A pet cause of the Breslov chassidic sect — reputed to be a permissive, new age, gleeful, alternative to the other Hasidic orders — is sexual restraint. Specifically, followers of Breslov Hasidut focus on the widespread eradication of sexual thoughts, and especially any self-abatement of resulting urges. Accordingly, there have been some robust Web efforts at plugging the sexual dam. Rebbe Nachman was the founder, or ‘patron saint’ of Breslov Hasidism, and was the grandson of the Baal Shem Tov, who himself was the founder of all Hasidic Judaism. Nachman placed great emphasis on exuberance, and joyful worship of God. He believed that there is "no despair in the world", and that one should constantly be in a state of jubilant exultation of the creator. For this reason, one faction of Breslovers maintains a small fleet of GMC vans, which they drive around Israel blasting religious music — often featuring the mantra "Na Nach Nachma Nachman"– and roping passersby into dancing and singing with them, sometimes on top of the vans. This faction may also be recognized by their honking white yarmulkes, with the mantra "Na Nach Nachma" printed on them — which have become an Israeli kitsch collectable. The Jerusalem Post estimated in 2006 that there are 80 families belonging to this faction of "Na Nachmanim," most of whom are of Mizrachi origin — many with a history of substance abuse — and were only recently swayed to Breslov Hasidism, or affiliated one generation back. Despite being only a small fringe of the mainstream, they are the more public face of Breslover Hasidut, relaying an image of hippy laxity. The more prevailing group of Breslovers can trace their ancestral ties closer to Rebbe Nachman’s original followers, and the rift from his grandfather’s Hasidic establishment. Breslover Hasidut was birthed in the town of Bratslav, Ukraine at the turn of the 19th century after Nachman’s followers were detached from the larger Hasidic community, because of their cultish adulation of Nachman — an adulation that still continues today. In-fighting for control of the Baal Shem Tov’s Hasidic dynasty between Breslovers and early Lubavitch also caused a rift. Today the Lubavitch and Breslov community still compete — but now in their outreach initiatives, not for control of the Hasidic movement. One of their biggest campaigns has been against the ‘wasting of seed’, or hotza’at zera levatalah. Though the prohibition is not explicitly mentioned in the Torah, it derives from the Biblical story of Onan, who was asked to sleep with his late brother’s wife, Tamar, in order to produce an heir. Onan and Tamar did sleep together, but Onan disengaged, electing to spill his seed on the ground. God killed him. From this, Biblical commentators deduced a Divine prohibition against extra-uteral ejaculation — whether in the audience of a partner, or alone. It should be noted that sex for the purpose of recreation, rather than mere procreation, is perfectly kosher. Also, the (explicit) prohibition against self-satisfaction in Judaism, as opposed to most Christian sects and Islam, does not apply to women. Breslover Jews are particularly fearful of the spiritual ramifications of Onanism. Rebbe Nachman himself purportedly married soon after his Bar Mitzvah in order to avoid cowing to his urges. He also compiled ten psalms for incantation (in this order: Psalms 16, 32, 41, 42, 59, 77, 90, 105, 137, and 150) for what he called the "general fix", which (among other sins) constitute a special spiritual remedy for nocturnal emissions. To be sure, the mainstream ultra-Orthodox community is staunchly against masturbation. However, for penance, most modern rabbis would recommend Torah study and charitable donations rather than the 84 fasts for each one session demanded by one of Talmud’s sages. The esteemed Orthodox rabbi, Abraham Danziger was a contemporary of Rabbi Nachman. Danziger contended in his influential work Chayei Adam, that though the spiritual ramifications of masturbation are tantamount to murder, if a fellow can’t restrain himself, then self-amusement is a preferable alternative to bedding a prostitute, a menstruating woman, or another guy’s wife. Breslovers and Lubavitchers maintain that it is the worst sin one can commit. Often, they cite a passage in Tanya — a sacred Lubavitch text based heavily upon the Zohar — which indicates that even incest is less heinous than male masturbation. The Zohar refers to spilt semen as "wasted [blood]"; The heft of the sin is attributed to the frittering of sperm, which has the potential to beget life. Even though Tanya is a Chabad text, it is Breslovers who obsess over the prohibition. Sociologically, this is likely tied to Rebbe Nachman’s philosophy of Halakhic observance; pick one mitzvah to observe obsessively, and observe the rest with moderate vigor. Breslovers usually pick the mitzvah of self restraint, because of the grave way the Talmud and Tanya treat masturbation; It reads like the worst sin, and so — very ambitiously — most pick that prohibition to adhere to fanatically.
Now Reading
Breslov Hasidim’s Obsession with Sex
Fantastic post however I was wondering if you could write a litte more
on this subject? I’d be very thankful if you could
elaborate a little bit more. Appreciate it!
Greetings from Florida! I’m bored to tears at work so I decided to check out your site on my iphone during lunch break.
I enjoy the information you present here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home.
I’m amazed at how fast your blog loaded on my cell phone ..
I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyways, awesome
blog!
