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Nathan Of NemirovNathan of Nemirov, (1780-1844) also known as Nathan of Breslov, was a rabbi and the chief disciple of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, the founder of the Breslov branch of Hasidic Judaism. His full name was Nathan ben Naphtali Steinhartz of Nemirov. To the Breslover Hasidim, he is known simply as Reb Noson. Reb Noson was born in the town of Nemirov, Ukraine in 1780. His father, Rabbi Naftali Hertz, was a Torah scholar of some distinction and a wealthy businessman. Reb Noson received a traditional Torah education and learned his father's business. At the age of thirteen (as was the custom), he was married to Esther Shaindel, daughter of Rabbi David Zvi Orbach, the Rav and leading rabbinical authority of Mohilov, Sharograd, and Kremenetz (Kamenetz). Both his father and his father-in-law were staunch opponents of Hasidism. He becomes a disciple of Rebbe Nachman Although Reb Noson was a learned scholar, he still felt that something was missing in his spiritual life. In 1802, Rebbe Nachman moved to Breslov, Ukraine, which is located nine miles south of Nemirov, a three-hour journey by horseback in those days. Still, it was close enough for Noson to begin hearing about the Breslover Rebbe. Two of his best friends, Reb Lipa and Reb Naftali, journeyed to Breslov and, upon their return, gave a very positive report. Reb Noson now felt that he might find what he was looking for in Breslov, and decided to spend a Sabbath there. He was favorably impressed. On Sunday September 18, 1802, he had his first private meeting (yechidus) with Rebbe Nachman. "We've known each other a long time," said the rebbe, " but it's been very long since we've seen each other face to face." (Kramer, Chaim, Advice p. 353) Reb Noson returned the following week for Rosh Hashanah, and became his lifelong disciple. The Rebbe's scribe Reb Noson is primarily responsible for preserving the writings and stories of his teacher, Rebbe Nachman, and for promulgating the Breslov movement after his teacher's death in 1810. In his biographical work, Through Fire and Water: The Life of Reb Noson of Breslov, Rabbi Chaim Kramer writes: "The Rebbe (Nachman) himself testified that without Reb Noson, not a single page of his teachings would have survived. After Rebbe Nachman passed away, it was Reb Noson who built up the Breslov Chassidic movement almost single-handedly." (page.5) While Rebbe Nachman was alive, Reb Noson was his offical scribe, carefully recording the stories and teachings of his master. Because many of these teachings were given on Sabbaths and Jewish holy days, when it is forbidden to write, the material had to be written down later. However, Reb Noson had a phenomenal memory, and was able to recall the teachings almost word-for-word. He would then take the manuscript to the Rebbe, who would make any final corrections. In his 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 his Rebbe's actual words, and any side comments that he himself had written. Assuming leadership of Breslov After his Rebbe's death in 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. Reb Noson personally raised the money to publish his Rebbe's works, and acquired his own printing press. He also built a synagogue in Uman, Ukraine, the burial place of his teacher, and composed a number of prayers to be recited at Nachman's grave by his followers. In (1811)He organized the first Rosh Hashanah pilgrimage to the gravesite, and continued to do so until his death in 1844]. To this day, many Breslovers flock there annually for the pilgrimage. Publications: Rebbe Nachman's teachings Reb Noson arranged and published Rebbe Nachman's works as follows: - Likkutei Moharan (vol. i., Ostrog, 1808; vol. ii., Moghilef, 1811; vol. iii., Ostrog, 1815) Hasidic interpretations of the Scriptures, the Midrashim, etc.;
- Sefer ha-Middot (The Aleph Bet Book) (Moghilef, 1821) Treatises on morals, arranged alphabetically as a primer.
- Tikkun HaK'lali (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.
- Sippurei Ma'asiyyot (Rabbi Nachman's Stories) (n.p., 1815), fantasy parable-tales in Hebrew and Yiddish. The best-known of these tales is the Seven Beggars (see external link below) which contains many kabbalistic themes and hidden allusions.
Publications: his own works In addition, Reb Noson wrote several books of his own: - Likutei Halachot, -- gives explanations of Jewish law and practices in the light of Breslov teachings.
- Likutei Tefillot-- a collection of original prayers still used by Breslover Hasidim.
- Shevachei v"Sichot HaRan (Rabbi Nachman's Wisdom) -- Account of the Rebe's pligrimage to the Holy Land in 1798-1799, plus a collection of anecdote and teachings.
- Chayey Moharan (Tzaddik) -- Biographical material on Rebbe Nachman. Accounts of how the Rebbe's lessons were revealed, his dreams and vision, conversations and anecdotes.
- Likutei Etzot (Advice) -- Practical aspects and advice for practicing the Breslov path, gleaned from the Rebbe's writings at his specific request in 1805.
External Links - -- Breslov Research Institute -- publisher of many of Reb Noson's works in English, and his official biography, Through Fire and Water by Rabbi Chaim Kramer.
*The Story of the Seven Beggars
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