Uman is preparing for Rosh Hashanah: the streets are decorated, people are gathering for the celebration

From September 22 to 24, Jews celebrate Rosh Hashanah, the beginning of the new 5786 year according to the Jewish calendar. On the eve of the holiday, tens of thousands of Hasidic pilgrims flock to the Ukrainian city of Uman.

Pilgrimage to Uman

This event annually attracts many believers who strive to celebrate the beginning of the new year in a place sacred to them. Uman, known thanks to Rebbe Nachman of Breslov, becomes the center of spiritual life during this time. Free transportation routes organized by the local administration facilitate a greater number of pilgrims who have the opportunity to make the trip.

The traditions of the celebration include prayers, the sounds of prayer drums, and a lively atmosphere created solely through generations. Inside the walls of synagogues, additional music is played, and crowds of people simultaneously immerse themselves in an atmosphere of spiritual unity, making their wishes for the new year.

Challenges of Pilgrimage

The organization of mass events involves significant efforts by local authorities, who ensure the safety of parishioners and the unloading of the city’s transport systems.

• Security measures: Authorized personnel check pilgrims’ documents and control crowds.
• Accommodation issues: Cases of shortages of places in hotels and private homes are not uncommon.

Expectations and Significance of the Holiday

Rosh Hashanah is considered a time of repentance and striving for a new life. Pilgrims gather in Uman not only for traditions but also to renew their spiritual strength. Believers repeat prayers, addressing God with requests for blessings and a good start to the new year. The symbol of the holiday is apples and honey, as a wish for a sweet life.

Cultural Aspects

With each passing year, Rosh Hashanah in Uman becomes an increasingly influential event for the Jewish world. It is a week-long discussion of traditional themes, helping to restore and strengthen community ties. Although the pandemic slightly reduced attention to the holiday, its significance continues to be important for Jewish identity.

Against this backdrop, tourism in Ukraine, especially in historically significant places, becomes relevant and important for the recovery of the region’s economy. Pilgrimage to Uman opens up opportunities for the attractiveness of Ukrainian culture and Jewish heritage.