Gershom's Book Shop: Breslov (Bratzlav)

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Gershom's Book Shop:
Breslov (Bratzlav) Section

(See also the General Hasidism section.)

7th Heaven: Celebrating Shabbat with Rebbe Nachman of Breslov. By Moshe Mykoff. Not to be confused with the American TV show called 7th Heaven (although probably a pun on that title!), this book is a step-by-step explanation of the inner meanings of the Sabbath preparations, rituals, and customs, based on the teachings of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov. You can read my review on Amazon.com and order your copy there, too.

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Healing Leaves:
Prescriptions for inner Strength, Meaning, and Hope

From the teachings of Reb Nosson of Nemirov, compiled by Yitzchok Leib. This little paperback gift book is small in size, but big in meaning and inspiration. A wonderful collection of inspiring quotes to carry with you throughout the day. (Released Feb. 2000) Click here to order

The Breslov HaggadahWith commentary by Rabbi Chaim Kramer, Yehoshua Starret, and Moshe Mykoff. Read this along with whatever Haggadah your family already uses to explore Rebbe Nachman's insights into Passover. (NOTE: this is a special order on Amazon.com. so order early to be sure you get it in time for Pesach. But if not, it's still a great learning resource any time of the year.) Click here to order

The Gentle Weapon: Prayers for Everyday and Not-so Everyday Moments Moshe Mykoff's second inspirational pocket anthology -- the cover art is a bit dark, but the book itself is full of light. If you liked "The Empty Chair," (see below) you will love this one, too. Click here to order

The Empty Chair: Finding Hope & Joy -- Timeless Wisdom from a Hasidic Master, Rebbe Nachman of Breslov Edited by Moshe Mykoff. The "Empty Chair" on the cover is that of Rebbe Nachman, whose followers never appointed a successor. This pocket-sized collection of short lessons, prayers, and meditations will travel well in purse or suitcase, for inspiration on-the-go. Click here to order

Rabbi Nachman's Wisdom By Nathan of Breslov, Rebbe Nachman's scribe. The first part is Reb Nathan's account of Rebbe Nachman's life, his pilgrimage to the Holy Land, etc. The second part contains an assortment of teachings from sermons, table talks, and other lessons.
Click here to order

Rabbi Nachman's Stories Translated and annotated by Aryeh Kaplan. The definitive Breslov translation, with copious notes and commentary about the symbolism of each tale, and the circumstances under which it was first told. Click here to order

Crossing the Narrow Bridge: A Practical guide to Rebbe Nachman's Teachings By Chaim Kramer. Just what the title says -- practical adviice for putting Rebbe Nachman's teachings into action. One reviewer called this book "Soul with its boots on."
Click here to order

Academic Studies about Breslov

Rebbe Nachman's stories and teachings are not only read by Breslover Hasidim, but by many scholars in the Judaica and folklore fields as well. The titles below are written by various academians with an interest in Breslov, which, following the boo-boo of Martin Buber, they insist upon calling "Bratzlav."

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Tradition and Fantasy in the Tales of Reb Nahman of Bratslav
(Suny Series in Judaica, Hermeneutics, Mysticism and Religion)

This title is new -- so new, that all we have is the title and the link. We list it here so you'll know it exists. If you have already read it and can give some feedback, please use the ordering link to review it on Amazon.com. Click here to order

Tormented Master: The Life and Spiritual Quest of Rabbi Nahman of Bratzlav By Arthur Green. This study of the Life of Rebbe Nahman (Nachman) drew both praise and criticism when it first came out years ago. The author is not a Breslover Hasid and takes a more academic approach, but he genuinely loves Rebbe Nachman and his teachings. Well-researched. Read my review and/order

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Out-of-Print and/or Special Orders

Amazon.com lists these titles as out-of-print or special orders, but there are plenty of new and used copies floating around out there. Check these links on Amazon for copies from their Marketplace sellers. (Why are so many Breslov books out of print? Because Breslov Research Institute, the publisher, has fallen on hard times lately...)

Until the Maschiach: The Life of Rebbe Nachman by Aryeh Kaplan.

Beggars and Prayers:Adin Steinsaltz re-tells the Tales of Rabbi Nachman of Bratzlav. Very readable renditions, with excellent kabbalah-oriented commentaries with each story. This book is well-worth tracking down a copy. See my Amazon review.

Under the Table and How to Get Up by Avraham Greenbaum. Using the model of the Rebbe Nachman story about the prince who sat naked under the table because he thought he was a barnyard fowl, Greenbaum takes you step-by-step on a spiritual journey to "clothe" yourself in holiness and remember yourself as a true human being.

Advice (Likutei Etzot) Edited by Nathan of Breslov. A handbook of Rebbe Nachman's teachings, arranged by topic in alphabetical order. Sure, this same material is posted on the Breslov Research Institute website, but for Shabbos and festivals when you can't use a computer, or to carry on the road, it's nice to have your own hardcopy, too. A wonderful book for quick reference or reading around the family table.

Garden of the Souls By Rabbi Nachman, translated by Avraham Greenbaum. After the death of his young son, Rebbe Nachman wrote this beautiful essay about the Garden of Eden and the inner meaning of suffering.

See also Rabbi Gershom's Listmania list of Breslov books and music This list has some duplicates of items on this page, but also many other materials and maybe some new items as they come out. It also shows current new and used prices.