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.

His following

Rebbe Nachman developed a following during his lifetime that has continued in the two centuries since his death. His followers today are known as "Breslovers", and the movement itself is called Breslov. The name Breslov is preferred over Bratzlav because it is a play on the Hebrew words bris lev, meaning "circumcision (or covenant) of the heart." (It is also sometimes spelled Breslev or Breslav.)

Related Topics:
Breslov - Hebrew - Circumcision

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To this day, Breslovers view Rebbe Nachman as their spiritual leader. With the collapse of the Soviet Union, his gravesite in Uman is once again a center of pilgrimage for thousands of Hasidim every year, particularly for the Rosh Hashana kibbutz. In recent years, Breslov women have begun to make their own pilgrimage on Purim in honor of Queen Esther's feast as recorded in the Book of Esther. The movement has also managed to grow considerably, with many new adherents from among formerly secular Jews who become Baal teshuvas and are also drawn to the ascetism and mysticism of Rebbe Nachman's teachings.

Related Topics:
Soviet Union - Pilgrimage - Rosh Hashana kibbutz - Purim - Esther - Book of Esther - Baal teshuva

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