Reply To: Can anyone explain going to Uman?

yytz – its nice of someone to finally quote some sources. I have a few kashas on those sources though.

First, does “Everyone, without exception, who counts himself as one of my followers or takes heed of what I say” exclude wives? I’m curious as to when R’Nachman was alive if it was only men who visited him or whole families.

Second, everything you quoted from his words sounds as if it would be relevant to only while he was still alive. You mention he “indicated” that it should apply even afterwards. Did he say it or did he not say it, and if he didn’t then why not?

Third, the quote I mentioned above clearly excludes people who were not his followers. I don’t see where his followers get reshus to collect money from non-Bresluvers to sponsor the event and tell them it’s for tzedaka. Is it tzedaka for someone to sponsor a minhag that their own posek holds is not allowed? Is it a mitzvah to recruit someone to practice a minhag that isn’t their mesorah?