Reb Noson
Reb Noson was born to a well-to-do family in Nemirov, Ukraine
in 1780 (15 Shevat 5540). Already in his early teens he was an accomplished
Talmud scholar. He married the daughter of Rabbi Dovid Tzvi Orbach,
a prominent rabbinic authority. Despite his religious and material
success, Reb Noson felt a spiritual void, which he ceaselessly tried
to fill. He was unsuccessful until he met Rebbe Nachman.
Reb Noson met Rebbe Nachman in 1802, just a few weeks after Rebbe
Nachman settled in Breslov. For the remainder of Rebbe Nachman’s
life—and his life—Reb Noson was a devoted disciple
of Rebbe Nachman. We are indebted to Reb Noson for recording Rebbe
Nachman’s works, for as Rebbe Nachman himself said, “If
not for my Noson, not a page of my teachings would remain!”
Reb Noson passed away in Breslov in the winter of 1844 (10 Tevet
5605) where he is buried.
One sampling of Reb Noson’s prayers, based on Rebbe Nachman’s
Likutey Moharan, is from Breslov Research’s 50th
Gate. Another sampling, arranged by topic, is from BRI’s
Flame
of the Heart.
Reb Noson transcribed Rebbe Nachman's teachings as well as authoring his
own original works. Some of Reb Noson's writings are:
- Likutey Halakhot, a commentary explaining the laws of the Codes
(Shulchan Arukh) in light of the Rebbe's teachings, showing how each law is
applicable to each and every individual, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!
- Likutey Tefilot, prayers on every topic based on the Rebbe's teachings
in Likutey Moharan.
- Kitzur Likutey Moharan: The Abridged Likutey Moharan. Reb Noson
summarized the Likutey Moharan by recording the practical advice found in
each lesson.
- Likutey Eitzot, translated into English as Advice, which collects the
Rebbe's practical advice found in each lesson but sorted according to
subject matter.
- Alim Literufah. (Eternally Yours) The Collected letters of Reb Noson.
These comprise over 500 letters written mostly to his son but also to some
of his followers. They show how to live the Rebbe's teachings on a
day-to-day basis.
- Shemot HaTzaddikim, a compilation of the names of the Tzaddikim.
Reciting these names brings great spiritual and material benefit. These
names are printed in "Rabbi Nachman's Tikkun."
- A full biography of Reb Noson is available in, "Through Fire and Water:
The Life of Reb Noson of Breslov."
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