Course Library

The Class: Are you still joyful from being so close to Hashem during the Yom Tov season? Do you still feel uplifted from feeling that special connection with Hashem? Are you eagerly awaiting your next spiritual encounter? If you’re like most of us, you’ve already highlighted the days of Chanukah on your calendar. But, while it seems that Chanukah is the next holiday, we must remember not to overlook the most precious day of all, the holy day of deep spiritual renewal—Shabbat.

This semester we’ll discuss a lesson Rebbe Nachman taught on Shabbat Chanukah, December 17, 1808, and Reb Noson’s corresponding lesson in Likutey Halachot. We’ll learn the key elements you need to know in order to derive the maximum benefits of Shabbat and Chanukah. 

The Series: Reb Noson, Rebbe Nachman’s leading student and scribe, tells us that the depth and breadth of Rebbe Nachman’s unique teachings show us how improve ourselves and get closer to Hashem. In his singular work, Likutey Halachot, Reb Noson extrapolates from Rebbe Nachman’s works to uncover rich insights into the Shulchan Aruch (the Code of Jewish Law), a text that is often misperceived as dry, dusty, or irrelevant. Likutey Halachot is bursting with inspirational explications of halacha (Jewish law), via the light of Breslov Chassidut, scripture, and the Kabbalastic masters.

As we learn the text, students will begin to see the world through the eyes of the ultimate Breslover, Reb Noson. In this series, you will explore the deeper meaning of the Jewish laws and learn the Reb Noson’s advice for achieving spiritual growth. This is halacha the way it was meant to be learned.

Topics include:

Gratitude
Seeking halachic guidance and clarity
Four kinds of speech, and how we can supercharge them for maximum efficacy
The real power of Shabbat
Discovering the Unity of Hashem in our fragmented reality
Legal right of partners sharing a courtyard
Chanukah

We all want it—but do we really have it? Emunah (faith) is a word we hear a lot but are we really sure know what true emunah looks like? And how can we get more of it for ourselves?

Throughout his teachings Rebbe Nachman gives us various insights into what living with genuine emunah looks like and how we can develop our emunah throughout our lives. Using various Breslov texts and stories, Chaya Rivka Zwolinski will discuss many aspects of this essential concept, central to living a life of spiritual connection.

What does emunah look like?
The 4 Aspects of emunah (don’t miss any of these!)
Truth and faith
Applied emunah
See what you believe (chicken and egg)
The emunah-prayer connection
Faith and the end of days
Miracles!
And more

The How to Learn Breslov with BRI Book series of workshops is dedicated L’iluy Nishmat Tzivia bat Chaim v’Esther Gavriel and Chana Sneider.

Are you interested in Rebbe Nachman’s teachings? Would you like to start the new year with a brand-new way of learning that’s designed for you personally? Are you curious about Breslov books, but not sure where to begin? Do you find the ideas within the texts inspiring, but aren’t sure how to apply them to your life?

Then this course is for you.

BRI has published 100 Breslov books—and counting. There are so many great translations and original titles. But it can be daunting to figure out how to approach the books so you get the most out of them. In the two classes in part one of this course, Chaya Rivka Zwolinski will show you a variety of ways in which you can benefit from Breslov texts—and use them as vehicles for personal change. Whether you are a beginner or someone who studies Torah regularly, you’ll benefit from this course which will show you how to apply what you learn from Breslov books, and how to make the teachings a part of you—for life.

Topics include:

An Overview of the Depth and Breadth of Breslov Texts
Rebbe Nachman’s Learning
Day by Day—the Old/New Way to Learn Breslov
Advice
More Advice
Rabbi Nachman’s Wisdom
And more

On Rosh Hashana, some take on new spiritual practices. But it’s just as important to get rid of the habits that get in our way. Bad habits and addictions can block us from reaching our true spiritual potential. In this course, Meir Elkabas discusses Rebbe Nachman’s practical advice on how to wake up from spiritual slumber, leave old habits behind, and move forward towards a life of spiritual growth. You have the power to refresh your mind and refresh your life. Make a break for it—what are you waiting for?

Topics include:

Getting out of sleep-mode
Cleaning your thoughts
Renewing your mind
Leaving bad habits and addictions behind
Amalek
Emunah

There is a cyclical rhythm to the Days of Awe and the prayer services reflect this. Breslov texts (Likutey Moharan Likutey Halachot, and Sippurey Maasiot) offer us enriching insights into the deep meaning of the prayers we’ll be saying. Join Yehudis Golshevsky as she discusses how to maximize the High Holy Days.

Topics include:

Selichot and 13 Middot (Divine Forgiveness)– Love is always having to say you’re sorry!
Thirteen Attributes (Mercy)—A Deeper Look
Malchuyot (Majesty)—The Humble King
Ushpizin (Supernal Guests)—The Seven Beggars

This Course: Not all days are created equal—some are hard and some are easy. But the days of Yom Tov are spiritually supercharged opportunities for growth.  In this class with Reb Eliyahu Hecht, you’ll prepare yourself for this coming Yom Tov season with the teachings of Reb Noson. Learn how to make the most of each day, especially the days of Yom Tov. When you do, you’ll always be ready to connect to higher levels, no matter what.

Are you interested in Rebbe Nachman’s teachings? Would you like to start the new year with a brand-new way of learning that’s designed for you personally? Are you curious about Breslov books, but not sure where to begin? Do you find the ideas within the texts inspiring, but aren’t sure how to apply them to your life?

In the month of Elul, we prepare for the spiritually intense days ahead: Rosh Hashana, Ten Days of Repentance, Yom Kippur, Sukkot and Simchas Torah. Everything depends upon our connection to the Tzaddik and our prayers.

In this survey class, Reb Meir will discuss a series of Rebbe Nachman’s lessons that are brief and informal as compared to the Rebbe’s other teachings. Each lesson discusses some aspect of prayer—especially hitbodedut (personal, prayerful meditation in which one talks to Hashem in one’s own words). Also discussed are the daily prayers, Tikkun Chatzot, Psalms, and other prayers.

Topics include:
Prayer and Opposition
How to Pray with Sincerity and Honesty
The Power of Hitobodedut
Yearning for God and Coming Closer to Him
King David’s Legacy
The Midnight Prayers

The opening lesson of the second section of Likutey Moharan (LM Tinyana, Lesson 1), commences with the monumental declaration that the ‘Ultimate purpose and destiny of the Jew is to have dominion over the Angels,” in order that we channel and draw down Divine blessing into this world. But how do we develop ourselves into human beings with such enormous power?

Series: Relationships with Chaya Rivka Zwolinski

For women only

Everyone struggles with making decisions. Am I doing the right thing? Will things turn out okay?  While we can never know for sure what will happen in life, if we rely on the wisdom of the Tzaddikim, we can trust that we’re aligned with Hashem’s Will.

Traditionally learned during the late spring and summer, Pirkey Avot, the Teachings of the Fathers, is a classic Talmudic text, a collection of mishnayot that offer advice from the sages on how to live our lives and deal with ordinary—and not-so-ordinary—situations. The BRI Pirkey Avot combines Breslov teachings in a thoughtfully comprehensive commentary which make this classic text come to life.