Breslov Hasidism is based on the ideas of Rabbi Naĥman of Breslov, which were written down by his student, Rabbi Natan. Breslov hasidim customarily seclude themselves in order to speak to God [hitbodedut]. They try to enhance joy and inspire excitement in one another for the worship of God, and to prevent one another from falling into despair. They aspire to have pure, complete faith in God, and they traditionally spend Rosh HaShana at the grave of Rabbi Naĥman in Uman, Ukraine.

After Rabbi Naĥman’s death, Breslov Hasidism remained without a leader, as he had not appointed a successor and Rabbi Natan did not want to accept the role. Breslov hasidim continued to be faithful to the ideas of Rabbi Naĥman, even though over the years they have been attacked and treated with contempt for being “dead hasidim,” hasidim without a leader. Until recently there were very few Breslov hasidim, but the Breslov movement has undergone a resurgence, becoming very popular due to the way that Rabbi Naĥman’s ideas relate to the struggles of modern life.

Rabbi Naĥman of Breslov (1772–1810) was born in Medzhybizh and was the great-grandson of the Ba’al Shem Tov. He served as the rebbe of Breslov, Ukraine, and died in Uman. His student, Rabbi Natan, transcribed most of his works: Likutei Moharan, a book of hasidic discourses; Sipurei Ma’asiyot, folktales based on kabbalistic themes; Siĥot HaRan, Rabbi Naĥman’s description of the service of God; and Shivĥei HaRan, a record of his journey to the Land of Israel.

His Torah statements address the tension between the opposing extremes that exist within an individual, such as wisdom and innocence, doubt and faith, aspiration and despair, and joy and sadness. Rabbi Naĥman proposes ways to diminish this existential tension: through hitbodedut, an intimate conversation with God just like one has with another person; through music, dancing, and clapping hands, and ensuring that one not become depressed; and through strengthening one’s pure faith in God’s providence. His journey to the Land of Israel and the various adventures he had along the way, such as being in Akko during Napoleon’s siege of the city, and returning to Europe on an Ottoman battleship, contributed to the formation of his thinking.

Rabbi Naĥman did not have a joyful life. He was oppressed by other rebbes who opposed his ways, was forced to wander from place to place, had only a few students, and died at a young age of tuberculosis. He asked to be buried in Uman after hearing that thirty thousand Jews were martyred there and are buried in a mass grave.

From Rabbi Naĥman of Breslov:

To the world, faith is a small thing, but to me, faith is a very great thing.

Rabbi Natan of Breslov (1780–1844) was born in Nemyriv, Ukraine, was the foremost disciple of Rabbi Naĥman of Breslov, and died in Breslov. He was the unofficial leader of Breslov Hasidism after Rabbi Naĥman’s death, although he did not accept the title of rebbe. In addition to writing down Rabbi Naĥman’s ideas, he wrote a huge work, Likutei Halakhot, which contains hasidic discourses and comments on the halakhot in the Shulĥan Arukh, in accordance with Breslov thought. This work is unique in its integration of halakhic minutiae and the hasidic way of serving God.

Rabbi Natan established set times for the gathering of Breslov hasidim, erected a structure over Rabbi Naĥman’s grave, and printed books in a printing press that he set up in his home. Rabbi Natan came from a wealthy family that opposed Hasidism. He became a student of Rabbi Naĥman at a young age, and attended him until the latter’s death. His life story is reminiscent of Rabbi Naĥman’s. He too was oppressed by rebbes of other hasidic groups, traveled to the Land of Israel during wartime, and endured a great deal of persecution.

From Rabbi Natan of Breslov:

One who aspires toward the truth and girds himself to go to war for the truth, always wins.