Rebbe Nachman's Yahrzeit

Rebbe Nachman of Breslov's histalkus (ascent from the body) took place in Uman, a Ukrainian town in Kiev oblast, on the 18th of Tishrei, which is the second day of Chol HaMo'ed Succos, 5571 (Oct. 16, 1810). According to his express wish, Rebbe Nachman was buried in the old Jewish cemetery, together with more than 20,000 martyrs of the Haidamack massacres of 5528 (1768). His surviving family members included his second wife, who built over his grave the original Ohel (a wooden structure to accommodate those who wished to pray nearby); his daughters Adel, Sarah, Miriam, and Chaya; and several grandchildren. According to one tradition, the Rebbe's father, Rabbi Simcha, survived him, as well.

It is customary for Breslover Chasidim to gather together on "Chai Tishrei" in order to commemorate the Rebbe's Yahrzeit. As is commonly the case in the Breslov community, there are no special minhagim (customs) associated with this event, other than lighting a Yahrzeit candle, giving Tzedakah (charity) in Rebbe Nachman's memory, and engaging in the study of Rebbe Nachman's writings. In Williamsburg, Breslover Chasidim from greater New York share a seudas mitzvah (communal meal) in the Breslov Shul's Sukkah on Lee Avenue, where during the various Divrei Torah, one of the participants reads Reb Noson's account of Rebbe Nachman's passing from the sefer, Chayei Moharan. (Those who wish to read this account in English will find an excellent translation of it in Tzaddik: A Portrait of Rabbi Nachman by R. Avraham Greenbaum, published by the Breslov Research Institute in 1987). This meal is followed by the Ma'ariv prayer and a lively rikkud (Chasidic dance).

An Open Invitation

For several years, the Breslov Center has sponsored a small Yahrzeit gathering in the Sukkah of Rabbi and Mrs. Aharon Grenadir, 721 East 7th St, in the Kensington section of Brooklyn. Unlike the Borough Park, Williamsburg, and Monsey Yahrzeit gatherings, the Divrei Torah at the Grenadir's Sukkah are in English, not Yiddish. Other differences from the larger gatherings are that the description of Rebbe Nachman's passing from Chayei Moharan thus far has not been read; refreshments are served, but not an entire meal; and women also attend (separate seating).

After the Divrei Torah, hand percussion is given out, and the guests create their own music. In the past, additional instrumental accompaniment has been provided by Andy Statman on mandolin, David Steinberg on trumpet, Aharon Grenadir on flute, and Yaakov Dovid Shulman on guitar. Speakers have included R. Dovid Sears and R. Eliezer Trenk of the Breslov Center, R. Meyer Fund of the Flatbush Minyan, and R. Avie Gold of Artscroll/Mesorah Publications.

The general public is invited to these gatherings. For more information, please send us an email via MEOREIOHR@aol.com