Bukharian Students In Israel Come Together For A Shabbaton

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On Shabbat Chanukah, forty American born and raised Bukharian yeshiva students studying abroad in Yeshivas all over Israel, gathered to spend a shabbat of Torah, inspiration, and unity together in Jerusalem. Students hailed from a diverse range of schools, including Mikdash Melech Jerusalem, Ohr Somayach Jerusalem, Yeshivat Shaarei Chaim, Rav Tzvi Kaplan’s yeshiva, and Yeshivat Kisse Rahamim. Rooming and all necessary accommodations were provided for the students.

The Shabbat began with the lighting of the Menorah and words of inspiration by students Nisan Nisanov and Daniel Menachemov. After prayers and a learning session, the students gathered for a Shabbat meal of lavish Bukharian Cuisine including “Bakhsh”, “Samsa”, “Oshi Savo”, as well as many other traditional Bukharian dishes. The delicious Bukharian food was accompanied by a warm and friendly atmosphere in which students felt a true sense of belonging. Every participant was given an opportunity to introduce himself and share a moment of personal Jewish inspiration during the shabbat meals. The energetic singing and lively discussions allowed for students from diverse religious backgrounds and levels of education to forge new relationships as well as rekindle relationships with old friends. After Shabbat, participants were treated to an evening of bowling, billiards, and pizza. As the Shabbaton came to its close, one question could repeatedly be heard from countless students - When will the next Shabbaton take place?

The challenges of studying in an environment so far removed physically and culturally from home can make the experience of studying abroad somewhat difficult for students. This Shabbaton of Bukharian unity gave the yeshiva students a sense of community and Bukharian brotherhood. The large number of attendees likewise inspired every student by showing our strength in numbers. Despite the varying levels of Jewish education and vast spectrum of schools, participants bonded powerfully, and all were made to feel welcome and at home.

The Shabbaton likewise was a potent symbol of the resurgence of Jewish tradition and Torah study within the Bukharian community. After decades of spiritual impoverishment under the communist regime, it was profoundly moving to witness the genuine passion and commitment amongst Bukharian youth to reconnect with their Bukharian ancestral heritage and Jewish historical narrative. Just seeing all the bachurim in the beit midrash learning, guys that didn’t even grow up in yeshivas learning
Gemara.

This Shabbaton was the first of its kind and we hope that many more such events will be arranged for in the future.