A planned visit next week by Ukrainian President Victor Yushchenko may become the venue for a tug of war between the Ukraine government and followers of the Breslov Chassidic sect over the compound at the gravesite of Rabbi Nachman in the Ukrainian town Uman.
Yushchenko's government has threatened to obtain a court order allowing it to take over the world-famous gravesite if Rabbi Nachman's followers do not pay a bill for the design and construction of a new prayer area in the compound.
The Breslov Chassidic group allegedly owes several million dollars to a local businessman and politician who owns the company that carried out the project.
According to Channel 10 TV, "elements within the Breslov Chassidic movement" are threatening to disrupt Yushchenko's visit to Israel next week if the matter is not resolved.
Each year tens of thousands of Breslov followers make the pilgrimage to the Rabbi Nachman's tomb to celebrate Jewish holidays and the anniversary of his death. In September, 160 planes flew more than 12,000 followers of the sect from Israel to Uman to celebrate the Rosh HaShana holiday at the gravesite of their Rabbi.
The Ukrainian town Breslov, located along the River Bug midway between Nemirov and Tulchin, is where Rabbi Nachman, born in 1772, spent most of the last decade of his life. He spent his last six months in the town of Uman, where his grave is located, before passing away from tuberculosis at the age of 38.
His followers are known throughout the world for their fervent adherence to Torah commandments and "living life with joy at all times." Rabbi Nachman placed great stress on living with faith, simplicity, and joy, encouraging his followers to clap, sing and dance during or after their prayers to come closer to G-d.
According to Judaism, it is forbidden to pray to a deceased person. However, the merit of a righteous Rabbi's deeds greatly facilitate G-d's acceptance of prayers recited at his gravesite.