Bratslav

The Grave of Rabbi Nathan Sterngartz

Nathan Sternberg Ben Naftali Herz, a native of Nemirov, became Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav’s closest and most beloved disciple. 

It was Nathan Sterngartz who transcribed, recorded, compiled, and published all of Rabbi Nachman’s works, made an enormous contribution to the popularization of Hasidism, and even initiated the annual pilgrimage of Breslov Hasidim to Rabbi Nachman’s grave in Uman on the eve of Rosh Hashanah.

After Rabbi Nachman’s death, he became his successor, teacher, and leader of the Hasidic movement. 

Nathan Sternberg died in 1844 in Bratslav, where he was buried. Among the graves of the Old Jewish Cemetery, the grave of Rabbi Nathan Sternberg has been preserved. 

For Hasidim, Nathan Sternberg’s grave in Bratslav is a holy place; they believe that all their dreams will come true right here. The philosophy of this Hasidic religious movement holds that a Tzaddik (meaning “righteous one”) is God’s messenger on earth; he is holy even during his lifetime, believers follow his teachings, and after death, according to tradition, the Tzaddik communicates directly with God.

Hasidim believe that if one asks God for one’s deepest desires at the sage’s grave, God will surely grant them.

Natan’s grave is located in Bratslav on a rocky hill, offering a breathtaking view of the banks of the Southern Bug River and an old mill built by Jan Soliterman based on a design by the renowned architect Vladislav Gorodetsky.

Among the rocks of the high Zamkova Hill, 70 wooden steps have been laid out for easy access, along with platforms equipped with convenient handrails. 

The grave is guarded around the clock.

The Bratslav Jewish Religious Community 

Named after Rabbi Nathan

38 063 9818990

www.breslev.com.ua