Hasidic Jews gather to pray in southern Poland

Hundreds of Orthodox Jews from Israel, the United States, Canada and various European countries have gathered in Lelów, near Częstochowa in southern Poland, to pray at the grave of Rabbi David Biderman (1746–1814), the founder of the Lelov Hasidic dynasty.

Jewish pilgrims flock to pray in Lelów, southern Poland, on Wednesday.

Photo: PAP/Waldemar Deska

This annual pilgrimage marks the 211th anniversary of Biderman's death.

Hasidic Jews believe that on the anniversary of his death, Biderman descends from heaven to collect their requests and deliver them to God.

These requests are written on small pieces of paper and placed on his grave.

The commemoration includes prayers, traditional dances around a bonfire, the singing of psalms and a feast, all lasting until midnight.

Michał Konieczny, director of the Leżajsk Hasidic Foundation in Poland, said that around 3,500 people could participate in the Lelów event.

Meanwhile, Leżajsk in southeastern Poland, another significant site for Hasidic Jews, is expected to attract up to 12,000 pilgrims.

Rabbi Biderman, also known as the Lelover Rebbe, is one of the most venerated figures among Hasidic Jews.

Various accounts say he was lame but, while dancing, he regained the use of his leg. He was also said to have the capacity to heal others.

The first written records of Lelów date back to the 12th century. Prior to World War II, Jews accounted for half of its population of 4,000. Most of them were killed by the Germans during the war.

(mk/gs)