After the destruction of the Second Beis HaMikdash, the exact identity of the Chilazon—the sea creature used to produce the Techeiles dye—and the precise process of creating the dye became uncertain. Despite this, the mitzvah of Tzitzis endured, though in an incomplete form, with only white strings being worn.
Rav Gershon Henoch Leiner’s Quest for Techeiles
In the 1880s, Rav Gershon Henoch Leiner, the Radzyner Rebbe, an extraordinary Torah scholar, set out to rediscover the Chilazon based on the Simanim (signs) described by Chazal.
- He traveled to an aquarium in Naples, Italy, where he identified the cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) as the Chilazon.
- In 1888 (Tarmach), he authored three sefarim: Sefunei Temunei Chol, Ptil Techeiles, and Ein HaTecheiles, detailing the Simanim, the dyeing process, and supporting halachic sources.
He began producing and distributing Radzyner Techeiles, encouraging Jews to fulfill the mitzvah in its complete form.
However, his findings faced intense opposition from leading halachic authorities, including the Aruch HaShulchan, who argued:
- “Who are you to rediscover Techeiles after 2,000 years?”
- They cited sources from the Midrash, Gemara, and Zohar, stating that Techeiles would only return with Moshiach’s arrival.
Rav Leiner countered that the Jewish people were living in the birth pangs of Moshiach, making the rediscovery timely and justified.
This controversy eventually spilled over into Breslov Chassidus, sparking fierce debate.
The Two Main Breslov Camps
1. Rav Nachman Goldstein (Cheriner Rav)
- A third-generation Breslover and a close talmid of Rav Nosson Sternhartz (Nathan Sternhartz – January 22, 1780 – December 20, 1844).
- He firmly held that Techeiles cannot be rediscovered until the arrival of Moshiach and the rebuilding of the Beis HaMikdash.
- He referenced Rav Nosson’s Prayer #49, where Rav Nosson discusses the mitzvah of Techeiles.
- In the prayer, Rav Nachman (1772–1810) writes: “We should merit the Beis HaMikdash, and then Techeiles will be revealed.”
- Rav Goldstein interpreted this literally: First comes the Beis HaMikdash, then Techeiles.
To this day, many Breslovers follow this position and do not wear Techeiles.
2. Rav Avraham ben Rav Nachman Halevi Chazan (d. 1917)
Background and Influence
- Rav Avraham ben R’ Nachman Halevi Chazan of Torchin was a fourth-generation Breslover and a towering figure in Breslov thought.
- He authored profound and deeply mystical commentaries on Likutei Moharan and other foundational Breslov texts.
- Known for his profound depth, secrecy, and mysterious nature, Rav Avraham’s influence extended far beyond his writings.
The Megillas Setarim (Scroll of Secrets)
Rav Avraham was the custodian of the Megilas Setarim (Scroll of Secrets), a mystical tradition passed down as follows:
- Rav Nachman → Rav Nosson → Rav Naftali → Rav Aharon Lipvetzker → Rav Avraham ben Rav Nachman
This scroll reportedly contained secrets of the world’s history, future events, and details about the arrival of Moshiach.
Key Rules of Transmission:
- Only two people could possess its knowledge at one time.
- When one custodian passed away, the surviving one would pass it to another trusted individual.
The Transmission Mystery
- When Rav Aharon Lipvetzker passed away in the late 1800s, it wasn’t clear if, or to whom, he had passed on the secrets of the scroll.
- Even Rav Aharon Lipvetzker’s daughter, Tzirel, sought answers from anyone who might know.
Rav Avraham himself remained deeply secretive about the scroll.
In 1916–1917, approximately one year before Rav Avraham passed away on the 5th night of Chanukah, he became gravely ill and lost his ability to speak.
- Nevertheless, he and other Breslovers—such as Rav Nosson—ensured that the knowledge would not be lost by encoding it into Roshei Teivos (acronyms and coded notes).
- These cryptic notes were meant to preserve the information without revealing it to the masses.
Some professors and scholars later attempted to decipher these notes, but their efforts were unsuccessful.
As the Breslover saying goes: “He who says he knows, doesn’t know. And he who knows, doesn’t say.”
Connection to the Radzyner Rebbe
- Rav Avraham ben Rav Nachman had a close relationship with the Radzyner Rebbe, who held him in high esteem.
- It’s said that the Radzyner Rebbe once offered Rav Avraham a silk bekeshe as a gesture of respect, which Rav Avraham refused, running away instead.
During the Techeiles polemic, the Radzyner Rebbe confided in Rav Avraham, saying that the Rabbis were “shooting arrows” at him over his discovery.
- Rav Avraham responded that he had a stronger proof for Techeiles.
- In an extremely rare disclosure, he revealed that according to the Megillas Setarim, Techeiles would reappear in the year Tarmach (1888).
- This validation led many Breslovers to begin wearing Radzyner Techeiles.
The 1930s Controversy
In the mid-late 1930s, the Radzyner Rebbe’s son continued manufacturing Techeiles dye using squid ink imported from Italy.
- Rumors spread that he had altered his father’s original process.
- Many Breslovers, including Rav Levi Yitzchak Bender, stopped wearing Techeiles due to these concerns.
- Others, like Rav Yochanan Rosen, continued wearing it in Eretz Yisrael.
This split created three groups in Breslov:
- Those aligned with the Cheriner Rav, rejecting Techeiles outright.
- Those influenced by Rav Avraham ben Rav Nachman, who stopped wearing it after doubts arose.
- Those who continued wearing Radzyner Techeiles confidently.
Today, Radzyner Techeiles is still manufactured in Bnei Brak according to the original recipe.
Rav Yisroel Halperin Halevi Karduner’s Dream
- Rav Yisroel Karduner, buried in Teveria, had a dream of Rav Nachman.
- He asked if wearing Techeiles was necessary.
- Rav Nachman answered: “Lav Davka”—you don’t need to wear it.
This dream created a fourth group within Breslov.
Rav Yitzchak Herzog’s Research
- Rav Yitzchak Herzog analyzed the Radzyner dye and concluded that the blue color resulted from a chemical reaction.
- He later identified two snail species as potential sources of authentic Techeiles.
Today in Breslov
- Some wear Radzyner Techeiles.
- Some follow Rav Herzog’s findings.
- Others abstain.
Being Breslov doesn’t guarantee wearing Techeiles, and wearing Techeiles doesn’t make someone Breslov.
Given by Rabbi Meir Elkabas
| Name 1 | Years Living | Name 2 | Years Living |
|---|---|---|---|
| R' Nachman | April 4, 1772 – October 16, 1810 | ||
| R' Nosson Sternhartz | January 22, 1780 – December 20, 1844 | R' Naftali | ? |
| R' Aharon Lipvetzker | ? | ||
| R' Avraham ben R' Nachman Halevi Chazan of Torchin | d. 1917 |
