The "Nachmans" in Uman

B"H

This week, thousands of Breslover Chassidim are gathering in Uman / Ukraine in order to celebrate Rosh HaShana at the grave of Rabbi Nachman. The reason why they go their for Rosh HaShana is that Rabbi Nachman himself commanded them to do so.

Every year there is a controversy coming up: Should a Jew or, in this case, a Breslover Chassid, spend a holiday rather in Uman than in Jerusalem. Isn't being closer to G – d (at the Temple Mount) higher than worshipping Rabbi Nachman in the Ukraine ? Can't the Breslovers travel to Uman during the rest of the time of the year ?

I think that we don't need a medium in order to get closer to G – d. This is exactly the reason why I am not too much into this Zaddik (righteous) concept and couldn't be a member of a chassidic group. I think it was the Peshis'cha movement claiming that every Jew has to work on himself and it was even Rabbi Nachman who stated that everyone has the potential of being a Zaddik.
My favourite place for the holidays is Jerusalem and I wouldn't feel comfortable standing at some grave in the Ukraine; although there may be a great atmosphere due to all the Chassidim.


The following video was made by the Breslover Nanas and is a little freaky. It shows Uman and the Nanas dancing in Tel Aviv.