Dear Readers,
Each new issue means far more to us than simply publishing another magazine. It is a sincere conversation with you – a personal reflection on the month we have lived through: what inspired us, whom we met, what ideas were born, and which moments touched our hearts. February was especially rich in joyful news.
First and foremost, thank you, our readers, for your warm appreciation of the magazine and its authors (p. 32-33). It is particularly meaningful to receive kind words from men. This confirms that Ladies’ World is not merely a women’s publication, but a living voice of our entire community.
Recently, we hosted our new event, Unique Evening of New Connections. It was our first experience of this kind, and we approached it with excitement and care, wondering whether the idea would resonate and whether guests would truly feel the atmosphere of warmth and trust we hoped to create.
The result exceeded our expectations. We witnessed heartfelt conversations, genuine connections, and, most importantly, a clear desire from participants to continue such gatherings. The many calls we received afterward confirmed one thing: this is truly needed. In this issue, you will find honest and inspiring testimonials from attendees. And this is only the beginning.
That same evening brought another meaningful development. We met an individual who decided to create a true “mitzvah for a mitzvah” – a private online dating platform called Hebrews, designed to unite young people from Bukharian, Mountain, Georgian, and Ashkenazi Jewish communities. The project is being developed with deep respect for our traditions and values. In the next issue, we will share more details about how the platform will work and how to join.
We are now preparing for an event many of you await with special anticipation – Salute to Outstanding Mother, taking place on May 10 (p. 30). This project is especially dear to us. We honor not only mothers of large families, but women who successfully balance family, career, and active community involvement – women who inspire and lead by example. This is not a beauty contest. It is a celebration of strength, love, and dignity.
In this issue, we also highlight inspiring women from our community. Elena Kalenderova – a mother of six, an accomplished professional, and a community leader – was invited as a keynote speaker to an international women’s forum in Paris on March 3 and 4, where she shared her experience of balancing motherhood, family life, entrepreneurship, and leadership. We are proud to see representatives of our community shine on the international stage. Elena is also among the nominees for Outstanding Mother – and rightfully so.
Another joyful milestone: on February 24, Evgenia Aronova (JEKA), author of Legacy, participated in the international conference “Bukharian Jews in the Socio-Economic and Cultural Life of the Region” in Bukhara. Delivering an impressive presentation, she once again demonstrated the strength and confidence of the modern Bukharian Jewish woman. You can read her reflections in this issue (p. 18).
Reflecting on all of this, I feel deep admiration for the strength, talent, and dedication within our community – especially among the younger generation. It is so important to support one another and to create spaces where we can grow, connect, and feel inspired.
On the eve of March 8, I warmly congratulate all women. May your lives be filled with respect, support, joy, and confidence.
And to the men – thank you for standing beside your women, for appreciating and valuing them, and for reading our Ladies’ magazine.
Editor-in-Chief Dr. Zoya Maksumova
