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 numerous groups with distinct traditions and religious leaders. Most participants in the annual journey to Uman are followers of the Breslov branch, whose connection to the city traces back to Rabbi Nachman.

Rabbi Nachman, born in 1772 in what is now Ukraine and a great-grandson of Israel Baal Shem Tov—the founder of Hasidism—founded the Breslov branch. He emphasized prayer, simplicity, and joy, placing particular importance on his followers gathering with him for Rosh Hashanah.

Large groups of Hasidim are currently traveling to Uman for Rosh Hashanah. Several thousand have already arrived. By September 11, when the Jewish New Year begins, organizers anticipate 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 at his grave after his death, establishing a tradition that has evolved into today’s mass annual pilgrimage.

Uman is a small city in central Ukraine’s Cherkasy Region, approximately 200 kilometers south of Kyiv. Its population stood at just over 80,000 before the escalation of the conflict in 2022, while the pilgrimage brings tens of thousands of additional visitors annually. Rabbi Nachman moved to Uman shortly before his death. Historical accounts indicate 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 comprising 59% of its population by 1897. The community was devastated during World War II, when approximately 17,000 Jews were killed after Nazi forces occupied the city. Visits to Nachman’s grave remained modest during the Soviet era but grew substantially following the collapse of the USSR.

This year, Rosh Hashanah begins at sunset on September 11 and concludes after nightfall on September 13. Unlike a secular New Year, it is a religious holiday centered on prayer and reflection. For Breslov followers, this holiday holds special significance because Rabbi Nachman considered their annual gathering especially important. After his death, his followers continued meeting in Uman during Rosh Hashanah, explaining the city’s peak influx of pilgrims at this time.

The singing and dancing observed on Uman’s streets are not mandatory for Rosh Hashanah but are common practices within Hasidic gatherings. Rabbi Nachman emphasized joy, so his followers often combine prayer with communal singing and dancing during their stay.

Tens of thousands have continued the pilgrimage despite ongoing hostilities and official travel warnings. According to Ukrainian officials, approximately 35,000 pilgrims visited Uman in both 2023 and 2024, while more than 35,000 traveled there in 2025. Authorities expect up to 40,000 this year.

Last week, the US Embassy in Kyiv issued a security alert advising Americans against traveling to Uman due to risks of airstrikes, martial law, and movement restrictions. The embassy also warned US-Ukrainian male dual nationals that they might be unable to leave Ukraine and could face conscription. Ukraine has recently ended an exemption that previously allowed certain Ukrainian men living abroad to return home.

Security measures have been heightened for this year’s gathering. Israeli police officers have arrived in Uman to assist Ukrainian law enforcement in areas where pilgrims are staying and gathering, according to authorities in Cherkasy Region. The pilgrimage has persisted through earlier disruptions, including attempts by pilgrims to reach Uman during the 2020 pandemic amid border restrictions.