Breslov Research Institute
A publisher and research organization specializing in English-language editions and interpretations of Breslov Hasidic teachings.
Last updated August 31, 2026
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Overview
Breslov Research Institute (BRI) is a Jewish religious publisher and research organization devoted primarily to making the teachings of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov available to English-speaking readers. Established in 1979 by Chaim Kramer, the institute grew out of the American Breslov outreach work associated with Rabbi Zvi Aryeh Rosenfeld. Rosenfeld had introduced the teachings of Rebbe Nachman to students in the United States from the late 1940s and encouraged the production of accessible English translations. One of the early projects connected with this effort was Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan’s translation of Shivchei V'Sichot HaRan, published in English as Rabbi Nachman’s Wisdom and edited by Rosenfeld. Following Rosenfeld’s death in 1978, Kramer founded BRI to continue and expand this publishing mission. The institute’s editorial program has centered on the classic writings of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov (1772–1810), the founder of the Breslov Hasidic movement, and selected works of his principal disciple, Reb Noson of Nemirov (1780–1844). Its books generally combine translation, annotation, commentary, introductions, historical explanation, and practical application. This approach is intended to serve both readers seeking direct access to primary Breslov texts and readers encountering Breslov thought through thematic or contemporary presentations. During the 1980s, BRI issued English versions of several foundational works, including Rabbi Nachman’s Stories, Rabbi Nachman’s Tikkun, Tzaddik, Advice, and The Aleph-Bet Book. It also published Until the Mashiach, an annotated chronology of Rebbe Nachman’s life, and Crossing the Narrow Bridge, a broad presentation of central Breslov concepts. In 1984 the institute began a major translation and annotation project for Likutey Moharan, Rebbe Nachman’s principal collection of Torah teachings. The fifteenth and final volume of that English-language project appeared in 2012, representing one of BRI’s most substantial long-term editorial undertakings. The institute expanded its coverage during the 1990s with Through Fire and Water, a major biography of Reb Noson, and Eternally Yours, a four-volume presentation of Reb Noson’s letters. During the 2000s, its list grew to include an English edition of the Abridged Likutey Moharan, thematic works on Pirkei Avot, the Chumash, charity, prayer, and other areas of Jewish life, as well as Rebbe Nachman and the Knights of the Rosh HaShanah Table, which documents personal experiences connected with the annual pilgrimage to Uman. BRI’s publishing program also includes liturgical and practical works. It released a weekday Breslov Siddur in 2014 and a Shabbos and Yom Tov edition in 2018. In 2019 it began publishing an elucidated English translation of Likutey Halakhot, Reb Noson’s extensive application of Breslov teachings to Jewish law and practice. Its publications further include The Fiftieth Gate, a multi-volume English presentation of Reb Noson’s collected prayers, contemporary books on subjects such as prayer, hitbodedut, tefillin, Shabbat, Jewish festivals, the Messiah, the Land of Israel, the Sefirot, and Uman, along with illustrated children’s books based on Rebbe Nachman’s stories. By 2009, BRI reported more than 100 titles in print. Many of its works have also appeared in Hebrew, Spanish, Russian, and French. In addition to books, the institute has produced recordings of traditional Breslov melodies and songs and has published Breslov sheet-music collections. Its offices in Jerusalem and New York reflect its role as a bridge between Israeli and North American Breslov communities, while its translations have helped make Breslov literature accessible to an international readership.
