Gadyach is a hidden gem of Hasidism in Ukraine. A place where history and spirituality merge into one. Learn more about its unique role and significance for the Hasidic community and culture

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Hasidism, as one of the most important movements in Judaism, has its centers and monasteries all over the world. One of these centers is located in the small Ukrainian town of Hadiach, and despite its not-so-wide popularity, it is of particular significance.

It is worth noting that the Hasidic Center in Hadiach is on the list of places that every Jew should visit in his or her lifetime.

It should be remembered that the peculiarity of Hasidism is the cult of leaders, and visiting the graves of tzaddikim (teachers) is sacred. Hasidism is not a monolithic religion. It has as many as eight streams, and each stream had its own leader. That is, the Uman Hasidim are not the same as the Hadiach Hasidim.

History of the Hadiach Hasidic Center

Hadiach is a small town in the Poltava region of Ukraine that became a place of attraction for Hasidim thanks to the famous founder of the Chabad movement, Rabbi Schneur Zalman, also called the Alter Rebbe. His teachings and karisma attracted many followers, and Hadiach became the center of Hasidism in the region.

Schneur Zalman willed to be buried in the city of Hadiach. The Jewish cemetery on the slopes of the Psel River is the oldest memorial complex in the Hadiach region.

Despite this, however, Hadiach is not as widely known as Uman, another Hasidic center also located in Ukraine. Uman is famous for its connection to Rebbe Nachman and is the site of the annual Hasidic farewell pilgrimage for Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year holiday. Uman and Hadiach have similar roots, but they also have their own unique characteristics.

One of the main reasons why Uman Jews are known more than Hadiach Jews is that there are more Bratslav Jews. However, the Chabad movement is also numerous, but it is a religion of more status people.

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The role and features of the Hasidic center in Hadiach

Visiting Jews can stay at the center itself, as there is a hotel there. Also, the Hasidic Center employs residents of Hadiach - administrators, cooks, waiters (there are two restaurants on the territory of the center), security guards, etc.

Mass visits of pilgrims to Hadiach mostly occur three times a year:

• On August 31, the birthday of the founder of Hasidism;

• in the last decade of September, when the Jewish New Year is celebrated;

• in early January, on the day of remembrance of Schneur Zalman.

However, tourists also come to Hadiach for no reason, as Jews believe that if you write down your wish and leave it on the tombstone where the Alter Rebbe rests, it will definitely come true.

By the way, during martial law, Ukrainian territory is still open to foreign citizens. However, those who are planning a trip to this country should think very carefully about their safety. An insurance policy will help you with this, which you can purchase in a matter of minutes on the Visit Ukraine website.

Returning to our topic, it is worth noting that Hadiach and Uman, as centers of Hasidism, play an important role in the life of the Jewish community and attract pilgrims and believers from all over the world. Despite being less widely known, Hadiach has a special significance as a place associated with the teachings and personality of Rabbi Alter Rebbe. Preserving this unique Hasidic tradition and culture is important for the Jewish heritage and its spiritual development.

We remind you! This year, the Jewish New Year is celebrated from September 15 to 17, but the head of the Cherkasy UJA urges pilgrims to refrain from traveling to Ukraine. Read here why Jews from all over the world continue to travel to Ukraine despite threats from the russian federation.

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