STERNHARZ, NATHAN

STERNHARZ, NATHAN (1780–1845), disciple and companion of Na?man of *Bratslav, organizer of Bratslav ?asidism, and its leader after Na?man's death. Nathan was born in Neirov and was known as a scholar and talented writer even in his youth. In 1793 he married the daughter of David ?evi, rabbi of Shargorod and a Mitnagged. Nathan was drawn to ?asidism and visited some of the great ?asidim. The decisive event of his life was a meeting with Na?man of Bratslav in 1802, when the two formed a deep and unique friendship that lasted until Na?man's death. Nathan soon became Na?man's most devoted disciple. He spread knowledge about his teacher and expounded his teaching. In fact, Na?man's personal charisma became integral to the thought and habits of his followers through Nathan's devotion and efforts. Although Nathan became the actual leader of Bratslav ?asidim on Na?man's death in 1810, he refused to assume the official title of ?asidic rabbi, a gesture which established the special character of Bratslav ?asidim who acknowledged Na?man as their only rabbi. Nathan worked arduously to spread Na?man's teachings. He guided and extended the movement of Na?man's followers. He often visited the Bratslav ?asidim and sent them numerous letters, thus spreading the rabbi's teaching and encouraging the ?asidim who suffered persecutions that culminated in their excommunication in 1835 by Moses ?evi of *Savran. With charm and moderation he refuted the calumnies against the movement and, at the same time, encouraged the ?asidim in their firm belief in the greatness of Na?man and in the truth of his teachings. Despite violent personal persecution (including denunciation to the authorities and arrest), Nathan not only succeeded in establishing the basic patterns and direction of the movement (e.g., visiting Na?man's tomb in Uman) but also succeeded in maintaining and even increasing the number of its followers. Nathan transcribed and edited Na?man's teachings, everyday talks, and stories.

He published, on his own initiative, Na?man's principal books, Likkutei Moharan (Ostrog, 1808), Sefer ha-Middot (Mogilev, 1811), and Sippurei Ma'asiyyot (Berdichev, 1895). His own literary activity was prolific and varied. He wrote, for example, ?ayyei Moharan (1875), Si?ot ha-Ran (1864), and Shiv?ei ha-Ran (1864), depicting his teacher's life and greatness. Fulfilling Na?man's request "to turn his teaching into prayers," he wrote also Likkutei Tefillah (Bratslav, 1824–27), a poetic work based on Likkutei Moharan. He continued to expound and develop Na?man's teaching in his great work, Likkutei Halakhot (1847–48). Nathan died in Bratslav and was buried in Uman beside his teacher.

bibliography:

H. Zetlin, R. Nakhman Braslaver (Yid., 1952).

[Adin Steinzalts]