The solitude of the pilgrim under fire

 

Despite warnings from Israeli and U.S. authorities, at least 20,000 Hasidic Jewish pilgrims from around the world traveled to Uman, Ukraine, during war time to attend Rosh Hashanah, a major Jewish holiday celebrated from Sept. 25-27 at the gravesite of a 19th-century Hasidic rabbi. The war brought fewer pilgrims to Rosh Hashanah than other years, which gave it a feeling of emptiness commented by those who traveled to Uman despite the risks. 'Pilgrims under fire' presents those moments of solitude during this year's celebration, far removed from its well-known frenetic flow of movement.