The father of the Jewish Hassidic movement was a very special and holy man by the name of Rebbi Yisrael Ben Eliezer, The Baal Shem Tov. For those who view Kabbalah as Jewish mysticism that is trendy, well I have news for you! Hassidic Judiasm is actually a way of Jewish Torah observance that includes Kabbalistic ideas. So while Hassidic Jews may look like the most old fashioned folks on earth, they are actually the ones truly living the Kabbalah……how's that for a fresh outlook?
The Baal Shem Tov is buried in Medzhybizh, Western Ukraine, and his burial site together with several hotels and historic and modern day shuls has become very accessible and quite wonderful. Okay, accessible is maybe stretching it a bit, as it is a four hour drive from Kiev, and a six hour drive from Uman, on roads that are most suited to four wheel drive vehicles. There is an old castle just beyond the Jewish quarter, and the Baal Shem Tov's spring fed mikveh has been turned into a modern day facility open 24 hours a day. And of course one should not miss the historic recreation of the Baal Shem Tov's shul, which I found to be completely lovely.
Come with me for a small tour, won't you?
The actual grave of the Baal Shem Tov is within this modern day building, which protects the gravesite and gives those visiting a protected place to pray and gather. Because the Baal Shem Tov's grave was simply within the old Jewish cemetary, there are several other graves in the building as well. Sorry, didn't get any good photos inside I was too busy praying, and the place was packed.
These graves next to the Baal Shem Tov are of special students of the Baal Shem Tov. The white concrete portions were added to give honor while still protecting the amazing carvings on the head stones. The wall at the top of the photo is the edge of the cemetary, and the little red roofed gate house is the designated spot for Kohanim to pray as they cannot enter the cemetary.
The old Jewish cemetary, truly picturesque even at the end of winter when all is still quite gray.
If you are even in the Western Ukraine, do make Medzhybizh one of your stops. it is truly a special place.
Leave a Reply to Sara Rivka Cancel reply