Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook was the first modern Chief Rabbi of Israel (1865-1935). Like Rabbi Nachman of Breslev, Rabbi Kook was a transcendental dreamer and thinker whose states of mind seem always to be floating on a level above that of this earthly reality.
What was the attitude of Rabbi Kook toward the teachings of Rabbi Nachman?
In the early 1900's, Rabbi Kook’s son, Rabbi Tzvi Yehudah, considered following the path of Breslov Hasidism. He wrote his father a letter asking his advice. Rabbi Kook’s response, one of respect but caution, is an essential introduction to those who would wish to join themselves to the intoxicating path of Breslov. Rabbi Kook wrote,
The inner nature of this great man, Rabbi Nachman, requires great study. But one needs a healthy heart, a healthy soul and good, hygienic practices, both psychological and physical. One also needs a good and straight connection to other teachings—both those that support and those that disagree with the views of Rabbi Nachman. Then, Rabbi Nachman’s words will shine in the proper manner. (Chayei Harayeh, p. 172)
They are a branch of the Breslov Chassic sect, followers of the great Rabbi Nachman of Breslov. I have a close association with the Breslovers because my family came from Uman, the place where Rabbi Nachman is buried.
Rabbi Nachmans Chassidus, which is a branch of the Chassidus of the Bal Shem Tov {the grandfather of all Chassidic Judaism and whos anniversary of death 'yartzeit' happens to be this month}, teaches that Jews should not fear anything, and through teshuva and good deeds we rectify the wrongs in this world, and accumulate merits for the world to come.
Breslov stresses the joy which Hashem commands us, and in order to be joyful the Jew should express his prayers in a way which is emotional. The Breslover also enjoys Jewish music and dancing, and often they will dance in the streets.
http://www.breslev.co.il/default.aspx
http://www.breslev.co.il/articles/breslev/rebbe_nachmans_wisdom/rav_kook_and_rebbe_nachman.aspx?id=8119&language=english
Just ignore it.
Why?
TEACHINGS OF JUDAISM FROM THE CHASSIDIC REBBES
The purpose of CHASSIDUS is to disseminate teachings concerning the Derech HaBaal Shem Tov (the way of the Baal Shem Tov or Chassidus). This is called the 'Way' of the Baal Shem Tov and not the 'Teachings' of the Baal Shem Tov because the emphasis is on what the Avodah [service of HaShem] of Chassidus is about, and not just esoteric teachings. This approach comes from a teaching from the Baal Shem Tov that appears in 'Betzunah DeNehora' the work of his grandson Rabbi Baruch of Mezbuz.
The Baal Shem Tov was asked "'Please tell us what is the main focus of Avodah (service of G-d)?' The Baal Shem Tov answered them, 'I have come to this world to show another way [other then self mortification]. A person should take upon himself these three things: Love of G-d, Love of his fellow Jew, and Love of the Torah, and he will have no need for self mortification.'"
All of the teachings of Chassidus, and the Chassidic way of life are based on these three things.
Each week we will explore four or five short teachings from the works of the Baal Shem Tov and/or some of the other Chassidic Rebbes, covering the period from the founder of Chassidus (the Baal Shem Tov) until the present day. Each teaching will be one that emphasizes an aspect of the Avodah of Chassidus. These teachings will be ones that are of use to every Jew no matter what his level of knowledge of Judaism is. On occasion a Chassidic story will be included, since one of the main methods of teaching practiced by the Baal Shem Tov and later rebbes was through stories that taught the Chassidic way of life.
Comments will be made in order to clarify these teachings when needed and to make them more accessible to those who have little or no background. (The translators personal comments or commentary will always appear between "[" and "]") Sources will be provided for those who wish to look them up in the original. It is hoped that everyone will find inspiration from at least one of the teachings each week.
While I was in Jerusalem, I saw several fliers and posters and vans with this written on it. Who are they, what are they about, why this type of presentation?
They are a branch of the Breslov Chassic sect, followers of the great Rabbi Nachman of Breslov. I have a close association with the Breslovers because my family came from Uman, the place where Rabbi Nachman is buried.
Rabbi Nachmans Chassidus, which is a branch of the Chassidus of the Bal Shem Tov {the grandfather of all Chassidic Judaism and whos anniversary of death 'yartzeit' happens to be this month}, teaches that Jews should not fear anything, and through teshuva and good deeds we rectify the wrongs in this world, and accumulate merits for the world to come.
Breslov stresses the joy which Hashem commands us, and in order to be joyful the Jew should express his prayers in a way which is emotional. The Breslover also enjoys Jewish music and dancing, and often they will dance in the streets.
http://www.breslev.co.il/default.aspx
http://www.breslev.co.il/articles/breslev/rebbe_nachmans_wisdom/rav_kook_and_rebbe_nachman.aspx?id=8119&language=english
They are basically clowns that make a mockery of Judaism (and of their rebbe)Some of them may be clowns! But at least they're out trying to spread the word! And are not worried about what happens to them. And it brings a smile to my face watching them!
The na na na 'ers are not just "bresslavers" - they are a small cult among the bresslavers. They have gone astray from actual bresslav chassidism.
They are a branch of the Breslov Chassic sect, followers of the great Rabbi Nachman of Breslov. I have a close association with the Breslovers because my family came from Uman, the place where Rabbi Nachman is buried.
