayda had supported him in his early years, after he moved to Zlatipol, the Zayda began to oppose him. (Kramer, p.691)

Related Topics:
1800 - Kiev

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The Shpola Zayda saw his teachings as deviating from classical Judaism and from the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov. In his view, Nachman's teachings were the same as those of the false messiahs Sabbatai Zevi and Jacob Frank. Some also say that the Zayda felt threatened because Rebbe Nachman was moving in on his territory and taking disciples away from him. Still others say that Nachman was a threat to other rebbes because he opposed the institutional dynasties that were already beginning to form in the Hasidic world. (Nachman himself did not found a dynasty and appointed no successor.) Yet others were opposed to him because he associated with non-religious Jews and accepted all types at his table. Whatever the reasons, there were power struggles. The Shpola Zayda persecuted and attempted to excommunicate Nachman's adherents, but was opposed by Levi Yitzchok of Berditchev and several other prominent rebbes who supported Rebbe Nachman. (Kramer, pp. 31-33).

Related Topics:
Sabbatai Zevi - Jacob Frank - Levi Yitzchok of Berditchev

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In 1802 Nahman was forced to move to Bratslav, where he stayed until just before he died of tuberculosis in 1810. Unfortunately, he eventually came into conflict with all of the local Hasidic leaders. His sole faithful supporter was Levi Yitzchok of Berdichev. Although the number of Breslovers was rapidly increasing, Nachman was compelled, on account of this opposition, to move again, this time to Uman, where he lived for the last days of his life. But he also felt a spiritual mission to go there, in order to pray for the souls of Jewish martyrs who were buried in the cemetery. He specifically instructed his disciples to bury him in Uman among these martyrs.

Related Topics:
1802 - Tuberculosis - 1810

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