‘Mountain Jews’ Celebrate Historic Simchat Torah

For the first time ever, the community of Mountain Jews of Baku celebrated the holiday of Simchat Torah in their new synagogue.

Dozens of community members filled the synagogue’s sanctuary to take part in the reading of the last portion of the Torah from the book of Deuteronomy as well as the first portion of the Torah from the book of Genesis.

“Since the beginning of the new Jewish year 5772, from Rosh Hashanah through to Simchat Torah, was festive as ever for our community,” stated Melech Nevdaev, the deputy chairman of the Mountain Jews community in Baku. “The strengthening of our community is not only due to the fact that we now have a new synagogue. In addition, Jewish life has been invigorated with activities such as Shabbat and holiday meals, and kosher products being made available to the community.”

In the lead-up to the Tishrei holidays, community members received kosher food aid packages containing vegetable oil, sugar, cereals, fish, and chicken. About 140 people, the most needy among the Mountain Jews of Baku, also began to receive a monthly allowance of 20 manats (approximately $25). Although this is a small stipend, combined with state pensions for the elderly and food aid, the support helps low-income community members with their finances.

“With the celebration of Simchat Torah we have begun a new cycle of Torah reading. I am confident that, with G-d’s help, we will choose a new board for the Mountain Jews community of Baku which will help to strengthen and stimulate our activities, based on the precepts of the holy Torah,” added Mr. Nevdaev.

The Mountain Jews community of Baku is a member of the Federation of Jewish Communities of the CIS and Baltic Countries.