For over 25 thousand Hasidic Jewish pilgrims from 16 countries came to the Ukrainian town Uman in Cherkasska oblast for the celebration of the Jewish New Year Rosh Hashanah.
On the 18th September at the sunset, the Jewish holiday Rosh Hashanah begins. It is celebrated in 163 days from Pesach (but not earlier than 5th of September and not later than 5th of October). Rosh Hashanah in Hebrew means “the head of the year”. According to the rules, this holiday is celebrated during two days. It is believed that during Rosh Hashanah the person’s fortune is being determined for the coming year. During these days, Hasidic Jews forbear from talking, keep all doors open, don’t like being filmed on video or taken pictures of. It is also prohibited for them to look at women.

Uman’ is the provincial town in Central Ukraine with a population approx. one hundred thousand people. One time a year during ten days it becomes in some extent the place of the world value. One of the leading early activists of the Hasidic movement, Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, is buried in Uman’ (1810). A visit to his grave is the highpoint of a pilgrimage to the city. Pilgrims believe that their prayers at the Nachman’s grave will be heard better.
After the prayers, Hasidic Jewish pilgrims sing, dance and eat. Lots of food they bring with them.
At the local markets, pilgrims could buy different souvenirs, fruits, water, eggs, etc. The prices, of course, are much higher during these days and often in US dollars. Most popular souvenirs are matryoshkas (which pilgrims call “babool’ka”) and small cases with engraved on it Star of David.
About 450 Ukrainian militia (police) guards and 15 official dogs will keep order in the town. Ukrainian militia is asking Uman residents and visitors to be tolerant to the pilgrims and to keep to certain rules.

By the way, there are already some reports available about celebrations in Uman. Channel 5 television reported Thursday, that a Hasidic Jewish pilgrim bit a Ukrainian policeman while other pilgrims smashed a television camera in a row over kosher food. The conflict began after Uman’ militia attempted to shut down some kiosks operated by the pilgrims. The Ukrainian authorities state, that these kiosks were not registered businesses and have been violating city health codes. The owners of the kiosks said they were providing kosher food acceptable to Hasidic teachings, unavailable elsewhere in Uman’.

Hasidic Jewish pilgrims are celebrating Jewish New Year in Uman, Ukraine, 10.0 out of 10 based on 1 rating

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