8% of Israeli Adults Have Visited Rabbi Nachman's Tomb in Uman, Study Finds

A recent study by the Israel Democracy Institute reveals that approximately 8% of Israel's adult Jewish population has visited the tomb of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov in Uman, Ukraine, at least once in their lifetime. The research, published ahead of the Rosh Hashanah holiday, indicates that half of these visitors return every few years, while another 22.5% make the pilgrimage annually.

Contrary to common assumptions, the majority of pilgrims are not ultra-Orthodox. The study found that 42% adhere to traditional religious practices, 26% are ultra-Orthodox, 21% are secular, and 11% belong to the national-religious sector.

The findings also challenge the notion that visits to Uman are exclusively for Rosh Hashanah. A significant 59% of Israeli visitors prefer to visit the tomb at other times of the year. Of those who visited during Rosh Hashanah, 26% did so solely for the holiday, while 15% combined Rosh Hashanah visits with trips at other times of the year.

The tradition of pilgrimage to Uman stems from Rabbi Nachman's own wishes. He relocated to Uman in 1810, anticipating his death, and was buried in the local Jewish cemetery. Shortly before his passing, he urged his followers to gather at his grave on Rosh Hashanah, promising spiritual intercession for those who came to pray.