The Sephardic posek (halachic authority), Gaon Rabbi Benjamin Chuta, has issued a dramatic halachic ruling stating that according to Jewish law, it is forbidden to travel to Uman, Ukraine this year to be near the grave of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov on Rosh Hashanah, due to security threats against Jews worldwide and concerns about potential missile attacks from Russia targeting the thousands who would be in the area.
Key points:
1. The ruling was given during Rabbi Chuta's radio program on "Kol Barama" in response to a listener's question.
2. Rabbi Chuta emphasized that his ruling is not against Breslov or the concept of traveling to Uman in general, but specifically for this year due to the current situation.
3. He cited the basic Jewish principle of "pikuach nefesh" (preservation of life) and "v'nishmartem me'od l'nafshoteichem" (guarding one's life carefully) as overriding most other Torah commandments.
4. The rabbi expressed concerns about potential attacks from Iran or Russia, given the current geopolitical tensions and threats against Israel and Jews worldwide.
5. He stated, "In my humble opinion, it is forbidden to fly to Uman this year. Whoever goes is endangering themselves. If, God forbid, something happens, it's lives at stake."
6. Rabbi Chuta concluded by saying that in the future, during the resurrection of the dead, Rabbi Nachman will be in the Holy Land anyway.
The article notes that this ruling comes amidst ongoing debates about the safety of traveling to Uman for Rosh Hashanah, which has become a significant pilgrimage for many Jews, particularly followers of the Breslov Hasidic movement.