"It has already become a tradition amongst secular Israelis to invite Nanachs and bring joy to their weddings. " |
| ‘To be a person of truth, be swayed neither by approval nor disapproval. Work at not needing approval from anyone and you will be free to be who you really are.’ (Rabbi Nachman of Breslov) |
Jennifer Annison wearing the Nanach kamaya - amulet! » Social Network | GlowTrend: "Regular readers may recall my admiration of the NaNachs, the fun-filled followers of the teachings of Rabbi Nachman who dance to techno music on the streets of Israel and elsewhere. Their uplifting energy is so inspiring, as is the wisdom of Nachman himself.
I only learnt this week that Hollywood actress Jennifer Aniston is also a NaNach fan. She is often seen wearing the NaNach Kumaya amulet and even once paid for a NaNach Hasid’s plane ticket so he could join the group’s customary Rosh Hashanah visit to Nachman’s resting place in Uman.
The Sabba
Saba, Rebbe Yisroel Dov Ber Odesser (1888 - 1994) the original founder of the Na Nach movement, was a fifth generation Breslov Chassid and a student of Rebbe Yisroel Karduner. Originally a Karlin Chassid, Yisroel Dov Odesser came across the book Hishtapchus Hanefesh. After reading the book and later meeting Rabbi Karduner, he openly accepted the path of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov despite great opposition from his family and community. Yisroel Dov Odeser remained a disciple under Rabbi Karduner for five years until his mentor passed away during a plague in Tiberias.
The Petek
In July 1922 at the age of 33 Yisroel Odesser claimed to have received a miraculous note from Rebbe Nachman of Breslov who had passed away 112 years earlier. This note is commonly referred to as the 'Petek'. On a superficial level the Petek was nothing more then a letter of encouragement. According to Odeser however, it contained much deeper meanings.
Na Nach Nachma Nachman Muman 
In the Petek, Rebbe Nachman of Breslov signed his name in a most unusual quadrupled kablistic format; Na Nach Nachma Nachman Muman. Members of the Na Nach group claim that the phrase Na Nach Nachma Nachman Muman is the Song of Redemption mentioned in the Tikunay Zohar and Likutay Maharan. Kabbalistic tradition reveals the existence of ten songs throughout the history of mankind. Nine of the ten have already been used while one song remains for the purpose of redeeming the Jewish Nation from the final exile.
It is a strong belief amongst the Na Nachs that just uttering, singing or chanting this phrase can bring about healing and salvation. They claim that it is a very powerful concentration that condenses all the spiritual teachings and energies into one little sentence.
Start of the Movement
For many years Rabbi Yisroel Dov Odeser kept the existence of the Petek a secret from all but his closest family and friends. Finally in 1982 after reached a point where he completely understood the Petek and all its deeper meanings, Rabbi Yisroel Dov Odeser decided that it was time for it to be revealed to the world. He gathered around him a group of Israeli and American Balei Teshuva and some French Sephardi Rabbis. Along with his new followers Rabbi Yisroel Odeser started a campaign to spread the song Na Nach Nachma Nachman Muman and the teachings of Rebbe Nachman of Breslev all over Israel.
Members of the Na Nach group strongly believe in the authority of Rabbi Odesser and consider him the sole transmitter of the Breslov tradition in this generation. Rabbi Odeser is often referred to as 'the Saba', literally 'the grandfather' due to his old age. Rabbi Odesser himself promoted usage of this name, instead of being called a rabbi. This was done in spirit of the Breslov tradition of avoiding honor and fame.
Vans and Dancing
Long before Hafatza became popular, the Saba predicted that one day there would be vans roaming across Israel to spread the Breslov teachings. Rabbi Yisroel Ber Odesser instructed his followers to dance at traffic lights with blasting music and announce to the world that Rebbe Nachman exists. Eventually his students did get hold of vans and went to carry out his words.
Na Nach vans are the most common form of Hafatza known to the general Israeli population. Na Nach vans travel throughout all the major cities in Israel playing Nanach music and selling the books of Rebbe Nachman of Breslev. Most vans are covered with large colorful stickers portraying the Saba and the phrase Na Nach Nachma Nachman Muman. Vans are normally equipped with two large speakers on the top of the vehicle and a stockpile of Breslev books, Nanach stickers, music and parifinalia in the back.
Often the Na Nachs will jump out of their van at red traffic lights to do a quick dance before the cars start driving again. When they get a chance, Nanach Mafitizim park their van, turn on music and set up a folding table with their inventory. Nanach Mafitizm will then dance until stopped by a passerby interested in buying a book or learning more about Rebbe Nachman. Many times local residents join the action. Dancing can sometimes grow to dozens of bystanders. With respect to Rebbe Nachman's strict views of modesty, woman are strongly encouraged not to join the dancing. Na Nach dancing is often freeform, where each Mafitz dances individually using random moves and motions.
On average there are between 8 - 20 active Na Nach vans and many smaller cars. Most Na Nachs that own a car will cover it with Na Nach stickers and do some Hafatza as move about their day to day activities. Na Nach vans can contain a single Mafitz or as many as 13. Most vans average a team of 4-5 Mafitzim.
Life on the Na Nach van can be rough, Mafitzim often work on very little food and sleep. Most Mafitzim spend hours dancing each day, sometimes for a few hours in a row. Most Hafatza vans stay on the road for the bulk of the week, with the Mafitzim sleeping in the van itself or at designated Na Nach resting spots. Besides dancing on busy streets, many Hafatza teams will visit events and weddings as well. It has already become a tradition amongst secular Israelis to invite Nanachs and bring joy to their weddings. [4]
Source:
[4] http://www.zissil.com/topics/Na-nach/
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