Dear Readers,
Every issue of
our magazine reflects the life of our community. Yet some editions especially
highlight who we are, what we value, and what we hope to pass on to future
generations. This issue is one of them.
May was an
especially vibrant, engaging, and eventful month in our community, leaving
behind warm memories and lasting impressions. The beginning of the month
brought us one of the most touching celebrations of the year – Mother’s Day. As
I look back on The Motherhood Gala: Salute to Outstanding Bukharian Jewish
Mothers, I once again feel profound gratitude to the entire team of our women’s
organization for the love, creativity, and tremendous dedication they
demonstrated in preparing and presenting this beautiful tribute to our Heroic
Mothers.
More than two
hundred guests gathered to honor women who perform their quiet acts of heroism
every day – raising children, building strong families, pursuing professional
success, and serving their communities. I am especially pleased that the pages
of this issue continue the spirit of that remarkable day. We are publishing
heartfelt reflections from our honorees, sharing their thoughts on motherhood,
family, support, and responsibility. These stories contain no grand slogans;
instead, they offer something far more meaningful – a living example of how
love, hard work, and faith can transform the world around us.
The end of the
month, May 24 and 25, was also marked by a series of significant events. In
just two days, our community accomplished something truly extraordinary:
hosting an international conference organized by the scientific center Roshnoi;
presenting festive celebrations; honoring distinguished members of the
communities of America, Israel, and Austria; visiting the Bukharian Jewish
Heritage Museum; conducting an introductory tour of a new synagogue;
commemorating the 100th anniversary of the legendary singer Shoista
Mullodjanova; and organizing a children’s art exhibition. What an astonishing
level of activity! How can we not take pride in our achievements across so many
areas of community life? Most gratifying of all is that every one of these
events was conducted at the highest level.
I extend my
sincere thanks to all our authors, featured guests, sponsors, volunteers, and,
of course, to our readers. Because of your support, Ladies’ World remains more
than just a magazine; it is a place where stories are preserved, ideas are
born, and a sense of community grows stronger.
Incidentally,
just as this issue was going to print, we unexpectedly received congratulations
on the publication of our milestone 300th issue from our colleague, Rafael
Nektalov, editor-in-chief of The Bukharian Times. On behalf of our entire team,
I extend our heartfelt thanks for his kind words. And I invite you, dear
readers, to share your own thoughts and reflections on this significant
milestone. Your messages will be published in our next issue.
Now June has
arrived – a month dedicated to another vitally important figure in the family: the
father. It is therefore no coincidence that alongside the theme of motherhood,
this issue also celebrates fatherhood.
On our cover
is the talented musician and singer Eduard Zavulunov. His story is told through
the warm and loving perspective of a father who is proud not only of his son’s
artistic achievements, but also of the man he has become – a devoted son,
loving husband, caring father, and grandfather. On the eve of Father’s Day,
this feature reminds us of a simple truth: strong families are built where a
mother’s love and a father’s steadfast support walk hand in hand.
The theme of
fatherhood continues throughout the special pages of this issue – pages of
gratitude dedicated to fathers, their love, their strength, and their quiet
daily sacrifices.
A Tribute to
Fathers
Much is sung
about a mother,
And rightly so, for all her grace.
Yet nature has ordained it thus:
Mother and father share equal place.
A father is
his country’s pillar,
A farmer and a steadfast guide.
Without a mother, a child knows sorrow,
Yet a father is needed by his side.
A father is
homeland, root, and heritage,
This truth I know with all my heart.
Fly, my simple ode, and bow with reverence
To fathers everywhere.
– Viktor Bokov
Editor-in-Chief
Dr. Zoya Maksumova
