Preparations for the arrival of the Breslov Hasidim to Uman during the upcoming Rosh Hashanah have been in full swing for a long time: extended teams of the 'Breslov Union in Uman', under the direction of Rabbi Nathan Ben Nun, began the necessary preparations and coordination with all the various local and national government agencies in Ukraine, as early as the winter of 2016.
About a year ago, it was announced that a huge renovation project would begin in the coming months at the tomb of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, and many of the Breslov Hasidim and the multitudes of worshippers who frequent the site have been eagerly awaiting news of the start of work on the site for many months.
However, despite the efforts of the Breslav Union activists and the desire to immediately begin the huge renovation, construction work on the site has not yet begun as planned. The reason for the delay: a combination of legal complexities, alongside preserving the dignity of the cemetery.
On the one hand, the project's approvals have encountered bureaucratic delays, stemming from the fact that the Zion complex is defined as a national heritage site, and therefore any changes to it require special permits; on the other hand, some of the engineering tests required for the approvals are difficult or impossible to perform, as they include excavation in the cemetery grounds and creative solutions are required in order not to harm the dignity of the ancient cemetery in which the Zion is located.
Due to the unexpected delays, in the meantime, the 'Breslav Union', together with a group of craftsmen from the Breslav Hasidim who volunteered their spirit to work with their bodies for the honor of Rabbi Nachman's grave - set out for temporary renovation and renewal in the Uman complex, in preparation for Rosh Hashanah.
These days, the craftsmen have already begun renovation and beautification work on the complex.
It should be emphasized that this is a temporary, but very respectable, solution that will improve the conditions of worshipers ahead of Rosh Hashanah, until all the necessary permits for the huge renovation project are finally received.
The Breslav Union in Uman emphasizes: "The work in Zion now is not in place of the major renovation project, but was initiated as a temporary interim measure in honor of the Zion of our Holy Rabbi in preparation for the gathering of the multitudes during the upcoming Rosh Hashanah, until it is possible to begin the complex work of the huge renovation.".
Alongside the data on what is happening on the ground, data on the enormous investment behind the scenes is being revealed. Since last New Year, there has been feverish activity around the clock, including flights, meetings with government officials, and coordination with all parties in Ukraine.
The Breslav Union says that while about half a million shekels were raised from public donations, expenses have long since crossed the one million shekel mark.
The financial expenses are divided, among other things, for complex architectural plans, as required by the various authorities, first-class engineering services, obtaining permits from various government bodies, and legal coordination.
The enormous financial investment in the preliminary stage is intended to ensure a dual goal: on the one hand, that the entire complex will be built in the safest and most advanced manner for the large public that comes in droves, and on the other hand, strict and uncompromising protection of the honor of the artisan saints buried in the cemetery where Rabbi Nachman's tomb is located.
