Uman for Rosh Hashana: A Guide to the Journey to the Rebbe אומאן ראש השנה: א גייד פאר'ן נסיעה צום רבי'ן

Every year before Rosh Hashana, the planes fill with Jews of every kind: Chasidish and Litvish, Sephardim and Ashkenazim, young bochurim and older men — all heading to one destination: the tziyun of the holy Rebbe Nachman of Breslov in Uman.

Where It Comes From

According to Wikipedia, Rebbe Nachman already insisted during his lifetime that his chasidim be with him for Rosh Hashana. He said: "My Rosh Hashana is greater than everything... No one should be missing! Rosh Hashana is my whole mission."

Rebbe Nachman passed away in October 1810 and is buried in Uman. His disciple, the holy Reb Noson, arranged the first Rosh Hashana "kibbutz" at the tziyun the very next year (1811) and led it until his passing in 1844. In 1834 he built a large Breslover kloyz in Uman.

Breslov.org notes that the Rebbe promised to help anyone who says the "Tikkun HaKlali" — ten chapters of Tehillim — at his tziyun.

Practical Tips

A man who has made the trip eight times writes on breslov.org:

• Buy tickets early. He found the cheapest tickets about ten months in advance.
• Don't forget to order a kosher meal for the flight.
• Arrive at least one evening before Shabbos or Yom Tov, to settle in and daven at the tziyun beforehand.
• Bring Breslov sefarim, in small editions that are easy to carry.
• When you arrive: go to the tziyun, give tzedakah, and say the Tikkun HaKlali. He says vidui using the Chofetz Chaim's "Sefer HaMitzvos HaKatzar".
• Most important: judge everyone favorably. Each person has his own path.

What to Bring

• A machzor, tallis and tefillin
• Comfortable shoes — you walk a lot
• Medications and a small first-aid kit
• Food for the journey
• A passport valid for a good while

An Important Note

The route to Uman changes from year to year. Before buying a ticket, check the latest travel advisories from your country, and preferably travel with an organized group that knows the way.

Have a good trip, and a kesiva vachasima tova!