BUT WHAT ABOUT ALL THE RUMORS WE HEAR OF PEOPLE GOING "WACKO" WHEN ENTERING THE WORLD OF BRESLOV?

BH

In the book REBBE NACHMAN'S WISDOM, Rebbe Nachman explains that before a person comes close to a Tzaddik, he feels and believes that he is more or else alright, just in need of a "tune-up" in getting closer to Hashem. However, once he comes close to a Tzaddik, all of his impurities deep within come out and surface.

It can be compared to boiling impurified water, where as it boils all of the impurities within rise and surface.

So too, as a person comes close to and follows the advice of the Tzaddikim, impurities from within come out and surface, for the intent of being removed. So basically it is a purification process.

So, people who are already "wacko" within, it just surfaces when they come close to Rebbe Nachman and his teachings. By contrast, there are also those who patiently wait and continue until the refinement process is completed and become God-fearing and righteous individuals in their own right.

BUT THERE ARE MANY OTHER TZADDIKIM WHO ALSO WROTE INSPIRATIONAL AND LIFE SAVING TEACHINGS TOO? WHY DOES REBBE NACHMAN STICK OUT?

BH

Reb Noson, Rebbe Nachman's main disciple writes in the book: REBBE NACHMAN'S WISDOM, that even today after Rebbe Nachman's passing, his teachings have a unique power and ability to wake up and arouse people to come back to Hashem.

The only way to see the difference between what Rebbe Nachman's teachings can do to a person vis-a-vis other books and teachings is to simply do an experiment of learning his teachings for a while and then see the change for himself.

WHAT DIFFERENT DOES IT MAKE WHETHER OR NOT I COMMIT MYSELF TO FOLLOWING REBBE NACHMAN'S TEACHINGS AND ADVICE?

BH

The main difference is this:

Rebbe Nachman offers advice how to deal with and successfully bypass life's difficulties and hard moments. He also offers advice on how to maximize one's ability to come closer to Hashem, His Torah and one's true purpose in life.

The chances of people who don't have these powerful tools is much, much less.

This is in line with Rebbe Nachman's teachings in the book Chayey Moharan (translated in English as: TZADDIK), that once Hashem allows for outstanding Tzaddikim and Sages to come down to this world and reveal teachings on how to come close to Hashem, it becomes virtually impossible to spiritually survive without this Tzaddik and his teachings. 

This is due to the rule that for every positive force there must be a counter negative force. So, for the sake of free will, if such teachings become revealed into the world, the forces of evil must counter them with stronger doses of difficulties and tests. The only way to combat them is through the teachings revealed by the Tzaddikim of each generation.

HOW DO I BECOME A PART OF BRESLOV?

BH

First it must be made clear that many people all over the world read, learn and appreciate Rebbe Nachman's teachings - Jew and gentile alike - as his main messages of hope, joy and personal prayer are relevant to anybody and anyone.

However, there are those special few who get so inspired, aroused and filled with encouragement and enthusiasm, that they want to develop a serious connection and commitment to Rebbe Nachman and his teachings. After all these teachings made a major change in their lives.

This commitment and connection basically starts by following the main advice that Rebbe Nachman gave for every Jew to follow, without exception. These are:

1. The study of Torah Law from the Code of Jewish Law every single day.
2. The practice of Hitbodedut - personal prayer and meditation - every day.
3. To be present by Rebbe Nachman's gravesite in Uman, the Ukraine, for the Rosh HaShanah festival, every single year. (Until now this last practice has been reserved for men only as it presents a major technical and moral difficulty to open the doors for both genders on Rosh Hashanah in Uman. However, all year round there are tons of women who travel to Rebbe Nachman's grave)

It's one thing to learn Rebbe Nachman's teachings, and it is another thing to follow his advice and suggestions.

A suggested excellent book which presents Rebbe Nachman's teachings in their practical ramifications is: CROSSING THE NARROW BRIDGE

WHO WAS REBBE NACHMAN OF BRESLOV?

BH

REBBE NACHMAN'S KIPPAH (BY A PRIVATE COLLECTOR)

Rebbe Nachman of Breslov was the great-grandson of the Baal Shem Tov - his mother, Feyga, was the daughter of Adil, the Baal Shem Tov's daughter. Rebbe Nachman's father, Reb Simchah, was the son of Rabbi Nachman of Horedenker, a leading disciple of the Baal Shem Tov.

