Remembering Rabbi's Teachings on Torah and Life

As the thirtieth day since the passing of the Rabbi, zt"l, approaches, his disciple the Disciple has shared personal recollections of his late mentor. The Rabbi, who passed away at age 81, was remembered for his deep scholarship and dedication to Breslov Hasidism. Born in France in 1944, he became religiously observant at 15 and later established a study hall in France before immigrating to Israel in 1994, where he founded the "Shir Chadash" community in Tel Aviv. He was also an artist and composer, authoring numerous books on Breslov teachings.

The Disciple highlighted the Rabbi's emphasis on living Torah rather than merely studying it. He recalled how the Rabbi would often refrain from engaging in disputes, stating, "I am not responsible for the whole world." Instead, the Rabbi focused on personal action and improvement, advocating for the diligent study of the laws of guarding one's tongue, inspired by the Chofetz Chaim. His book "Marpeh La'shon" (A Remedy for the Tongue) encapsulated this philosophy, promoting a tongue that sees and speaks good.

The Rabbi was also deeply influenced by his Breslov mentors, including Rabbi Israel Dov Odesser and Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Bender. The Disciple recounted an early meeting with Rabbi Bender, who, after a brief exchange, instructed a young the Rabbi to go to sleep early to wake for "midnight service" (chatzot). This experience underscored for the Rabbi the importance of disciplined spiritual practice, often stating, "You can write the morning's news at midnight." He encouraged his students to rise at midnight for prayer and contemplation, viewing it as a proactive way to influence reality rather than merely reacting to it.

The Disciple further described the Rabbi's methodical approach to studying Rabbi Nachman's teachings, particularly "Likutey Moharan." This involved deep engagement with each concept, tracing all textual references, and exploring related Kabbalistic and Hasidic ideas. The Rabbi stressed the importance of "walking with Torah," allowing it to permeate one's life and illuminate daily experiences. The process culminated in the study of "Likutey Halachot," bridging the gap between abstract ideas and practical application, transforming study into lived experience.