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The Petek

I discuss the Petek HERE in some detail. Most Breslov Jews do not accept the Petek as real. I do. This is not to say that I support everything done or believed by those who embrace it. I do not.

Some believe the note (or petek) is real but believe it dates back to the lifetime of Rebbe Nachman and was not 'addressed' to Saba. Others believe it was written by a student seeking to cheer him up and it got out of control. Others believe there is no truth to it at all.

The extremism expressed by some "Nanachs" (especially as directed towards other Jews) is deeply disturbing to me and makes the wholesale rejection of the note that much easier to consider. I am far more mainstream in my views than many of them. Most Nanachs are, but it's always the loudest and more outrageous in any group who get the attention. There is no single way to serve HaShem. Na Nach Nachma Nachman Meuman is a Way, not the Way. AND it works!

We see this all the time though. Most new forms, whether, religious, political, or what have you, begin with a period of sharp partisanship and extremism. IF the new revelation/form survives it invariable calms down and softens its edges. If it can't do this, the new form usually dies or becomes a recognizable heresy. I HOPE the Nanachs will moderate some of their more extreme views so this great message will gain ever wider acceptance. Time will tell. Many I speak with are doing this.

Rebbe Nachman of Breslov was a true tzaddik (i.e. a genuinely righteous person). All Breslovers and most Jews (and countless others) accept this as true. What the Na Nach Nachma Nachman Meuman recitation/signature (and the Petek) states is that (as with other great tzadikim) people can attach themselves to Rebbe Nachman's wisdom and teachings and that by doing this, they can more easily and more effectively become attached to HaShem and merit ever more attachment to the Holy ONE of Y'israel.

Rebbe Nachman clearly stated that his "fire" would continue burning until the coming of HaMashiach (Chayey Moharan #360). The Petek merely affirms this central Breslov conviction. This is no different than Chabad's general view of the Lubavitcher Rebbe or that of any other Hasidic group for its Rebbe. Judaism places great importance on the tzadikim. By attaching to ones Rebbe spiritual advancement is made easier. To this end we sing and dance and shout: Na Nach Nachma Nachman Meuman!

Politics and other negatives that DO exists within the camps of Saba's followers aside, the Petek, in my opinion, is an effective tool for attaching to our holy Rebbe and to HaShem. I believe Rebbe Nachman revealed the Petek to Saba as he claimed.

For more information on Hasidut see this section of AllFaith.com.

For more information on Breslov:

The Breslov Research Institute.
Azamya
Chut Shel Chessed
Nanach.org
House of Seven Beggers

LOTS of linked Nanach Videos!