Hillel used to say: “Be of the disciples of Aharon, loving peace and pursuing peace, loving mankind and drawing them close to the Torah.” (Avot: 1:12)
From Aharon HaKohen ben Amram to my great-grandparents, Harav Chezkiyahu HaKohen Amramov zt”l (1886-1974) and his eshet chayil, Rabbanit Tova Matatov-Amramov had an unprecedented for love for Torah and every Jew. Hashem blessed Harav Chezkiyahu and Rabbanit Tova with nine tzaddikim and one tzaddeket.
Harav Chezkiyahu served as a rabbi in Bukhara, where he dedicated himself to spreading Torah, inspiring countless Jews, and supporting the poor, agunot, and widows. In addition to being a revered scholar, Harav Chezkiyahu was also a businessman who served as executive director of a major mall in Jondor Swerdlow and a director of mass production of a factory that produced bread in Bukhara. One of the many stories that touched my heart and were passed down by my grandfather R’ Binamin Amramov HaKohen, involves the time during the Second World War when many Jews escaping Europe found refuge in Bukhara, amongst other locations. The couple opened their home to 15 Ashkenazi families, offering them shelter until they could regain stability. When the guests arrived, Harav Chezkiyahu insisted that he and his sons sleep on the floor, giving their beds to their guests. It is this act of selflessness that demonstrates the true ahavat Yisrael of the Bukharian Jews for all their Jewish brothers despite their differences and background. Their generosity extended beyond the Jewish community, as they welcomed people of all backgrounds into their home. Their hospitality resembled the welcoming nature of Avraham Avinu’s home, where both Jews and Muslims found nourishment and care.
During the holiday of Passover, under Stalin’s dictatorship, the authorities arrived at the factory of Rav Chizkiyahu and demanded an inspection. They discovered many loaves of bread stored away and sold for the holiday. The country was poor, many people were starving, and food was scarce. Upon seeing the bread, they demanded an explanation for why it was not being distributed to the community. With distress, Harav Chezkiyahu kindly explained that these loaves were sold for Passover, a requirement of the Jewish commandment. However, instead of acknowledging his explanation, the authorities sentenced Harav Chezkiyahu to ten years in prison. He pleaded desperately to be released, offering to give 500 pregnant sheep in return, but his plea went unanswered. Later that day, the authorities went to his home and took the sheep that he offered, yet ignored his plea to be freed and sentenced him to 10 years in prison. It was difficult for his family, including my grandfather, who was just ten years old when his father was taken away. The family was subjected to enduring many years without his signature fatherly presence.
It is heartening to see the descendants of Harav Chezkiyahu zt”l and Rabbanit Tova Amramov carrying on their legacy. Many of their scions have become rabbanim, dayanim, prominent shadchanim, heads of kiruv organizations, cinematographers, and photographers behind programs like Torahflix, Inc. all dedicated to spreading Torah and making a positive impact. How fortunate I am to be their offspring. All my blessings are due to my grandparents’ and great-grandparents’ merits. We are all guests in this world. What are we leaving behind for our children? Let us learn from our ancestors’ dedication to Torah to do good, spread good, and care for all of Hashem’s creations. By following their example, we can contribute to building a brighter future. As it states in the Torah, “Hashem spoke to Moshe, saying: Speak to the whole Israelite community and say to them ‘You shall be holy, for I, the Lord your God, am holy.’” (Leviticus 19:1-18).
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The Story Behind HaRav Chezkiyahu HaKohen
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