My visit to Uman on Rosh Hashanah, the life of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov and how his grave was almost demolished and a personal story about my run-in with the Ukrainian police.
In 2016 I visited Uman, Ukraine for the holiday of Rosh Hashanah and learned a great deal about this historic Jewish community and the famous rabbi who inspired generations with his songs and tales. Hear about the battle of Uman in the 1790s and how the tomb of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov was saved from being turned into a 9-story apartment building by the Soviet Union. Plus, a personal story of how I found my own name and almost got arrested for it.
The grave of Rabbi Shimon Barsky, great-great grandson of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, Uman, Ukraine, 2016.
The remains of the cemetery in Uman. The grave of Rabbi Shimshon Barsky was identified and refurbished.
Rabbi Shimshon Barsky in Uman, on the eve of Rosh Hashanah 1908. He was the grandson of Rabbi Ephraim, who was the son of Sarah, daughter of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov.
Ukrainian folk musicians at Sophia Park in Uman, 2016. Credit: Ben Bresky
Jewish boys in Uman playing klezmer music in the woods, 2016. Credit: Ben Bresky
Binny Landau, Shivi Keller, Sinai Tor, and Eliyahu Botzer, all well-known Israeli musicians sing in a tent in Uman in 2016. Credit: Ben Bresky
How I almost got arrested in Uman