A Thousand Children at Once: A Children's Synagogue for Hasidim Is Open in Uman

In the Hasidic pilgrimage area in Uman, there is a children’s synagogue designed specifically for young pilgrims who arrive in the city with their families to celebrate Rosh Hashanah. This was reported by “Kommersant Ukrainian.”

This year, the space is designed to accommodate 1,000 children. According to the organizers, the children’s synagogue operates in Uman every year, and the number of children participating in the pilgrimage is gradually increasing.

The space is decorated with white and purple balloons and equipped with rows of benches and tables, a stage, sound equipment, and themed banners in Hebrew. The atmosphere inside is more like a large children’s party center, but at the same time, the space serves a religious purpose—here, children can pray, participate in the program, and be part of a structured environment.

The synagogue’s owner, Nachman Salomon, explained that a children’s synagogue is set up in Uman every year, as more and more families are coming to Rosh Hashanah with their children.

“Every year we set up a children’s synagogue for the children who come to Uman with their families. And every year we see that the number of children is growing. This year, the synagogue can accommodate a thousand children, so we’ve prepared a larger space to ensure they feel comfortable, safe, and engaged while here during the holiday,” said Nachman Salomon.

According to him, the main goal of this space is to give children the opportunity to be part of the Rosh Hashanah celebration in Uman, but in a format tailored specifically for them.

“Children are also part of the pilgrimage. It’s important for them to experience the atmosphere of the holiday, prayer, joy, and unity. That’s why every year we set up a separate space where they can pray, sing, listen to the program, and spend time with other children,” noted Nachman Solomon.

Rosh Hashanah in Uman traditionally brings together tens of thousands of Hasidic pilgrims from around the world. Some pilgrims arrive in the city with their entire families, so the issue of organizing spaces for children is becoming increasingly important.

The children’s synagogue helps make families’ stays in the pilgrimage area more organized. Children have a separate place to pray, socialize, and participate in the festive program, while parents can be confident that appropriate conditions have been created for them.

In 2026, Rosh Hashanah will take place from September 11 to 13. It is during these days that Uman is expected to host the largest number of religious events, prayers, and gatherings of pilgrims at the grave of Tzadik Nachman of Bratslav.

The organizers emphasize that the children’s synagogue has already become a traditional part of the pilgrimage. And its role is growing every year, as more and more children come to Uman, for whom this holiday is also becoming an important spiritual event.