Thousands of people gathered at the grave of Rabbi Nachman: Hasidim in Uman are preparing for the first prayer. Photos and video

In Uman, Hasidim are preparing to celebrate the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah. Thousands of people have already gathered at the grave of Rabbi Nachman for the first prayer.

This was reported by an OBOZ.UA correspondent. The tradition of pilgrimage to Uman has existed since the nineteenth century and annually attracts pilgrims from different parts of the world, including Israel, the United States, and Europe.

The local community is preparing to welcome tens of thousands of pilgrims, as the celebration of Rosh Hashanah is of particular importance to Hasidim. It is believed that prayers at the grave of Tzadik Nachman have a special power, so Hasidim strive to spend this time here.

Rosh Hashanah begins at sunset and lasts for two days, falling on 1-2 Tishrei in the Jewish calendar. This holiday symbolizes a new beginning and hope for blessings for the coming year. During the celebration, Hasidim follow ancient traditions, including ritual prayers, the sounding of the shofar (ritual ram's horn), a ritual meal, and special symbolic actions, such as eating apples with honey to wish for a sweet new year and praying by water bodies to atone for sins.

As of the morning of October 2, more than 30,000 pilgrims had already arrived in Uman to participate in the celebration. However, not everyone was able to get to the city this year. Due to Iran's massive shelling of Israel the day before, the airspace was temporarily closed, leading to the cancellation of many flights. As a result, more than 14,000 Hasidim were unable to make their trip to Uman.

At noon, the Tikkun HaKlali prayer was held in Uman. About 10,000 pilgrims took part in this prayer, during which a special prayer for peace in Ukraine was also held.

Tikkun HaKlali, which means "comprehensive rectification," is a mass prayer during which the ten psalms of King David are read. These psalms serve as repentance (teshuvah) for all sins.

Oleh Hanich, the first deputy mayor, said that 31 thousand pilgrims are currently in Uman. The situation in the city is calm and under control.

On September 27, the first 16 representatives of the Israeli police arrived in Uman, Ukraine, where Hasidic pilgrims arrive en masse to celebrate the Jewish New Year Rosh Hashanah. The Israeli law enforcement officers will help their Ukrainian colleagues ensure security in the city during the holiday.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, although Rosh Hashanah in 2024 falls on October 2-4, Hasidim began arriving in Uman to celebrate the Jewish New Year in September. It is expected that this year's celebration will be the most crowded, with more than 50,000 pilgrims expected to arrive.

By the way, last year Rosh Hashanah lasted from September 15 to 17. The police said that the festivities were held without significant violations. More than 35 thousand foreign pilgrims arrived in Uman despite the threat of Russian strikes.

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