History
Breslov Research Institute was established in 1979 by Chaim Kramer as an outgrowth of the Breslov educational and outreach activity of Rabbi Zvi Aryeh Rosenfeld. Rosenfeld had introduced the teachings of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov to American students from the late 1940s and encouraged the development of English-language materials. He edited Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan’s translation of Shivchei V'Sichot HaRan, issued as Rabbi Nachman’s Wisdom in 1973. After Rosenfeld’s death in 1978, Kramer created BRI to provide an institutional base for continued translation and publication. The organization’s first major period of growth came in the 1980s. It published English versions of Rabbi Nachman’s Stories, Rabbi Nachman’s Tikkun, Tzaddik, Advice, and The Aleph-Bet Book. These works introduced major Breslov themes, biographies, spiritual practices, and literary material to readers who could not access the Hebrew originals. BRI also issued Until the Mashiach, an annotated chronology, and Crossing the Narrow Bridge, a synthetic guide to central Breslov teachings. In 1984, BRI began translating, annotating, and commenting on Likutey Moharan, the central collection of Rebbe Nachman’s Torah lessons. The project ultimately extended to fifteen volumes, with the final volume published in 2012. This series became a defining part of the institute’s contribution to English-language Breslov publishing. During the 1990s, BRI broadened its treatment of the movement’s history through Through Fire and Water, a biography of Reb Noson, and Eternally Yours, a four-volume collection of Reb Noson’s letters. The 2000s brought further expansion into abridged, thematic, educational, and practical formats. BRI published the Abridged Likutey Moharan and compilations dealing with Pirkei Avot, the Chumash, charity, and personal spiritual development. It also published accounts of the Rosh Hashana pilgrimage to Uman and continued issuing works by contemporary Breslov authors. The institute’s catalog came to encompass topics including prayer, hitbodedut, tefillin, Shabbat, Jewish holidays, the Messiah, the Land of Israel, the Sefirot, and Uman. BRI later extended its publishing activity into liturgy and additional primary texts. A weekday Breslov Siddur appeared in 2014, followed by a Shabbos and Yom Tov edition in 2018. In 2019, the institute began publishing an elucidated English translation of Likutey Halakhot. Its presentation of Reb Noson’s collected prayers, titled The Fiftieth Gate, became another multi-volume undertaking. Alongside scholarly and devotional books, BRI developed illustrated children’s editions based on Rebbe Nachman’s parables, music recordings, and sheet-music publications. The institute maintains offices in Jerusalem and New York City. By 2009, its catalog contained more than 100 titles, with a number of works translated into Hebrew, Spanish, Russian, and French. Its continuing role is that of a specialist publisher and translator, connecting the Hebrew Breslov textual tradition with English-speaking Jewish readers and communities around the world.
- 2012
Final Likutey Moharan volume published
[1]The fifteenth and final volume of the English Likutey Moharan translation and commentary was released.
- 2009
Catalog exceeds 100 titles
[1]BRI was reported to have more than 100 titles in print, with selected works also available in several other languages.
- 1984
Likutey Moharan translation project begins
[1]BRI began its multi-volume English translation, annotation, and commentary of Rebbe Nachman’s principal work.
- 1979
Breslov Research Institute founded
[1]Chaim Kramer established BRI after the death of his father-in-law and Breslov teacher, Rabbi Zvi Aryeh Rosenfeld.
- 1973
Early English translation of Rabbi Nachman’s Wisdom
[1]Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan translated a key Breslov text into English, with editing by Rabbi Zvi Aryeh Rosenfeld, helping establish the translation effort that later led to BRI.
Products and positioning
A specialist religious publisher focused on authoritative, accessible translations and explanatory editions of Breslov Hasidic literature, serving both committed Breslov readers and a broader English-speaking audience interested in Jewish spirituality.
Translated religious classic · 1984
Likutey Moharan
BRI’s fifteen-volume English translation and explanatory edition of Rebbe Nachman’s principal collection of Torah teachings. The project combines translation with annotation and commentary to make a dense and foundational Breslov text more accessible to English-language readers.
Biography
Through Fire and Water
A substantial biography of Reb Noson, Rebbe Nachman’s closest disciple and the principal transmitter of his teachings. The book presents the historical and spiritual development of Breslov through the life of one of its central figures.
Collected correspondence
Eternally Yours
A four-volume collection presenting Reb Noson’s letters. The series provides historical material and practical religious guidance while documenting the development and transmission of Breslov teachings after Rebbe Nachman’s death.
Prayer book · 2014
Breslov Siddur
A Breslov-oriented prayer-book series issued first for weekdays and later in a Shabbos and Yom Tov edition. It extends BRI’s catalog from translated study texts into practical liturgical use.
Collected prayers
The Fiftieth Gate
A multi-volume English presentation of Reb Noson’s Likutey Tefilot, or collected prayers. The series adapts a major Breslov devotional work for readers seeking prayerful applications of Rebbe Nachman’s teachings.
Children’s publishing
Illustrated Breslov children’s books
A series of illustrated books based on Rebbe Nachman’s parables and stories, designed to introduce Breslov literary and spiritual themes to younger readers.
Recent events
- 2019
Elucidated English Likutey Halakhot project begins publication[1]
Product launch
BRI printed the first volume of an elucidated English translation of Reb Noson’s Likutey Halakhot.
- 2018
Shabbos and Yom Tov Breslov Siddur edition published[1]
Product launch
The institute followed its weekday siddur with an edition for Shabbat and Jewish festivals.
- 2014
Breslov Research Institute publishes weekday Breslov Siddur[1]
Product launch
BRI expanded its liturgical publishing program with a weekday edition of the Breslov Siddur.
- 2012
Breslov Research Institute completes English Likutey Moharan project[1]
Product launch · Other
Publication of the fifteenth and final volume completed BRI’s long-running English translation, annotation, and commentary project for Likutey Moharan.
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