As I reflect on my Rosh Hashanah experience in Uman, I’m still both reeling and soaring from the overwhelming sense of love and unity that filled the air. Each year in Uman brings life-changing experiences, and no two trips are alike. This being my second time in Uman, the contrast between my experiences is striking. Last year felt like a challenge—Rabbeinu offered me the space to affirm my choice to be Breslov. I encountered many meniyot (challenges) as one does, but this year felt like the biggest hug from Rabbeinu, a feeling of ultimate acceptance as though I had passed a profound test and finally felt like one of his disciples.
I couldn’t help but think of Reb Nosson’s journey with Rabbi Nachman, where at times he felt the Rebbe was giving him the cold shoulder, leaving him feeling unaccepted. I now realize those moments of distance were not rejections; they were opportunities for deeper connection, where longing became a powerful force for growth. Rabbi Nachman's love was always present, even in the silence.
This year’s kibbutz, though "only" 35,000 strong, felt like the biggest, warmest hug from Rabbi Nachman himself—an embrace that transcended time and space. For me, Uman has become a home away from home. I felt it immediately upon climbing the hill next to the Tzion. As we passed Rabbeinu’s resting place for the first time this trip, a serene sense of calm and hominess fell over me. The Breslov community has always felt like family, with the mashpiim and fellow chassidim as older brothers I can turn to for guidance.
My journey to Uman began in New York, then took me to Zurich, Switzerland, and finally to Krakow, Poland. In Krakow, I visited בית הכנסת הרמ"א for Shacharis and then went to the ציונים הקדושים of the רמ"א, תוספות יום טוב, ב"ח, קרבן נתנאל, and מגלה עמוקות ztz”l. I then traveled to Riminov, where I davened mincha, recited tikkun haklali, and prayed at the ציון of the holy ר' מנחם מענדל מרימינוב and ר' צבי הירש הכהן מרימינוב ztz”l.
At 8:00, we headed to the train station. After sitting on the train for two hours without moving, we finally departed from Przemyśl, arriving in Vinnitsa on Tuesday around 9:30 a.m. In Ukraine, when they say five minutes, you could be waiting anywhere from 10 to 60 minutes, and that’s exactly what happened with the bus that was supposedly five minutes away.
One of the most powerful moments came from encounters with special individuals who left an indelible mark on my heart. The Rebbe's words, conveyed through his followers, resonated deeply: "Call on me when you need help." In Uman, worries and fears dissipated, replaced by gratitude and growth. The hugs—oh, the hugs!—were a testament to the power of human connection. No barriers, no divisions—just the warmth of brotherhood.
Sharing meals with the awe-inspiring Rav Motte Frank was another highlight, as he truly embodies what it means to be one of the Chassidei Rabbi Nachman. There were so many moments that moved me emotionally and warmed my heart. I knew that those who merited to be in Uman for Rosh Hashanah were there because the Rebbe needed us there. One anecdote Rav Motte shared stood out: he explained that the world has not been the same since COVID; something has shifted. We are in the final stages of labor before the coming of Mashiach, and those who merited to be in Uman are the epidural that will ease the labor pains and help usher in Mashiach!
While waiting for the bus, I recalled an excerpt from Rabbi Yaakov Klein’s book about Reb Shlomo Cheshin ztz”l, which reminded me that the trip to Uman is a lesson in Rabbeinus’ teaching of hamtein—waiting with hope and faith. Last year, R' Yaakov provided me with invaluable eitza from Chayei Moharan 404, and this year's lesson truly revolved around nekudos tovos—focusing on the good and mastering patience.
Ashreinu Ma Tov Chelkeinu—how fortunate we are to be connected to Rabbeinu. Now, back home, I carry with me the lessons of Uman: that true connection knows no bounds and that the Rebbe's love is always available. When the road ahead seems uncertain, I know I can call on Rabbi Nachman for guidance.
Uman 5785 will forever be etched in my memory as a testament to the transformative power of community, growth, and connection.
by Yosef Glogauer of @In Breslov Burns a Fire