The gravesite complex of Rabbi Nachman in Uman, Ukraine, will undergo renovations costing more than $2 million. The Breslav Union in Uman, which manages the site, announced that the plan will significantly upgrade the compound that draws tens of thousands of worshippers each Rosh Hashanah. Renovations are scheduled to begin this coming winter.
The detailed plan spans about 2,154 square yards and addresses long-standing issues that have troubled visitors for years. It includes construction of a new women’s section and special arrangements to allow kohanim to remain at the gravesite without concerns of ritual impurity. In addition, three new prayer halls will be built: one Ashkenazi, one Sephardi, and a third adaptable to changing needs, with the aim of minimizing disruptions during services.
To ease overcrowding, a dedicated space will be set aside for dancing. A new order also will be introduced for prayer groups, enabling worshippers to pray directly at the grave without being pressed together, while separating this from larger minyanim currently held inside the site, which has functioned out of necessity as a synagogue. Plans also include a refreshment area with tea, coffee and light snacks, and—for the first time—proper women’s restrooms.
“This project is being launched for the benefit of the multitudes who come to Rabbi Nachman’s gravesite," a Breslav Union representative explained. "Our goal is to enable every Jew to visit, focus on prayer without disturbance, and fulfill Rabbi Nachman’s teachings with peace of mind. We coordinated with relevant authorities and carefully ensured no harm would come to the other holy graves in the area.”
One veteran Breslav follower added: “This is a dramatic project. For many years we witnessed hardships and limitations faced by worshippers. This renovation is nothing short of a revolution, allowing everyone to make the most of their time at the holy site, devoting themselves fully to Torah and prayer without hindrance."
Because of the project’s enormous costs—on top of annual maintenance expenses of more than $800,000 and Rosh Hashanah preparations costing over $350,000—the Union is organizing a dedicated fundraising day. They hope to launch the renovation during the coming winter and complete it as quickly and effectively as possible so the site can properly serve the tens of thousands of pilgrims who visit year-round from all over the world.