A half hour from Times Square, in Queens, is a thriving community of Bukharian Jews. Within Forest Hills, Rego Park, and Kew Gardens, more than 40,000 have brought Central Asia to America. The Bukharians take pride in their traditions and community.
A half hour from Times Square, in Queens, is a thriving community of Bukharian Jews. Within Forest Hills, Rego Park, and Kew Gardens, more than 40,000 have brought Central Asia to America. The Bukharians take pride in their traditions and community.
“Bukharian Broadway,” 108th Street, Queens, boasts ethnic restaurants, where food of the culture is served. These are reminders of the people’s roots; often named for cities in the “old country.” The street rings with familiar melodies and smells.
The Bukharian culture is replete with music. Teachers of Central Asian classical music instruct the young. The traditional music is based on both Jewish and Muslim cultures, carrying unique and distinctive melodies and poetry.
Jewish religious traditions are important to Bukharians. Among these are the traditional Jewish festivals, celebrated often in season. The Bukharian Jewish community worships at several locations, such as the Bukharian Jewish Community Center in Forest Hills. There they will find a synagogue, function rooms, senior citizen and teen activities. There is located the community’s weekly newspaper, The Bukharian Times and the offices of the Bukharian Jewish Congress. Other worship locations are available. In addition, The Hebrew Torah is read at weekly Parshah services. Judaism classes, marriage encounters, and teen activities round out the weekly community efforts.
Annually the community presents a comedy night with native Israeli comedians. The Bukharian Jewish Museum in Elmhurst maintains Central Asian and Bukharian cultural items. Interfaith events include a Muslim-Jewish health fair where doctors offer free screening.
