Hundreds of Orthodox Jews from Israel, the United States, Canada, and various European countries have gathered in Lelów, a town near Częstochowa in southern Poland, to honor the legacy

of Rabbi David Biderman (1746–1814), the founder of the Lelov Hasidic dynasty.

This annual pilgrimage marks the 211th anniversary of Biderman's passing. Hasidic tradition holds that on the anniversary of his death, the revered rabbi descends from heaven to collect the prayers and requests of the faithful and present them to God. These written requests, inscribed on small pieces of paper, are placed at his gravesite.

The commemoration features a night of devotion, including prayers, the singing of psalms, traditional dancing around a bonfire, and a communal feast that lasts until midnight.

Michał Konieczny, director of the Leżajsk Hasidic Foundation in Poland, estimated that up to 3,500 people could take part in the Lelów gathering. Meanwhile, Leżajsk, another significant Hasidic pilgrimage site in southeastern Poland, is expected to draw as many as 12,000 worshippers.

Rabbi Biderman, also known as the Lelover Rebbe, remains one of the most revered figures among Hasidic Jews. Stories of his life describe him as a healer, and some accounts claim that although he was lame, he miraculously regained the use of his leg while dancing.

Lelów itself has a deep-rooted Jewish history. First documented in the 12th century, the town once had a Jewish community that made up half of its 4,000 residents before World War II. Tragically, most were killed during the Holocaust.

Today, these pilgrimages serve not only as religious gatherings but also as a way to reconnect with the rich Jewish heritage of the region. Photo by Grzadam, Wikimedia commons.