New Survey Reveals Who Actually Visits Rabbi Nachman's Grave in Uman

A recent survey indicates that only 8% of Israeli Jews aged 18 and over have visited the grave of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov in Uman, Ukraine. The study, reported by Israel National News, also challenges common assumptions about the pilgrimage habits.

Among those who have visited Uman, 28.5% went only once, 49% visit every few years, and 22.5% travel there annually or more frequently. Contrary to a prevailing stereotype, the majority of pilgrims, 59%, visit outside of the Rosh Hashanah holiday. Only 26% visit exclusively for Rosh Hashanah, while 15% visit both during the holiday and at other times.

The survey found that individuals with traditional values are the most frequent visitors, comprising 42% of the total (26% religious-traditional, 16% traditional-non-religious). Haredim (ultra-Orthodox) account for 26%, secular Israelis for 21%, and religious Zionists for 11%. However, when examining the percentage within each group, Haredim show the highest visitation rate at 19%. Traditional Israelis follow at 16%, religious Zionists and non-religious traditionalists at 7% each, and secular Israelis at 4%.

Further analysis revealed demographic differences. Mizrahi (Jews of Middle Eastern or North African descent) Israelis visited Uman at a rate of 13%, compared to 5% of Ashkenazi (Jews of European descent) Israelis and 4% of those of mixed heritage. Researchers attribute this to a higher adherence to Jewish traditions among Mizrahim and their historical connection to Rabbi Nachman's legacy.

Men reported visiting Uman slightly more often than women (9% vs. 7%). However, the timing of visits differed significantly: 55% of male pilgrims visited for Rosh Hashanah, while only 23% of female pilgrims did so. Conversely, 77% of women chose to visit at other times of the year.

Age and income also played a role. Younger Israelis (18-44) visited Uman more frequently (10%) than older Israelis (over 45, at 6%). Israelis with below-average incomes had the highest visitation rate at 12%, followed by those with average incomes at 9%, and those with above-average incomes at 6%.