Life
is full of learning, primarily due to our daily life experiences. These
experiences are based on our surrounding environment, from where we learn new
things every day. But all these experiences result from our keen observations
out of daily routines. It is crucial to note that life also gives us chances to
experience new people or places that are out of the ordinary. That is when we
learn new and unique things; hence these are individual experiences of our life
that we remember throughout our life span. For example, I have joined the
Jewish Youth Movement (JYM), a lifetime-changing experience. Going through new
and significant things filled me with contentment. I am delighted and expect
many more things and unique experiences to come and make me enjoy new and
exciting things. So learning about the Bukharian Community with a deeper
understanding of religion is a significant part of life because it can help you
grow as a human being and learn many things that can help you succeed in the
future. Therefore, through personal experiences, one can demonstrate the
importance of joining these communities, thus conveying to young people that
living this experience would allow them to share with self-opinionated people.
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Additionally,
many individuals, including myself, can reach conclusions that could change
their thinking and seeing life. Consequently, by presenting my personal
experience, I can tell people how essential joining a discourse community can
be. Like the members of any religion or culture, Jews think about and express
their identities in various ways, prioritizing their Jewish identity
differently within the mix of other factors that make them who they are.
However,
my story begins when I was raised in a typical Bukharian family where we are
introduced to being Jewish in some ways but don't have many understandings
compared to an orthodox Bukharian jew. From all years since I was a child, I
was raised in a public school and visited Jewish time-release programs to learn
about Judaism. It's very different from being in a public school because the
environment focuses more on academics than religion. I never thought I was
different when I was younger because I was Jewish. It didn’t occur to me until
high school when I started getting involved with more knowledge of Judaism.
It's a weird feeling throughout, thinking I’m just like everyone else, except
there’s that little part of me that still doesn't know most aspects of
religion, and it makes me different compared to orthodox Jews. Now, things have
changed. I feel connected with my Jewish community, and all thanks for joining
the Jewish youth movement, which changed my path in many ways. After entering
the group, I learned more about my religion and how to be more involved with
the community by creating many events within the Bukharian Community Center.
Events such as the Oneg Shabatton, Purim parties, Onegs, and more to come.
Attending these events made me have a wonderful and enjoyable time throughout.
I was able to meet new people, make new friends, be more social, act as a
leader, and be responsible for making guests happy.
Overall, joining a
Bukharian Jewish community can profoundly impact one's life, not only in terms
of spirituality and religious observance but also in terms of personal growth
and community involvement. By participating in community events and
volunteering for charitable causes, individuals can develop a sense of purpose
and make a positive impact on the lives of others. Finally, being part of a
Bukharian Jewish community can give individuals a sense of cultural identity
and pride. The Bukharian Jewish community has a rich history and cultural
heritage, celebrated through food, music, and other cultural traditions. By
participating in these activities, individuals can connect with their roots and
gain a deeper appreciation for their cultural heritage.
Ima Aviva Chapovsky
