For over 2,000 years, Jews lived in the heart of central Asia—then vanished from sight. Cut off from the wider Jewish world, Bukharian Jews built their own customs, survived forced conversions, and kept their identity alive through food, folklore, and quiet resistance.
Today, few remain in Uzbekistan, but their descendants have carried Bukharian traditions to Israel, New York, and beyond.
Big Ideas
- Bukharian Jews called Uzbekistan home for over 2,500 years.
- Bukharian Jews were able to maintain their Jewish identity despite facing many hardships.
- The vast majority of Bukharian Jews fled Uzbekistan in the late 20th century and settled in Israel and New York.
Essential Questions
- Do Jewish communities need connections to other Jewish communities in order to survive?
- How can Jews embrace new customs while maintaining ancient traditions?
- How do we honor our Jewish ancestors and the Jewish communities we have left behind?
