Uman prepares for Hasidic Rosh Hashanah pilgrimage

Tens of thousands of Hasidic Jewish pilgrims are expected to gather in Uman, Ukraine, for the annual Rosh Hashanah celebrations. Following a 2025 pilgrimage that saw over 40,000 visitors, authorities anticipate a similar scale for the upcoming holiday period.

Followers of the Breslov Hasidic sect travel to the city to pray at the burial site of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, who died in Uman in 1810. The movement, which emerged in Ukraine in the mid-18th century, is noted for making mystical teachings accessible to a broad mass of believers.

Due to the ongoing Russian invasion, Ukrainian authorities have implemented enhanced security measures. Ihor Taburets, head of the Cherkasy regional administration, stated that a special entry, exit, and movement regime will be in effect from September 4 through September 17 to ensure safety. This includes police checkpoints for people and vehicles entering the city.