The Documentary Podcast Heart and Soul: The caretaker of Bukhara
Feb 14, 2025
Discover the captivating history of Bukhara, home to the oldest synagogue and a 1,000-year-old Torah. Experience the Haqqoni prayer, bridging Jewish and Muslim cultures, highlighting themes of memory and mourning. Through personal narratives, explore the struggles faced by the Bukharan Jewish community amidst upheaval and diaspora. Learn about their vibrant musical traditions in the U.S. and the emotional bonds that keep their heritage alive despite the challenges of assimilation. Reflect on the deeper meaning of belonging and the interplay between life and mortality.
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Ancient Torah
- Abram Iskhakov, caretaker of the Mula Mani Synagogue, has a Torah scroll.
- It is over 1,000 years old and made of deerskin vellum.
Hakoni Prayer
- The Hakoni prayer is a lament for the dead, sung in Persian.
- It's unique to Bukhara and performed by both Jews and Muslims.
Family Heirloom
- Benjamin Yusupov's great-great-grandfather, Yusuf Yigur, was a court musician.
- Yigur played the tambour, which Benjamin still owns.