PILGRIMAGE Medzhibyzh

Medzhibyzh is one of the cities of Ukraine, where Hasidic pilgrims direct their routes every year. They visit the synagogues here, as well as the necropolis in the ancient cemetery, where the follower of the tzaddik Nachman, Eliezer Baal Shem Tova (“the lord of the good name”, or Besht), who lived and worked in Medjibozhi, is buried.

The Baal Shem Tov settled in Medzhibozh around 1740. Several dozen of his closest students also settled near him. By the way, it is not known for sure what this religious figure looked like.

Pilgrims are interested in several places in Medzhibozh. First of all, Hasidim visit a replica of the synagogue in which the Baal Shem Tov prayed. It was rebuilt in 2000-2004 according to old photos, because during the Second World War, the Nazis destroyed the synagogue in which Eliezer Baal Shem Tov served. This synagogue is called “Beit Midrash” – house of learning.

Nearby is also the Apta Synagogue, which was built at the end of the 19th century on the site of an even older religious building – Avraham Yehoshua Heschel, known as the Apter Rebbe, preached here. The synagogue was completely restored in 2010.

Another synagogue was built near the tomb of the Baal Shem Tov in 2000. Not far from it are hotels for pilgrims and a mikvah.

The Baal Shem Tov and his closest disciples are buried on the territory of the old cemetery – kirkut. In total, about 200 tombstones have been documented there. An ogel – “tent” – was built over Beshta’s grave. Hasids ask for help in their needs by leaving a quilt – a note with a request – at the grave of a righteous person.