Feed aggregator

Thousands of Breslover Chassidim could spend Rosh Hashanah in Meron this year instead of traveling to Uman, as the ongoing crackdown on Chareidi draft-status violations threatens to prevent large numbers of men from leaving Eretz Yisroel for the annual kibbutz at the kever of Rav Nachman of Breslov.

Organizers are therefore making extensive preparations for a significantly expanded Rosh Hashanah gathering at the kever of Rav Shimon Bar Yochai in Meron, providing an alternative for those who are unable to make the trip to Uman.

The preparations come amid the continuing controversy surrounding the IDF draft and the arrests of Chareidim classified by the military as draft evaders. Hundreds of Breslover Chassidim could face difficulties leaving Eretz Yisroel because of their draft status, potentially preventing them from traveling to Ukraine for Rosh Hashanah.

In previous years, groups of Breslover Chassidim who were unable to reach Uman spent Rosh Hashanah in Meron instead. This year, however, Breslov officials believe the number could increase dramatically because of restrictions on leaving the country and concerns among Chassidim about encountering difficulties at the airport or border.

A special committee has been established in recent days to oversee preparations for the central Rosh Hashanah gathering in Meron. Organizers have also opened an orderly registration system for accommodations so that the necessary infrastructure can be prepared according to the expected turnout.

Plans include setting up large lodging areas for the Chassidim as well as an expansive tent where the Rosh Hashanah seudah will be served. Organizers are also preparing large areas for tefillos capable of accommodating the potentially substantial number of mispallelim expected in Meron.

Those overseeing the operation are preparing for the possibility that thousands of Breslover Chassidim will ultimately spend Rosh Hashanah in Meron. Early registration is intended to allow organizers to properly arrange food, accommodations, tefillos and other necessities for those who cannot travel to Uman and instead choose Meron for Yom Tov.

Despite the preparations in Meron, organizers stressed that the longstanding aspiration of Breslover Chassidim remains to spend Rosh Hashanah at the kever of Rav Nachman in Uman.

According to organizers, there is “a constant expectation and prayer among the public to be able to physically arrive in Uman,” and they “hope for all obstacles to be removed.”

{Matzav.com}