Rebbe Nachman was born in 1778 and passed away in 1810 - living a total of 38 years. He suffered 3 years from tuberculosis until he passed away.

At age 6, he already began to excel and propel forward in his service of Hashem, reaching by the age of 18 unimaginable levels of contemplation and depth of his knowledge and service of Hashem, as is expressed in his teachings later recorded in the book Likutey Moharan.

Rebbe Nachman is mainly known for his emphasis that there is always hope no matter how severe and dark any situation in life. He stresses this pathway mainly through the vehicles of joy, finding the good points, singing, dancing, and especially and foremost - PERSONAL PRAYER.

Reb Elchonon Spector (d. 1984) - a Breslover chassid of the previous generation - used to explain the verse from Proverbs: "That which is crooked, can never be fixed" - "מעוות, לא יוכל לתקון" as follows: the one who is "not crooked" "מעוות לא" - can rectify. The numerical value of not crooked - מעוות לא  553 - is the same numerical value as Rebbe Nachman's name - Nachman ben Simchah (553). Meaning, that this Tzaddik has the power through his teachings to help rectify any and every situation no matter what.

THE TIKKUN HAKLALI BY REBBE NACHMAN'S GRAVESIDE IN UMAN

BH

Young boy reciting the Tikkun HaKlali by Rebbe Nachman's graveside in Uman

What is the Tikkun Haklali?

The Tikkun Haklali is made up of 10 specific Psalms taken from the 150 chapters of King David's book of Psalms - Tehillim. Rebbe Nachman made it explicitly clear that when these specific 10 Psalms are recited in this specific order they have the power to arouse a complete rectification for damage caused by one's sins and transgressions - from the worst sin to the least. The 10 chapters are: 16, 32, 41, 42, 59, 77, 90, 105, 137 and 150 (and make sure you get them right).

(It must be made clear that there are 2 things in repentance - repentance and rectification. Rebbe Nachman's Tikkun rectifies the damage caused. Still, however a person must repent which, as the Rambam explains, means to stop redoing the transgression, to take upon oneself not to repeat it and especially to regret doing the evil act.)


Why recite the Tikkun HaKlali in Uman by Rebbe Nachman's grave?

Aside from revealing the Tikkun HaKlali, Rebbe Nachman took 2 witnesses - Reb Aharon Goldstein, the Rabbi of Breslov and Reb Naftali Hertz Weinberg of Nemerov - and stated quite clearly before them that anyone who comes to his graveside, gives there a coin in his memory (eg. "I give this charity for the sake of the Neshama of Rebbe Nachman, son of Feiga, may his merit protect us), recites there the Tikkun HaKlali, and takes upon themselves not to return to their folly, Rebbe Nachman will spread the breadth of Heaven to pull that person out of hell. This is a big promise, seeing especially our situation today.


Making a Shaliach (messenger) to recite the Tikkun HaKlali by Rebbe Nachman when one cannot make it there

Rabbi Mordekhai Halberstam - a Breslover Chassid who was also a rabbinical court judge in Sokolov, Poland - ruled that according to the strict letter of the law one can send a messenger on one's behalf to recite the Tikkun HaKlali by Rebbe Nachman's grave and get credit for this. This is not at all "instead" of going to Uman, but rather an "in-between" option which is much better than not going at all.


The World-Wide recitation of the Tikkun HaKlali in Uman on Erev Rosh Hashanah

At exactly noon-time Ukrainian time, Wednesday, Sept. 24, there will be a world-wide recitation of the Tikkun HaKlali with a live broadcast to Israel (and some other places) showing the crowd's recitation of the Tikkun HaKlali in Uman.

Part of the 20,000+ crowd reciting the Tikkun HaKlali by Rebbe Nachman's grave in Uman at the noon-time recitation - Erev Rosh Hashanah

Special Offer

By sending a support of 18$ we will gladly (BH and bli neder) recite the Tikkun HaKlali on your behalf by Rebbe Nachman's grave at this world-wide recitation.

You can send your full Hebrew name and mother's Hebrew name (if you don't have one, your English name will suffice) along with the 18$ support at this paypal link: TIKKUN HAKLALI IN UMAN

SHANA TOVA, KETIVA VECHATIMA TOVA - MAY WE ALL BE INSCRIBED IN THE BOOKS OF THE TRUE TZADDIKIM FOR LIFE, PEACE AND TRUE JOY

OK, I AM GOING TO UMAN FOR ROSH HASHANAH. WHAT DO I DO THERE?

