Hasidic Pilgrims Celebrate Jewish New Year In Ukraine

An estimated 30,000 pilgrims from around the world have traveled to Uman for three days of Rosh Hashanah festivities.

Followers of the Breslov Hasidic movement make the yearly pilgrimage to Uman. The grave of the Hasidic movement's founder, Reb Nachman, is located in the Ukrainian city.
 

Hasidic pilgrims celebrated from balconies and rooftops. Rosh Hashanah festivities began after sundown on September 9.

Pilgrims offer prayers of thanks to Ukraine for giving shelter to their prophet, Reb Nachman.

Pilgrims read Hebrew prayers during the celebrations.

Politics is sometimes injected into the celebrations.  

Street dancing is an essential part of the celebrations

Pilgrims carry an elaborate Torah case through the streets of Uman.

Acrobatic street dancing is not uncommon.

Many of Hasidic pilgrims cry while reading Torah.

A Hasidic pilgrim finds a quiet place for contemplation. 

Hasidic pilgrims pass down their religious traditions to a new generation.

Pilgrims mark the start of Rosh Hashanah with prayers in synagogue.

Prayers in synagogue.

Some faithful pilgrims stay in synagogue after the evening prayers are finished.

Wet weather did not dampen the spirit of celebration.
 

Chants and prayers echo through the city of Uman after nightfall.

Rosh Hashanah celebrations end at sunset on September 11.