My grandfather told me...

I am a straight descendent of the famous Rav in Bukhara of the 18th century-HaRav Yitzchoki Zambur. He is the son of Rav Pinhos Meshhedi (the one from Meshched, Iran.) His nickname, Zamburi, originated when he became well known, Literally, "Zambur," means beehive. He was surrounded by so many students, that he was nicknamed, Yitzhchok the beehive! There are many stories of Rav Yitzchok Zamburi. I would like to relate a few that i have collected over a few years.

On one occasion, Rav Yitzchok was visited by a women. Of course she came to consult with him as many do today when they visit a mekubal (kabbalist.) After her quest for help, he answered her with the following statement,"you must cover hair." She laughed at him. He then told her that she will come back and regret her levity. The next day, the women came back bald! This time, she was sincere however.
Of course, legends like these ones, seem to be unrealistic. However, to the people who experienced Rav Yitzchok Zamburi, saw him as crazy. Therefore, they tied up his hands and left him sitting. This was of course no challenge for him. He whispered a few phrases and the cloth untied by itself! This one was known to be performed on a few occasions!
Also, Rav Yitzchok and his son, Mullo Koton, also a great kabbalist, would gaze at trees and break them with mere sight!
Now, this story is what I would call the last nail in the coffin. Rav Zamburi was once sitting and learning in the synogouge. His "Gabai"(sexton) or synogouge house keeper, was preparing the tea for the next day and going about his business. He heard voices eminating from the synogouge. When both of them were leaving the synogouge towards the end, the sexton was hesitantly wating for everyone to exit the shul before he would lock it.
He looked at Rav Yitzchak and hestitantly asked, " where are the other people?
" Who are you refering to?" questioned Rav Yitzchok.
"I beleived that I heard another voice in the synogouge besides for yours." answered the gabai.
Rav Yitzchak reluctantly proceeded to explain, " I will tell you this, but on the day you reveal this secret, you will die.
I was learning with angel!"
You may ask, if so, then how do we know of the story today? The answer: Many years passed and the gabai was ready to reveal the secret. He was at a big celebration of some sort, and got up to say his word. The crowd was in utter silence. He related the story of Rav Yitzchok and explained that he would shortly pass now that he has related this story. Sure enough, the next day, the gabai was taken up to heaven.

The story of "Binyomin Khudoi-dat"

Once upon a time, in Bukhara, around one-hundred years ago, Jews were vehemently suppressed by the "Imir"-The King of the city of Bukhara. Of course, he would make them pay taxes and made religious life impossible for many of the Jews. There was however, one law in particular that created a great barrier between the Bucharian Jews and the rest of their surroundings. They were not allowed to shake hands with the gentiles.

One day, a Jew by the name of Binyamin who was walking in the "bazaar" or marketplace of the town square, and was intending to purchase whatever produce he needed. When he approached the booth where he was about to buy the fruits from, he unconsciously streched his hand out to the salesman in an effort to shake his hand.

"What!" exclaimed the man,"How dare you shake my hand!"
Binyamin quiclky retorted, "I am only shaking your hand since we beleive in one G-d."
"Repeat that!" said the boothkeeper.
"I am shaking your hand, for we beleive in the same G-d." said Binyamin.
"Ha! did everyone hear that!" he shouted, "He believes in our G-d! A Jew believes in our G-d. U wait and say that to our King!"

The man took Binyamin to the castle of the Bukharian Imirand summoned him to the king.

"Ur Honor" said the man.
"Yes?" answered the king.
"This Jew over here accepts our G-d!" exclaimed the boothkeeper.
"Ha! Thats a first! Do u beleive in Allah our G-d? the King inquired.
"I was shaking this man's hand and told him that we beleive in one G-d. That is what I said."
"Answer me!" demanded the Imir, "Do you beleive Allah our G-d?"
"No! I beleive in the G-d of the Jews, there is only one G-d and i am not afraid of a King of mere Flesh in Blood, my body is only temporary, and I will not switch my faith even if you take it away from me! Your G-d is False!"

Shortly after, Binyamin was taken home where he wait for his verdict to be finalized. In the meantime, the Jews of the city were collecting funds to rescue this Jew, however all to no avail. Binyamin was promptly sentenced to Death by the gallows. During his time at home, one could not see an inkling of fear or emotion on Binyamin's face. He was confident and placid as ever. When he was taken to the castle o his death sentence, he was asked one last time if he believed in the G-d of the Jews. Without a flinch he answered, I only believe in the G-d of the Jews and will never acknowledge your lowly idols!" With this, he was put to death.
He is now a legend in our long and treacherous Bucharian history. We must see the bloodshed of our ancestors and not forget there steadfast faith in Hashem and reward there endurance with commemoration and continuing the torch Bucharian Jewry of Torah and Mitzvot.