Tens of thousands of Hasidic Jews are flocking to central Ukraine this fall, praying, singing, and dancing as they prepare for the annual Rosh Hashanah pilgrimage to Uman. The centuries-old tradition draws adherents of the Breslov branch of Hasidism from around the globe, with organizers anticipating up to 40,000 participants by September 13—a figure significantly higher than previous years despite ongoing conflict and heightened security risks.
Rabbi Nachman, founder of the Breslov movement over two centuries ago, established Uman as his final resting place after moving there months before his death in 1810. Historical records indicate he chose the city following a massacre that killed thousands of Jews in 1768, intending to be buried near victims. His followers have maintained the tradition of gathering at his grave for Rosh Hashanah since his passing, evolving into today’s mass pilgrimage.
Uman, a small city in Ukraine’s Cherkasy Region, has long been central to this practice. Before the 2022 escalation of conflict, its population exceeded 80,000, with Jewish communities accounting for 59% of residents by 1897—a figure devastated during World War II when nearly 17,000 Jews were killed. The pilgrimage grew substantially after Ukraine’s independence but has persisted through challenges, including attempts to reach the city during pandemic travel restrictions in 2020.
This year’s gathering faces unprecedented security concerns. The U.S. Embassy issued a warning urging Americans not to travel to Uman due to risks of airstrikes and martial law, while Ukrainian authorities have deployed additional personnel alongside Israeli police officers to manage crowds. Despite these alerts, over 35,000 pilgrims visited Uman in both 2023 and 2024, with Ukrainian officials projecting a record 40,000 attendees for the Jewish New Year holiday this September.
Rabbi Nachman emphasized joy and communal celebration during Rosh Hashanah, a tradition that continues through singing, dancing, and prayer in Uman’s streets—a practice now unfolding amid global tensions. The pilgrimage remains one of the world’s largest annual religious gatherings, defying geopolitical disruptions to honor a legacy rooted in Ukraine’s history for generations.