BH

(for those wanting to find out more about Rebbe Nachman, Uman and Rosh Hashanah in Uman please see this introductory video: 

Technical Preparations Before Arriving in Uman

• It helps a lot to save time by preparing your food and דleep accommodations before arriving in Uman.
• You can insure food tickets for the holiday meals and sleeping accommodations even before arriving in Uman. There are still beds available at the UJA tents and food tickets by the Shiner dining halls. To reserve please contact Nachman Aroll at: naroll@gmail.com.
• The following is a map of usable and necessary places while in Uman for Rosh Hashanah: UMAN ROSH HASHANAH MAP - 2014/5775

Arrival in Uman

• The general outlook and devotion of Elul is that of intense Torah study and prayer. By all the additional Elul Torah study (Tikkuney Zohar, Rebbe Nachman's teachings etc.) and selichot, psalms, personal prayers etc., this pushes up the momentum leading to Rosh Hashanah. Meaning, that once one actually makes it to Uman, one should continue this momentum.
• Due to the excitement of finally making it to Uman, people tend to "relax" and enjoy shmoozing with friends and meeting new people. However, this stops the momentum. It is suggested to tell people "we'll talk later" since anyways this year Shabbat follows immediately after Rosh Hashanah, and then is a good time to meet people.
• As soon as one arrives in Uman  - after briefly unpacking - one should head straight to the mikveh. This, in line with what the Rebbe said:  "the first thing is mikveh".
• Since saying the Tikkun Haklali - the 10 Psalms prescribed by Rebbe Nachman as the complete remedy - by Rebbe Nachman's gravesite is of paramount importance, one should immediately do so following the mikveh. Make sure to first give a coin for the benefit of the soul of Rebbe Nachman ben Feiga.
• Try to spend as much time as possible by the Rebbe's grave. He said explicitly that it was his wish and desire that people should come daven and learn by his grave, as this would give him tremendous delight and pleasure.

Entrance to Rebbe Nachman's grave

• With the arriving crowds constantly growing and growing as Rosh Hashanah approaches, one might find it difficult to concentrate on Torah study and prayer by the Rebbe's grave. Still, one should nevertheless do one's best to spend maximum time by the Rebbe's grave, since this propitious time can help one tap-in to deep recesses of the soul. And anyways, how many people have another opportunity like this to be by Rebbe Nachman?

Reciting the Tikkun HaKlali by Rebbe Nachman's grave

The Eve of Rosh Hashanah

• The Eve of Rosh Hashanah is a very special time - the last day of the year! After eating well, since it is a fast-day until noon,  one should go to sleep early in order to wake up early.
• If one can wake up at midnight, go to the mikveh, say the Tikkun Chatzot prayer, hitbodedut etc., very well. If not, then one should make sure to get up for the early Selichot service called Zekhor Brit. The Breslov tradition is that the Rosh Hashanah gathering "technically" begins with this Selichot service of Erev Rosh Hashanah.

Zekhor Brit Selichot in the Kloyz, Uman, Eve of Rosh Hashanah

• After the morning services and the accompanying "Hatarat Nedarim" (annulment of vows) it is recommended to go to Rebbe Nachman's grave to say the Tikkun Haklali, along with Reb Noson's powerful prayer recited afterwards. You should of course add along your own personal words.

Morning prayers on Eve of Rosh Hashanah in the Kloyz

• The Breslov custom is to do what's called "Viduy Devarim" (confession) before Rebbe Nachman on the Eve of Rosh Hashanah. This is based on Likutey Moharan lesson 4 along with the commentary called Parparot LeChockmah on the same lesson  - see there for more details about this. To assist oneself in doing this, you can use Reb Noson's powerful prayer - The 50th Gate volume 1 prayer 4 - which gives a sample and example of doing confession before a Tzaddik.
• One should do what is called a Pidyon Nefesh (redemption of the soul) on the Eve of Rosh Hashanah. This entails giving an amount of money to someone special - i.e. a Breslov elder - who then recites the special redemption prayer on your behalf.
• At exactly noon Ukraine-time is the world Tikkun Haklali recitation. This important event is special since it is an opportunity to say the Tikkun Haklali at the Rebbe's grave on behalf of friends, family etc. who did not make it to Uman for Rosh Hashanah. Thus, the earlier recital is a personal rectification while this one is seen as a "national" one with you and everyone else present as the representatives.

