Meeting of Chief Bukharian Rabbinate

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On May 27th, the Bukharian Chief Rabbi Of USA and Canada Harav Yitzchak Yisraeli had the pleasure of welcoming Rabbi Shmuel Alishayev from Israel to the Chief Bukharian Rabbinate’s monthly meeting, which this time took place at the Beth Gavriel Center.

Nearly 30 community Rabbis were in attendance from all over the tri-state area. They came to hear about the status of community affairs, the growth over the past month, and the agenda moving forward. The meeting demonstrated the unity and resolve of the Rabbanim who work together to ensure that the Bukharian community reach its potential.

Rabbi Shimonov of the Beth Gavriel Center opened the event by reminiscing how the community started many years ago, so small and humble. Back then, a few people and Jewish pride were all that stood in the way of total assimilation. The Bukharian-American community has come a long way since then. He concluded by extolling the virtue of unity and pointed to the success of Beth Gavriel as a pertinent example.

Rabbi Alishayev spoke next. He, too, marveled at the phenomenal growth of the community, and praised the way in which its organizations successfully tackle many of the problems facing Bukharian Jewry.  He expressed pride in a legacy of helping many of those who need guidance and asked the attendees to continue doing the excellent work. He also remarked how Beth Gavriel and the Rabbinate are models for other communities wishing to sustain their spirituality in the difficult times facing many Jewish-American families.

Chief Rabbi Harav Yitzchak Yisraeli spoke next to update the Rabbanim  on recent developments. He began as follows: Our Rabbis tell us that in our present state of exile, the Shekhina is hidden and the world seems to move without Direction.  But that doesn’t mean that Hashem is not working behind the scenes. So to with the Jewish people and their progress in Exile; there are things hidden from the eye. You cannot always study the outside of a thing to know its true content, what is inside of it. The following information is not obvious, but must be disclosed to the community:

1) The Rabbinate is in the process of improving the Kashrut standards in Queens to meet the Sephardi community’s needs. The public needs to be aware that many of the meats sold as ‘Bet Yosef’ are in many cases not meeting the standards of Sephardi Halacha. 2) Due to the sensitivity of the improvements taking place, much misinformation is disseminated regarding the Rabbinate’s position and agenda. 3) The Rabbinate has no agenda other than simply partnering with certifiers and ensuring that kashrut in the area meets Sephardi standards according to Maran Ha’shulkhan Arukh. The Rabbinate asserts and retains its independence by practicing the Sephardi Halacha and upholding this standard. 4) The Rabbinate does currently and will continue to affix its store certificate beside the certificate of other agencies to assure consumers that goods being sold are compliant with Sephardi Halacha. 5) Rabbi David Pleshtiyev’s new butcher shop  ‘Oneg Shabbos’ located in Fresh Meadows is certified by the Rabbinate and so is King David Bakery located in KGH.

Rav Ilan Meirov spoke next. His message to those gathered was that though differences in Halacha is a reality of our Exile,  the many divergent views do not war; we must respect and recognize each other’s thirst for truth. He stressed that working in unity with all community Rabbis is the goal and  must remain the goal.

After the speakers gave their words, Chief Rabbi Harav Yisraeli opened the floor for questions and comments.  Questions and concerns were raised by Rabbi Rafael Zavulonov of Cong. Ohr Hatorah, Rabbi Nisanov of Kehillat Sefardim and Rabbi Yaakov Nasirov of Cong. Bet El. Each question was   analyzed and answered by Chief Rabbi Harav Yitzchak Yisraeli. The talking points were well received and many of the Rabbi’s gathered weighed in on various points, offering their insight and personal experiences.

When possible, the Rabbinate holds a monthly open dialogue with the community’s Rabbis. If there are specific topics or concerns you would like to bring to the attention of the Chief Bukharian Rabbinate, please email them to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..