New Year of 5774

Nearly 30,000 Hasidic pilgrims came to Uman to celebrate the Jewish New Year Rosh Hashanah. This year Hasids celebrate the new year of 5774 from September 4 through 6. Pilgrims spend nearly all the time in prayer in the synagogue or at the grave of tzaddik Nachman. Most of the Jews came from Israel, and the rest came from Russia, the US, Switzerland, Germany, and other countries. Both Ukrainian and Israeli police maintain order. By the way, Ukrainian guards were brought over even from the neigh­boring areas to maintain order during the holiday. Traditionally, the Hasids filled Pushkina Street and the sur­round­ing streets. Dining tents for 15,000 people have been installed here for their disposal. There are also several places where they can get kosher cookies, coffee, tea, and milk.

During their stay in Uman, Hasids have had three fires in rented apartments. Firefighters quickly extinguished them and there were no casual­ties. Besides, one of the Hasids was arrested for possible smoking of marijuana. Now police is investigating the fact of a crime.

Rosh Hashanah is of particular importance for Hasids. All Jews, who represent Hasidism movement, consider it to be their duty to visit the grave of tzaddik Nachman at least once in their life. They also believe that if they spend the New Year at his grave the next year will be very happy for them. Pilgrimage is also of great importance for the younger generation. Adults take them to the religious service in order to instill a holy attitude to religion in them.