Hasidim gather in Uman for Rabbi Nachman’s birthday: photos, video
28 March 13:18
Hasidic pilgrims from Israel, the United States, and Europe have begun to arrive in Uman to celebrate the birthday of their spiritual mentor, Rabbi Nachman. About this in an exclusive commentary to
Every spring, Uman, a small city in the Cherkasy region, becomes the center of attention for thousands of Hasidic pilgrims who come to celebrate the birthday of Rabbi Nachman, the founder of Bratslav Hasidism. In 2025, this event falls on March 30, which marks the 253rd anniversary of the tzaddik’s birth.
Despite the war in Ukraine, the Hasidim continue the tradition of pilgrimage, demonstrating their faith and devotion to their spiritual mentor.
Rabbi Nachman’s birthday: history and significance
Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav was born on April 4, 1772, in Medzhybizh, but his life and work are closely connected with Uman, where he died and was buried in 1810.
The tzaddik left behind a profound spiritual legacy, including teachings about joy, faith, and connection to God even in the most difficult times.
For the Hasidim of Bratslav, Nachman’s birthday is not just a date, but a special occasion to gather at his grave to feel the “majestic light,” as the pilgrims put it. They believe that being in Uman on this day brings blessings, inspiration, and spiritual renewal.
The celebration of Rabbi Nachman’s birthday in Uman has been a tradition since the lifetime of his followers. Although the largest Hasidic pilgrimage falls on Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year), the spring holiday is also of great importance. In 2025, it is estimated that several thousand pilgrims from different countries, including Israel, the United States, and Europe, may arrive in the city.
Hasidim come despite the war
Despite Russia’s war against Ukraine, Hasidim are not abandoning their pilgrimage to Uman.
Iryna Rybnytska, director of the Historical and Cultural Center of Uman, emphasized the pilgrims’ commitment to their traditions:
“Despite everything, despite the war, Hasidim want to visit Uman. They are very aware of the situation in Ukraine, but they are not afraid.”
This year, the trend continues – pilgrims come to pray for peace and celebrate Rabbi Nachman’s birthday.
Pilgrims note that, like Ukraine, Israel is also facing the challenges of war, so they feel a commonality in the pursuit of peace. As one of the pilgrims, Rabbi Eli Heshen, noted in a commentary
“People feel that on the day he was born, there is a majestic light that gives joy and inspiration. We will pray for peace in Israel and for peace in Ukraine, because there are wars in our countries.”
Rybnytska also added that Hasidim believe in the protection of both God and the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
According to her, in 2024, about two thousand people came to celebrate the birthday of the tzaddik, and in 2025 the number may increase, because the war does not stop those who see Uman as a place of special blessing.
Security and law and order: the role of law enforcement and the migration service
As every year, law enforcement and the migration service will be responsible for maintaining law and order in Uman during the arrival of the Hasidim. The police already ensure public safety in the area of the Hasidic pilgrimage.
The Migration Service, in turn, monitors compliance with visa rules, as there are citizens of many countries among the pilgrims.
As in previous years, all pilgrims are obliged to comply with martial law restrictions, including curfews. In 2025, these measures will be maintained to ensure the safety of both visitors and locals.
