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BRI Publishing History

by Yossi Katz
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1980s

In the 1980s, BRI produced the first English translations of important Breslov texts, including:

  • Rabbi Nachman’s Stories (translation and commentary of Sippurey Ma’asiyot, parables and stories from Rebbe Nachman)
  • Rabbi Nachman’s Tikkun (on the Tikkun HaKlali)
  • Tzaddik (translation of Chayei Moharan)
  • Advice (translation of Likutey Eitzot)
  • The Aleph-Bet Book (translation of Sefer HaMiddot)

BRI also published Until the Mashiach, an annotated chronology of the life of Rebbe Nachman, and Crossing the Narrow Bridge, an original work that spells out the main concepts of Breslov Hasidut in a down-to-earth manner.

Beginning in 1984, BRI undertook a mission to translate, annotate, and compile a commentary for Rebbe Nachman’s magnum opus, Likutei Moharan. In 2012, the 15th and final volume of the set was published.

1990s

During the 1990s, BRI produced a definitive biography of Reb Noson, the Rebbe’s closest disciple (Through Fire and Water), and translated and compiled Reb Noson’s prolific letters in a four-volume set (Eternally Yours).

2000s

In the 2000s, BRI produced the first English translation of Kitzur Likutey Moharan (Abridged Likutey Moharan) and compilations of Breslov teachings on Pirkei Avot and the Chumash. A collection of the Rebbe’s teachings on tzedakah (charity) was published as More Blessed to Give, and a collection of personal histories of men who traveled to Uman for the annual Rosh HaShanah pilgrimage to Rebbe Nachman’s grave was published as Rebbe Nachman and the Knights of the Rosh HaShanah Table. In 2014, the weekday edition of the Breslov Siddur was published, followed by the Shabbat-Yom Tov edition in 2018.

To date, BRI has published all the writings of Rebbe Nachman and selected writings of Reb Noson. A multi-volume translation of Reb Noson’s Likutey Tefilot (Collected Prayers) has been published under the title “The Fiftieth Gate.” BRI has also published original works by contemporary Breslov authors presenting Rebbe Nachman’s teachings on prayer, hitbodedut, tefillin, Shabbat, Jewish holidays, Mashiach, the Land of Israel, the sefirot, and Uman (the burial place of Rebbe Nachman). It has also produced a series of illustrated children’s books based on Rebbe Nachman’s parables.

BRI has also produced a number of audio recordings of traditional Breslov songs and melodies, plus four books of Breslov sheet music.

2014

Breslov Campus (breslovcampus.org) was launched to provide free live and recorded video lectures and classes.

2015
The BRI Experience was created to bring groups to Uman and the surrounding Jewish sites for Rosh HaShanah and throughout the year.

In 2015, we renovated the famed Ritz Carlton, adding comfortable dormitory space for about 100 guests, as well as a beautiful beit midrash and spa-like mikvah. Groups of 25-40 people are hosted and brought to Uman, stopping by kivrei tzaddikim (graves of holy men) along the way.

2016
BRI Women was launched to promote classes, books, and retreats especially for women.
Work has begun on BRI Women’s groundbreaking book Rebbe Nachman: A Woman’s Treasury. It is the first Breslov book by and for women.