Nahman de Bratslav
1772-1810 18th century
The free, spoken conversation with God, and joy chosen against the sadness that stifles.
Who was Nahman de Bratslav?
A Hasidic master of Ukraine, great-grandson of the Baal Shem Tov, he taught a way of joy wrested from melancholy and of personal, spontaneous prayer, spoken to God in one's own language and aloud. Dead of tuberculosis at thirty-eight, he left teachings and tales that his disciples devoutly gathered.
In their own words
Set aside a time each day to speak with God, alone, in your own language.
The whole world is a very narrow bridge, and the essential thing is not to be afraid at all.
It is a great virtue to be always in a state of joy.