From “Breslov Eikh She-hu: Breslov the Way It Is”

Customs and Practices, Past and Present

By Dovid Zeitlin and Dovid Sears (work-in-progress) 

Primacy of Studying the Shulchan Arukh

The Rebbe encouraged his talmidim to study all four sections of the Shulchan Arukh systematically, with all the nosei keilim. However, if this is not possible, one should learn the Shulchan Arukh (Mechaber and RaMA) with minimal commentary, such as the Be'er Heitiv. In any event, one should learn at least one halakhah per day, even if it is not part of one's regular seder ha-limud. The Baal Shem Tov similarly stressed the regular study of halakhah, specifically piskei dinim.

(Sichos ha-Ran 29. Re. the Baal Shem Tov, see Rabbi Aharon Hakohen of Zhelikhov, Kesser Shem Tov II, 423)

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Rabbi Noson Barsky, son of Rabbi Shimshon Barsky of Uman, often stated that whatever we do should be evaluated to make sure that that it is consistent with the Shulchan Arukh. “Der ershter zach is Shulchan Arukh.” This was said emphatically.

(Heard from Rabbi Shimshon Barsky of Bnei Brak)

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The Rebbe’s emphasis on learning Poskim includes various halakhic compendia, such as Kitzur Shulchan Arukh, Chayei Adam, Shulchan Arukh ha-Rav, Arukh ha-Shulchan, Ben Ish Chai: Halakhos, Kaf ha-Chaim, etc. All such works are extensions of the Shulchan Arukh. (Thus, the term “Shulchan Arukh” as used in Breslov denotes normative halakhah, not necessarily the ruling of MaRan Yosef Karo in each and every case.)

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Reb Levi Yitzchok Bender stated that Reb Noson had a special liking for the Chayei Adam and Chokhmas Adam.

(Heard from Rabbi Avraham Moshe Wasilski)

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Reb Ephraim Kenig once asked his father which halakhic compendium he should learn. Reb Gedaliah replied, “Learn the Mishnah Berurah, because this is the accepted psak halakhah today.”

(Heard from Rabbi Dovid Zeitlin)

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The Rebbe taught that by studying halakhah, we spiritually “disentangle” (nisbarer ve-nifrash) the good from the bad. The ARI zal taught that exerting oneself in the study of halakhah "breaks the klippos," the extraneous forces that obscure the light of G-dliness. In addition to its immediate practical benefits, this mental exertion makes one worthy of the "secrets of Torah" being revealed to him. Therefore, one should diligently engage in learning halakhah, according to one's ability and circumstances.

(Cf. Rabbi Chaim Vital, Sha'ar Ru'ach ha-Kodesh, 11b)

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The common edition of Shulchan Arukh studied by the masses of Breslover Chassidim and other Eastern European Jews for generations was the small edition with the commentary of the Be’er Heitiv.

(Heard from Rabbi Shimshon Barsky of Bnei Brak)

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The Rebbe greatly praised the Be’er Heitiv. Reb Avraham b’Reb Nachman Chazan once mentioned that in the study of the Be’er Heitiv, as a rule the author’s personal halakhic viewpoint follows the authority with which he concludes his words.

(Si’ach Sarfei Kodesh I, 554)

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Reb Levi Yitzchak Bender stated that the minhag of many Breslover Chassidim in Uman was to study the Shulchan Arukh right after Shacharis, while wearing the Tefillin of Rabbenu Tam.

(Si’ach Sarfei Kodesh IV, 193)

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Accordingly, a talis bag with the small edition of Shulchan Arukh with the Be’er Heitiv came to be considered one of the “trademarks” of a Breslover Chassid.

(Heard from Rabbi Nachman Wasilski)