Medzhybizh

Medzhybizh is one of the cities in Ukraine that Hasidic pilgrims visit every year. There, they visit synagogues as well as the necropolis at the ancient cemetery, where Eliezer Baal Shem Tov (“Master of the Good Name,” or Besht), a follower of Tzadik Nachman who lived and worked in Medzhybizh, is buried.

Ba’al Shem Tov settled in Medzhybizh around 1740. Several dozen of his closest disciples also settled nearby. Incidentally, it is not known for certain what this religious leader looked like.

There are several sites of interest to pilgrims in Medzhybizh. First and foremost, Hasidim visit a replica of the synagogue where Baal Shem Tov prayed. It was rebuilt between 2000 and 2004 based on old photographs, since the Nazis destroyed the synagogue where Eliezer Baal Shem Tov had served during World War II. This synagogue is called “Beit Midrash”—the house of study.

Nearby is also the Apta Synagogue, built in the late 19th century on the site of an even older place of worship—Abraham Yehoshua Heschel, known as the Apta Rebbe, preached here. The synagogue was completely restored in 2010.

Another synagogue was built near the grave of Baal Shem Tov in 2000. Nearby are hotels for pilgrims and a mikveh.

Baal Shem Tov and his closest disciples are buried in the old cemetery—the kirkut. In total, about 200 gravestones have been documented there. An ohel—“tent”—has been erected over the Besht’s grave. Hasidim ask for help with their needs by leaving a kvil—a note with a request—near the righteous man’s grave.