What I can't understand is why Jews accuse other Jews of not being true Jews?
What I can't understand is why Jews accuse other Jews of not being true Jews?
Some of them may be clowns! But at least they're out trying to spread the word!
They are basically clowns that make a mockery of Judaism (and of their rebbe)
I thought people didn't like the "Na Nachers" because they accuse them of getting drunk and or doing drugs all day and act like they don't care about their surroundings or other people.
As seen in this ANNOYING video!!!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RilpoBVrmY
I don't give into these accusations. I've always liked them myself though. I feel they are good people.
Yes Dr Dan,
They are very similar to Jewish hippies....
I all for happy Jews who celebrate everyday when they see a miracle..since everything around is a miracle and Gd and perfect. But there are times to be happy and times to be sad and times to be angry and times to forgive. It seems to me from my current observation of them, all they want to do is be happy. But then what will they do during wartime? Or Gd forbid, death due to enemies winning wars against the Jewish people. Is it a time to celebrate still? We can't live with our brains in the clouds 24/7 and not do our part. We have to use our free will to do our part and do the right thing and everyday is a test by Gd. And no matter what the outcome is our lifetime for working hard to do our part to be righteous, we can only know that the outcomes from our actions, good or bad, is meant to happen for whatever Gd wanted it to be. And I think that's where the happy part should be. Because Gd does things on purpose and for a reason, whether we like it or not, we should be happy that Gd is there and does everything for the best.....i hope that made sense.
Ki Tavo: How to Serve God in Joy
"Because you did not serve the Lord your God with joy and contentment." (Deut. 28:47)
In 5670 (1910), when Rav Kook was chief rabbi of Jaffa, he was asked: how can we inspire ourselves to worship God in joy and enthusiasm?
In his response, Rav Kook wrote:
It is difficult to briefly explain this fundamental aspect of serving God. The main inspiration for people like me is to set aside considerable time for thorough study of the spiritual parts of Torah, and not let it be cast aside for occasional reading. With such study, the light of the soul shines, and a spirit of happiness and vigor electrifies the heart that sincerely seeks out the truth.
Benefiting the Universe
Nonetheless, I will not withhold the benefit of establishing one important principle, although this too cannot be fully understood without much study and reflection. Still, it will provide a vehicle for the desire to attain the trait of loving God and sensing the light of our holy Torah.
It is manifest that even the basest individual would be thrilled to perform good deeds joyfully and energetically if he felt that his actions would benefit the entire universe, with all its infinite worlds. Indolence and enervation stem solely from doubting the extent of the good that we truly perform for all of creation, through our Torah study, mitzvot, Divine service, and refinement of character traits. For this purpose, God enlightened us with the writings of the holiest tzadikim, masters of the Kabbala. They enhanced our understanding of the preciousness of serving God, and how our service can uplift all of existence in all its aspects.
Yet, this idea needs to be brought closer to the intellect, so that the inspiration will be powerful and the joy will be well founded.
The Collective Soul of Creation
This mental image is achieved by contemplating the concept of 'spiritual oneness.' That is to say, the light of each individual soul is connected to the collective soul of all existence. All created things draw the light of their perfection from this collective soul. We have the power to increase the light in our souls at all times through Torah, wisdom, mitzvot, prayer, and character refinement. If we recognize that any time we enlighten our own souls, that we are benefiting not just ourselves but all of existence, then we can bestow perfection and life to all things.
Through us, the righteous are granted greater power in their service of God. The evil of the wicked becomes moderated and mitigated to some extent. Thoughts of penitence come to them. Even the animals are ennobled, in accordance with their level. Through the beautiful holiness that is added by one soul that truly cares about all of existence, even those creatures that tend to attack and damage are refined. And certainly great light is added to the sublime splendor of the souls, and in all levels of the spiritual worlds, boundless in their beauty and sanctity.
(Adapted from Igrot HaRe'iyah vol. I, letter 301)
But they are true Jews. True Jews who have truly gone astray.Why don't you tell me what sin they are committing?
Are you aware of what they think about repeating that phrase and why they say it? Come on, now, stop playing naive. These dudes are wacko.
Real Breslaver's are fine.
And also many non-Breslav Jews (many in the settlements who aren't even chassidim) are interested in Rebbe Nachman's teachings and delve into them.
But the messianic guys with the catch phrases are a cult. If you can't handle that, then don't read the thread.
But they are true Jews. True Jews who have truly gone astray.From what I found is their Rebbe got a letter from Rebbe Nachman that by quadrupling his name is the same as the song of songs. Which will bring the redemption.
Are you aware of what they think about repeating that phrase and why they say it? Come on, now, stop playing naive. These dudes are wacko.
Real Breslaver's are fine.
And also many non-Breslav Jews (many in the settlements who aren't even chassidim) are interested in Rebbe Nachman's teachings and delve into them.
But the messianic guys with the catch phrases are a cult. If you can't handle that, then don't read the thread.
Edu,
What you bring up is not representative of the majority of the Breslever community.
From what I found is their Rebbe got a letter from Rebbe Nachman that by quadrupling his name is the same as the song of songs. Which will bring the redemption.
I have seen some say he is the messiah. But once again what is the problem with thinking someone might be the messiah? As long as your not praying to them and worshiping them?