Kretshnif Rebbe Revives Pilgrimage to Mandburna’s Holy Site in Bishtna
Thousands of Hasidim from Kretshnif, Nadvorna, and other groups are currently flocking to the sacred gravesite of Rabbi Mordechai’le of Nadvorna in Bishtna, western Ukraine. This annual pilgrimage has grown significantly following the efforts of the late Rabbi Zeidel of Kretshnif Sighet, who passed away last year. Rabbi Zeidel was known for encouraging Jews to visit the Nadvorna tzaddik’s grave during the Nine Days, emphasizing the spiritual power of these days to address even the most difficult personal prayers, known as "shvere kvitelach" (heavy petitions).
For many years, Rabbi Zeidel would receive broken-hearted and ill individuals who brought him kvitelach filled with their troubles and pleas for salvation. He would tell them, "For this, one must travel to the tzaddik during the Nine Days." Each year, he personally traveled to Bishtna to pray for these petitions, inspiring more followers to join him. Initially a small group, the pilgrimages grew into large gatherings, with participants bringing their heavy kvitelach, tears, pain, and hope, trusting in the tzaddik’s power during this auspicious period.
Rabbi Zeidel spent extended periods in prayer at Bishtna, often returning with tear-filled eyes. He believed he received strength from the Nadvorna tzaddik to continue interceding on behalf of difficult cases even beyond Tisha B’Av until Shemini Atzeret. Despite enduring great personal suffering for many years, he accepted these hardships with devotion and joy in serving God. He regarded Shabbat Chazon as the highest Shabbat of the year, sensing redemption within destruction.
The upcoming third of Elul marks the first yahrzeit (anniversary of passing) of Rabbi Zeidel. Pilgrims continue to visit his gravesite on the Mount of Olives, placing kvitelach there with faith that he continues to intercede for them as he did in life. The article concludes with a blessing invoking the merit of Rabbi Mordechai’le of Nadvorna and Rabbi Zeidel for all of Israel.
