Although Hasidim Jews have been flocking to the city around this time of year for over two centuries, with Russia’s military assault on Ukraine, their journeys pose a much higher risk.
But on Wednesday, Ihor Taburets, chief of the regional military administration of Cherkasy, south of Kiev, wrote in a Telegram post that 33,500 pilgrims had arrived in the city to celebrate.
He added: “We urge both locals and visitors to respond appropriately to air raid alerts and follow the rules. The curfew is still in effect.”
Although Uman is relatively far from the frontline of the war, in April last year, a Russian missile hit an apartment building in the city killing 23 people.
Rosh Hashanah in Uman
Each year, a festival celebrating the Jewish New Year is held at the grave of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov in the city of Uman.
Rabbi Nachman of Breslov was a figure in the18th century Hasidic (orthodox) Jewish revival movement and founded the Breslov Hasidic movement.
It combines elements of mysticism with Torah writings and still attracts a large following today.
This year, the Jewish New Year, called Rosh Hashanah, is celebrated from the evening of October 2 to the evening of October 4.