My brother recommended I might like this blog. He was totally right.
This post truly made my day. You cann’t imagine simply how much time I had spent for this information! Thanks!
I know this web site offers quality depending posts and additional material, is there any other
website which gives such information in quality?
Yesterday, while I was at work, my sister stole my
iPad and tested to see if it can survive a 25 foot drop, just so she
can be a youtube sensation. My apple ipad is now broken and she has 83 views.
I know this is entirely off topic but I had to share it with someone!
First of all I want to say superb blog! I had a
quick question that I’d like to ask if you don’t mind.
I was curious to find out how you center yourself and clear your head
prior to writing. I have had a tough time clearing my thoughts in getting my
thoughts out there. I truly do take pleasure in writing however it just seems like the first 10
to 15 minutes are generally wasted just trying to figure out how to begin. Any
ideas or hints? Thank you!
Hmm it seems like your blog ate my first comment (it was extremely long) so I guess
I’ll just sum it up what I had written and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog.
I as well am an aspiring blog blogger but I’m
still new to the whole thing. Do you have any tips for novice blog writers?
I’d really appreciate it.
Feel free to visit my homepage :: special
whoah this weblog is excellent i love studying your posts.
Stay up the great work! You understand, a lot of persons are looking around for
this information, you could aid them greatly.
Feel free to visit my page – special
Greetings! Very useful advice in this particular article!
It’s the little changes which will make the biggest changes.
Thanks a lot for sharing!
my page :: special
Hello, i believe that i saw you visited my website so i came to go back the choose?.I am trying to to find
things to enhance my site!I assume its good enough to use some of your concepts!!
Fastidious answer back in return of this matter with solid arguments and explaining everything on the topic of that.
We are a gaggle of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community.
Your web site offered us with useful information to work on.
You’ve performed an impressive task and our whole community might be grateful to you.
You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but I
find this topic to be actually something which I think I would
never understand. It seems too complex and extremely broad for me.
I am looking forward for your next post, I will try to get the hang of it!
I’m really impressed with your writing skills as well as with the
layout on your weblog. Is this a paid theme or did you
customize it yourself? Anyway keep up the excellent quality writing,
it’s rare to see a nice blog like this one today.
We stumbled over here coming from a different web address
and thought I might check things out. I like what I see so now i’m following you.
Look forward to looking into your web page for a second time.
Hello there, You’ve done an excellent job. I will definitely digg it and personally recommend to my friends.
I am sure they’ll be benefited from this web site.
Hi every one, here every one is sharing these familiarity, so it’s fastidious to read this webpage,
and I used to visit this website every day.
Hey! This is kind of off topic but I need some help from an established blog.
Is it difficult to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty quick.
I’m thinking about setting up my own but I’m not sure where to begin. Do you have
any points or suggestions? Appreciate it
Feel free to visit my web-site; raycon
This is very interesting, You’re an overly professional blogger.
I’ve joined your rss feed and look ahead to in the hunt for extra of your fantastic post.
Additionally, I’ve shared your site in my social networks
my homepage; special
This page certainly has all the info I wanted about this subject and didn’t know who
to ask.
My family members always say that I am wasting my time here at net,
but I know I am getting familiarity every day
by reading such fastidious posts.
An intriguing discussion is worth comment. I do think that you
should write more about this issue, it might not be a taboo subject but typically people do not discuss such topics.
To the next! Many thanks!!
I was suggested this blog by my cousin. I’m not sure whether this post is written by him
as no one else know such detailed about my difficulty. You’re wonderful!
Thanks!
I am really happy to read this website posts which consists of plenty of valuable data, thanks for providing these
data.
This is a topic which is close to my heart… Best
wishes! Where are your contact details though?
Thanks for the marvelous posting! I truly enjoyed reading it, you’re a
great author.I will remember to bookmark your blog
and may come back in the future. I want to encourage you to ultimately continue your great
posts, have a nice morning!
This is very fascinating, You are an excessively professional blogger.
I have joined your rss feed and stay up for
searching for extra of your wonderful post. Additionally,
I’ve shared your web site in my social networks
Hi there! Someone in my Myspace group shared this website with us so
I came to check it out. I’m definitely loving the information. I’m book-marking and will be tweeting this to my
followers! Terrific blog and wonderful design and style.
Hi! Someone in my Myspace group shared this website
with us so I came to take a look. I’m definitely loving the information. I’m bookmarking and will be tweeting this
to my followers! Superb blog and superb design and style.
I think this is among the so much important info for me.
And i am glad reading your article. But should remark on some general issues,
The web site style is perfect, the articles is in point of fact nice : D.
Just right task, cheers
I think that is among the so much significant information for me.
And i’m glad studying your article. But want to commentary on some normal things, The website style
is ideal, the articles is truly excellent : D.
Just right process, cheers
I will right away grab your rss as I can not in finding your e-mail subscription link or e-newsletter service.
Do you have any? Kindly let me recognise in order that I
could subscribe. Thanks.
