Breslov Hassidim are planning to significantly expand this year's Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) gathering at the gravesite of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai in the northern Israeli town of Meron for Hassidim remaining in Israel instead of traveling to the gravesite of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov in Uman, Ukraine.
Behind the preparations is the issue of IDF conscription and the arrests of haredi draft dodgers, preventing hundreds of Hassidim from leaving the country.
In past years too, some Breslov Hassidim went to Meron for Rosh Hashanah as an alternative to Uman. This year, Breslov officials estimate that the number of Hassidim choosing this option will increase due to obstacles to leaving the country and concerns among some Hassidim.
In recent days, a special committee was formed to coordinate the central gathering in Meron during Rosh Hashanah. At the same time, an orderly sign-up has opened for lodging sites to adapt the infrastructure to the expected number of participants.
The preparations include establishing lodging complexes for pilgrims and a large tent for holiday meals. Additionally, large facilities are being planned for prayer services to fit the number of Hassidim who will visit the site.
Organizers are bracing for the possibility that thousands will spend Rosh Hashanah in Meron and wish to ensure orderly reception through early registration. The preparations are meant to provide solutions for Hassidim who are unable to travel to Uman this year and are instead choosing to spend the holiday in Meron.
Alongside preparations in Israel, the organizers emphasize that for the Hassidim, the goal remains to reach Rabbi Nachman's tomb in Uman. According to them, there is "a constant expectation and prayer among the public to be able to physically arrive in Uman," and they "hope for all obstacles to be removed."