Rebbe Rebbe Leads Holy Pilgrimage to Ukraine and Poland
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
The Rebbe led a four-day holy pilgrimage to sacred sites in Ukraine and Poland, accompanied by Hasidim. The journey included visits to the graves of prominent rabbis, prayer services, and spiritual gatherings, culminating in Lizhensk, Poland. The Rebbe delivered sermons, introduced new melodies, and answered questions on Hasidic life before the group returned to Israel on Sunday night.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- The Rebbe led a spiritual pilgrimage to Ukraine and Poland from Thursday to Sunday.
- The Hasidic journey included visits to sacred gravesites in Bistena, Lizhensk, Lancut, Shinova, Rimanov, and Sanz.
- The Rebbe delivered sermons, introduced a new melody, and held prayer services for descendants.
- Key figures visited included Rabbi Mordechai of Mandibor and Rabbi Elimelech of Lizhensk.
- The pilgrimage concluded with a prayer at Rabbi Elimelech of Lizhensk's tomb before returning to Israel.
The Rebbe led a spiritual pilgrimage to sacred sites in Ukraine and Poland, accompanied by his Hasidic followers, from Thursday to Sunday. The journey culminated on the Sabbath in the town of Lizhensk.
Upon arrival in Hungary on Thursday, the group proceeded to Ukraine, crossing the border in the evening. The Rebbe delivered a discourse on Rabbi Yaakov of Pshevorsk in anticipation of his yahrzeit. The pilgrimage began with a visit to the grave of Rabbi Mordechai of Mandibor in Bistena, Ukraine, where the Rebbe spoke about devotion to the recitation of the Shema prayer. Later that night, the Rebbe led prayers at Rabbi Mordechai's tomb, lighting candles and delivering an impassioned sermon.
The group then traveled to Lizhensk, Poland, for the Sabbath. A special prayer for descendants was held at candle-lighting time, followed by a recitation of "Hodu La'Hashem Ki Tov" (Give thanks to God for He is good) led by the Rebbe. Rabbi Shaul Yehuda Shidlov gave a preparatory talk before the Sabbath prayers. During the Sabbath eve meal, the Rebbe introduced a new melody he composed for the occasion, titled "Chamdat Yamim Otu Kara'ta."
On Sabbath day, after prayers, the Rebbe held a "Noam Sicha" meal, answering questions from participants on Hasidic practices, spiritual matters, education, and matchmaking. After the Sabbath, the Rebbe visited the graves of Rabbi Naftali of Ropshitz in Lancut and Dovrei Yechiel of Shinova in Shinova. The group then attended a large Melaveh Malka feast in Lizhensk, featuring speeches, musical performances by the Neilander brothers, and Torah insights from the Rebbe. He distributed blessed garlic and the book "Noam Elimelech" as amulets for protection and success, concluding with a violin performance of the melody "Tzav Yeshuot Yaakov."
The pilgrimage concluded Sunday morning with a prayer service at the tomb of Rabbi Elimelech of Lizhensk. The group then visited the graves of Rabbi Menachem Mendel and Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch of Rimanov in Rimanov, and finally, the tomb of Baal Dvrei Chaim of Sanz in Sanz. The Hasidim returned to the Holy Land late Sunday night, expressing deep gratitude for the spiritual experience.
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