Recitation of Tikkun HaKlali by Rebbe Nachman's grave

... and outside the courtyard of Rebbe Nachman's grave

• After eating and resting, one should go again to the mikveh in preparation for the New Year.
• Mincha - the last prayer of the year. It is said slowly and with major concentration. In a sense it is like giving the "last punch" after struggling all year to concentrate on the daily prayer services.

First Night of Rosh Hashanah

• The Maariv prayer services - powerful and full of energy. This is when you can feel the "pride, glory and merit" of being with Rebbe Nachman for Rosh Hashanah. The joy reaches it's pinnacle after the services when wishing one another "a good and sweet year, inscribed and sealed immediately in the books of the true tzaddikim for good life and peace.
• Since Rebbe Nachman stated that [through his "connections" in Heaven] those who come to him are judged immediately on the first night of Rosh Hashanah, one should be careful not to talk excessively so as not to ruin it.

First Day of Rosh Hashanah

• Because the Breslover davening takes a long time (6am-3:30pm) one will find very limited time to do other required devotions. Thus, one must be wise to grab time.
• In the main Breslover minyan in the kloyz there are 2 main breaks - 20 minutes for selling the Aliyah's for the Torah reading, and another 20 minutes before the initial shofar blowing. You can use this time for learning halakha, the Parasha etc. During the second break a special chazzan goes up to recite the Tikkun Haklali, so you can join in on that too.
• Because Mincha and Tashlich are not long after the Yom Tov meal, it is suggested not to over-eat so as not be groggy.
• The Tashlich service is done by a lake located below the kloyz. It was the sight of a major massacre of Uman Jews by the Nazis. The joy after the Tashlich is immense, since, in a sense, it is called the "coronation of the King" and is like a new beginning.

Tashlich in Uman (picture taken by a gentile)

• After Tashlich, there are a wide variety of classes in all languages given by Breslover elders. This was the time that Rebbe Nachman would originally give over Torah. The custom continues until today.

Second Night & Day of Rosh Hashanah

• The attitude is more calm and compassionate with the climax being the Mussaf prayers of the second day. 

After the Mussaf Services (picture taken by a gentile)

• There is less rush and tension since the day prayers are a bit shorter, and there is no Tashlich service to run to. However, since it is Erev Shabbat one should make some time to go to the Mikveh on Friday afternoon before the Mincha service.

Shabbat After Rosh Hashanah

• This Shabbat in Breslov is called "another Rosh Hashanah". In a sense, it is a continuation of the Rosh Hashanah light and experience.
• The Friday night davening is literally "out of this world". If you can, try davening in the main Breslov minyan in the Kloyz. Lekha Dodi alone will last at least 30-45 minutes with everyone ecstatic and grateful to making it to be by Rebbe Nachman for Rosh Hashanah.
• Use this Shabbat to "discover" Breslov. There will be tons of ongoing classes in all languages, and is a very good time to connect with new and old people/friends. This is especially so with the Torah classes given at the Third Meal.

Motzaei Shabbat

• Uman goes on fire after Shabbat. There is live music all night long, Breslov books and CD's for sale, etc. The high people feel is meant to be taken back home and to build upon.

Video clip expressing the immense joy of being by Rebbe Nachman for Rosh Hashanah

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In this presentation, I tried my best to cover a true and straightforward picture of the Uman Rosh Hashanah experience. If however, there are still items that require clarification, please don't hesitate to contact me at: breslovtherapy@gmail.com.

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The main thing to "remember" is what you take with you from the Uman Rosh Hashanah experience  It is no wonder that Rosh Hashanah is also called "Yom HaZikaron" - The Day of Remembrance: to "remember" that you were by Rebbe Nachman for Rosh Hashanah and to continue that memory all year long by connecting to him and his teachings...

May we all merit through his Rosh Hashanah and his teachings to survive this long exile, and properly greet the coming of Mashiach speedily in our days, Amen.

Shana tova.

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A personal request:

I am still short of about $985 for all the Uman Rosh Hashanah expenses (i.e. tickets, food, transportation etc.) for me and my 3 sons.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Help can be sent through paypal at: UMAN ROSH HASHANAH SUPPORT 

Please include Hebrew names in the description box on the left so that I can mention them by Rebbe Nachman's grave on the eve of Rosh Hashanah (including placing the kvittel there too).

Thank you and Tizku LeMitzvot.

May we all be inscribed and sealed in the books of the True Tzaddikim for good life and peace, amen.

Sincerely

Meir Elkabas