Chernobyl (Hasidic dynasty)
Chernobyl is a Hasidic dynasty that was founded by Grand Rabbi Menachem Nachum Twersky, known by the name of his work as the Meor Einayim. The dynasty is named after the northern Ukrainian town of Chernobyl, where Rabbi Nachum served as the maggid. The lineage has continued to exist to this day, although not always with the name Chernobyl. Today there are several rebbes named Chernobyl. The central court is in Bnei Brak, headed by Rabbi Menachem Nachum Twersky.
(L-R) Rachmastrifker Rebbe of NY; Chernobyler Bnei Brak; Chernobyler of NY; Moredechai Twersky, son of Chernobyler of NY
Grand Rabbi Yaakov Yisrael Twersky, Chernobyler Rebbe of Boro Park – the last Chernobyler Rebbe to serve in Chernobyl
Grand Rabbi David Twersky, Skverer Rebbe, a scion of the Chernobyl dynasty
Zvhil-Mezbuz Rebbe of Boston, Grand Rabbi Y. A. Korff (center), and Rabbi Yitzhak (Isadore) Twersky, Tolna Rebbe of Boston (left)
Chernobyl or Chornobyl is a partially abandoned city in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, situated in the Vyshhorod Raion of northern Kyiv Oblast, Ukraine. Chernobyl is about 90 kilometres (60 mi) north of Kyiv, and 160 kilometres (100 mi) southwest of the Belarusian city of Gomel. Before its evacuation, the city had about 14,000 residents. While living anywhere within the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone is technically illegal today, authorities tolerate those who choose to live within some of the less irradiated areas, and around 1,000 people live in Chernobyl today.
Chernobyl's Old City Hall building
Photo of the town and Chernobyl Power plant from Mir station, 1997
Chernobyl welcome sign
Orthodox Church of St. Elijah