Awesome blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it
from somewhere? A design like yours with a few simple adjustements would really make my blog shine.
Please let me know where you got your design. Thank
you
Simply wish to say your article is as astonishing. The clarity in your post is simply nice and i can assume you’re an expert on this subject.
Fine with your permission let me to grab your RSS feed to keep updated with forthcoming post.
Thanks a million and please continue the enjoyable work.
Thanks a bunch for sharing this with all folks you really understand
what you’re speaking about! Bookmarked. Kindly also consult with my web site =).
We can have a link exchange agreement between us
It’s very effortless to find out any topic on web as
compared to books, as I found this piece of writing at this site.
You could certainly see your skills within the article you write.
The world hopes for more passionate writers like you who are not afraid to mention how they believe.
Always go after your heart.
Excellent beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend your site, how could i subscribe for a
blog website? The account aided me a acceptable deal.
I had been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered
bright clear idea
I’ve been browsing on-line more than 3 hours
as of late, but I never found any fascinating article like yours.
It is beautiful worth enough for me. In my opinion, if
all site owners and bloggers made good content as you probably did,
the net shall be much more useful than ever before.
I was suggested this blog by my cousin. I’m not sure whether this post is written by him as no one
else know such detailed about my difficulty.
You are amazing! Thanks!
I’m impressed, I must say. Seldom do I come across a blog that’s both equally educative and engaging,
and let me tell you, you’ve hit the nail on the
head. The problem is something which not enough people
are speaking intelligently about. I am very happy that I came across
this during my hunt for something concerning this.
Hello, of course this article is in fact fastidious and
I have learned lot of things from it on the topic of
blogging. thanks.
I’m not that much of a online reader to be honest but your blogs really nice, keep it up!
I’ll go ahead and bookmark your site to come back later on. Cheers
I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own blog and was curious what all
is required to get set up? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would
cost a pretty penny? I’m not very web savvy so I’m not 100% sure.
Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated. Kudos
Hi there terrific blog! Does running a blog like this require a
lot of work? I have absolutely no understanding of computer programming but
I was hoping to start my own blog in the near future.
Anyhow, if you have any suggestions or tips for new blog owners please share.
I understand this is off subject but I simply had to ask.
Appreciate it!
I like the valuable information you provide in your
articles. I’ll bookmark your weblog and check again here frequently.
I am quite certain I will learn many new stuff right here!
Best of luck for the next!
Hello mates, its wonderful paragraph regarding tutoringand fully explained, keep it up all
the time.
I’m truly enjoying the design and layout of your website.
It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more pleasant for me to come
here and visit more often. Did you hire out a designer to create your theme?
Great work!
Hi there it’s me, I am also visiting this site regularly,
this website is genuinely fastidious and the people are truly
sharing pleasant thoughts.
Hello, yeah this post is really good and I have learned lot of things from it regarding
blogging. thanks.
I think the admin of this web page is actually working hard in support of his site,
because here every material is quality based material.
Hi, i read your blog occasionally and i own a similar one and i was just wondering if you get a lot of spam feedback?
If so how do you protect against it, any plugin or anything you can suggest?
I get so much lately it’s driving me crazy so any support is very much appreciated.
Heya i am for the first time here. I found this board and I find It truly useful & it
helped me out a lot. I hope to give something back and help others like you helped
me.
Does your site have a contact page? I’m having trouble locating
it but, I’d like to shoot you an e-mail. I’ve got some recommendations for your blog you might be
interested in hearing. Either way, great website and I look forward to seeing it expand over time.
If you wish for to take much from this piece of writing then you have to apply these techniques to your won weblog.
I’m truly enjoying the design and layout of your site.
It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much
more enjoyable for me to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a developer to create your theme?
Excellent work!
Your style is very unique compared to other folks I have read stuff from.
I appreciate you for posting when you have the opportunity,
Guess I will just book mark this site.
I am genuinely thankful to the owner of this web site who has shared this fantastic article
at at this time.
Greetings I am so excited I found your web site, I really found you
by accident, while I was browsing on Google for
something else, Anyhow I am here now and would just like
to say thanks for a remarkable post and
a all round interesting blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to browse it all at the moment but
I have book-marked it and also added in your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read a great deal more,
Please do keep up the superb work.
This is my first time go to see at here and i am in fact happy
to read all at single place.
Hello, i read your blog from time to time and i own a similar one
and i was just wondering if you get a lot of spam remarks?
If so how do you stop it, any plugin or anything you can advise?
I get so much lately it’s driving me crazy so any assistance is very much appreciated.
If some one desires expert view on the topic of blogging
and site-building afterward i propose him/her to visit this website, Keep up the pleasant work.
Hi there colleagues, its great post concerning educationand entirely explained, keep it up all the time.
It’s amazing to pay a quick visit this web site and reading the views of all friends regarding this
paragraph, while I am also keen of getting experience.
I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own blog and was wondering what all is
required to get set up? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would
cost a pretty penny? I’m not very web smart so I’m not 100% positive.
Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
This site really nice. Thanks.