New Flights to Benefit Chassidic Pilgrims to Ukraine

VINNITZA, Ukraine — A recent development in the city of Vinnitza may produce some real benefits for visitors making a pilgrimage to another renowned Ukrainian city – Uman. As explained by Chief Rabbi of Vinnitza Shaul Horowitz, a Chabad Lubavitch emissary serving in the region, the ‘Gavrishovka’ airport in Vinnitza is being re-opened by the local government. Once renovations to the runway are completed, it will have the capacity to receive aircraft.

This is good news, particularly for Bratslav Chassids, who traditionally embark on pilgrimages to Uman, especially at Rosh Hashanah. While this question was raised with local authorities previously on numerous occasions, it is only this year that this project is actually attainable, with the flight route Tel Aviv-Vinnitza being scheduled. While such flights cannot accommodate all Bratslav Chassids who make their way back to Ukraine, this is certainly a benefit for many.

Such a development is noteworthy, since it significantly lightens the load on those making the pilgrimage to Uman. Vinnitza is located between several places that are sacred for Chassidic Jews. It is 90 km from Medzhibozh, 80 km from Berdichev, and 160 from Uman. In addition to this, Vinnitza is situated rather close to Bratslav, separated by a small distance of 30 km.

Uman is home to the gravesite of Rebbe Nakhman of Bratslav, the leader of the Bratslav Chassids. Here, males come to pay tribute at the Rebbe’s grave and jointly celebrate Rosh Hashanah — the Jewish New Year. According to unofficial estimates, Uman was visited by some 20,000 pilgrims over the past 12 months. Chief Rabbi Horovitz had noted that this latest development is not only advantageous for pilgrims themselves, but will also raise the prestige of Ukraine as a state.

Celebrating 'winter' year after controversial tree removal

After unceremoniously removing all of its Christmas trees in the middle of the night last year, the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport this season will dispense with any religious symbols and just celebrate "winter."

A panel that formed after the Port of Seattle Commission removed the airport's 17 red-ribboned trees, decided the new decorations will feature a grove of birches in Dacron snow, hung with crystals and mirrors to reflect low-energy lights, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reported.

The port drew international attention last year when its five elected commissioners reacted to a lawsuit threat by a rabbi who wanted to erect a menorah alongside the largest of Christmas trees.

As WND reported, Rabbi Elazar Bogomilsky said, contrary to widespread news reports, that he never intended to have the trees removed. The Jewish leader said he was horrified by the decision, which spurred anti-Semitism and angry accusations. The port returned the trees about a week later after Bogomilsky told officials his organization, the Northwest Friends of Chabad-Lubavitch, a Hasidic Orthodox group, was not going to sue.

This year, however, the port is taking no chances.

"What I was hoping for was something that was cheerful and evocative of the holiday spirit, and as much to do with nature and evergreen trees as they could," Commissioner Pat Davis told the Seattle paper "We wanted to move forward without something that would get us back into any sort of controversy, and I think it is very creative. I hope the public likes it – it will take a while to get used to."

The $300,000 airport display – now being assembled in a warehouse – will include foam migrating birds above the birch trees, which will be dusted periodically with non-toxic snowfall to the sound of wind chimes.

The port said it rejected the menorah last year because it didn't want other religious groups pressing to have their own symbols' included.

The port commission this year convened a 12-member holiday decorations advisory committee of religious, academic, legal and business leaders. The panel agreed in July to have decorations that would "reflect the Pacific Northwest environment and our diverse community, and convey universal values, such as peace and harmony."

The installation at airport is expected to begin Nov. 9.