Reb Nosson’s Gravesite In Breslov, Ukraine
During our Passover trip to the Ukraine, we had the opportunity to the gravesite of the very great Reb Nosson, the student of Rebbi Nachman of Breslev. This was my second trip to this special location, and while this time winter still had its grasp on the area, the beauty and peaceful countryside location was just as lovely as I remembered. You can see my recent posts showing the Old Cemetary In Bratslav, The Soliterman Family Mill In Bratslav, and Mass Holocaust Gravesites In Bratslav, to get an even better look at our visit.
The Ukraine is a very interesting country, with lots of rich (and sad) Jewish history, and while there is prosperity in cities like Kiev, the countryside often looks as though time has just stopped.The small city of Bratslav is one of those places, sparse and empty, which makes the location that much interesting, and while it is a 2.5 hour drive from Uman, and a 4 hour plus drive from Kiev, it is well worth the drive. Just be prepared for tons and tons of potholes in the road, which slows down the journey.
Tp quote Wikipedia: “Rev Nosson of Breslov (January 22, 1780 – December 20, 1844), whose name was Nosson Sternhartz, was the chief disciple and scribe of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov, founder of the Breslov Hasidic dynasty. Reb Nosson is credited with preserving, promoting and expanding the Breslov movement after the Rebbe’s death. Rebbe Nachman himself said, “Were it not for Reb Nosson, not a page of my writings would have remained.”
For more information about Reb Nosson, you can refer to this post from Wikipedia. And now, won’t you join me as we look around a bit?
Reb Nosson’s gravesite is located at the top of a hill within the Old Jewish Cemetary in Bratslav, Ukraine, also referred to as Breslov. At some point an “ohel” a small hut, (the building with the red roof, top) was built over the gravesite to protect and honor it, as well as to give those visiting a place to pray more comfortably.
It was near zero degrees, and my daughter does seem to be enjoying herself?
That is my son coming out of the door of the ohel, also dressed for winter, as it was cold. I must say though, our “cold” here in Northern Israel is so much colder. The zero degrees in the Ukraine was cold but not crippling as it would be here.
The ohel containing the gravesite of Reb Nosson, and the small building to the left is for Kohanim (from the line of the high Jewish priests in the Holy Temple, often with last names like Cohen, and interestingly Katz.) who are not allowed to enter a cemetery, and thus can’t enter the gravesite area. Instead they can pray from just next door which is outside the limits of the cemetery.
Some graves with new headstones next to the Ohel, the center one is from 1912.
A beautiful view, that echoes the qualities of Reb Nosson who was a very special man, who efforts and self sacrifice are to this day greatly benefiting the world. I can’t wait to go back! Maybe next time in the summer so that we can stay in one of the cabins just to the right in this photo!
