Shavuot—one of the major holidays in the Jewish calendar—was recently celebrated in Uman. According to preliminary data, more than 5,000 pilgrims arrived in the city. In an exclusive interview with “Kommersant Ukrainian,” Iryna Rybnytska, executive director of the “Historical and Cultural Center of the City of Uman” Charitable Foundation, spoke about the economic significance of such visits.
There were many women and children among the pilgrims, as for many families, a trip to Uman is not only a spiritual tradition but also an opportunity to visit places together that hold special significance for the Hasidic community.
During the holiday, the pilgrims prayed and visited holy sites and memorials. At the same time, the city’s guests actively took advantage of the city’s amenities: they visited the Sofiyivka National Arboretum, strolled through the city, bought groceries, clothing, shoes, and other necessities at Uman stores, and used taxi services to get around the city and visit the graves of the tzadikim.
“During the Shavuot celebrations, we saw that the pilgrims didn’t limit themselves to just praying. They visited stores, bought clothing, shoes, and groceries, used taxis, traveled around the city, and went to the burial sites of the tzadikim. This means that the pilgrimage also benefits the local economy,” noted Iryna Rybnytska.
According to her, pilgrims’ visits throughout the year have not only religious and cultural significance but also a tangible economic impact on the city. Pilgrims spend money at local stores, use public transportation, rent accommodations, and purchase essential goods, food, and other services.