Inside the Breslov Community of Yavniel: Faith, Cult Allegations and Child Marriages
An investigative report explores the Breslov Hasidic movement, focusing on the Yavniel community led by the late Rabbi Eliezer Shlomo Schick, allegations of cult-like practices, child marriages, and its unique appeal to penitents and troubled souls.
Unlike traditional Hasidic dynasties, the Breslov movement has had no designated leader since the death of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov 200 years ago, leaving room for charismatic rabbis to flourish. One such prominent figure was the "Tzaddik of Yavniel," Rabbi Eliezer Berland's contemporary, Rabbi Eliezer Berland — specifically Rabbi Eliezer Berland's counterpart in Yavniel, Rabbi Eliezer Shlomo Schick. Operating in Yavniel, Rabbi Schick surrounded himself with a closed and loyal court that over the years faced numerous allegations of operating like a cult, including the marriage of minors.
Early Marriages and Life Inside the Court
"As early as age 13, they prayed for me to get married, and my aspiration was to get married at age 16," recounts Nachi Mel, a former member of the Breslov community in Yavniel. Throughout his youth, Mel served as the personal assistant to the late rabbi. "The rabbi was like a father and a mother to me; I know his magical parts, but also the difficult parts — anger and threats."
Awner, who grew up on a secular kibbutz, enlisted in the Golani Brigade, fought in Israel's wars, and later became a penitent (baal teshuva). He joined the Breslov community and fathered 11 children. Avner admitted to officiating many weddings of minors, despite Israeli law strictly prohibiting it. In a conversation, he claimed that the marriage of minors actually protects children by integrating them into a framework at a young age.
«The rabbi was like a father and a mother to me; I know his magical parts, but also the difficult parts — anger and threats.»
Reaching Out to Criminals and Penitents
Yehuda Edri, a former Breslov Hasid who grew up ultra-Orthodox and later left religion, spoke about finding refuge in the movement. After a violent incident at a club in Tel Aviv, he planned to stab a person with whom he had a dispute. However, right before carrying out the act, he recalled hearing God telling him that he must not take lives. Edri noted that criminals are generally rejected elsewhere, stating that even mainstream Hasidic leaders do not want them.
The Breslov movement attracts many penitents due to its inclusive nature. Professor David Assaf from the Department of Jewish History at Tel Aviv University explained:
«In the Breslov Hasidism, they accept penitents and do not act condescendingly toward them like other Hasidic courts do.»
Assaf added that a person with a troubled soul looks for solutions, and if it is not India, it might well be Breslov.
