EMET Joins ABA’s Network of Affiliated Organizations

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The Alliance of Bukharian Americans (ABA) began when a group of like-minded individuals banded together to put their hopes and dreams into motion. We integrate our community by utilizing its member’s services, community centers and youth programs and organizations. We see this as efficiently providing our community, and other communities, access to an ever-widening and beautiful panorama rich with cultural diversity and experience. We also unite our community in a manner independent of political or religious background. This allows us to stage venues for feedback regarding our Jewish Heritage, and brainstorming sessions for the betterment of our community. Some of our Key goals are securing equitable government funding for non-public schools; procuring grants for various after school programs; obtaining funding for our Community Centers and Educational Institutions; and finally, safeguarding the welfare and security of the State of Israel.

Though we have a specific set of goals, we see the community as an organic whole comprised of many different and sometimes even diverging interests. We pride ourselves in facilitating the dialogue, partnership, ideas, and platform integral for the success of all major communities around the world. We are therefore extremely proud to announce that EMET has joined the ABA’s Network of Affiliate Organizations. EMET does outstanding work in the New York area, and has a special reputation battling assimilation and keeping the Jewish nation whole and growing. Many of their programs and events cater to groups of married couples and college students, who benefit greatly from all of EMET’s excellent work.

EMET Outreach was founded in 2004 by Rabbi Akiva Rutenberg, its current CEO and Co-Director, and Rabbi Mordechai Kraft, Co-Director and Rabbinic Director. Anchored in the thriving Queens community, the organization began as a small local campus outreach program, and has undergone explosive growth year after year. EMET currently serves multiple campuses, and has expanded its programming beyond the campus to include higher-level boys’ and girls’ divisions, a young professionals’ division, and a couples’ division.

In addition to weekly learning on and off campus, EMET hosts a Wednesday night Beit Medrash program, advanced weekly learning for girls, the Ateret EMET Seminary, multiple Shabbatons each month, trips to Poland and other inspiring destinations, special events and lectures, and much more. Events and classes are often hosted at the EMET Learning Center on Union Turnpike, as well as shuls in Forest Hills, Rego Park, and Jamaica Estates.

EMET is known for breaking new barriers and redefining Jewish Outreach. A remarkable aspect of the organization is its unique approach to outreach. Dynamic staff members work with students in a highly personalized atmosphere, showing them the beauty of Torah and mitzvot, and inspiring them to grow, many for the first time in their lives. After they graduate, the growth continues, with staff members developing long-term relationships, and guiding students as they enter the workforce, get married, and raise families. Over 5,000 students have been inspired by EMET’s programming, and its Couples’ Division boasts over 550 couples. In addition, EMET has a team of 15 talented staff members.

In addition to its new partner EMET, the ABA enjoys the full support of the Chief Bukharian Rabbinate (CBR) of the United States and Canada. The Chief Bukharian Rabbi Yitzchak Yisraeli along with the CBR’s Council of Bukharian Community Rabbis represent the vast majority of community centers, educational institutions, and organizations working hand-in-hand with the ABA to unify the 100,000 Bukharian Jews of North America. This includes 40+ community centers in the USA and Canada and the following schools: Yeshiva Sha’arei Zion and Yeshiva Tiferet Tzion. We are also affiliated with the world renowned Chazaq organization, and have partnered with the following organizations as well: Orthodox Union, Agudath Israel, Queens Jewish Community Council, and Shmira. The ABA is also affiliated with the Bukharian Jewish Link which is the only English-language paper tailored to the Bukharian community; it is distributed amongst tens of thousands of homes within the Borough of Queens.

The A.B.A. is extremely excited to partner with an organization like EMET, and is constantly striving to partner up with other organizations who share our passion for community health and growth. Organizations that join our Network of Affiliate Organizations enjoy access to many of our exclusive events. As our network expands, we evaluate the best ways in which we can all work together and pool our specialties and experiences for the benefit of our collective constituents. If your organization would like to be part of something greater, please contact us for more info at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. To find out more about EMET, please visit EMEToutreach.com