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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.

Bukharian Guitar

This is the real Stuff!!!

Quote of the Day

"A true friend is one soul in two bodies."
Aristotle

Lefrak City

Rabbi Michael Borochov, the Rav of the community in Lefrak city has nurtured his community since its very beginning. He was able to raise a community of 100 families to a thriving and flourishing community of what is now 800 families. Of course, he naturally feels that the is his "baby."In 2006, the Rabbi made an incredible decision: He wanted to move to Eretz Yisrael. Of course this would mean leaving his community behind which he been with from the very beginning. And most astonishingly, not only this, but he also managed to take 20 families which are dearest and closest to him, amongst who are his students and followers with to Ramat beit Shemesh. He says as follows:

"But I knew," said Borochov, "that the community needs to see the example of their rabbi going before them. Immigration is never easy. When we left the Soviet Union, it was out of fear, we were scared. But now everyone is comfortable. For everyone, leaving is a risk. I'll show them that I can take the risk also."

The Rav courageously organized his young group of 20 families and settled in Ramat Beit Shemesh, a suburb in Jerusalem. He had previously shown them this town in the past and was now taking them on a pilgrimage to their destination. It is amazing to find the courage and belief in his followers. They mostly consitited of young families who were just married and had a few young children. 

Lets take a look into one of his followers ...

Mark Akbashev, 29, a business manager and a student at Yeshiva University, will be leaving in the first group with his wife and two children. His parents and his wife's parents will be staying in Queens. Many people ask him why he would want to leave America where he has found success, he said. He answers simply that he is investing in his children's future by taking them to their land. His paternal grandfather, he notes, spent two years to get from Central Asia to Jerusalem just to gather some earth and bring it back. All he has to do, though, is take an 11-hour flight.
What finally helped Akbashev decide to make the move he had been contemplating for years was the idea of going as part of a group of families he has gotten to know through Borochov's congregation.
"Unity," Akbashev said, "is the most important thing for us. As long as we go together we can help each other survive the bad days and rejoice with one another on the good days."
Wow! what an amazing community there is in our midst!

Quote of the day

"Never wish that life were easier; wish that you were better. ---Jim Rohn"