Volunteers Begin Temporary Repairs at Rabbi Nachman’s Tomb in Uman

Dozens of volunteers, including hilltop youth and Breslov craftsmen, have spent the past few days working at the tomb complex of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov in Uman, Ukraine. The effort is aimed at improving and preparing the site ahead of the large influx of worshippers expected for Rosh Hashanah.

The work is being carried out in coordination with the Union of Breslov team in Uman, led by Rabbi Nathan Ben Nun, which began preparing earlier this winter with local and national authorities in Ukraine for a broad renovation project. However, the main renovation work has not yet started.

Union of Breslov says the project has run into bureaucratic and legal delays. Because the compound is designated a national heritage site, any construction or alteration requires special permits. Some of the engineering checks needed for those permits could affect the ancient cemetery where the tomb is located, so alternative solutions are being sought to protect the sanctity of the site.

Because of these delays, the group decided to launch temporary repair and refreshment work at the existing compound for now. The current effort is meant as an interim measure until the larger renovation can begin, and the organization says it is intended to help accommodate the crowds expected around the upcoming High Holy Days.