The Old Jewish Cemetary In Bratslav, Ukraine

On our recent Passover trip to the Ukraine we had the great privilege of visiting some very special gravesites of spiritual leaders who made great contributions to Judaism two hundred years ago plus or minus. Interestingly enough I had the same very distinctive “coming home” feeling I had 18 years ago (on my last visit) at several places, one of which was the old Jewish cemetery in Bratslav. Now you may find it strange that I had such feelings in a cemetery, but according to Jewish tradition the cemetery is called a “Bais HaChaim”, house of the living, meaning that once souls have departed from this world they are still very much alive, just in a different way. So, while the world in general considers cemeterys to be spooky, a Jewish cemetery filled with holy amazing folks, is anything but that.

Come take a look, don’t worry, I’m right there with you……and the view is spectacular!

Our main reason for visiting the Old Jewish cemetery in Bratslav was to visit the gravesite of Rabbi Nosson Sternharz, (the student of Rebbi Nachman, who lived in Bratslav between 1802 and 1810.) which I’ll share with your shortly, but this trip I climbed up the muddy hill above the gravesite and found a whole cemetery that I hadn’t seen last time. Old gravestones, some even several hundred years old and long forgotten, are a sign of simple Jewish life in the countryside. Not a simple life actually, as persecution was a constant threat, and yet gazing at these old stones I felt a certain sense of peace. And I promised myself that I would try to return for another visit in the future.

These photos were taken just as winter was on its way out, but temperatures were nearing freezing, and there were no signs of Spring. In the summer everything is green, and the water is blue and the rolling hills and rushing water are just lovely.

Interestingly enough, someone has built some summer cabins right next to the cemetery, so one can even stay overnight here, and I think that would be right up my alley. Two of my favorite things, water and holy historic gravesites, and a place to sleep? I’ll take it!

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