Uman pilgrimage preparations intensify ahead of Rosh Hashana

Preparations are intensifying for the annual Rosh Hashana pilgrimage to Uman, Ukraine, where tens of thousands of Breslov Hasidim are expected to visit the gravesite of Rav Nachman. Due to the ongoing war with Russia and the closure of Ukrainian airspace, travelers must navigate overland routes through neighboring countries.

Rabbi Shaul Horowitz, a Chabad Shliach, recently met with Ukrainian military, police, and border officials to coordinate security and transportation. Preliminary estimates suggest over 35,000 travelers from Israel alone, with many expected to enter via Moldova, Romania, or Poland to avoid congestion at border crossings.

In a separate development related to the pilgrimage, Rav Yaakov Jan, the rabbi of Uman, issued a letter ahead of the Likud party primaries in Israel. The letter expressed gratitude to several Israeli politicians, including Miki Zohar, Miri Regev, Dudi Amsalem, May Golan, and Ze’ev Elkin, for their past assistance in facilitating access to Uman for the Breslover community.