Sefer HaMiddot by Rabbi Nachman of Breslov: what it is and structure
The Sefer HaMiddot (ספר המדות), “The Book of Character Traits,” is an ethical work by Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, edited and published by his disciple Rabbi Nathan. It lists various character traits in alphabetical order and elaborates on them at length.
Quick facts
| Title | Sefer HaMiddot (“The Book of Character Traits”) |
| Author | Rabbi Nachman of Breslov |
| Editor | His disciple, Rabbi Nathan |
| Composition | 1810 (according to Sefaria) |
| Publication | 1821, Mogilev (according to Sefaria) |
| Genre | Breslov Hasidism, ethics |
Structure
The work is divided into two parts:
- First part: written in the author’s youth. It contains simpler material, drawn mainly from talmudic and rabbinic literature.
- Second part: written when the author was of an advanced age. It contains more complex original ideas.
Sefaria adds that the original manuscript contained much more material, but the author gave over only a portion of it for publication.
A note on dates
The dates above are those given by Sefaria (composition 1810, publication 1821). Other sources may give different dates for the first printing, and we have not verified them.
Frequently asked questions
How is it ordered?
Alphabetically, by character trait.
Who published it?
His disciple, Rabbi Nathan.
Why does it have two parts?
Because the first was written in the author’s youth and the second in his advanced age.
Sources
- Sefer HaMiddot, entry on Sefaria (description, dates and place of publication)