It has begun… 2 months until Rosh Hashanah 5786: preparations for the annual Hasidic pilgrimage to Uman have already begun

Three elders of Breslov Hasidism have kicked off the final preparations for the pilgrimage to Uman, Ambassador Michael Brodsky has confirmed the focus on security, and an interagency meeting of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs has developed key logistical solutions.

Three “Breslov” elders launch pilgrimage preparations

In mid‑July 2025, in Uman, two months before Rosh Hashanah 5786, Rabbi Yaakov Meir Schechter, Rabbi Moshe Kramer and Rabbi Natan Liberman met with the head of the Rabbi Nachman Foundation, Natan Ben-Nun. This meeting marked the official start of organizational work: to bring together tens of thousands of Hasidim and ensure them a safe and comfortable journey to the holy city.

Main agreements

• Route coordination. Pilgrims from Israel will travel through Poland, Hungary, Romania and Moldova. Why this route? Direct flights to Ukraine have been canceled, and these detours remain the only option.
• Border service cooperation. The parties agreed to pre‑approve time windows at key checkpoints to avoid kilometer‑long queues.
• World Prayer Day. The elders declared the start of daily prayers for the success of the pilgrimage: every Hasid is called to read special blessings, strengthening spiritual unity.
• Historical memory. The meeting recalled the first pilgrimages of the 18th–19th centuries — when the journey to Uman took weeks or even months. Today the tasks are much simpler, but the responsibility remains the same.

Rabbi Natan Ben-Nun presented a report on preparations that began at the start of 2025: stop points, parking areas and contingency plans for border closures have already been agreed.

What Ambassador Michael Brodsky said

In his interview with RBC‑Ukraine, Israel’s Ambassador to Ukraine, Michael Brodsky, gave a very clear assessment of the situation:

“In three months we expect the arrival of a large number of Israelis — Hasidim. Despite military actions, there were no serious disruptions: the Ukrainian police and Border Guard Service ensured order and security.”
“I hope that this year will go the same way, and the number of pilgrims will stay the same or even grow.”

These words confirm that bilateral cooperation remains strong. And although many worry about safety in “hot spots,” the Ambassador reassures that no problems are expected from the Ukrainian side.

Interagency meeting of the Israeli MFA

At the end of June 2025, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs held an interagency meeting with representatives of the MFA, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Culture. The main goal was to finalize decisions to support thousands of pilgrims.

Agenda

1. Moldovan border. This is the key transit route for convoys. Last year, Moldova effectively closed the checkpoints, citing overcrowding at Chisinau airport and outstanding community debts.
2. Alternative routes. Participants proposed strengthening ties with Romania, Hungary and Poland to reroute part of the flow.
3. Transfers in Bacău. After the EU recommendation to avoid Israel’s and Lebanon’s airspace until October 31, it was decided to make the Romanian airport a transit hub.

Decisions made

• The Foreign Minister will negotiate with Chisinau authorities to streamline border crossings and increase airport capacity.
• Opening an Israeli embassy in Moldova for emergency support of pilgrims.
• Organizing return flights via “El Al,” “Arkia,” Hisky Europe, FLYONE ROMANIA and SKYUP MALTA through Bacău with additional volunteers and medics.
• The Tsvi Sukot MP promised: “Knesset members care about you and everything you need. Our door is always open, whether through the Israel‑Ukraine lobby or any other way.”
• Culture Minister Miki Zoar is also expected to fly to Uman during the holiday to personally oversee the cultural and spiritual program.

Rosh Hashanah 2025: dates and traditions

This year, the Jewish New Year begins on the evening of Monday, September 22, and continues until the evening of Wednesday, September 24.

What do Hasidim do in Uman on Rosh Hashanah?

• Prayers at Rabbi Nachman’s grave. Thousands gather to read services, psalms and receive blessings.
• Nightly “Leiluyot.” Overnight prayer gatherings until dawn, when each sound of the shofar resonates deeply.
• Festive meals. Tables are filled with toasts, apples dipped in honey and pomegranates — symbols of a sweet and fruitful year.

Russian aggression against Ukraine and pilgrims’ determination

Imagine convoys and planes of Hasidim heading out amid artillery fire and calls to “stay home”? Yet they go — and here’s why.

The spiritual need of Hasidim outweighs all fears: for many, celebrating Rosh Hashanah at Rabbi Nachman’s grave is not just a ritual but a profound bond with ancestors and the soul. Ukrainian services’ reliability (border guards, police, medics) has proven effective: each checkpoint became a stronghold of order and support.

Diplomatic moves by Israel — arranging transfers in Bacău, additional buses, hotlines at consulates — have secured backup safety corridors. And personal faith and community solidarity unite pilgrims: together it’s easier to cross borders and fear, together the shofar sounds clearer.

Despite all threats, Rosh Hashanah 5786 in Uman remains a beacon of hope that no war can eclipse the light of tradition.

Preparations for Rosh Hashanah 5786 are entering the final stretch. We at NA Novosti — News of Israel wish you a safe pilgrimage and spiritual uplift!