Rosh Hashanah During War: Faith, Family, and Thousands in Uman, in Photos
Thousands of Jewish pilgrims journeyed to Uman to pray at the grave of a revered Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav. Their Rosh Hashanah prayers for renewal and peace are intertwined with the ongoing devastation of the war in Ukraine. In the narrow streets and crowded courtyards, the rituals of pilgrimage became both an act of faith and a moment of reflection.
Every year, Jewish people travel long distances to the city of Uman in Ukraine. They go there to visit the grave of Rabbi Nachman, a Jewish spiritual leader who lived over 200 years ago. He promised that anyone who came to him on Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, would have their prayers answered. That’s why thousands still gather there today to pray.
Jewish pilgrims dance in the street of Uman for Rosh Hashanah. An estimate of 35,000 jews travel to the holy city of Uman each year. September, 2025. Photo: Josh Olley/UNITED24 Media
Young jewish pilgrims try out yarmulkes. Uman, Ukraine. September, 2025. Photo: Josh Olley/UNITED24 Media
Uman, Ukraine. September, 2025. Photo: Josh Olley/UNITED24 Media
Young boy on father shoulders. Uman, Ukraine. September, 2025. Photo: Josh Olley/UNITED24 Media
Two Hasids pray outside of the synagogue where Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav is buried. Uman, Ukraine. September, 2025. Photo: Josh Olley/UNITED24 Media
Father and his two sons get coffee and the free coffee dispenser. A lot of the food and coffee is free. Many pilgrims, local residents, and especially large Jewish organizations set up community kitchens and tents offering meals, drinks, and snacks at no cost. Uman, Ukraine. September, 2025. Photo: Josh Olley/UNITED24 Media
Uman, Ukraine. September, 2025. Photo: Josh Olley/UNITED24 Media
Praying inside the synagogue where Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav is buried. Uman, Ukraine. September, 2025. Photo: Josh Olley/UNITED24 Media
Celbrations on the street of Uman, Ukraine. September, 2025. Photo: Josh Olley/UNITED24 Media
Hasdic father and son. Uman, Ukraine. September, 2025. Photo: Josh Olley/UNITED24 Media
Busking in the street. Uman, Ukraine. September, 2025. Photo: Josh Olley/UNITED24 Media
Morning Prayer. Uman, Ukraine. September, 2025. Photo: Josh Olley/UNITED24 Media
Trying to get above the crowd. Uman, Ukraine. September, 2025. Photo: Josh Olley/UNITED24 Media
Celebrations in the street. Uman, Ukraine. September, 2025. Photo: Josh Olley/UNITED24 Media
Two Hassidic boys play outside of the synagogue. Uman, Ukraine. September, 2025. Photo: Josh Olley/UNITED24 Media
Evening songs combined with prayer. Uman, Ukraine. September, 2025. Photo: Josh Olley/UNITED24 Media
Uman, Ukraine. September, 2025.Photo: Josh Olley/UNITED24 Media
Man takes a nap from the celebrations. Uman, Ukraine. September, 2025. Photo: Josh Olley/UNITED24 Media
Parayer outside the synagogue where Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav is buried. Uman, Ukraine. September, 2025. Photo: Josh Olley/UNITED24 Media
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