Breslov Hasidic dynasty: Encyclopedia II - Breslov Hasidic dynasty - Breslov approach

Breslov Hasidic dynasty - Breslov approach

The Breslov approach places great stress on serving God through the sincerity of the heart, with much joy and living life as intensely as possible.

Breslover Hasidism is most unusual in that it has no living rebbe, and has not had one for almost two hundred years. Rabbi Nachman was adamant that he did not want to found a dynasty, and appointed no successor. In 1810, upon Rabbi Nachman's death, it was decided not to select a new leader for the movement, but rather, to study the teachings which the Rebbe left behind. For this reason, Breslovers are sometimes derided by other Hasidic groups as the Toite Chassidim (the "Dead Chassidim") in Yiddish. Breslovers, on the other hand, will sometimes reply that "it is better to have a dead Rebbe who is alive (in his teachings) than a live Rebbe who is dead (in his practice)." Today, there is no single council of elders in Breslov, and no official membership list, although some groups do maintain mailing lists. Breslover Hasidim are free to seek advice from any Orthodox rabbi whom they may choose.

Breslovers describe themselves as dedicated to fulfilling the spirit of the Torah's laws, as well as the letter of them. They see Torah life as the means to a joyful existence, and their approach to worship is very personalized and emotional, with much clapping, singing, and dancing. Rabbi Nachman said, "It's a great mitzvah (commandment) always to be happy." Even in the Nazi concentration camps, the Breslovers strove to find joy in life. The well-known tune to Ani Maamin ("I believe") is attributed to Breslover Hasidim who sang it on their way to the gas chambers.

Breslovers do not restrict themselves to Rabbi Nachman's commentaries on the Torah, but also study many of the classic texts, including the Tanakh, the Talmud, the Midrash, and many others. They may also study the writings of Rebbes from other dynasties. Breslover communities exist in several locations in Israel, as well as in major cities around the world that have large Jewish populations, including Los Angeles, New York, Paris, and London.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Breslov approach", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki