Specific Breslov Nusach

I understand that traditionally Breslov has not taken Nusach HaTefillah as seriously as other Chassidic groups when it comes to identifying the Sha'ar HaKollel. Although most Breslovers daven Nusach Sefard, through the teachings of Rebbe Nachman the concept of Sha'ar HaKollel has been interpreted as attachment to the Tzaddik, instead of an actual nusach.

(There is an undocumented oral tradition about Rebbe Nachman saying that if he had grown up davening Nusach Ashkenaz he would have continued in that nusach. In other words, he would not have switched over to Nusach Sefard.)

But like any Chassidic group, there are certain additions/omissions to the "standard" Nusach Sefard siddurim on the market these days that distinguish a Chassidic dynasty from others. For instance, Lubavitch has its own version of Nusach Sefard which was compiled by the Ba'al HaTanya in attempt to form a "true" Nusach Ari (if such a thing is possible). My question is: are there any details that distinguish the nusach of Breslov from a standard Nusach Sefard?

As an example for what I mean, is "asher nasan lasechvi" said or is "hanosein lasechvi" said? Is "tze'etza'einu v'tze'etza'ei" added in the Birkos HaTorah? Do Breslovers say "mashiv haruach umorid hatal" or just "morid hatal"? I'm sure you get what I mean by now.

Anyway, I would be interested in knowing the ins-and-outs of Breslov nusach. In addition, does anyone know any online resources that have recordings of Breslover nusach, as in niggunim used by the chazzan in shul for the tefillos?

Answer

The only specific detail in nusach that I can think of for which the Rebbe made a particular point, was to say "melech yachid chei ha'olamim" in Yishtabach in order to mirror the text of "Baruch Sheamar." I suppose there are some other points in davening with a very strong attribution to the Baal Shem Tov (in whose house the Rebbe grew up) for which many Breslovers are particular, like "hazan b’rachamav es hakol" in bentching.

As you indicated, there has always been a lack of emphasis on minhagim in Breslov, particularly in regards to nusach hatefillah. Also, Breslov had long been regionalized with the Polish and the Russian/Ukrainian chassidim adhering to their local minhagim. Furthermore, matters are "confused" by the fact that there were two or three different mesorahs that developed from Reb Noson’s talmidim.

A great number of the Breslov manhigim of the last 100 years were first generation Breslovers, in many cases literally finding a Tikkun Haklali or a Likutei Moharan in some corner of their yeshiva and feeling compelled to seek out a teacher in the Rebbe's derech. Many felt no need to change their customs, while some took on their teachers'.

For what it’s worth, the Sternhartz/Kenig line has long been particular about recording their minhagim. R’ Dovid Sears and R’ Dovid Zeitlin have done some excellent work in compiling these, with multiple articles in English available at http://breslovcenter.blogspot.com.

Here is one on R’ Gedaliah Kenig’s personal nusach: http://breslovcenter.blogspot.com/2012/05/reb-gedaliahs-nusach-for-shemoneh-esreh.html.