Likutei Moharan by Rabbi Nachman of Breslov: what it is and structure
The Likutei Moharan (לקוטי מוהר״ן), “Collection of the Moharan,” is the main work of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov. It gathers his teachings, which his disciple Rabbi Natan Sternhartz noted, arranged and published following the master’s own instructions. It is the central book of the Breslov movement.
Quick facts
| Author | Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, collected by Rabbi Natan Sternhartz |
| First part | Teachings 1–286; Ostrog, 1808, in the author’s lifetime |
| Second part | Teachings numbered 1 to 125; Mohilev, 1811, after his death |
| Joint edition | 1821 |
| Editor | Rabbi Natan Sternhartz (the Maharnat) |
How it came about
Rabbi Natan edited it from notebooks with the teachings that he and his companions noted down during their master’s lessons, and at the request of Rabbi Nachman himself, who supervised the edition. It is the only book of Rabbi Nachman’s teachings printed in the author’s lifetime and under his direction.
The two parts
- First part: teachings 1–286, printed in Ostrog in 1808, during the author’s life, at the press of Shmuel ben Yissachar Ber Segal.
- Second part: Rabbi Natan printed it in Mohilev in the summer of 1811, during the year of mourning for his master’s death. The numbering of the edition reaches 125, a figure that comes from the numbering and not from a text that declares it.
A joint edition was printed in 1821. In the source on Rabbi Nachman it is said to have been published in three volumes between 1808 and 1815; the data on editions vary according to the catalog.
Frequently asked questions
Who wrote it?
The teachings are Rabbi Nachman’s; his disciple Rabbi Natan Sternhartz collected and edited them.
When was it printed?
The first part in 1808, and the second in 1811.
Why is it important?
It is the foundational book of the Breslov Hasidim.
Sources
- Likutei Moharan, entry on Sefaria and Kedem catalogs (first editions)
- Nachman of Breslov, reference article (English Wikipedia)