Medzhibozh - Ukraine - Lots Of Chasidic Jews Coming To Celebrate Shavuos

Medzhibozh - Ukraine - Fervently Orthodox Jews are celebrating Shavuos this week with a pilgrimage to a Ukrainian town considered to be the birthplace of Chasidism. About 1,000 Chasidim from different countries have arrived in Medzhibozh, which contains the grave of the Ba’al Shem Tov, the founder of Chasidic Judaism.

Chasidim have been coming to Medzhibozh in significant numbers each year since Jewish pilgrimages to Ukraine were revived in 1988, after the Soviet Union loosened its restrictions on religious practice. Pilgrims are also expected to visit the Ukrainian towns of Berdichev, Nezhin and Gadyach, which are also considered holy sites for Chasidim.