JL;DR

The lecture on the Jews of Bukhara, delivered at Lander College for Men on March 3, 2025, explores the rich history and cultural heritage of the Bukharian Jewish community. This group, part of the Mizrahi Jews, has historically lived in Central Asia, particularly in cities like Bukhara, Samarkand, and Tashkent. The speaker delves into their unique customs, language, and religious practices, which have been influenced by Persian and Islamic cultures, while also maintaining strong ties to Jewish traditions. The lecture examines the impact of Soviet rule and subsequent waves of emigration, primarily to Israel and the United States, on the preservation and transformation of Bukharian Jewish identity.