A 28-year-old Breslov scholar died in Uman, Ukraine, shortly before the start of Shabbat in what authorities believe was a carbon monoxide poisoning caused by a gas heater, sending shockwaves through the Breslov Hasidic community.
Nachman Berger, a resident of Uman and a prominent member of the Breslov community originally from Beit Shemesh, was found unresponsive in his room after friends noticed through a window that he appeared to be lying in an unusual position. They forced entry and discovered he had died. His five young children, who were sleeping in another room, were unharmed.
According to community members, Berger had returned late at night from prayer at the gravesite of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, immersed in a ritual bath and lay down to rest before Shabbat. He had turned on a gas heater and closed the room, leading to a suspected buildup of toxic fumes.
Berger was the son of Avraham Berger, a well-known Breslov figure and entrepreneur. He studied in Breslov institutions in his youth and later continued advanced Torah study after his marriage within the “Keren Or” community led by Rabbi Yaakov Meir Shechter. The family later relocated to Uman, where Berger taught at a Talmud Torah and worked as a kashrut supervisor.
Those who knew him described Berger as warm, joyful and deeply devoted to his faith. He was known for nightly recitation of Tikkun Chatzot, a traditional midnight prayer. His sudden death has left the Breslov community in mourning.
A funeral procession took place Monday morning in Uman, departing from the area of Rabbi Nachman’s gravesite in subfreezing temperatures as local residents and worshippers accompanied the bier.
Community officials said arrangements are underway to transfer Berger’s body to Israel once medical documentation and consular approvals are completed. Burial in Israel is expected later this week.
Berger is survived by his parents, his wife and five young children.
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